Making a solid object hollow in AutoCAD, specifically by removing a face and offsetting it inwards, can be done using a dedicated command. The process involves selecting the solid, identifying the face you wish to open or remove, and then specifying the thickness for the remaining shell.
Here's how you typically make a hollow solid in AutoCAD based on the provided method:
Steps to Create a Hollow Solid
To hollow out a 3D solid in AutoCAD by removing a face and creating an offset shell, follow these steps using the method described in the reference:
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Access the Hollow Command:
- Navigate to the Solid tab on the AutoCAD ribbon.
- Locate the Feature panel.
- Click the Hollow command icon to open the Hollow Solid dialog box.
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Configure the Hollow Operation:
- As mentioned in the reference, use the dialog that appears to set up the process. This dialog is where you typically define the offset distance (the thickness of the remaining shell) and potentially other options.
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Select the Solid:
- Move your cursor over the 3D solid object you want to make hollow. AutoCAD will likely highlight the solid as you hover over it.
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Identify and Select the Face to Remove:
- According to the reference, move the cursor over the solid and click the face of the solid you want to remove to highlight it. This face will become the opening of your hollowed object.
After completing these steps, the command will process the solid, removing the selected face and creating a hollow interior with walls of the thickness you specified, effectively turning the solid into a shell.
This method is particularly useful when you need to create open containers, housings, or parts with uniform wall thickness from an existing solid model.
