How to Create a Hole in AutoCAD 3D

To create a hole in AutoCAD 3D, the most common and straightforward method involves using the Presspull command on a closed shape drawn on the surface of your 3D solid object.

Here's a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Draw a shape (like a circle, square, or any closed polyline) on the face of your 3D solid where you want the hole.
2. Use the Presspull command to extrude this shape into the solid.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Hole

Creating a void or hole within a 3D object is fundamental in AutoCAD. The Presspull command is highly versatile for this task, allowing you to either add material or remove it based on the direction you pull.

Follow these steps:

1. Prepare Your Solid: Ensure you have a 3D solid object in your drawing.
2. Create the Hole Boundary: Draw a closed 2D shape (such as a circle or a rectangle) directly on the surface of the 3D solid where you intend the hole to be located. Make sure the shape is completely enclosed.
3. Access the Presspull Command: Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon. In the Modeling panel, click on the Presspull command. You can also type PRESSPULL in the command line and press Enter.
4. Select the Area: Click inside the closed shape you drew on the solid's face.
5. Create the Hole: Drag the cursor towards the interior of the 3D solid object. As you drag inward, AutoCAD automatically detects that you are trying to remove material, effectively creating a hole. You can specify a precise depth by typing a value or drag it completely through the object.
6. Finalize: Click to set the depth or press Enter after typing the value.

This action automatically subtracts the volume defined by the extruded shape from the solid, resulting in a hole.

Practical Application

• For Through Holes: Drag the Presspull cursor completely through the solid object.
• For Blind Holes: Specify a specific depth less than the thickness of the solid.
• Shape Variety: You are not limited to circles; any closed 2D shape can be used to create a custom-shaped hole.

Step	Action	Location in AutoCAD	Result
1: Draw Hole Profile	Create a closed 2D shape on the solid's surface.	Any plane on the solid's face	Defines hole boundary
2: Start Presspull	Activate the Presspull command.	Home tab > Modeling panel	Ready to select area
3: Select Area	Click inside the drawn closed shape.	On the solid's surface	Selects the extrusion area
4: Create Hole	Drag cursor inward into the solid.	Towards the solid's interior	Removes material, forms hole

Using the Presspull command is an efficient way to modify 3D solids by adding or removing material based on closed boundary selections.