NURBS surface properties

The properties of a NURBS surface are displayed in the Object Info palette, where they can also be edited. NURBS surfaces can also be reshaped with the Reshape tool; see Reshaping objects for more information.

Parameter

Description

Move

Select Entire Object to edit all the vertices of the surface, Vertex Only to edit only the selected vertex, U Vertices to edit all of the vertices in a row in the U direction, and V Vertices to edit all of the vertices in a row in the V direction

Edit U/V

Scrolls through the vertices of the selected NURBS surface in either the U parametric direction or V parametric direction

X, Y, Z / X’, Y’, Z’

Depending on the selection in the Move list, displays the position of the current surface or vertex; edit the values to change the surface/vertex position

U Degree/V Degree

A NURBS surface is defined mathematically by two parameters, U and V, which increase or decrease along certain directions called the U and V parametric directions. The two directions are perpendicular to each other.

Increasing the U or V Degree value adds vertices in that parametric direction; the vertices can then be manipulated.

Weight

NURBS curves and surfaces are represented mathematically by weighted control points. The weight value can be anywhere between .01 and 100. A weight above 1 pulls the curve or surface toward the control point; a weight below 1 has the reverse effect.

Reverse Normal

Flips the surface normal direction

Untrim

Creates a NURBS surface, if the surface has been trimmed

NURBS Surface parameters

(display only)

Displays the NURBS surface parameters

Show Vertices

Displays the surface’s vertices

Show Normal

Displays the surface normal as a red arrow for the selected NURBS surface 

Merge with Structural Objects in Sections

(Design Suite required)

Designates the selected object as structural, allowing its appearance to merge with other structural objects in the cut plane of section viewports. Merged objects display as a single unit with one continuous fill. See Advanced section viewport properties for more information.

Concept: NURBS curves and surfaces

Creating a loft surface

Creating surfaces from curves

Creating a drape surface

Creating a fillet surface

Creating planar caps

Creating a NURBS surface by revolving a profile along a rail

 

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