Yes, it is possible to mirror a 3D solid model drawing using the appropriate mirror function, typically accessed via the modify toolbar in 3D modeling software.
Mirroring 3D Solid Models
When working with 3D solid models, the standard 2D mirror command isn't sufficient because mirroring needs to occur across a plane in three-dimensional space, not just a line on a 2D plane. For this reason, dedicated 3D mirroring capabilities are included in CAD software.
How 3D Mirroring Works
As referenced, mirroring in 3D is handled by a specific command, such as the MIRROR3D command. This functions similarly to the 2D mirror command (MIRROR) but operates in three dimensions. While a 2D mirror requires you to define a mirror line using two points, a 3D mirror requires you to define a mirror plane.
According to the reference:
A 3D mirror, using the MIRROR3D command, is very similar to a 2D mirror, using the MIRROR command, that was taught in the AutoCAD 2D book. A 2D mirror requires two XY points or a line to mirror around while a 3D mirror requires three XYZ points or a plane to mirror around.
This means the "mirror tool" on the modify toolbar, when used in a 3D context, will typically invoke the 3D mirror functionality designed for solids and other 3D objects.
Key Differences: 2D vs. 3D Mirror
Here's a comparison based on the reference:
| Feature | 2D Mirror (MIRROR) |
3D Mirror (MIRROR3D) |
|---|---|---|
| Objects | 2D objects (lines, arcs, circles, etc.) | 3D objects (solids, surfaces, meshes, etc.) |
| Mirror Axis | Line (defined by 2 points) | Plane (defined by 3 points or a reference) |
| Requirement | Two XY points or a line | Three XYZ points or a plane |
Practical Application
To mirror a 3D solid model using the mirror tool:
- Select the 3D solid object(s) you want to mirror.
- Activate the Mirror command (often found on the Modify panel/toolbar). In a 3D environment, this will typically initiate the
MIRROR3Dcommand. - Define the mirror plane. You can usually do this by:
- Picking three points in space that define the plane.
- Selecting a planar object (like a face of an existing solid or a 2D object lying on the desired plane).
- Choosing a standard plane option (like XY, YZ, or XZ relative to the current UCS).
- Confirm whether you want to keep or delete the original object(s).
By defining a mirror plane, the software calculates the mirrored position of the 3D solid across that plane. Therefore, using the mirror tool in a 3D modeling environment is indeed how you would mirror a 3D solid model.
