Chapter 7: Selecting Features
l (^) Close loft. The loft is made into a closed loop. At least three loft profiles must exist in
order to use this option. Figure 7.14 shows a loft where the Close Loft option is used,
and the loft sections are shown. This model is on the CD-ROM with the filename
Chapter 7 — Closed Loft.sldprt.
FIGURE 7.14
A closed loft
l Show preview. Selecting and deselecting this option turns the preview of the Loft feature
on or off, respectively, if the feature is going to work. All the following loft preview
options are system options and remain selected until you deselect them.
l (^) Transparent/Opaque Preview is available from the RMB menu when you edit a loft,
if the SelectionManager is not active.
l (^) Mesh Preview is also available on the same RMB menu.
l Zebra Stripe Preview is also available on the same RMB menu, and is covered in
more depth in Chapter 11.
l Merge result. Merges the resulting solid body with any other solid bodies that it may
contact.
Controlling Sweep features
The Sweep feature uses multiple sketches. A sweep is made from a profile (cross-section) and a
path, and can create a boss or a cut feature. If you want, you can also use guide curves. Sweeps can
run the gamut from simple to complex. Typical simple sweeps are used to create wire, tubing, or
hose. Sweeps that are more complex are used for creating objects such as bottles, involutes,
springs, and corkscrews.