Chapter 5

Advanced Modeling Techniques

Chapter 4, “Basic Modeling Techniques,” introduced some of the basic modeling techniques required when creating a 3D parametric part. Modern parametric modeling utilizes numerous tools to create stable, editable parts. The basic workflow of creating a part is to create a base feature and then build upon that base. The tools used to build the additional features can vary depending upon your need and may range from simple extruded features to complex combinations of different feature types.

In this chapter, you will be exploring some of the more complex and curvy modeling techniques. Some of these features involve creating a base profile sketch along with support sketches used for defining paths and shape contours. Such features are based on the same rules used to create simpler features, such as extrudes and revolves, but they take it to the next level by using multiple sketches to define the feature. Other advanced features covered in this chapter depart from these concepts and move into new territory of feature creation. In either case, having a strong understanding of sketch-creation and -editing principles is assumed and recommended.