How to Make a 3D Revolve in AutoCAD

Creating a 3D solid or surface using the Revolve command in AutoCAD involves selecting a 2D object and rotating it around an axis. This process is fundamental for modeling objects with circular profiles or symmetry.

Here are the exact steps to perform a 3D revolve in AutoCAD based on the provided reference:

Steps to Create a 3D Revolve

Follow these simple steps to turn a 2D profile into a 3D object using the Revolve command:

1. Access the Revolve Command:

   • Click the Solid tab.
   • Locate the Create panel.
   • Click on Revolve. You can also type REVOLVE in the command line and press Enter.
   • (Reference: Click Solid tab Create panel Revolve. Find.)

2. Select the Object:

   • The command prompt will ask you to select objects to revolve.
   • Select a closed object (like a polyline, circle, or region) that represents the profile you want to revolve.
   • (Reference: Select a closed object to revolve.)
   • Press Enter when you are finished selecting.

3. Define the Axis of Revolution:

   • You need to specify the line or object that will serve as the axis around which your selected profile will rotate.
   • To set the axis of revolution, specify one of the following:
     • The start and endpoint: Pick two points in your drawing to define a temporary axis line.
     • (Other methods, if available in your AutoCAD version, such as selecting an existing line, cylinder edge, or defining by X, Y, Z axis) Note: The provided reference specifically mentions "The start and endpoint."
   • (Reference: To set the axis of revolution, specify one of the following: The start and endpoint. ...)

4. Specify the Angle of Revolution:

   • After defining the axis, you'll be prompted to specify the angle of revolution.
   • Enter the desired angle (e.g., 90, 180, 270, 360).
   • (Reference: Press Enter. To create a 3D solid the angle must be 360 degrees.)
   • Press Enter.

Creating a 3D Solid

As noted in the reference, to ensure the revolved object is a solid and not just a surface, you must specify an angle of 360 degrees. Revolving less than 360 degrees typically creates a surface object (unless the profile is self-intersecting in a way that forms a closed volume).

Summary Table

Step	Action	Reference Detail
1	Start the Revolve command	Click Solid tab Create panel Revolve. Find.
2	Select the 2D object	Select a closed object to revolve.
3	Specify the axis of revolution	To set the axis of revolution, specify one of the following: The start and endpoint. ...
4	Define the angle and finalize the command	Press Enter. To create a 3D solid the angle must be 360 degrees.

Following these steps allows you to quickly transform 2D shapes into complex 3D geometry with radial symmetry in AutoCAD.