Revolved objects



Open or closed profile shapes can be revolved about an axis to derive a vast variety of lathed objects, which can be revolved about a complete circle or a partial arc. The revolve operation is executed with just two clicks of the mouse. The axis of revolution can be any of the orthogonal (Cartesian) axes, or any line drawn anywhere, or a segment from a previously created object. The source profile can be a shape drawn specifically for the revolve operation, or any face of a previously created object. These unique variations of the revolve operation found in form·Z offer tremendous flexibility, especially when lathed objects need to be created in positions relative to other objects.

Above left: the same profile is revolved about two different axes producing two distinctly different objects. Right: two profiles are revolved about the same axis producing a bottle and its cork. The examples are shown in wireframe, hidden line, and shaded images.

A circle and arc are revolved about the same axis to first produce a complete torus (donut) and sphere, and then a partial torus and sphere.

Above left: two faces of a cube are revolved about two of its edges. Right: a shape drawn on the top surface of a cube is revolved about the top four edges of the cube.