A face curve is a type of curve that is created on the surface of a 3D model. It's typically used in computer-aided design (CAD) software to define the shape of a feature or to create a pattern. For example, you can create a loft feature by overlaying face curves (also known as UV curves) on the model preview.
Face curves are essential for various tasks, such as:
- Creating patterns of 3D curves: They can help define the path of a pattern, which can be used to create complex designs or repetitive features.
- Trimming surfaces: You can use face curves to trim away unwanted portions of a surface.
- Splitting mesh faces: You can use face curves to divide a mesh face into two or more separate faces.
- Extrude faces along a curve: You can use face curves to guide the extrusion of a face along a specific path.
Examples of software that use face curves:
- SketchUp: Face curves are used to create complex shapes that are not automatically formed in the software.
- SolidWorks: Face curves can be used in the Helix (Curve) Driven Pattern feature.
- Onshape: Face curves can be created using Featurescript, a scripting language for Onshape.
- Grasshopper: Face curves can be used to split mesh faces in this parametric modeling software.
- Blender: Face curves can be used to extrude faces along a curve.
Reference:
- Face Curves are sketch entities created in two perpendicular directions along the faces of a model to form a mesh. For example, when creating a loft feature, UV curves are overlayed on the model preview. (UV curves are the black lines shown in the image below.)16-Jun-2023
