FACETOPOLY3D

FACETOPOLY3D takes the outline of one face of a 3D solid as a polyline. The outline keeps its 3D orientation (it is not laid flat on XY) and you then place it interactively.

Starting

Type FACETOPOLY3D on the command line, or use the button in the ribbon on the SCAD Core tab, Blocks panel.

How it works

1. The command asks Select Face (Offset <value> <unit>):[Offset]. Pick one face of a 3D solid. The offset defaults to 0.01.
2. The command asks Specify base point or [Auto]:. Click a base point, or press Enter (or choose Auto) to automatically use the point of the outline with the smallest coordinates.
3. The command asks Specify point:. The outline follows the cursor. Click to place it.
4. The resulting lines and arcs are joined (JOIN) into a polyline.

Options

When picking the face:

Option	What it does
Offset	Sets the offset distance. The command asks Enter value or select two points for offset distance:; type a value or click two points. The value is rounded to 4 decimals. When you set the offset this way, you get the outline of the face moved that distance into the solid instead of the face itself.

At the base point:

Option	What it does
Auto	Automatically uses the point of the outline with the smallest coordinates as the base point.

Settings

The offset distance is remembered and is the default the next time (0.01 the first time).