AutoCAD Tip: Targeted 3D Solid Refinement with SOLIDEDIT

When a 3D solid needs precise, local tweaks, use SOLIDEDIT to refine without rebuilding.

Before you start

• Switch to a shaded visual style (Conceptual/Realistic) to see faces clearly.
• Enable Selection Cycling and use Ctrl+click to select subobjects (faces/edges) reliably.
• Align UCS to a target face (UCS > Object) for accurate offsets, extrusions, and tapers.
• Keep SOLIDHIST off if you prefer direct-edit workflows and lighter models.

Core SOLIDEDIT moves (Face)

• Offset Faces: Thicken or thin local areas without changing adjacent topology. Great for reinforcing bosses or thinning walls near features.
• Extrude Faces: Push/pull a face to create ribs, pads, or pockets with numeric precision and direction control.
• Taper Faces: Add draft to manufacturing parts by specifying a neutral edge and an angle.
• Delete Faces (Heal): Remove holes or protrusions and let AutoCAD heal the surrounding faces into a clean solid.
• Copy Faces: Duplicate faces to create surface patches you can later THICKEN or use as construction geometry.

Body-level refinement

• Shell: Hollow a solid to a uniform wall thickness; remove one or more faces to create openings.
• Imprint: Project curves onto a solid face to create new edges—then Offset/Extrude those regions for fast cutouts and bosses.
• Separate: Split multi-lump solids into individual parts to target edits and control layer/material assignments.

Edge finishing

• Use FILLETEDGE and CHAMFEREDGE for production-ready edge treatments after face/body edits.
• Preview radii and apply variable fillets where form transitions are sensitive.

Workflow tips

• Selection: If subobject picks are tricky, orbit slightly and use Selection Cycling to avoid grabbing the wrong face/edge.
• Direction control: For extrusions and tapers, align UCS to the face or define a custom axis for predictable results.
• Precision: Enter distances/angles at the command line; use object snaps on subobject edges for exact references.
• Diagnostics: If a heal or shell fails, simplify nearby features (reduce fillet variety, resolve tiny slivers) and retry.
• 2D deliverables: After edits, update drawing views with VIEWBASE/VIEWUPDATE to keep sheets synchronized.

Fast command path

• Type SOLIDEDIT, then choose Face, Edge, or Body.
• Common sequence: SOLIDEDIT > Face > Offset/Extrude/Taper/Delete/Copy.

Why this matters

• Reduces remodel time by surgically adjusting only what changed.
• Keeps solids watertight and manufacturable with controllable drafts and wall thickness.
• Pairs well with PRESSPULL for quick ideation and with Boolean tools for final composition.

Evaluate your 3D toolset and licensing options at NOVEDGE. For teams standardizing 3D-to-2D workflows, explore AutoCAD bundles and add-ons at NOVEDGE, and reach out to their specialists for tailored recommendations. Keep your modeling sharp; refine strategically with SOLIDEDIT and publish confidently.