User Guide

Rapidform XOR3 SP1

March 2012

© INUS Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © INUS Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.

Rapidform User Guide & Tutorial

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Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction i

Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1

1.1. Welcome to Rapidform XOR ................................................................................................................. 2

1.2. Key Themes of Rapidform XOR ............................................................................................................. 3

1.3. Features of Rapidform XOR .................................................................................................................. 6

2. GETTING STARTED ................................................................................................ 10

2.1. System Requirement .......................................................................................................................... 10

2.2. Installation ......................................................................................................................................... 13

2.3. What Can XOR Do? ............................................................................................................................. 14

2.4. Basic Entity Terminology..................................................................................................................... 16

2.5. Introduction to the Interface .............................................................................................................. 22

2.5.1. User Interface Overview ................................................................................................................... 22
2.5.2. Understanding User Interface Philosophy ........................................................................................ 26
2.5.2.1. Dialog Tree Convention ............................................................................................................. 27
2.5.2.2. Selection Convention ................................................................................................................ 28
2.5.2.3. Mode Convention ..................................................................................................................... 29
2.5.2.4. Docking Bar Convention ............................................................................................................ 30
2.5.3. Navigating Entities ............................................................................................................................ 31

2.6. Data Processing .................................................................................................................................. 34

2.6.1. Changing Units .................................................................................................................................. 34
2.6.2. Importing Scan Data ......................................................................................................................... 36
2.6.3. Basic Scan Data Processing Workflow............................................................................................... 38
2.6.4. Basic Reverse Design Workflow ........................................................................................................ 39
2.6.5. Exporting a Model............................................................................................................................. 41

3. UNDERSTANDING SCAN DATA......................................................................... 41

3.1. Why 3D Scanning? .............................................................................................................................. 42

3.1.1. Power of 3D Scan Data...................................................................................................................... 42
3.1.2. Applications of 3D Scan Data ............................................................................................................ 42
3.1.3. Is 3D Scanning the Only Step in Creating a CAD-Ready File? ............................................................ 44

3.2. Types of 3D Scan Data ........................................................................................................................ 45

3.2.1. Understanding Point Clouds ............................................................................................................. 45
3.2.2. Understanding Mesh ........................................................................................................................ 48
3.2.3. Mesh vs. Point Cloud ........................................................................................................................ 52

4. UNDERSTANDING REVERSE DESIGN ........................................................... 53

4.1. What is Reverse Design? ..................................................................................................................... 53

4.2. Reverse Modeling Strategy ................................................................................................................. 54

4.2.1. Mesh Modeling ................................................................................................................................. 55
4.2.2. Parametric Feature Modeling ........................................................................................................... 57

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction ii

 4.2.3. Fitting Surface Modeling ................................................................................................................... 59
4.2.4. Hybrid Modeling ............................................................................................................................... 60

4.3. Powerful Tools for Reverse Modeling ................................................................................................. 61

4.3.1. Mesh Buildup Wizard™ ..................................................................................................................... 61
4.3.2. Auto Surfacing................................................................................................................................... 62
4.3.3. Align Wizard™ ................................................................................................................................... 63
4.3.4. Redesign Assistant™ ......................................................................................................................... 64
4.3.5. Auto Sketch ....................................................................................................................................... 65
4.3.6. Various Modeling Wizards™ ............................................................................................................. 66
4.3.7. Accuracy Analyzer™ .......................................................................................................................... 68
4.3.8. LiveTransfer™ .................................................................................................................................... 69

5. GETTING HELP ........................................................................................................ 70

6. USER INTERFACE ................................................................................................... 71

6.1. Title Bar .............................................................................................................................................. 72

6.2. Menu Bar ........................................................................................................................................... 72

6.3. Mode.................................................................................................................................................. 73

6.4. Toolbar ............................................................................................................................................... 74

6.5. Docking Bars ....................................................................................................................................... 78

6.5.1. Tree ................................................................................................................................................... 80
6.5.2. Display............................................................................................................................................... 82
6.5.3. Accuracy Analyzer ............................................................................................................................. 92
6.5.4. Help ................................................................................................................................................... 96
6.5.5. Viewpoint .......................................................................................................................................... 97
6.5.6. Properties ......................................................................................................................................... 98
6.5.7. Color Bar ........................................................................................................................................... 99
6.5.8. Support ........................................................................................................................................... 102
6.5.9. Image Folder ................................................................................................................................... 103
6.5.10. Console ........................................................................................................................................... 104
6.5.11. Error List .......................................................................................................................................... 104
6.5.12. Profile View ..................................................................................................................................... 105

6.6. Viewing Window .............................................................................................................................. 106

6.7. Dialog Tree ....................................................................................................................................... 107

6.8. Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................... 109

6.8.1. Status Bar ........................................................................................................................................ 109
6.8.2. Progress Bar .................................................................................................................................... 109
6.8.3. Time Indicator ................................................................................................................................. 110

6.9. Esc Key ............................................................................................................................................. 110

6.10. Mouse Control .............................................................................................................................. 110

6.11. Shortcut Keys ................................................................................................................................ 111

6.12. Pop-up Menus .............................................................................................................................. 113

6.13. 3D Mouse ..................................................................................................................................... 115

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction iii

6.14. Quick Modeling ............................................................................................................................ 116

7. MENU .......................................................................................................................... 118

7.1. File ................................................................................................................................................... 118

7.1.1. File > New ....................................................................................................................................... 118
7.1.2. File > Open ...................................................................................................................................... 119
7.1.3. File > Save ....................................................................................................................................... 120
7.1.4. File > Save As................................................................................................................................... 121
7.1.5. File > Export .................................................................................................................................... 121
7.1.6. File > Publish ................................................................................................................................... 124
7.1.6.1. File > Publish > Point Stream................................................................................................... 124
7.1.6.2. File > Publish > ICF .................................................................................................................. 127
7.1.7. File > Capture Screen ...................................................................................................................... 131
7.1.8. File > Print ....................................................................................................................................... 133
7.1.9. File > Print Preview ......................................................................................................................... 134
7.1.10. File > Print Setup ............................................................................................................................. 134
7.1.11. File > LiveTransfer™ ......................................................................................................................... 135
7.1.11.1. File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks ...................................................................................... 153
7.1.11.2. File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX ..................................................................................... 157
7.1.11.3. File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)...................................................................................... 159
7.1.11.4. File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD .......................................................................................... 160
7.1.11.5. File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor ........................................................................................... 162
7.1.11.6. File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4 ................................................................................. 164
7.1.11.7. File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5 ................................................................................. 165
7.1.12. File > Batch Process......................................................................................................................... 165
7.1.12.1. File > Batch Process > Design .................................................................................................. 166
7.1.12.2. File > Batch Process > Run....................................................................................................... 169
7.1.13. File > Preferences ............................................................................................................................ 171
7.1.14. File > Summary Info ........................................................................................................................ 182
7.1.15. File > Recent Files............................................................................................................................ 183
7.1.16. File > Exit ......................................................................................................................................... 183

7.2. Select ............................................................................................................................................... 184

7.2.1. Select > Mode ................................................................................................................................. 185
7.2.2. Select > All....................................................................................................................................... 188
7.2.3. Select > None .................................................................................................................................. 189
7.2.4. Select > Inverse ............................................................................................................................... 189
7.2.5. Select > Custom Region .................................................................................................................. 190
7.2.6. Select > Boundary Entities .............................................................................................................. 191
7.2.7. Select > Entities Around Edges/Faces ............................................................................................. 192
7.2.8. Select > Enlarge ............................................................................................................................... 193
7.2.9. Select > Shrink................................................................................................................................. 195
7.2.10. Select > Convert Current Selection ................................................................................................. 196
7.2.11. Select > By Criteria .......................................................................................................................... 198
7.2.12. Select > By Color ............................................................................................................................. 200
7.2.13. Select > Exterior Poly-Face .............................................................................................................. 201

7.3. Edit ................................................................................................................................................... 203

7.3.1. Edit > Undo ..................................................................................................................................... 203
7.3.2. Edit > Redo ...................................................................................................................................... 204
7.3.3. Edit > Repeat Last Command .......................................................................................................... 204
7.3.4. Edit > Cut......................................................................................................................................... 205
7.3.5. Edit > Copy ...................................................................................................................................... 205
7.3.6. Edit > Paste ..................................................................................................................................... 206
7.3.7. Edit > Delete.................................................................................................................................... 206
7.3.8. Edit > Rebuild .................................................................................................................................. 207
7.3.9. Edit > Rollback ................................................................................................................................. 207

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction iv

 7.3.10. Edit > Roll Forward .......................................................................................................................... 208
7.3.11. Edit > Roll To End............................................................................................................................. 208
7.3.12. Edit > Suppress ................................................................................................................................ 209
7.3.13. Edit > Unsuppress ........................................................................................................................... 210
7.3.14. Edit > Feature .................................................................................................................................. 210

7.4. Insert ................................................................................................................................................ 211

7.4.1. Insert > Import ................................................................................................................................ 212
7.4.2. Insert > Mesh .................................................................................................................................. 220
7.4.3. Insert > Region Group ..................................................................................................................... 222
7.4.4. Insert > Point Cloud ........................................................................................................................ 223
7.4.5. Insert > Ref. Geometry .................................................................................................................... 225
7.4.5.1. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Plane ............................................................................................... 226
7.4.5.2. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Vector .............................................................................................. 235
7.4.5.3. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Coordinate ...................................................................................... 243
7.4.5.4. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Polyline............................................................................................ 247
7.4.5.5. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Point ................................................................................................ 254
7.4.6. Insert > Solid ................................................................................................................................... 260
7.4.6.1. Insert > Solid > Extrude ........................................................................................................... 261
7.4.6.2. Insert > Solid > Revolve ........................................................................................................... 266
7.4.6.3. Insert > Solid > Sweep ............................................................................................................. 269
7.4.6.4. Insert > Solid > Loft ................................................................................................................. 273
7.4.6.5. Insert > Solid > Offset .............................................................................................................. 278
7.4.6.6. Insert > Solid > Thicken ........................................................................................................... 279
7.4.6.7. Insert > Solid > Hollow ............................................................................................................ 281
7.4.6.8. Insert > Solid > Cut .................................................................................................................. 283
7.4.6.9. Insert > Solid > Boolean .......................................................................................................... 285
7.4.7. Insert > Surface ............................................................................................................................... 287
7.4.7.1. Insert > Surface > Mesh Fit ..................................................................................................... 288
7.4.7.2. Insert > Surface > Boundary Fit ............................................................................................... 294
7.4.7.3. Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing ............................................................................................ 301
7.4.7.4. Insert > Surface > Extrude ....................................................................................................... 310
7.4.7.5. Insert > Surface > Revolve ....................................................................................................... 313
7.4.7.6. Insert > Surface > Sweep ......................................................................................................... 316
7.4.7.7. Insert > Surface > Loft ............................................................................................................. 320
7.4.7.8. Insert > Surface > Offset.......................................................................................................... 325
7.4.7.9. Insert > Surface > Fill Face ....................................................................................................... 327
7.4.7.10. Insert > Surface > Extend ........................................................................................................ 331
7.4.7.11. Insert > Surface > Trim ............................................................................................................ 333
7.4.7.12. Insert > Surface > Untrim ........................................................................................................ 336
7.4.7.13. Insert > Surface > Trim & Merge ............................................................................................. 338
7.4.7.14. Insert > Surface > Sew ............................................................................................................. 339
7.4.7.15. Insert > Surface > Reverse Normal .......................................................................................... 343
7.4.8. Insert > Modeling Wizard................................................................................................................ 344
7.4.8.1. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Solid Primitives ........................................................................... 345
7.4.8.2. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Surface Primitives ....................................................................... 348
7.4.8.3. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard......................................................................... 351
7.4.8.4. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard ...................................................................... 356
7.4.8.5. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard ............................................................................. 359
7.4.8.6. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard ................................................................................. 363
7.4.8.7. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Pipe Wizard ................................................................................. 365
7.4.9. Insert > Modeling Feature .............................................................................................................. 370
7.4.9.1. Insert > Modeling Feature > Fillet ........................................................................................... 371
7.4.9.2. Insert > Modeling Feature > Chamfer ..................................................................................... 378
7.4.9.3. Insert > Modeling Feature > Draft........................................................................................... 380
7.4.9.4. Insert > Modeling Feature > Emboss ...................................................................................... 383
7.4.9.5. Insert > Modeling Feature > Linear Pattern ............................................................................ 386
7.4.9.6. Insert > Modeling Feature > Circular Pattern .......................................................................... 388
7.4.9.7. Insert > Modeling Feature > Curve Pattern ............................................................................. 391

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction v

 7.4.9.8. Insert > Modeling Feature > Mirror ........................................................................................ 393
7.4.9.9. Insert > Modeling Feature > Helix ........................................................................................... 396
7.4.9.10. Insert > Modeling Feature > Spiral .......................................................................................... 400
7.4.9.11. Insert > Modeling Feature > Move Face ................................................................................. 404
7.4.9.12. Insert > Modeling Feature > Delete Face ................................................................................ 405
7.4.9.13. Insert > Modeling Feature > Replace Face .............................................................................. 407
7.4.9.14. Insert > Modeling Feature > Split Face.................................................................................... 409
7.4.9.15. Insert > Modeling Feature > Transform Body.......................................................................... 412
7.4.9.16. Insert > Modeling Feature > Duplicate Body........................................................................... 416
7.4.9.17. Insert > Modeling Feature > Remove Body ............................................................................. 418
7.4.10. Insert > CAD Correct ....................................................................................................................... 419
7.4.10.1. Insert > CAD Correct > Refit .................................................................................................... 419
7.4.11. Insert > Mesh Sketch....................................................................................................................... 424
7.4.12. Insert > Sketch................................................................................................................................. 431
7.4.13. Insert > 3D Mesh Sketch ................................................................................................................. 433
7.4.14. Insert > 3D Sketch ........................................................................................................................... 434
7.4.15. Insert > Scanner Direct Control ....................................................................................................... 436
7.4.15.1. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > LiveScan(TM)...................................................................... 436
7.4.15.2. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Creaform Handyscan 3D .................................................... 452
7.4.15.3. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Z Corporation ZScanner 700 .............................................. 455
7.4.15.4. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Konica Minolta VIVID ......................................................... 456
7.4.15.5. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Breuckmann ....................................................................... 461
7.4.15.6. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > KODEN OCM-A ................................................................... 464
7.4.15.7. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Roland LPX (32 bit only) ..................................................... 464
7.4.15.8. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Konica Minolta RANGE5/RANGE7 (64 bit only) ................. 467
7.4.15.9. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > 3D Digital Scanner .............................................................. 467
7.4.15.10. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Shining3D ........................................................................... 468

7.5. Tools ................................................................................................................................................. 470

7.5.1. Tools > Scan Tools............................................................................................................................ 470
7.5.1.1. Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard ................................................................................. 471
7.5.1.2. Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate .................................................................................................. 481
7.5.1.3. Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan Data ............................................................................ 487
7.5.1.4. Tools > Scan Tools > Merge ......................................................................................................... 493
7.5.1.5. Tools > Scan Tools > Combine ..................................................................................................... 497
7.5.1.6. Tools > Scan Tools > Decimate Meshes ....................................................................................... 498
7.5.1.7. Tools > Scan Tools > Normal Information Manager .................................................................... 501
7.5.1.8. Tools > Scan Tools > Transform Scan Data ................................................................................... 503
7.5.1.9. Tools > Scan Tools > Average Meshes ......................................................................................... 506
7.5.1.10. Tools > Scan Tools > Boolean ................................................................................................... 509
7.5.2. Tools > Mesh Tools .......................................................................................................................... 512
7.5.2.1. Tools > Mesh Tools > Find Defect ................................................................................................ 513
7.5.2.2. Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard .......................................................................................... 516
7.5.2.3. Tools > Mesh Tools > Fix Normal ................................................................................................. 518
7.5.2.4. Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Boundaries ......................................................................................... 520
7.5.2.5. Tools > Mesh Tools > Sew Boundaries ........................................................................................ 527
7.5.2.6. Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate............................................................................................. 529
7.5.2.7. Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh .......................................................................................... 530
7.5.2.8. Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh .......................................................................................... 533
7.5.2.9. Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edge ........................................................................................... 537
7.5.2.10. Tools > Mesh Tools > Virtual Rescan ....................................................................................... 540
7.5.2.11. Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap .................................................................................................. 544
7.5.2.12. Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes ................................................................................................ 548
7.5.2.13. Tools > Mesh Tools > Defeature .............................................................................................. 552
7.5.2.14. Tools > Mesh Tools > Remove Marker ..................................................................................... 555
7.5.2.15. Tools > Mesh Tools > Add Poly-Face ........................................................................................ 556
7.5.2.16. Tools > Mesh Tools > Smooth .................................................................................................. 558
7.5.2.17. Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush........................................................................................... 560
7.5.2.18. Tools > Mesh Tools > Decimate ............................................................................................... 564

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction vi

 7.5.2.19. Tools > Mesh Tools > Subdivide............................................................................................... 567
7.5.2.20. Tools > Mesh Tools > Enhance Shape ...................................................................................... 570
7.5.2.21. Tools > Mesh Tools > Refit ....................................................................................................... 572
7.5.2.22. Tools > Mesh Tools > Insert ..................................................................................................... 576
7.5.2.23. Tools > Mesh Tools > Split ....................................................................................................... 577
7.5.2.24. Tools > Mesh Tools > Trim ....................................................................................................... 580
7.5.2.25. Tools > Mesh Tools > Mirror .................................................................................................... 583
7.5.2.26. Tools > Mesh Tools > Offset .................................................................................................... 585
7.5.2.27. Tools > Mesh Tools > Thicken .................................................................................................. 587
7.5.2.28. Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body......................................................................................... 589
7.5.3. Tools > Region Tools ........................................................................................................................ 592
7.5.3.1. Tools > Region Tools > Auto Segment ......................................................................................... 593
7.5.3.2. Tools > Region Tools > Resegment .............................................................................................. 595
7.5.3.3. Tools > Region Tools > Merge ...................................................................................................... 597
7.5.3.4. Tools > Region Tools > Split ......................................................................................................... 598
7.5.3.5. Tools > Region Tools > Insert ....................................................................................................... 600
7.5.3.6. Tools > Region Tools > Separate .................................................................................................. 601
7.5.3.7. Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge .................................................................................................... 603
7.5.3.8. Tools > Region Tools > Shrink ...................................................................................................... 604
7.5.4. Tools > Point Cloud Tools ................................................................................................................ 605
7.5.4.1. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Filter Noise ...................................................................................... 605
7.5.4.2. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Sampling .......................................................................................... 608
7.5.4.3. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Smooth ............................................................................................ 610
7.5.4.4. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Offset ............................................................................................... 612
7.5.4.5. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Construct Mesh ............................................................................... 614
7.5.4.6. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Convert Entities ............................................................................... 616
7.5.4.7. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Separate Point Cloud ....................................................................... 619
7.5.5. Tools > Texture Tools ....................................................................................................................... 622
7.5.5.1. Tools > Texture Tools > Add Texture ............................................................................................ 623
7.5.5.2. Tools > Texture Tools > Edit Texture ............................................................................................ 627
7.5.5.3. Tools > Texture Tools > Remove Texture ..................................................................................... 631
7.5.5.4. Tools > Texture Tools > Export Texture ........................................................................................ 632
7.5.5.5. Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Texture To Color ........................................................................ 633
7.5.5.6. Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Color To Texture ........................................................................ 634
7.5.5.7. Tools > Texture Tools > Copy Texture/Vertex Color ..................................................................... 635
7.5.5.8. Tools > Texture Tools > Match Color ........................................................................................... 636
7.5.6. Tools > Sketch Entities ..................................................................................................................... 638
7.5.6.1. Tools > Sketch Entities > Auto Sketch .......................................................................................... 639
7.5.6.2. Tools > Sketch Entities > Line ...................................................................................................... 642
7.5.6.3. Tools > Sketch Entities > Rectangle ............................................................................................. 645
7.5.6.4. Tools > Sketch Entities > Parallelogram ....................................................................................... 646
7.5.6.5. Tools > Sketch Entities > Polygon ................................................................................................ 647
7.5.6.6. Tools > Sketch Entities > Slot ....................................................................................................... 649
7.5.6.7. Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle .................................................................................................... 650
7.5.6.8. Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle ................................................................................... 652
7.5.6.9. Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle ................................................................................... 654
7.5.6.10. Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc................................................................................ 655
7.5.6.11. Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc ...................................................................................... 658
7.5.6.12. Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Points Arc ...................................................................................... 659
7.5.6.13. Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc ................................................................................... 660
7.5.6.14. Tools > Sketch Entities > Ellipse ............................................................................................... 662
7.5.6.15. Tools > Sketch Entities > Partial Ellipse.................................................................................... 663
7.5.6.16. Tools > Sketch Entities > Parabola ........................................................................................... 665
7.5.6.17. Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline ............................................................................................... 667
7.5.6.18. Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerline ........................................................................................ 671
7.5.6.19. Tools > Sketch Entities > Point ................................................................................................. 672
7.5.6.20. Tools > Sketch Entities > Text .................................................................................................. 673
7.5.6.21. Tools > Sketch Entities > By Fitting Polyline ............................................................................ 674
7.5.6.22. Tools > Sketch Entities > By Import ......................................................................................... 676

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction vii

 7.5.7. Tools > Sketch Tools ........................................................................................................................ 678
7.5.7.1. Tools > Sketch Tools > Fillet ......................................................................................................... 679
7.5.7.2. Tools > Sketch Tools > Chamfer ................................................................................................... 681
7.5.7.3. Tools > Sketch Tools > Offset ....................................................................................................... 683
7.5.7.4. Tools > Sketch Tools > Convert Entities ....................................................................................... 684
7.5.7.5. Tools > Sketch Tools > Silhouette ................................................................................................ 686
7.5.7.6. Tools > Sketch Tools > Trim.......................................................................................................... 687
7.5.7.7. Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend ...................................................................................................... 690
7.5.7.8. Tools > Sketch Tools > Split .......................................................................................................... 691
7.5.7.9. Tools > Sketch Tools > Mirror ...................................................................................................... 692
7.5.7.10. Tools > Sketch Tools > Resize ................................................................................................... 693
7.5.7.11. Tools > Sketch Tools > Merge .................................................................................................. 694
7.5.7.12. Tools > Sketch Tools > Linear Pattern ...................................................................................... 696
7.5.7.13. Tools > Sketch Tools > Circular Pattern .................................................................................... 698
7.5.7.14. Tools > Sketch Tools > Fit To Spline ......................................................................................... 701
7.5.7.15. Tools > Sketch Tools > Text To Splines ..................................................................................... 702
7.5.7.16. Tools > Sketch Tools > Insert Polyline ...................................................................................... 703
7.5.8. Tools > Sketch Options .................................................................................................................... 705
7.5.8.1. Tools > Sketch Options > Snap On Entities .................................................................................. 705
7.5.8.2. Tools > Sketch Options > Snap On Polylines ................................................................................ 707
7.5.8.3. Tools > Sketch Options > Smartsnap ........................................................................................... 708
7.5.9. Tools > Smart Dimension ................................................................................................................ 710
7.5.10. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities ............................................................................................................... 712
7.5.10.1. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Spline .......................................................................................... 712
7.5.10.2. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Pencil .......................................................................................... 717
7.5.10.3. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Section ........................................................................................ 718
7.5.10.4. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Intersection ................................................................................ 722
7.5.10.5. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Boundary .................................................................................... 723
7.5.10.6. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Surface UV Curves ...................................................................... 725
7.5.10.7. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Fit From Points............................................................................ 727
7.5.10.8. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Trace Feature Line ...................................................................... 731
7.5.10.9. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Extract Feature Curves ............................................................... 733
7.5.10.10. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Create Curve Network ................................................................ 735
7.5.11. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools ................................................................................................................... 739
7.5.11.1. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Offset .............................................................................................. 740
7.5.11.2. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Project ............................................................................................ 741
7.5.11.3. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Mirror ............................................................................................. 743
7.5.11.4. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Convert Entities .............................................................................. 744
7.5.11.5. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Smooth ........................................................................................... 746
7.5.11.6. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Trim ................................................................................................ 747
7.5.11.7. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Extend ............................................................................................ 749
7.5.11.8. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Split ................................................................................................ 750
7.5.11.9. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Match ............................................................................................. 752
7.5.11.10. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Merge ............................................................................................. 754
7.5.11.11. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Insert Node .................................................................................... 755
7.5.11.12. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Remove Node ................................................................................. 757
7.5.11.13. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Remove Constraint ......................................................................... 757
7.5.12. Tools > Body Tools ........................................................................................................................... 759
7.5.12.1. Tools > Body Tools > Find Defect ............................................................................................. 759
7.5.13. Tools > Align .................................................................................................................................... 760
7.5.13.1. Tools > Align > Wizard ............................................................................................................. 760
7.5.13.2. Tools > Align > Interactive Alignment ...................................................................................... 762
7.5.13.3. Tools > Align > Quick Fit .......................................................................................................... 767
7.5.13.4. Tools > Align > Best Fit ............................................................................................................ 768
7.5.13.5. Tools > Align > Datum Match .................................................................................................. 770

7.6. Measure ........................................................................................................................................... 773

7.6.1. Measure > Distance ........................................................................................................................ 773
7.6.2. Measure > Angle ............................................................................................................................. 775

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction viii

 7.6.3. Measure > Radius ........................................................................................................................... 777
7.6.4. Measure > Section .......................................................................................................................... 778
7.6.5. Measure > Mesh Deviations ........................................................................................................... 781

7.7. View ................................................................................................................................................. 784

7.7.1. View > Visibility ............................................................................................................................... 785
7.7.1.1. View > Visibility > Show Selected Only ....................................................................................... 786
7.7.1.2. View > Visibility > Show All ......................................................................................................... 787
7.7.1.3. View > Visibility > Hide All ........................................................................................................... 787
7.7.1.4. View > Visibility > Meshes........................................................................................................... 788
7.7.1.5. View > Visibility > Regions........................................................................................................... 789
7.7.1.6. View > Visibility > Point Clouds ................................................................................................... 790
7.7.1.7. View > Visibility > Surface Bodies ............................................................................................... 791
7.7.1.8. View > Visibility > Solid Bodies.................................................................................................... 792
7.7.1.9. View > Visibility > Sketches ......................................................................................................... 792
7.7.1.10. View > Visibility > 3D Sketches ................................................................................................ 793
7.7.1.11. View > Visibility > Ref. Points .................................................................................................. 794
7.7.1.12. View > Visibility > Ref. Vector .................................................................................................. 795
7.7.1.13. View > Visibility > Ref. Planes .................................................................................................. 796
7.7.1.14. View > Visibility > Ref. Polylines .............................................................................................. 797
7.7.1.15. View > Visibility > Ref. Coordinates ......................................................................................... 798
7.7.1.16. View > Visibility > Measurements ........................................................................................... 799
7.7.1.17. View > Visibility > Smart Visibility ........................................................................................... 800
7.7.2. View > Zoom ................................................................................................................................... 802
7.7.2.1. View > Zoom > Area .................................................................................................................... 803
7.7.2.2. View > Zoom > Previous Area ..................................................................................................... 804
7.7.2.3. View > Zoom > Fit ....................................................................................................................... 805
7.7.2.4. View > Zoom > PIP ...................................................................................................................... 806
7.7.3. View > Mesh Display Mode............................................................................................................. 807
7.7.4. View > Body Display Mode ............................................................................................................. 809
7.7.5. View > Viewpoint ............................................................................................................................ 810
7.7.6. View > Viewport.............................................................................................................................. 813
7.7.7. View > Light Properties ................................................................................................................... 816
7.7.8. View > View Clip ............................................................................................................................. 817
7.7.9. View > Walk Through ...................................................................................................................... 819

7.8. Add-Ins ............................................................................................................................................. 820

7.8.1. Add-Ins > Import & Split ................................................................................................................. 821
7.8.2. Add-Ins > IGES Point Importer ........................................................................................................ 822
7.8.3. Add-Ins > Register Target ................................................................................................................ 822
7.8.4. Add-Ins > Delete Poly-Faces ............................................................................................................ 824
7.8.5. Add-Ins > Trim Mesh ....................................................................................................................... 826
7.8.6. Add-Ins > Flatten / Deform ............................................................................................................. 829

7.9. Help .................................................................................................................................................. 832

8. GLOSSARY .............................................................................................................. 833

9. INDEX ......................................................................................................................... 841

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction ix

1. Introduction

To see the main contents of the help guide, press the F1 key while using a command or while in any
mode. The F1 key by default will open the contents help guide. This will display the help document for
the particular command or mode that is being used.

Note: You must be in an active command or in an activate mode to use the F1 function.
Otherwise, either the intro document page will be displayed if the F1 function is used for the first
time, or the last help page viewed.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 1

1.1. Welcome to Rapidform XOR
Parametric CAD Models from 3D Scan Data

Thank you for choosing Rapidform XOR, the most comprehensive 3D Scan-To-CAD Software
Solution. INUS Technology, Inc. is the leader in providing technologies that make 3D scanning a
powerful tool for a variety of applications including manufacturing, R&D, quality inspection, medical
research, civil engineering and more, and is now presenting the future of 3D scanning software
technology with its next generation 3D scan data processing platform, Rapidform. Rapidform XOR
makes the process of creating parametric CAD models from real world parts faster and easier by
utilizing a design process and user interface that are instantly familiar to CAD users.

Parametric CAD Models from 3D Scan Data

Rapidform XOR allows engineers to capture the design intent and design parameters of real world
parts that may have lost their defining features during the manufacturing process or may not have
ever had a CAD model. 3D scanning technology and Rapidform XOR provide manufacturers with the
freedom and flexibility to extract the design parameters from any real world part, including prismatic
features and freeform surfaces. CAD models created in Rapidform XOR are fully parametric, so
designers and engineers are able to modify the design parameters of the real world part to perfect the
model for mass production within Rapidform XOR in a downstream CAD system.

• Intelligent tools for extracting design parameters from 3D scan data – Redesign Assistant
• Redesign within user-defined deviation tolerances – Accuracy Analyzer™
• Intelligently identify and align 3D scan data to an ideal design coordinate system – Align Wizard™
• Reduce design time by using 3D scan data as a design foundation
• Use outputted data, with modeling history intact, in CAD, CAM and CAE
• Modeling history and parameter management
• Mesh, freeform surface and parametric solid hybrid modeling functions
• Standard solid & surface modeling workflows such as extrude, round, revolve, sweep and loft
• Update existing CAD models to reflect changes in the as-build part - CAD-to-Scan Refit
• Seamless interoperability with full modeling history to other CAD applications

Immediately Realize the Benefits of 3D Scanning

The design tools used to create models in Rapidform XOR are immediately recognizable to those
already familiar with CAD applications. Engineers capable of designing with SolidWorks, CATIA,
Pro/ENGINEER or Siemens NX can immediately begin modeling in Rapidform XOR. The design
process in Rapidform XOR utilizes common CAD modeling features and processes such as extrude,
round, revolve, sweep and loft. These features serve to make both Rapidform XOR and 3D scanning
technology readily accessible to engineers, while the ease of use of the product allows 3D scan-
based to be institutionalized within the manufacturing process to increase the overall quality of
products.

• Intelligent Design process which eliminates the need for complete scans of parts
• Create high quality CAD models from imperfect scan data
• Save processing time by eliminating the need for polygon mesh cleanup and surfacing
• Models are instantly editable in both Rapidform XOR and major CAD systems

A Comprehensive Scan-To-CAD Software Solution

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 2

More than a simple upgrade of rapidform2006, Rapidform XOR is an entirely new software solution
that provides a new approach, yet with a familiar process, to build a parametric CAD models from 3D
scan data. Rapidform XOR creates highly usable models for a variety of applications that include
rapid prototyping, CNC machining, CAE and export into CAD applications for further modifications.
The values of these applications are now available in a simple software application that is readily
accessible to a wider group of people by utilizing the common design tools of most CAD applications.

• End-to-end functional coverage – from mesh operations to CAD modeling

• Supports every possible reverse modeling workflow – Reflect design intent (design parameter
extraction) or Generate and exact duplicate (surface fitting)
• Instant mesh optimization for direct use in RP, CAM, CAE and visualization
• Highly sophisticated yet familiar modeling capabilities utilizing universal solid and surface
modeling features
• One-button quick B-rep surfacing or design analysis & verification applications
• Automatic re-meshing for generating CAE functional models – Scan-to-CAE

1.2. Key Themes of Rapidform XOR

DO MORE WITH 3D SCAN DATA

Create parametric CAD models from 3D scan data

Send full history-based models to SolidWorks and other CAD System
Capture design intent and define design parameters
Design parts faster using familiar CAD modeling concepts

An Innovative Design Process

Rapidform XOR is absolutely unique in the market., Rapidform XOR is powerful software that
provides an innovative and unique philosophy for building CAD models from 3D scan data. It supports
every possible reverse engineering workflow and is suited to both polygon-based and CAD-based
applications. Rapidform XOR provides the best way to utilize 3D scanning technology as a “mission-
critical” solution for innovation in the product design and manufacturing process.

The design process and user interface in Rapidform XOR have been developed to be instantly
familiar to users of popular CAD applications, leading to incredible time savings over traditional
reverse engineering software while simultaneously creating output in the form of parametric CAD solid
models. Time savings can be realized through:

• A reduced learning curve through the use of a familiar CAD interface and design process
• A design process that removes the time consuming requirement of cleaning the scan data of a
part
• A single software solution that fulfills the scan data processing, mesh healing and CAD modeling
needs
• A built in, real time deviation analysis tool

The interface and design process of Rapidform XOR were developed to be similar to popular CAD
applications, so users can utilize their existing CAD modeling skills to immediately begin designing in
Rapidform XOR. Internal benchmarking tests have shown a time savings of up to 80% when using
Rapidform XOR over traditional surface fitting methods in great part because the design process
removes the need to clean the scan data of a part. A complete scan of a part is unnecessary, provided
there is enough data to recognize design parameters.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 3

Massive Point Cloud Handling
Rapidform XOR’s point cloud data processing has been innovated to handle massive point clouds.
The data structures and some of the functions are optimized and enhanced for working with hundreds
of millions of point clouds.

Unlimited Point Cloud Capacity

When large point clouds are imported that exceed the physical memory limitation of a computer, the
application will automatically use a cache folder (hard disk drive) and load data onto it. While working
with a point cloud, the application intelligently divides the point cloud and performs functions within the
memory capacity. Therefore, almost unlimited point cloud data sizes can be imported based on the
storage size of the hard disk drive.

Real-Time Visualization of Massive Point Clouds

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 4

Rapidform XOR’s auto frame rate function selectively displays necessary points with adaptable
density to the 3D view of current your viewpoint. By utilizing a quick rendering algorithm of the point
cloud, you can see and operate a complex and large point cloud in an optimized environment.
Rapidform XOR automatically changes the display frame rate according to the data size of the point
clouds to create the best working environment without cutting off display functionality.

To maximize the visualization of point clouds, Rapidform XOR supports three shading methods which
help to analyze and visualize complex point clouds.

• Depth – The closer points are displayed in black and the farther points are display in gray in
relation from the view direction. If you click the Set button, you can define the depth range by
using the slider bar. If points are out of the depth range, they will disappear from the Model View.
This can be used to focus on specific areas by removing outer areas from the depth range.

None Depth

• X Ray – This mode shows specifically targeted areas by making areas closer and farther from the
targeted area transparent. To define the transparent area, click the Set button. The Near and Far
areas will be transparent and the Middle area will be clearly displayed.
For example, if a scanner scans the inside of a building, it can be difficult to see inside because of
the outer walls. You can use the X-Ray function to make the outer walls transparent, thus letting
you see inside clearly.

X-Ray Default After Adjusting X-Ray Depth

This shading method makes points transparent in a certain range. When trying to select points,
points nearer to the viewing direction will be selected first even though they are invisible.
Therefore, this method should be used for data viewing purposes.

• Height – The color of displayed points will change based on its height from the Z direction. Using
this shading method, you can easily distinguish ground and other features. If you click the Set
button, you can modify colors as well as height.

Height Color Bar

For easier inspection of scan data from long range scans such as construction fields, buildings,

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 5

factories, etc, Rapidform XOR includes a walk-through mode. In the previous version, the camera
(viewpoint) was always fixed and model was rotated, zoomed and panned in the Model View.
However this new walk-through mode enables the camera to travel through and position the viewpoint
inside of the model.

Fully Editable Point Clouds

Rapidform XOR supports not only the visualization of point clouds like other point cloud software but
also includes editing and generating CAD tools for massive point clouds.

Selecting points
Selecting only desired areas with as few steps as possible is important in massive point cloud
handling. Rapidform XOR’s selection tools, Extend To Similar and Extend To Sudden Change, which
expands similar features from the seed point, enables the quick and easy selection of areas from
complex point clouds.

Editing point cloud

The functions under Point Cloud Tools are fully optimized for handling large point clouds. When
generating a mesh from a point cloud, the Mesh Construction method in Triangulation and the Mesh
Buildup Wizard has no data size limitation and the 2D/3D Triangulation methods enable the reduction
of the data input size with the Sampling option.

For the convenience of working with large point clouds in the application, a mesh can be generated
with chosen selections from a point cloud. Copy and pasting the point cloud is possible for defining
the working area and for dividing parts.

Modeling from point cloud

2D sketch entities can be generated from section polylines on point clouds or projected points within a
defined range. Pipe modeling on the point cloud can also be done by directly picking seed points on
the pipe feature. This Pipe Wizard is an easy and powerful function for fast modeling from complex
point clouds with many pipe features.

New File Format for Massive Point Clouds

As well as new point cloud process methods, Rapidform XOR has added a new file format, XPC, and
updated the existing format, XRL. These formats are not only optimized for minimizing file size, but
also to include optimized data structures for massive point clouds.

For the publication of point clouds to a website, .icf and .rps files can be reduced in file size by
sampling the point cloud.

1.3. Features of Rapidform XOR

New Key Features and Enhancements

Align Wizard™
Redesign Assistant™
Accuracy Analyzer™
Hybrid Modeling – Solid, Surface & Mesh
Best-in-class Mesh Operation
Sophisticated Curve/Sketch Tools

Parametric CAD Models from 3D Scan Data

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 6

Rapidform XOR is an innovative new software solution that allows engineers to create fully parametric
CAD solids and freeform surfaces from 3D scan data and polygon mesh data with a best-in-class user
interface. In addition to its ability to create parametric CAD solids, Rapidform XOR differentiates itself
from existing reverse engineering software by offering a design process that utilizes the skill sets that
engineers already possess. The end result is a software solution that requires minimal training,
reducing the time necessary to process 3D scan data. Users are provided with high quality results that
are unavailable through other current reverse engineering options. Rapidform XOR enhances the
functionality of both 3D scanning technology and existing CAD applications by sharing common
technologies and processes. Rapidform XOR features powerful tools such as:

• Redesign Assistant
• Accuracy Analyzer
• True Hybrid Modeler - Solid, Surface & Mesh
• Align Wizard
• Best-in-class Mesh Operations
• Sophisticated Curve/Sketch Tools
• Scan-to-CAD Synchronization
• Quick Mesh-to-Surface
• Seamless Data Transfer
• Mesh Cleanup

Redesign Assistant
The Redesign Assistant intelligently extracts the design intentions and design parameters throughout
the process of generating a CAD model from 3D Scan Data through the following features.

• Unprecedented tools for extracting design parameters from 3D scan data

• Utilizing meshes as redesign parameters
• Automatic mesh region segmentation
• Automatic extraction of design feature parameters from meshes

Filet radius and center, sketch plane & profile (automatic sketching), sweep path curve, extrusion axis,
mirroring plane, revolving center axis, pipe center axis, drafting angle, 3D section curve for lofting,
feature curve, offset/thickening distance, cylinder/cone axis, slot axis, pattern axis and direction,
silhouette-curve, parting line, bead line, etc
• Creating sketch profiles from mesh models
• Automatic extraction of 3D design features from mesh
• Intelligent real-time 2D/3D geometry recognition and snapping

Redesign Assistant™

Accuracy Analyzer™
The Accuracy Analyzer™ tool provides users with real time deviation analysis based on user defined

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 7

tolerances to ensure that a model is within specified allowable tolerances.

• Polygonal mesh deviation (comparison with original scan data and previous step model)
• Sketch/curve/surface/solid deviation (comparison with original scan data)
• Geometric property analysis (curvature, continuity, quality, normal vector, etc)
• Redesign within user-defined allowable tolerances
• Automatic and real-time error visualization
• Diverse object sensitive analysis tools

Accuracy Analyzer

True Hybrid Modeler

Rapidform XOR is a truly comprehensive 3D scan data processing application that offers parametric
solid modeling capabilities, NURBS surfacing capabilities, and a hybrid modeling process that utilizes
both capabilities for the creation of parametric CAD models that contain freeform features.

• Highly sophisticated yet familiar by utilizing widely accepted solid and surface modeling features
• Solid Features: extrude, sweep, revolve, pipe, thicken, draft, round with various radii, chamfer,
hollow (shell), linear/circular/curve pattern, Boolean modeling
• Surface Features: drape, blend, extrude, revolve, sweep, loft, ruled, offset, mirror, fill face, extend,
trim/untrim, match, heal
• Modeling history management (feature rebuild, reroute & reorder)
• Parametric feature management

Align Wizard™
Rapidform XOR includes the Align Wizard™, a proprietary tool that intelligently identifies the
coordinate system in a file that the original designer had used. The user can either choose the
coordinate system recommended by the Align Wizard™, or manually determine the coordinate system
that is believed to be the most appropriate for the part by using an intuitive coordinate system setup
tool.

• Wizard for aligning 3D scan data to an ideal design coordinate system

• Highly interactive toolset for coordinate alignment
• Quick fit, best fit, 3-2-1, Datum, By Ref. coordinates, etc

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 8

 Align Wizard™

Best-in-class Mesh Operations

Rapidform XOR produces Class-A meshes in a single step. The mesh models generated by
Rapidform XOR can be directly used as input data for target CAE and CAM software for reverse
engineering or manufacturing. Rapidform XOR features a powerful mesh optimization tool that
generates a mesh from 3D scan data that meets the specific requirements for CAE.

• Instant mesh optimization for direct use in RP, CAM & CAE
• Detail resolution controls (decimate & subdivide)
• Mesh smoothness controls (global & subdivide)
• Automatic re-meshing for CAE functional models
• Comprehensive interactive mesh region editing tools
• Advanced mesh modeling & optimization

Global remesh, remove, de-feature, hole filing, fix boundary, smooth boundary, fit boundary, fit region
to analytic shape, split & trim, divide, thicken, offset are some of advanced mesh operations available.

Best-in-class Mesh Optimization

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Introduction 9

Sophisticated Curve and Sketch Tools
Rapidform XOR provides users with highly sophisticated curve/sketch tools so that users can extract
sketch profiles and feature curves from mesh automatically for comprehensive reverse modeling.

• Automatic extraction of sketch profiles and feature curves from mesh

• Automatic dimensioning & constraining
• Variety of 2D drafting tools
• Comprehensive 3D curve design tools
• Intelligent real-time geometry recognition
• Curvature-based curve network design

Scan-To-CAD Synchronization
Rapidform XOR offers the best solutions to synchronize with CAD applications for parametric CAD
modeling from 3D scan data.

• Update of the original CAD model to represent the changes in the as-built part
• The import of CAD data in a variety of CAD file formats
• Fast and automatic CAD & mesh model coordinate alignment
• Refitting of CAD models to mesh models

Quick Mesh-To-Surface
• Automatic shrink wrapped surface model generation
• Optimized representations of original mesh data with negligible deviation errors
• Interface mesh-fit surfacing (region & boundary fit)

Seamless Data Transfer

• Transfer output model with full history to CAD system
• Export models in a variety of standard file formats

Mesh Cleanup
• Automatic mesh healing & cleaning
• Professional yet easy to use mesh cleaning & editing tools

2. Getting Started
This section lists the system requirements to run the application and the licensing information
software.

2.1. System Requirement

32-bit Edition 64-bit Edition

- Windows XP (32-bit or 64-bit SP2 or above) - Windows XP (64-bit SP2 or above)

OS - Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit SP1 or above) - Windows Vista (64-bit SP1 or above)
- Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit) - Windows 7 (64-bit)

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 10

 - Intel® and AMD® processors.
CPU - Recommended: Multiple core processors. Hyper-threading and clock speeds above 3ghz can be
beneficial but should be paired with a good balance of cores.
- Minimum: 2 GB
- Minimum: 1 GB
- Recommended: 8-16 GB (Based on version of
- Recommended: 2 GB
Windows used)
- Virtual Memory:
- Virtual Memory:
XP: recommended to about 2.5 times the amount
RAM XP: recommended to about 2.5 times the
of RAM
amount of RAM
Vista, Win7: recommended to use the default
Vista, Win7: recommended to use the default
option; “Automatically manage paging file size for
option; "Automatically manage paging file size
all drives”
for all drives"

- 30 GB or more recommended
- Temporary file cache requires about 3 GB free disk space for every 100 million points
Hard Disk - Recommended: a SSD with more than 256GB of space, or a 10,000RPM HDD
- Recommended: using multiple hard drives and assigning one as a “cache” drive for Rapidform
temporary storage and paging files and assigning the other for the operating system

- OpenGL 1.2 or above, 32 bit true color required

Display
- Recommended 24-inch wide screen monitor, 1920X1280 resolution

GPU - Recommended: NVidia GTX series with 1GB of RAM or more

Intel Intel G45 Intel Intel G45

Intel G645GM Intel G645GM
Intel G965 Intel G965
Intel HD 2000/3000 Intel HD 2000/3000

AMD Rage XL AMD Rage XL

Radeon 7500 Radeon X600SE
Radeon 9600 Radeon 7500
Radeon 9600 XT Radeon 9600
Radeon X600 Radeon X600
Radeon X600SE Radeon X1600
Radeon X700 Radeon X1800 GTO
Radeon X1650 Radeon HD 2600 XT
Radeon X1600 Radeon HD 3870
Radeon X1800 GTO Radeon HD 4770
Radeon HD 2600 XT Radeon HD 4800 1G
Radeon HD 3670M Radeon HD 5700
Radeon HD 3870 Radeon HG 5770
Radeon HD 4770 Radeon HD 5800
Certified
Radeon HD 4800 1G Radeon HD 6470M
Graphics
Radeon HD 5700 Radeon HD 6850
Card Radeon HD 6870
Radeon HG 5770
Radeon HD 5800 Radeon HD 6950
Radeon HD 6470M Radeon HD 6970
Radeon HD 6850
Radeon HD 6870
Radeon HD 6950
Radeon HD 6970

AMD FireGL Z1 AMD FireGL V3100

FireGL V3100 FireGL V3600
FireGL V3600 FireGL V5600
FireGL V5600 FireGL V7300
FireGL V7300 FirePro V2450
FirePro V2450 FirePro V3750
FirePro V3750 FirePro V3800
FirePro V3800 FirePro V4800
FirePro V4800

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 11

NVIDIA GeForce2 MX 100/200 NVIDIA GeForce2 MX 100/200
GeForce4 Ti 4400 GeForce FX Go 5200
GeForce FX 5200 GeForce Go 5200
GeForce FX 5500 GeForce Go 7400
GeForce FX 5600 GeForce Go 7600
GeForce FX 5600XT GeForce 6200
GeForce FX 5700 GeForce 6600
GeForce FX Go 5200 GeForce 6800
GeForce FX Go 5700 GeForce 7600GS
GeForce Go 5200 GeForce 7600GT
GeForce Go 7400 GeForce 7900GS
GeForce Go 7600 GeForce 8400M
GeForce 6200 GeForce 8400GS
GeForce 6600 GeForce 8500
GeForce 6800 GeForce 8500GT
GeForce 7600GS GeForce 8600
GeForce 7600GT GeForce 8600GS
GeForce 7800GTX GeForce 8600GT
GeForce 7900GS GeForce 8600GTS
GeForce 8400M GeForce 8600M
GeForce 8400GS GeForce 8800GT
GeForce 8500 GeForce 8800GTS
GeForce 8500GT GeForce 9200M
GeForce 8500GTS GeForce 9300M
GeForce 8600 GeForce 9300GE
GeForce 8600GT GeForce 9500GT
GeForce 8600GS GeForce 9600GT
GeForce 8600GTS GeForce 9800GT
GeForce 8600M GeForce 9800GTX
GeForce 8800GT GeForce G105M
GeForce 8800GTS GeForce GT 220
GeForce 9200M GeForce GTS 250
GeForce 9300M GeForce GTX 260
GeForce 9300GE GeForce GTX 285
GeForce 9500GT GeForce GT 310M
GeForce 9600GT GeForce GTS 335M
GeForce 9800GT GeForce GT 360M
GeForce 9800GTX GeForce GT 425M
GeForce G105M GeForce GTX 465
GeForce GT 220 GeForce GTX 485M
GeForce GTS 250 GeForce GT 520M
GeForce GTX 260 GeForce GT 540M
GeForce GTX 285 GeForce GTX 560TI
GeForce GT 310M GeForce GTX 570
GeForce GTS 335M GeForce GTX 580
GeForce GT 360M
GeForce GT 425M
GeForce GTX 465
GeForce GTX 485M
GeForce GT 520M
GeForce GT 540M
GeForce GTX 560TI
GeForce GTX 570
GeForce GTX 580

NVIDIA Quadro NVS 120M NVIDIA Quadro FX 350M

Quadro NVS 135M Quadro FX 570M
Quadro NVS 140M Quadro FX 580
Quadro FX 350M Quadro FX 880M
Quadro FX 500 Quadro FX Go 1400
Quadro FX 540 Quadro FX 1500
Quadro FX 570M Quadro FX 3500
Quadro FX 580 Quadro FX 4500
Quadro FX 880M Quadro FX 5200
Quadro FX Go 1400 Quadro FX 5700
Quadro FX 1500 Quadro 600
Quadro FX 3500 Quadro 1500
Quadro FX 4500 Quadro 1800
Quadro FX 5200 Quadro 2000
Quadro FX 5700 Quadro 3500
Quadro 600 Quadro 3800
Quadro 1500 Quadro 4000
Quadro 1800 Quadro 4500
Quadro 2000
Quadro 3500
Quadro 3800

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 12

 Quadro 4000
Quadro 4500

- Not Recommended
- Not Recommended
ATI Mobility Radeon 7000 IGP DDR
ATI Mobility Radeon 7000 IGP DDR
ATI Radeon X800 GTO
ATI Radeon X1600

- If you use the AMD Radeon series, the panning or rotation in the application might not operate correctly. To
solve this problem uncheck the Use Custom Settings option under 3D > Standard Settings in the Catalyst
Control Center dialog box and move the slider to the left.
It is recommended to set the anti-aliasing value lower than 8. Otherwise, detection of 3D edges may not
work properly or there may be problems with panning or rotating within the application. If anti-aliasing is
disabled, the edges and boundaries of shaded objects can be jagged if displayed at angles close to 0 or 90
degrees.

- DVD drive
- 3 button mouse with scroll wheel
- Sound card
- Keyboard
Other
- Network card
- Internet Explorer version 7.x or higher
- Adobe Acrobat version 5.x or higher
- Microsoft Excel 2003, 2007, or 2010 for XOV report

2.2. Installation
1. Insert the installation DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.

2. The installation program should appear automatically. If the autorun installation does not start
automatically, browse the DVD-ROM directory and then double-click on the autorun.exe file to start
the installation program.

3. Follow the instructions provided by the installation program.

4. After installation is complete, run the application.

5. After activating your license, you will see a dialog box which enables you to set the initial settings
for Rapidform XOR.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 13

 Enable Multi-thread – When set to True, multi-threading is utilized to speed up the calculation
time of some functions. This is highly recommended. On a single processor, multithreading
generally occurs by the processor switching between different process threads one at a time.
On a multiprocessor or multi-core system, threads will process simultaneous, with each processor
or core running a particular thread. Depending on how many cores the processor has, the same
number of progress bars will be displayed when multithread is enabled and utilized.

User Name – The PC’s name

Update Product Automatically – If it is set to True, whenever you launch the program, it will
check if there are any updates.

Preferred CAD – Choose one of your CAD systems: None, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, PTC
Creo(Pro/E), Autodesk AutoCAD or Autodesk Inventor. It is linked to View Manipulation Style and
CAD Compatibility in the Error List.

View Manipulation Style – You can select one of the view manipulation style (zooming, panning,
rotating); Rapidform, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Creo(Pro/E), CATIA, PolyWorks, or Geomagic.

Preferred Scanner File Format –Select a scanner format that you frequently use, so that when
you import a scanner file, you will see only the chosen format.

Preferred Scanner Direct Control –You can set your favorite scanners as True so that when you
run Insert > Scanner Direct Control > LiveScan(TM), you will see only your favorite scanners in
the Device pull down menu. To apply this change, close and rerun the application.

Unit – Select default units which will be used in the application.

Use Configurations Of Previous Version – When you install a new version of the application,
you can preserve customized settings.

2.3. What Can XOR Do?

Scan to CAD
To make a CAD model suitable for manufacturing, Rapidform XOR employs a straightforward
workflow that parallels today’s well-known solid modeling process. Instead of modeling from scratch,
Rapidform XOR’s feature wizards and other automatic tools help you build the features directly from
3D scan data.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 14

• Align scan shots • Extract design intent Transfer to your CAD
software as a native model
• Merge into single model • Build CAD model
• Confirm accuracy

Scan to Surface
Rapidform XOR also supports NURBS surface fitting, for when you need a verbatim copy of what
you’ve scanned, and don’t need to edit it later on. Rapidform’s powerful automatic surfacing
technology can do all the work, or the surface network can be created manually.

• Align scan shots • Smooth • Autosurfacing Save as IGES, STEP or

other surface format for
• Merge into single model • Fill holes • Interactive surfacing non-parametric use
• Optimize/reduce size

Scan to Mesh
For archiving, animation, measurement, 3D printing and other polygon-based applications, Rapidform
XOR includes a full suite of mesh processing tools. With the Mesh Buildup Wizard™, you can step
through the entire scan alignment, merge and mesh optimization process with just a few clicks.

• Align scan shots • Smooth • Autosurfacing Save as IGES, STEP or

other surface format for
• Merge into single model • Fill holes • Interactive surfacing non-parametric use
• Optimize/reduce size

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 15

2.4. Basic Entity Terminology
The application handles many different types of entities ranging from scan data to CAD data. Entities
can be an end result of modeling, or the by-products of a final model. This chapter explains what
kinds of entities are used in the application, and its terminology definitions.

Point Cloud
A set of 3D points represents a real part or environment. Each point represents a digitized point on
the object or in the environment, and collectively describes its shape and measurements. It usually
comes from a 3D scanner or a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). A point cloud can be built up as
a mesh in software by generating triangles between points, a process known as triangulation. Point
clouds are used for the visualization of real parts or environments in reverse engineering to make a
CAD model.

A point cloud may or may not have normal information, depending on the scanner and scanning type.
Even if a point cloud does not have normal information, it can be generated within the application after
importing the data.

Point cloud data from a real bottle

Mesh
A mesh is a polygonal model that represents a physical object. A mesh consists of many triangles
which connected and can be generated from a point cloud or CAD data.
A scanned part usually consists of several scans from different directions, which necessitates
alignment of the scans by overlapping and aligning common areas in software. Once aligned, several
meshes can be converted into a single mesh by merging. When merging multiple scans, overlapping
areas will be removed.

Mesh from a point cloud of a real bottle

In the application, the following terminologies are used to separate similar entities between a mesh
and a body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 16

• Poly-Face: Triangles enveloped by three poly-edges.
• Poly-Edge: Connecting edge between two poly-vertices.
• Poly-Vertex: A point which represents a position in 3D space.
• Boundary: Any opening in the mesh, where there are no triangles.

Terminology of mesh

Region Group
Region segmentation is a way to group sets of poly-faces that belong to one feature. Regions assist
in the alignment of the mesh data to the global coordinate system and in selecting a region of interest
for extracting the design intent, and converting it to a surface.

Regions can be automatically generated by analyzing curvature on the mesh. Afterwards regions can
then be modified manually if needed.

Classified regions from a mesh

Ref. Geometry
Reference geometries are used in the assistance of creating other features. These include basic
geometric entities, such as planes, vectors, coordinates, points, and polygons.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 17

 A Plane, vector and polyline from a mesh

There are various types of ref. geometries that can be created. They include:

• Ref. Plane
• Ref. Vector
• Ref. Coordinate
• Ref. Polyline
• Ref. Point

Sketch and Mesh Sketch

Most features start from generating a sketch. Sketch entities are drawn on a plane known as the base
plane. The base plane can be a ref. plane, a planar body face or a planar region.
There are two kinds of sketches in the application. One is a Sketch and the other is a Mesh Sketch. A
Sketch is used for freely drawing on a base plane in a similar fashion to other CAD software. A Mesh
Sketch is used for drawing sketch entities onto section polylines by fitting lines, arcs, and splines onto
selected polylines.

Sketch entities from a mesh

When a Mesh Sketch is generated, a suffix "(Mesh)" will be added to the end of the sketch entity's
name in the Feature Tree and the Model Tree. For example see: Sketch1 (Mesh), Sketch2 (Mesh),
Sketch3 (Mesh), etc.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 18

Section Polyline
When a Mesh Sketch is used, the base plane is used to extract a sectional profile from the mesh or
point cloud, the section polyline. Section Polylines are made from several small line segments, where
the section would intersect a triangle; the resolution of the polyline is dependent on the quality of the
mesh or point cloud. The application can automatically determine what areas of the polyline should be
lines and arcs, and users can control the resolution by using the Segment Section Polyline option in
the tool palette of Mesh Sketch.

Section polyline from a mesh

Loop
A loop is an area closed by lines or arcs on the sketch. Loops can be used for generating a closed
solid body. If several loops exist on a sketch, a single loop or multiple loops can be selected for solid
body generation.

The following example shows various solid extrusion features generated from multiple loops on a
sketch.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 19

Chain
A chain is a group of sketch entities forming a boundary or shape. A chain can be either a closed or
opened boundary. Chains can be used for generating surface bodies. If several chains exist on a
sketch, a single chain or multiple chains can be used to generate a surface body.

The following example shows various surface extrusion features generated from multiple chains on a
sketch.

3D Sketch
3D Sketch uses spline curves which can be drawn anywhere (3D Sketch) in 3D space or drawn
directly on a mesh (Mesh 3D Sketch). 3D Sketch is commonly used for the path of a loft or sweep
body. 3D Mesh Sketch is mainly used for generating a curve network on a mesh. Then surfaces can
be generated within the network boundaries.

Curve network by using 3D mesh sketch

If you generate a Mesh 3D Sketch, a suffix "(Mesh)" will be added to the end of the 3D sketch entity's
name in the Feature Tree and the Model Tree. For example, 3D Sketch1 (Mesh), 3D Sketch2 (Mesh),
3D Sketch3 (Mesh), etc.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 20

Surface Body
A body that represents a part with a set of opened surfaces, with no volume. A surface body is usually
used to represent a complex shape. Surface bodies can be made with two kinds of surfaces. The first
is a parametric surface which can be generated by using the extrude, loft, sweep, or revolve
commands. The second is a fitting surface which fits directly to a mesh by using the mesh fit,
boundary fit, or auto surfacing commands. The fitting surface is used for making freeform shapes
which are not parametric features, such as an organic natural object.

Parametric Surface Bodies Surface Bodies Generated Using Surface Bodies Generated Using
Boundary Fitting Auto Surfacing

Solid Body
A body that represents a part with a set of closed surfaces, enclosing a volume. A solid body is usually
used to represent a combination of simple base features. In the application, bodies made by using
commands in the Insert > Solid menu are registered as solid bodies.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 21

 Solid body

The following terminologies are used for a solid body and a surface body.

• Face: A single, contiguous shape.

• Edge: Defines the boundary of a face.
• Vertex: The Points at a corner of a face.

Terminology of a solid body

2.5. Introduction to the Interface

This guide is designed to help beginners understand the basic and essential usage of the user
interface of Rapidform XOR.

2.5.1. User Interface Overview

The user interface of Rapidform is designed to be easy to learn and use because it functions similarly
to other CAD software. It uses familiar tools for modeling with the addition of other unique tools for an
efficient and confidence-inspiring modeling process.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 22

The following images shows elements which are frequently used in the application.

1. Menu Bar
All functions in the application are contained in the menu bar.

2. Tool Palette
The application features different modes that allows for the generation and editing of entities with only
the appropriate functions displayed. Multiple modes are featured because the application can handle
and manipulate many different types of entities that normal CAD programs cannot. To simplify and
streamline the process there are different modes that can be used to handle the types of entities that
are being worked with.

For more detail, see the chapter User Interface > Mode.

3. Toolbar
A group of icons is called a toolbar. When icons are dimmed, they will not be available.

Toolbars can be customized by selecting Customize... in the menu that appears when the toolbar
area is right-clicked.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 23

 Opening Customize Customized toolbar

4. Feature Tree
Rapidform uses a method known as parametric history modeling. Parametric history modeling allows
the creation of objects by storing the operations used to construct the geometry, as well as the order
of the operations and their relationships to each other.

Whenever a feature such as a sketch, solid body, surface body, etc., is generated, it will be stacked in
the Feature Tree in chronological order. The Feature Tree shows all changes and created entities in
chronological order as well as the history for each change or creation. The order of features can be
altered by dragging and dropping features. It is also possible to go back to a certain point in the
modeling history by using the Rollback, Roll Forward, Roll To End commands. This type of modeling
is known as history modeling.

Changing the feature history by dragging and dropping

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 24

5. Model Tree
The Model Tree shows all created entities by categories. This pane can be used for selecting and
controlling the visibility of an entity.

Clicking the show / hide icon next to an entity will toggle between showing and hiding the entity. If a
parent entity is hidden, its child entities will also not be displayed even if they are toggled to be shown.

Hiding the 3D Sketch1 entity

6. Display, Help, Viewpoint

Display, Help, and Viewpoint are located in the same window as Feature and Model Tree. Navigate
between using the tabs at the bottom.

Display – The Display pane is used to manage how entities are displayed. For example, a model
can be set to be transparent or brightly lit. Textures, normals, faces, boundaries, etc., can be
shown or hidden as well.

Help – The Help pane shows the table of contents of the user guide. It can be navigated through
by selecting a title on the table of contents in the Help pane or by pressing the F1 key when a
command dialog tree is floating on the Model View.

Viewpoint – The Viewpoint pane can save the view states that are currently being used. It works
much like taking a picture. If a viewpoint is taken, the visible state entities and viewing direction
are saved.

7. Selection Toolbar
When poly-faces and poly-vertices are to be selected, the application offers various selection methods
to use. For example, poly-faces can be chosen by dragging a line, circle, or rectangle. Painting the
desired area on the mesh is also possible, and can be expanded to connect all poly-faces. The

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 25

selection method can be changed in this toolbar.

8. Accuracy Analyzer(TM)
The Accuracy Analyzer™ pane is very useful for checking the quality of bodies, meshes and sketches.
After a surface body is created, deviation between the scan data and the generated body can be
immediately checked. The Accuracy Analyzer™ is available in default mode, Mesh mode and all 2D /
3D Sketch modes.

In this image the deviation of created bodies to

the original mesh is shown. The green color is
the desired user-defined ideal deviation and the
red and blue colors are deviations outside of the
desired range.

9. Properties
After an entity is selected, its properties can be viewed and changed. For example, after a mesh is
selected its bounding box size and mesh color can be changed from the properties pane.

2.5.2. Understanding User Interface Philosophy

The following chapters introduce general rules when you use the application.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 26

2.5.2.1. Dialog Tree Convention
How to use a Dialog Tree
Selecting Entities to Actively Control
If a command is executed, a dialog tree will appear in the Model view. Some dialog trees require the
user to select entities for various fields in order to proceed. The active control is a box highlighted in a
yellow color by default. It indicates that the currently selected control is ready for the selection of
entities. When an entity is selected the name will be registered under the active control. To select
entities for another control, just click the desired control box to make it active.

Below are examples of what a user might typically see in a dialog tree. Each command or tool has its
own set of options in its dialog tree so the images are used as a general guideline on the layout and
different functions a user might see.

The name of the command will be at the top of the

dialog tree. In this example there are multiple stages
and the first two buttons are the Previous Stage and
Next Stage buttons that will go forward and
backward through stages. The next two buttons are
the OK and Cancel buttons to apply the command or
exit out of it.

This second example shows a command that has two

more useful buttons. The first is the Lock button. It is
used when there are multiple changes that need to
be made using the same tool. With this button
pressed, the OK button will not quit the command,
but instead restart the command again. The button
with the magnifying glass is the Preview button
which allows the user to preview changes made to a
model in real-time without actually applying the
changes.
This shows what stage a command or tool is in. A
command must have more than one stage for this
type of dialogue box to appear. The first button is the
OK button which applies changes made in the
current stage without exiting the entire command,
and the second button is the Undo button which will
deselect the last selection made.

Some options will have selection buttons that allow

selection for different parameters. This example has
two selectable parameters, but commands will vary in
how many they might have.

Option check boxes toggle different parameters on or

off.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 27

 Radio buttons are used in a dialog tree to select an
option. Only one radio button can be chosen at a
time.

This is a selection area. The input box is used to

make a selection in the viewing area. In this example
an entity labeled "teeth" has been selected. There are
two buttons next to the input box. The first is the
Select None button will delete all selected entities
and the second button is the Undo button which will
deselect the last chosen entity.

Dialog Tree Controls

The dialog tree is designed intuitively allow you complete a task; through the use of common tools. All
tools have icons; the icons are only shown if needed in a specific dialog. The following icons can be
found in the dialog tree.

Lock – If this icon is toggled the dialog tree will remain open even if the OK icon for the
command is selected. It is designed for commands that are consecutively applied several times
in a row.

Break – If an operation is executing, it can be stopped by using this button. The keyboard
shortcut is the Esc key.

Delete Selected Entities – This button will remove chosen entities.

Preview – If this button is clicked, the result of the command will be displayed without
executing it.

Enable Realtime Preview – If this button is toggled, the results of the command will be
displayed in real-time, whenever an input condition is changed.

Measure Distance, Radius, and Angle – After clicking these icons, points on the model can
be picked to extract distance, radius, and angle, respectively. The measured value is directly
inputted into the text or spin box.

Estimate – If selected, the application will automatically recommend an appropriate value.

Flip Direction – This button reverses the direction of a control.

Add – This button adds an additional entity set.

All – This button selects all entities which are available.

Auto – Some text boxes have the value of Auto. If the value is set as Auto, the application will
estimate and use an appropriate value by analyzing the size of meshes and poly-faces. If the
estimate button is selected, the estimated value can be seen. A numerical value can be
used instead of Auto. To reset to the Auto value, enter “0” as a numerical value.

2.5.2.2. Selection Convention

How to Select Entities
Look at the Cursor Icon
In the Model View, the mouse cursor has two modes. One is for the selection mode , and the other

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 28

is for the viewing mode . These can be switched by clicking the middle mouse button. Entities can
only be selected when the mouse curse is in the selection mode.

How to select entities

Dragging Selection – Clicking then dragging can be used to select a single entity or multiple
entities.

Picking Selection – A single entity can be chosen by single clicking on it.

From Feature, Model Tree – An entity or entities can be selected directly from the Feature Tree or
Model Tree.

Selecting Multiple Entities – Multiple entities can be chosen by using the Shift key during
selection. To de-select entities, use the Ctrl key.

Using Select Modes

To select a specific area to edit (or remove) poly-faces or poly-vertices can be difficult because the
mesh can be complicated and can consist of thousands or millions of vertices and faces. The Select
Mode tool bar located at the bottom left of the application enables the selection of poly-faces and
poly-vertices in a variety of ways. This tool bar can accelerate working speed while managing mesh or
point cloud data.

The last icon on the toolbar is the Visible Only selection mode that allows for only the selection of
visible poly-faces and poly-vertices in the model view. It is useful for avoiding the selection of back-
side poly-faces and poly-vertices.

Using the Select Filter

The application can create and manipulate various types of entities. For example, the application can
utilize and create meshes, regions, bodies, faces, edges, sketches, dimensions, etc. The Select Filter
command enables the selection of only desired entities and intelligently works within a command or a
chosen mode. For example, if the Smooth command is executed, only the Regions, Poly-Faces and
Poly-Vertices filters will be offered in the Select Filter toolbar based on the selectable entities for the
current input condition.

Filters can also be directly accessed by clicking the right mouse button in the Model View.

2.5.2.3. Mode Convention

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 29

Understanding Mode Convention
Accept and Cancel a Mode
When a mode is entered, two buttons will be shown in the right bottom corner of the Model view.

Accept – This button applies all changes made in the current mode, and then exits the mode.

Cancel – This button cancels all changes made in the current mode, and then exits the mode.

Undo and Redo

Undo can be applied step-by-step in a mode but if the mode is exited, the undo history will be reset.

2.5.2.4. Docking Bar Convention

Docking Bars
Docking bars are located at the left, right, and bottom sides of the application. Docking bars are used
to hide frequently used windows to make more room for the model view or if a user desires to simply
make the look of the program cleaner and more organized. These docking bars can be repositioned
by dragging and dropping a docking bar into that particular space or into another docking area. There
are icons that can be located on the right top side of a docking bar.

Auto Hide – This button hides the docking bar to the side frame. If the cursor is hovered over
the name of a docking bar, it will automatically re-appear.

Close – This button closes the docking bar. To show the docking bar again, click the right
mouse button on any tool bar area, and then check the desired docking bar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 30

To hide all current docking bars, press the F12 key, which will maximize the Model View. It is a toggle
function, so if the F12 key is pressed again, all hidden docking bars will appear.

2.5.3. Navigating Entities

Rotate, Zoom, and Pan
In the Model View, the mouse cursor has two modes. One is selection mode and the other is viewing
mode. These modes can be switched by clicking the middle mouse button. Entities can only be
selected when the mouse curse is in selection mode. The Rotate, Zoom, and Pan functions will be
explained below for each mode.

In Selection Mode
Rotate – Right mouse button
Zoom – Shift + Right mouse button (or scroll wheel)
Pan – Ctrl + Right mouse button (or Left and Right mouse buttons together)

In Viewing Mode
Rotate – Left mouse button (or Right mouse button)
Zoom – Shift + Left or Right mouse button (or scroll wheel)
Pan – Ctrl + Left or Right mouse button (or Left and Right mouse buttons together)

Note: The cursor operates similarly in viewing mode as it does in selection mode, except it does
not have the ability to select or make changes to any entities. The purpose of viewing mode is to
simply view the model; and avoid making any selections, or unwanted alterations.

In the images below a model is shown being rotated with the cursor in selection mode.

1 In this image, the mouse is in selection

mode. Entities can be selected and
modified.

2 In this image, the right mouse button is

pressed and held down, while the mouse is
moved; transforming the cursor into the
rotate mode cursor.

3 In this image, the right mouse button has

been released, stopping the rotation of the
model, and returning the mouse cursor
back to its default selection state.

Using Zoom Functions

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 31

The Zoom functions are used to enlarge the display of an area, in order to examine it more closely or
to fit a model to the screen. There are four types of zoom functions which can be accessed from the
tool bar, or by using the View > Zoom menu.

In the first image below, the model is open in the viewing area. In the second image the PIP zoom
function has been selected, as highlighted in red, allowing a portion of the model to be enlarged for
examination.

Below are the different Zoom commands and their functions:

Zoom Area – Zooms to a selected area. (Shift + Z)

Zoom Previous – Returns to previous zoom states. (Shift + X)

Zoom Fit – Zooms to fit all shown entities. (Ctrl + F)

Zoom PIP – Shows zoom window, picture-in-picture. (Ctrl + W)

Changing Viewpoints
Viewpoint functions are used to view the model from defined directions, based on the global
coordinate system. Different viewpoints can be selected from the tool bar, or by using the View >
Viewpoint menu.

In the first image below, a model is shown in a random view orientation. Using the selected viewpoint,
highlighted in red in the second image, the model view is rotated and perfectly aligned to the Front
view, based on the global coordinate system.

Below are the different viewpoints and their functions:

Front Viewpoint – Changes viewpoint to the front view. (Alt + 1)

Back Viewpoint – Changes viewpoint to the back view. (Alt + 2)

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 32

 Left Viewpoint – Changes viewpoint to the left view. (Alt + 3)

Right Viewpoint – Changes viewpoint to the right view. (Alt + 4)

Top Viewpoint – Changes viewpoint to the top view. (Alt + 5)

Bottom Viewpoint – Changes viewpoint to the back view. (Alt + 6)

Isometric Viewpoint – Changes viewpoint to a standard isometric view. (Alt + 7)

Rotate Viewpoint CCW – Rotates the viewpoint counterclockwise by a quarter-turn (90 degrees).

Rotate Viewpoint CW – Rotates the viewpoint clockwise by a quarter-turn (90 degrees).

Flip Viewpoint – Flips the viewpoint horizontally along the vertical axis.

Showing and Hiding Entities

The application can handle many types of entities; but sometimes the need to filter out certain entities
is required. The Visibility toolbar can show and hide the most frequently used entities, to reduce the
number of on-screen elements. Entities can quickly be shown or hidden by clicking icons in the tool
bar or by using the View > Visibility menu.

In the first image below, only surface bodies are shown by the Visibility toolbar. In the second picture,
meshes have also been shown.

Below are the different visibility options and their functions:

Meshes – Show or hide meshes. (Ctrl + 1)

Point Clouds – Show or hide point clouds. (Ctrl + 3)

Surface Bodies – Show or hide surface bodies. (Ctrl + 4)

Solid Bodies – Show or hide solid bodies. (Ctrl + 5)

Sketches – Show or hide sketches. (Ctrl + 6)

3D Sketches – Show or hide 3D sketches. (Ctrl + 7)

Ref. Points – Show or hide Ref. points. (Ctrl + 8)

Ref. Vectors – Show or hide Ref. vectors. (Ctrl + 9)

Ref. Planes – Show or hide Ref. planes. (Ctrl + 0)

Ref. Polylines – Show or hide Ref. polylines.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 33

 Ref. Coordinates – Show or hide Ref. coordinates.

Measurements – Show or hide Measurements.

2.6. Data Processing

This guide is designed to help beginners understand how to import and export data; and basic
workflow from scan data to CAD data, which will be your final destination.

2.6.1. Changing Units

When installing the software, the default measurement unit will be set to "mm" when measuring in the
software and importing scan data. If the working environment uses a different measurement unit than
"mm", the unit type can be changed in the application.

Setting Unit Type After Software Installation

When running the application for the first time after installation, the Initial Setup Dialog box will be
displayed which will enable the setup of general configurations. Unit system measurements can be
changed under the Unit category in the dialog box. The Default Input (Scanner) Unit option is
applied only when importing scan data but Default Measure Unit governs all measurement and
display units shown while using the application.

Setting Unit Type While Using the Application

This Initial Setup Dialog box will only be shown once during the initial start up, but you can change
settings at anytime while the application is running. Go to File > Preferences and click the General
tab. System units can be changed under the Unit category.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 34

 Note: The software environment can be setup in the Preferences box for better performance
and ease of use. For more detail see File > Preferences.

Setting Unit Type While Importing Scan Data

Scan data is usually stored in files as unit-less data, meaning no unit is specified, unlike CAD files.
Most scanners can only capture data in either millimeters (mm) or meters (m). If your scanner
supports measurement in another unit, you can set that unit globally from the Preferences. Otherwise,
you can change the unit in the Import dialog box for files on a case by case basis.

If an imported scan data part is very small or large, it could cause problems while generating features
based on the mesh. If this occurs, the application will show the ‘Confirm Input (Scanner) Unit’ dialog
box to verify the input measurement unit of the scan data. Normally long range scan data is very large
in size and located very far from the global origin. If this type of file is to be imported, it is
recommended to import the scan data with the Double Precision option to preserve the accuracy of
the scan data.

Note: After scan data is imported you can also change the default measurement unit type. Go to
Tools > Scan Tools > Transform Scan Data and check the Scale option to change the scan

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 35

 data default measurement unit.

2.6.2. Importing Scan Data

Settings for Favorite File Format
The first step of mesh modeling and reverse engineering is to import scan data. The application
supports not only standard mesh formats, but also various scan data formats from multiple scanner
types and manufacturers.
When scan data is imported, many kinds of file formats are available in the drop-down list box. If a
scanner format is not frequently used it can be removed from the drop-down list box by setting the
value to False in the File I/O tab in File > Preferences. Values can be changed between True and
False at any time.

Note: Some OEM products have limitations on importing other scan data formats.

Importing Scan Data

To import scan data, use the Insert > Import command. The Insert menu adds features in the Feature
Tree, and constructs a history. Importing scan data is also treated as a feature in the history tree.
Single or multiple scan data files can be imported through the Import dialog box.

Using Importing Options

Certain parameters can be set during the import process. If importing mesh data as point data is

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 36

desired, check the Use Custom Setting and the Point Only options in the Import dialog box. If a
scan data file is very large in point density and importing it as a lower is desired, the Sampling Ratio
option can be used.

The following image shows imported scan data in the application.

After importing scan data, the following workflows can be used:

• Basic Scan Data Processing Workflow: Generate, edit, and enhance a mesh for FEM, RP, and
visualization.
• Basic Reverse Modeling Workflow: Generate surface or solid bodies for reverse engineering.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 37

2.6.3. Basic Scan Data Processing Workflow

Note:
1. If a mesh is imported, the "Triangulation" stage can be skipped.
2. The "Align" stage can use not only meshes, but also point clouds (for best results, mesh data
is recommended).
3. The "Merge" stage can only be used with point clouds, however a mesh will be generated.
The "Triangulation" to "Optimization" commands can be completed in a single command by using
the Mesh Buildup Wizard. (See. Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard)

Import
Imports scan data. The scan data can be point clouds or meshes.
• Related command: Insert > Import

Triangulation
Generate a polygon model by connecting neighboring points in a point cloud. The result is called a
mesh. If scan data is already in mesh form, this stage not necessary.
• Related command: Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate

Align
Align scan shots to each other, by overlapping the common.
• Related command: Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan Data

Merge
Uses the overlapped scan shots from the align stage and removes overlapped areas while sewing the
remaining areas to create a single mesh.
• Related command: Tools > Scan Tools > Merge

Optimization
A mesh can be modified to a desired level of optimization. Erroneous triangles and holes on a mesh
can be removed to make a water-tight mesh and the shape of the triangles can be optimized by
unifying them. As well, the number of triangles can be reduced or increased. A mesh also can be
reconstructed by cutting, offsetting, re-scanning, etc.
• Related command: Tools > Mesh Tools

CAD (Reverse Design)

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 38

When a user desires to make a complete mesh, this stage is not necessary. However if CAD data is
the goal, there are two methods. The first is to make a fitting surface by wrapping surfaces on a mesh.
With this method the quality of a surface is directly related to the quality of the mesh. The second
method is parametric CAD modeling. By extracting design intent from the features on a mesh, ideal
solid or surface bodies can be created. With this method, the quality of the mesh is not critical but it
needs enough details to analyze a feature.
• Related command:
º Fitting Surface Generation: Insert > Surface > Mesh Fit, Boundary Fit, Auto Surfacing
º Parametric CAD Generation: Insert > Solid, Surface, Modeling Wizard, Modeling Feature

2.6.4. Basic Reverse Design Workflow

General product design follows several processes, usually separated by job discipline. Reverse
Design, however, is much more linear. After the scanning process, to capture the shape of a part, the
modeling process can begin. The modeling process can be divided into three processes, Extracting
Design Intent, Reverse Modeling, and Model Verification. Model Verification is used to check in-
progress work, and the cycle repeats often, created a closed loop system.

Reverse Design Process

Extracting Design Intent Process

Design Intent is the original idea of the designer, how he intended something to work. The best results
are achieved by uncovering and using that Design Intent in the mode. See the examples in the image
below.
Any design elements extracted from the scan data will be helpful in completing the modeling process.
For example, if a scanned 3D object has cylindrical or conical features, a rotational axis can be
automatically or semi-automatically be extracted. A central path from a scanned pipe shape can also
be extracted, as well as an accurate radius value from a fillet region in a scanned 3D object.

Extracting design elements from 3D Scan Data

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 39

Reverse Modeling Process
The Reverse Modeling process is the process of creating an optimal 3D model from 3D scan data
(Point Cloud or Mesh), that is generated during the Scan Data Processing phase. This process is the
core of Reverse Design, where optimized mesh and 3D features, such as 3D curves, 3D surfaces,
and 3D solid bodies, are created by using various modeling methods.

The Mesh Modeling method creates an optimized mesh that contains important information by
applying various geometric and mathematical operations.
The Feature Modeling method creates 3D geometric feature shapes based on extracted design intent
and elements from 3D scan data
The Fitting Surface Modeling method creates fitted freeform surfaces on complex freeform feature
shapes.
The Hybrid Modeling method creates a complex feature model from 3D scan data by using the
Feature Modeling method in conjunction with the Fitting Surface Modeling method.

Various modeling methods based on Reverse Design intents

Model Verification Process

The Model Verification process is the process of analyzing intermediate and final modes with raw 3D
scan data and verifying the results, as shown in the image below.
In this process, the analysis of deviation between the intermediate and final results created in the
Reverse Modeling process and raw 3D scan data can be performed. Additionally, the model can be
check for problems or defects that would make it undesirable for manufacturing. The analyzed results
can be used for creating an optimal 3D model within allowable design tolerances.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Getting Started 40

 Model Verification

2.6.5. Exporting a Model

Export
Data can be exported out of the application in a variety of formats. Many multi-platform formats are
offered, as well as some program-specific formats. Exporting can be done through the File > Export
command or pop-up menu on the Model Tree to save the entity as a specific file format, ready for
manipulation in another program.

LiveTransfer
The File > LiveTransfer command which is a unique Rapidform function that allows the real-time
transfer of data into other CAD applications. You can export not only CAD data but also its modeling
history which includes paramedic information.

The following CAD application is supported under the LiveTransfer command.

• SolidWorks
• Siemens NX
• Creo (Pro/E)
• AutoCAD
• Inventor

3. Understanding Scan Data

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 41
This guide is designed to help beginners understand the basic information about the characteristics of
scan data when deal with in the application.

3.1. Why 3D Scanning?

3D scanning is getting popular in various fields, and its usage is different for each purpose. This
means that there are different kinds of scan data, and many details to understand. This guide will give
basic information of 3D scan data for you to understand.

3.1.1. Power of 3D Scan Data

A 3D scanner is a device that captures a real object or environment as 3D shape data. The collected
3D information is converted into digital data commonly called 3D scan data or scan data. 3D scan
data is a set of points. A point represents a location on a real object and contains the X, Y, and Z
coordinates. Numerous points can be used to describe a real object. For example, a digital photo with
a high resolution pixel count can represent the detailed shape of a real object.

3D scan data by resolution

A point set, also known as a point cloud, can be converted into an informative digital model with
software operations and used in various industrial fields. 3D scan data has the following strengths:
• Quickly create digital versions of real objects
• Accuracy
• Capture complex freeform surfaces
• Capture small to large scale objects (depending on
3D scanner)
• Obtain color information (depending on 3D scanner)
• Simulate environments and situations
• Change to different scales and measurements easily
• Easily extract length, height, width, volume and
position data
• Extract sectional information
• Compatibility in a general PC environment

3.1.2. Applications of 3D Scan Data

Since 3D scan data can represent a real object with high accuracy, it is used for various purposes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 42

The use of scan data is also increasingly expanding to custom markets as scan technology becomes
easier to use and more intuitive. Currently, 3D scan data is used primarily for the following purposes:

3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping (RP)

The technology of 3D Printing or Rapid Prototyping (RP) can create a quick physical mockup of digital
3D data (generally .stl data is used) by laying down successive layers of material using sectional
information of a model. Using RP, product designers can make a mockup faster than with other
conventional manufacturing technologies, such as NC machining. A mockup can be used to analyze a
part, check collisions with other parts, decide ergonomic designs, and reduce design iterations;
amongst other uses.

Reverse Design
The process of making CAD data from a real object is called reverse designing. A real-world model is
not ideal to use in designing CAD environment, because it can be deformed by heat, stress and
abrasion, causing the 3D scan data of that model to also include those deformities. Depending on the
purpose, the decision to make a CAD file with an objects deformed shape, or redesigning it by
extracting design intent is important to consider.

Measurement and Inspection

3D scan data is increasingly used for metrology or inspection. The more accurate points that are used
to measure a feature will increase the credibility of an inspection. The scan data of a manufactured
part can be aligned with its CAD model (nominal data), and subsequently compared to check for
differences and whether or not they pass/fail within set tolerances.

Medical
3D scan data is used in the medical field to make customized teeth, organs, and other vital parts for a
patient. For example, a 3D scanner can scan a patient's dental features and generate a digital model,
in order to create a treatment and to simulate tooth movement. 3D scanners are changing the
traditional dental treatment methods used to generate dental impressions and handmade artificial
teeth.

Cultural Heritage
The cultural heritage domain also uses cutting-edge 3D scanning technology. 3D scanners can
generate accurate 3D files which can be used to restore historic buildings and objects. 3D scan data
is also used to simulate or visualize historic places.

Entertainment
The entertainment and video game industry also uses 3D scanners to reduce modeling time and
make more realistic 3D graphics. Scanning a real object or a human is much faster than modeling
them in 3D graphics software by hand.

Survey
Traditionally, the construction and civil engineering fields relied heavily on surveying, but it took too
much time and the workers would be exposed to the environment being surveyed. Even using these
methods there was often a lack of information, which caused delays in schedules and generated
additional costs. 3D scan technology is now used in these types of projects by removing uncertainty,
finishing the project quickly, and reducing costs.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 43

3.1.3. Is 3D Scanning the Only Step in Creating a
CAD-Ready File?
When a user has never experienced 3D scanning before they might think that after scanning an
object, a CAD-ready data file will be generated instantly. The truth is that CAD systems cannot handle
millions or even thousands of data points. This might confuse a first-time user because 3D scan data
is displayed in 3D on a PC; however, 3D scanning is not the end of the design process to create a
CAD-ready file, but just the first step. 3D scan data is merely raw information with a large number of
points pertaining to the surface of an object, and usually not directly usable without further
intervention. 3D scan data usually needs to be processed to be useful and can be done in scan data
processing software, such as Rapidform XOR. This type of software is necessary to quickly and
accurately get a high quality mesh or CAD model. Rapidform XOR is the best tool available to
transform raw scan data into valuable CAD-ready data.

Rapidform XOR has the following features that are useful in processing raw scan data:

Point Cloud & Mesh Cleanup – Remove unnecessary scanned areas, outliers, and heal point
clouds and meshes.
• Automatic point cloud/mesh healing & cleaning
• Automatic scan data processing from multiple point clouds into qualified mesh – Mesh
Buildup Wizard™
• Creation of watertight and optimized mesh from raw scan data just with one click – Rewrap™
• Automatic hole filling with curvature continuity

Best-in-class Point Cloud & Mesh Operations – Change resolution, optimize triangle size, edit
shape, and make a water-tight mesh.
• Cross sectioning of freeform curve designs with point clouds and meshes
• Instant mesh optimization for direct use in RP, CAM & CAE
• Detailed resolution controls (decimate & subdivide)
• Smoothness controls (global & local smoothing)
• Professional and highly interactive point cloud/mesh editing tools
• Powerful operations such as remove marker, de-feature, hole filling, fix boundary, smooth
boundary, fit boundary, fit region to analytic shape, split & trim, divide, thicken, offset, etc.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 44

 Direct Color Texture Editing – Add texture or modify texture for visualization.
• Color-texture aware mesh operation and texture preservation
• Color parameter adjustments and editing
• Automatic color balancing between multiple scans
• Single texture creation from multiple textures while minimizing mosaic textures
• 3D data compression and streaming for web publishing

Align Wizard™ – Align scan data to the global coordinate system.

• Wizard for aligning 3D scan data to an candidate design coordinate system automatically
• Highly interactive toolset for coordinate alignment
• Multiple alignment methods, such as Quick Fit, Best Fit, 3-2-1, Datum, By Ref. Coordinates,
etc.

Accuracy Analyzer™ – Analyze deviation between original and modified model at any time.
• Redesign within user-defined allowable tolerances
• Automatic and real-time error visualization
• Diverse object sensitive analysis tools (mesh to mesh, mesh to CAD, etc.)

Quick Mesh-to-Surface – Generate a CAD by fitting surfaces to a mesh.

• Intelligent primitive (reference geometry) extraction from point clouds and meshes
• Automatic shrink wrapped surface model generation
• Optimized representations of original mesh data with negligible deviation error
• Interactive mesh-fit surfacing (region fit & boundary fit)

Sophisticated Curve Tools – Generate 3D curves on a mesh or 2D section curves.

• Automatic extraction of design curve and feature curve from mesh
• Intelligent dimensioning & constraining
• Comprehensive 3D curve design tools e.g. section curves
• Intelligent real-time geometry recognition
• Curvature-based curve network design

LiveScan™ & Direct Interface with 3D Scanning Devices – Direct interface with 3D scanners
for real-time scanning.
• Real-time scanning
• Scan and generate design features on-the-fly
• Allows digitizing with a hard probe

3.2. Types of 3D Scan Data

3D scan data can be a point cloud or a mesh. The point cloud is a raw file type from a scanner but
many scanning software can convert it to a mesh data. Both data types can be used to reach a final
goal. This guide will give you detail information regarding a point cloud and mesh.

3.2.1. Understanding Point Clouds

A point cloud is a representative data type which is composed of a group of vertices in a three-
dimensional coordinate system. Each vertex is defined by the X, Y, and Z coordinates; and
corresponds to one position on the surface of an object. While point clouds can be directly visualized
on a PC, they are not generally directly usable in most 3D applications. Point clouds usually need to
be converted into mesh models or CAD models through processes referred to as mesh modeling, or
reverse designing.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 45

Point Cloud by Data Type
The file type that a scanner creates will differ based on the type of scanner used. The following are
the different classifications for internal structures of point clouds.

Random-type point cloud

This type contains only random position information (no
relationship between points), and basic information such as
color and normal can be added. Generally, neutral data
(ascii format) or CMM data belong to this group type.

Grid-type point cloud

As measured points are extracted from a scanner's grid
pattern, points will also be extracted from the corners of the
grid. Points are marked with an X-Y index and each index
has a depth to the scanning direction. This type of scan
data can be a 2.5D image (image + distance on each pixel)
using the projection direction and the scanning position.
Generally, structured light and long range scanner produce
this type of point cloud. A grid type point cloud can easily be
converted into a mesh by projecting onto a planar,
cylindrical, or spherical coordinate used with the scanner.

Line-type point cloud

Generally, an arm-type device with a laser scanner or a
hand held scanner produces a line type point cloud. The
device emits dozens of lines of lasers every second and
point clouds are gathered from the scanning trace on the
surface of an object. The point density will be different
depending on the line direction and the scanning speed,
therefore the post processing to generate a mesh from the
point cloud can be more difficult.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 46

Point Cloud with Normal
The normal is a perpendicular vector to a plane. In the case of a rounded surface, the normal is a
perpendicular vector to a tangential plane on a position of the rounded surface.

If a point cloud has normal information, it can be very helpful for visualizing a model. Normal
information is used for shading a model by analyzing the incidence angles and reflection angles of
light on a point. Normal information is also used to determine the front or back of a surface. This is
very important to accurately find and calculate face pairs between scan data and CAD data,
especially in the inspection software. The following image shows a shaded point cloud in the software.

Display of Point Cloud with Normal Information

If a point cloud does not include normal information, the scan data will only be a group of points
displayed in a single color. Recognizing features and working with such scan data can be difficult and
tedious. The following image shows a point cloud without normal information.

Display of Point Cloud without Normal Information

A point cloud without normal information also can be visualized by the “depth shading” method, but
the effect is not as effective as a point cloud with normal information. The closer points are displayed
in black and the points farther away are display in gray in relation from the viewing direction. This
method cannot determine the front or back of a surface but is still more helpful for feature recognition
than displaying with no shading at all. The following image shows the depth shading method on a
point cloud which does not have normal information.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 47

 Display of Point Cloud without Normal Information
- Depth Shading

Point Cloud with Textures

A point cloud has not only three-dimensional coordinates, but also R, G, and B color information for
each point. Rapidform uses this color information as a texture. A point cloud with color information can
be used to generate realistic visuals and help users to recognize complex features. A textured point
cloud is very efficient and easy to use for a continuous work flow.

Point Cloud with Textures Point Cloud without Textures

3.2.2. Understanding Mesh

A mesh is polyhedron-based 3D digital data which consists of points, edges, and faces (usually
triangles). The mesh is frequently used in CAD/CAM/CAE and 3D computer graphics programs. A 3D
scanning application generally uses a mesh which is created from a scanned point cloud.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 48

Modern graphic cards are not optimized for rendering point clouds but have advanced technology to
display meshes. Therefore meshes often more advantages in regards to a smooth visualization of
complex surfaces and structures of an object. The triangulation, or meshing, is a process to connect 3
points and construct surface. When connecting points, the edge length can be an important
parameter to make a correct object shape.

What is a Perfect Mesh?

Erroneous Data
A mesh represents a surface by successively connected triangles. However, erroneous triangles
such as non-manifold, redundant, crossing, and reversed triangles cannot make a complete mesh.
These errors should be removed because they will affect the downstream workflow, i.e. RP, NC
machining, FEM (finite element method), and fitting surfacing for reverse design. The following
examples show errors on a mesh.

• Non-manifold Triangle – a single edge shared by three or more triangles

• Redundant Triangle – ignoring boundaries, a point must have an identical number of triangles
and connecting edges
• Crossing Triangle – edges sharing a poly-vertex intersection with one another
• Reversed Triangle – opposite normal direction to neighboring triangles

Non-manifold Triangle Redundant Triangle

Crossing Triangle Reversed Triangle

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 49

Proper Shape of Triangle
The shape of a triangle is important for quality results. The aspect ratio, or the width to height on a
single triangle, should not be large. A triangle with a high aspect ratio will appear as a very thin and
sharp triangle, and can produce errors when using a model for RP, NC machining, FEM and fitting
surfacing. The ideal shape for a triangle is an equilateral triangle.

Noise on Mesh
The scan data may have noise produced by a scanner. For example when you scan a very shiny
object, the reflection generates noise. The noisy data generate a rough surface on the mesh. These
noises can be reduced by the smoothing algorithm in the software, that removes spiky points by
averaging with surrounding points. However, strong smoothness may removes sharp edges and
change feature accuracy.

Removing noise by smoothing

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 50

 Mesh and Resolution
A high resolution mesh generates a large file size and using it in software is not easy. Conversely, a
low resolution mesh is easy to use in software but cannot adequately represent the feature
information of an object. An ideal mesh should sufficiently express features with the minimum
amount of triangles within a desired tolerance. A high curvature area will usually have a dense
triangles structure and a low curvature area will usually have a sparse triangle structure. Noise and
defects should also be removed from the mesh.

Resolution is too low, making the model lack information and causing uniformity issues.

Is an ideal mesh always necessary?

Is an ideal mesh always necessary? Not always. Depending on what the end goal is for mesh, the
modeling result can be different. For example, if the purpose of modeling is for RP, NC machining
and fitting surfaces; holes and twisted, erroneous triangles should be removed. If the purpose of
modeling is for FEM, uniform triangles are ideal. If parametric modeling or inspection is the goal,
obtaining a mesh from raw data with as few deformities is ideal, and significant features should be
present on the mesh.

Mesh and Texture

As a point cloud can include texture information, a mesh can also include texture information. In the
following image, the left example shows a mesh without texture and the right example shows a mesh
with texture. The image illustrates how a mesh with color information can generate realistic visuals.

Mesh only and colored mesh

There are two methods to express colors on a mesh. The first one is to use an image file (jpg, bmp,
etc) since each point has mapping information on a bit map, allowing color to be smoothly filled
between points. The second method is using the R, G and B color values of points or triangles. In the
case of a dense mesh, it can be sufficient for visualization, but for sparse areas color information will
be missing and the displayed output will not look natural. If a mesh has texture information, it can be
converted from an image to a point color, and vice versa.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 51

What Can Generate a Mesh?
A mesh can be converted from scan data by the triangulation process and is commonly used in CAD,
CAM, CAE and computer graphics. The following software can generate a mesh.
• Scan bundle software can often generate a mesh from a point cloud.
• Special scan data software, such as Rapidform XOR, can generate and modify a mesh.
• CAD, CAM, CAE software can generate mesh such as .stl format file.
• 3D computer graphics software can generate and do mesh modeling.

3.2.3. Mesh vs. Point Cloud

Mesh
Scan data is basically a collection of 3D points (point cloud). It can be converted into a mesh by
connecting adjacent points with triangles, which are the simplest unit of a face. Generally mesh has
the following advantages over using a point cloud:

• Can recognize features intuitively

• Can distinguish front and back faces
• Can measure the curvature of a surface
• Can apply environment mapping
• Can measure volume
• Can easily extract neighboring point and triangle information
• Can accurately calculate alignment between scan data
• Can be directly used in RP, FEM, and NC machining
• Can be used for reverse design
• Can be used for metrology or inspection
• Can be used for visualization and documentation
• Can be used for animation

Mesh for a complex model

Point Clouds
A point cloud can contain additional normal or color information for each point or the information can
be omitted. Constructing a shape from a lower resolution point cloud may be difficult due to the lack of
data, however using a high resolution point cloud can actually aide in the visualization of an object in
comparison to using mesh. If a point cloud is converted to mesh, the advantages of a mesh can be
used. However long range scan data is usually a very large file size and triangulation can be very
difficult. The processing time may be lengthy, and the results can be difficult to predict. If the purpose

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Scan Data 52

of using long range scan data is for CAD modeling, it is more efficient to do parametric CAD modeling
with a point cloud instead of mesh or partially convert a point cloud into a mesh. The benefits of using
point clouds are as follows:

• Can handle larger data files

• Can do simple measuring
• Can be used for reverse design
• Can be used for surveying
• Can be used for metrology or inspection
• Can be used for visualization and documentation

Visualization of Point Cloud

4. Understanding Reverse Design

4.1. What is Reverse Design?

Reverse Design is the technology of creating digitized design data to be used for the creation of
products from a real object as shown in the image below.

The Reverse Design shown below was internally done by leading technology manufacturers as a
unique design technique. The traditional design process is the creation of a final product through a
chosen design process, such as concept designing or detailed designing used to create "something"
from "nothing". The Reverse Design process can create valuable design data by capturing digitized
shape information from a real object by using 3D scanning technologies, such as CMMs (Coordinate-
Measuring Machine), laser scanners, structured light digitizers, or Industrial CT Scanning (computed
tomography). Design intent can be extracted from shape information.

Reverse Design from a Real Object

Reverse Designing is widely used in manufacturing fields such as automotive, aerospace, medical,

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Reverse Design 53

etc., as well as graphics fields such as game design, animation, computer graphics, etc. In the field of
manufacturing, reverse design is being effectively applied to product design, development, production,
and quality management, and has seen a key role in reducing overall product development cycle
times.

Reverse Design is used in:

• Duplicating a target product for which no drawings or CAD data exists

• Manufacturing of a new product with enhanced functions based on an existing product
• Designing a new product from a mock-up model or clay model in the automotive industry, where
aesthetic design factors are critical
• Customizing products fitted for the human body (Mass Customization)
• Reconstructing damaged cultural assets
• Using digitized shape information for animation
• Manufacturing a products in the medical or dental fields
• Analyzing design elements from competitors' products

4.2. Reverse Modeling Strategy

The Reverse Modeling process is the process of creating the best 3D model from the 3D scan data
(Point Cloud or Mesh) generated in the Scan Data Processing phase.

Various modeling methods in Reverse Modeling process

These methods can be used solely or mixed with the other methods depending on the desired output.

Mesh Modeling
Purpose
Creating an optimized mesh from 3D scan data

Benefit
You can create the best mesh from 3D scan data by cleaning defects, filling missing holes,
modifying its shape, and optimizing mesh structure, according to the purpose of utilizing.

What is it useful for

• Analyzing the model shape
• Creating a reference prototype model by using Rapid Prototyping technologies

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Reverse Design 54

 Parametric Feature Modeling
Purpose
Creating a 3D feature model based on the analyzed design intent and elements from 3D scan data

Benefit
You can define features with parameters based on the analyzed design intent and elements from 3D
scanned object. The created features can be reused, redefined, modified, and translated by
controlling parameters.

What is it useful for

• Manufacturing a new product with enhanced functions based on existing product
• Duplicating the target product which does not have a CAD model
• Analyzing design elements of another part or product

Fitting Surface Modeling

Purpose
Creating a 3D freeform model based on the optimized mesh from 3D scan data

Benefit
You can effectively and rapidly extract an accurate freeform surface from the shape of a 3D scanned
object, by using various tools; such as Auto Surfacing, Mesh Fitting, and Boundary Fitting.

What is it useful for

• Creating outer forms of aesthetic model, such as car bodies and outer cover of consumer
products
• Customizing a new product to be fitted for the human body (Mass Customization)
• Manufacturing a new product based on the human body shape in the medical or dental fields
• Reconstructing the damaged cultural assets
• Creating animations from digitized shapes

Hybrid Modeling
Purpose
Creating a complex 3D model from 3D scan data

Benefit
You can rapidly create a complex 3D feature model by mixing parametric features created by using
Parametric Feature Modeling method and freeform surfaces created by using Fitting Surface
Modeling method. The resulting 3D feature model can be reused, redefined, modified, and
translated by controlling parameters maintaining its outer freeform shape.

What is it useful for

• Designing a new product from a mock-up or clay model
• Designing a new product for assembly

4.2.1. Mesh Modeling

The Mesh Modeling method can be used to create an optimized mesh from a 3D scan of an object.

When can I use this modeling method?

The Mesh Modeling method can be used for analyzing the shape of a model and creating a reference
prototype model with Rapid Prototyping technologies. It can also be used to optimize mesh for use as
a graphic model in animations, or for use as raw data in creating 3D feature models.

The tools that are used for creating optimized meshes from 3D scan data can be divided into 4

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Reverse Design 55

different types, as listed below:

Cleaning Tool – Used for deleting data and healing defects (abnormal poly-faces) from 3D scan
data (Point Cloud or Mesh)

Cleaning Mesh

Editing Tool – Used for filling missing holes that could be generated by shadows from other
features, to smooth the roughness of a mesh, or to re-arrange its boundaries.

Editing Mesh

Modifying Tool – Can be used to add thickness to a model or to modify its shape (like split, mirror,
merge, subtract, intersect, etc.)

Modifying Mesh

Optimizing Tool – Used to optimize the topology of faces on a mesh or to create a watertight mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Understanding Reverse Design 56

 Optimizing Mesh

These tools can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other tools to optimize mesh based on
the desired outcome during the Mesh Modeling process.

4.2.2. Parametric Feature Modeling

The Parametric Feature Modeling method can be used to create 3D feature models based on design
intent and elements from 3D scanned objects.

When is this modeling method useful?

The Parametric Feature Modeling method based on Parametric Modeling Technology (see: Note) is
used for manufacturing a new product with enhanced functions based on an existing product. It can
also be used to duplicate a target product which does not have a drawing.

This method consists of 3 different sub-methods for creating a 3D feature model. The methods are:

2D/3D Sketching method – Extracts 2D section profiles or 3D curves from 3D scan data.

Extracting 2D Section Sketch Profiles From Mesh

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Feature Modeling method – Creates a 3D CAD-ready feature model by using sketch profiles.

Creating Features by using the Extracted Sketch Profiles

Editing method – Combines created features or subtracts features by using geometric and
mathematic operations, and modifies the created features by controlling the defined dimensions.

Completing a 3D CAD feature model by combining the created features

Note: Parametric Modeling Technology

Parametric Modeling Technology is based on design intent, and is a unique technique in the
Reverse Design process. It sets the parameters required for defining features based on the
design intent and creates 3D features using those parameters.
Design data can be prepared for a final product by modifying design iterations, trying out, and
reviewing the results throughout the design process. The design data is managed in the same
database throughout the product development process from the manufacturing stage through the
analyzing stage; and finally ending with the evaluation stage. Design data modeled with
Parametric Modeling Technology can be easily modified and reviewed according to the results of

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 the product development process. The features managed by the parameters in the design data
can be reused, redefined, modified, translated, and updated by controlling the parameters for
each one. With parametric Modeling Technology, development time and cost can be effectively
reduced in the creation of a product.

4.2.3. Fitting Surface Modeling

The Fitting Surface Modeling method can be used for creating a 3D freeform model based on an
optimized mesh from a 3D scanned object.

When can I use this modeling method?

This Fitting Surface Modeling method with Surface Fitting Technology (See Note 1.) is mainly used for
quickly and effectively creating outer forms of aesthetic models, such as car bodies and outer covers
of consumer products. It is also used for customizing new products to be fitted for the human body
(Mass Customization), manufacturing new products based on the human body shape in the medical
or dental fields, reconstructing damaged cultural assets, using digitized shape information for
animations, etc.

The Fitting Surface Method consists of 3 different sub-methods.

The 3 sub-methods are:

Curve Networking method – Constructs a curve network by connecting 3D curve loops projected
onto freeform regions on a mesh.

Constructing curve network on the mesh

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 Surface Fitting method – Fits surface patches within a constructed curve network and creates a
freeform surface body by connecting the surface patches.

Fitting Surface on the mesh

Editing method – combines created surface bodies or subtracts surface bodies by using geometric
and mathematic operations.

Editing Features

Note: Surface Fitting Technology

Surface Fitting Technology is a unique technique in the Reverse Design process that provides an
effective way to easily and quickly create 3D freeform surface bodies from a freeform mesh
shape. It creates surface patches by projecting uniform points within curve loops constructed on
a freeform mesh shape, and fitting to the projected points. A 3D freeform surface body is created
by connecting fitted surface patches. This technique is usually used for creating a highly accurate
3D freeform surface body from 3D scan data.

4.2.4. Hybrid Modeling

The Hybrid Modeling method is used to create complex 3D models based on the design intent and
elements of a 3D scanned object or 3D mesh shape.

When can I use this modeling method?

The Hybrid Modeling method mixes with both Parametric Modeling Technology and Surface Fitting
Technology; and can be used for managing overall feature shape information as well as design
parameters from complex models. It can also be used when designing new products for assembly or
designing new products from mock-up models or clay models, especially in the automotive industry or

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other industries where aesthetic design factors are critical.

This method consists of 5 different sub-methods. The 5 sub-methods are:

• 2D/3D Sketching method: Extracts 2D section profiles or 3D curves from the 3D scan data.
• Feature Modeling method: Creates a 3D CAD feature model by using the sketch profiles.
• Curve Networking method: Constructs a curve network by connecting 3D curve loops projected
on the freeform region in the mesh.
• Surface Fitting method: Fits surface patches within a constructed curve network and creates a
freeform surface body by connecting the surface patches.
• Editing method: Combines the created features or subtracts features, using geometric and
mathematic operations.

Creating a complex 3D Model by using the Hybrid Modeling method

4.3. Powerful Tools for Reverse Modeling

Rapidform XOR provides various tools to quickly and effectively create the best 3D parametric CAD
model from the 3D scan data.

These tools are unique, innovative, and intelligent; and provide the best reverse design process. You
can automatically extract design intent; process parameters, and geometric information from the 3D
scan data by using these tools, and quickly create a 3D parametric feature model. Furthermore, the
created 3D parametric model with history and design parameters can be transferred to the other CAD
systems, and it can be managed in the CAD system.

The following tools are innovative and intelligent tools provided in Rapidform XOR:
• Automatic scan data processing tool for creating a watertight mesh from raw 3D scan data - Mesh
Buildup Wizard™
• Automatic coordinate alignment tool for CAD modeling from 3D scan data - Align Wizard™
• Innovative and intelligent tool for extracting design parameters and elements from 3D scan data -
Redesign Assistants™
• Innovative and intelligent tool for extracting 2D/3D sketch profiles and feature information from 3D
scan data - Modeling Wizard™
• Real-time analysis tool for creating the best 3D feature model from 3D scan data within the design
tolerance - Accuracy Analyzer™
• Automatic process for transferring 3D parametric models with the modeling history and design
parameters to other CAD systems - LiveTransfer™

4.3.1. Mesh Buildup Wizard™

The Mesh Buildup Wizard is used in the Scan Data Processing phase, and is a wizard style interface

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for creating defect-free and watertight mesh models from raw 3D scan data.

The Mesh Buildup Wizard tool employs the most advanced mesh technology; but is user-friendly, so
even a novice user can easily create complete mesh from 3D scan data. This tool consists of 5 stages.
Each stage can be executed in just few clicks, enabling the speedy creation of optimal mesh for use
in the final reverse design stages. The 5 stages are:

• Data Preparation stage: Analyzes the state of scan data and defining the next process according
to the type of target scan data
• Data Editing stage: Remove noisy clusters and unnecessary point clouds or meshes
• Data Pre-Aligning stage: Aligns multiple scan data files quickly.
• Best-Fit Aligning stage: Aligns multiple scan data files by using geometry shape information.
• Data Merging stage: Merges scan data and creates a optimized mesh

Creating optimal mesh through each stage in the Mesh Buildup Wizard

When can I use this tool?

When creating an optimized mesh from multiple 3D scan data files that have not been aligned,
optimal mesh for the final reverse design process can be made by using this tool. An optimal mesh
can be created by applying this tool after importing multiple 3D scan data files and clicking the "Run
Mesh Buildup Wizard" button.

Where is this tool?

• Insert > Import (By clicking "Run Mesh Buildup Wizard" button)
• Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard

How do I use this tool?

Refer to the following topic below:
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard

4.3.2. Auto Surfacing

Auto Surfacing is used in the Modeling phase and is an innovative and automatic tool for fitting
surface patches onto a mesh and creating a surface body. This is important when designing a
complex freeform part, creating model data for manufacturing a freeform shape, or for analyzing a
geometric shape. This tool creates a surface body that can envelope an entire geometric shape of a

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target mesh.

The Auto Surfacing tool provides 2 different methods:

• Evenly Distributed Network - Generates a surface body from a target mesh by projecting an
evenly distributed curve network
• Feature Following Network - Generates a surface body from a target mesh by constructing a
feature following curve network

These two methods are used differently based on desired results and how the final model will be
utilized.

Creating Surface Body by using Auto Surfacing Tool

Where is this tool?

Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing

How do I use this tool?

Refer to the following topic below:
Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing

4.3.3. Align Wizard™

The Align Wizard is used in the Modeling phase and is a wizard style interface used to quickly and
accurately align 3D meshes to a Global Coordinate system, based on design intent.

The Align Wizard tool employs the most advanced alignment technology; but is user-friendly, so even
a novice user can easily align 3D mesh to a Global Coordinate system. The tool consists of 2 stages.
Aligning target 3D mesh to the Global Coordinate system without manually selecting and setting each
element can be done with the following 2 stages:

• Defining Target Mesh stage: Defines the target mesh which is not aligned to the global

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 coordinate
• Choosing Best Coordinate stage: Chooses the best coordinate from the coordinate candidates
sorted by analyzing geometric feature information

Aligning by using the Align Wizard tool

When can I use this tool?

If understanding a complex feature shape and manually defining a coordinate for it is difficult, easily
align the 3D mesh of the target to the Global Coordinate system by using the Align Wizard tool.

Where is this tool?

Tools > Align > Wizard

How do I use this tool?

Refer to the following topic below:
Tools > Align > Wizard

4.3.4. Redesign Assistant™

The Redesign Assistant is used in the Modeling and Extracting Design Intent phases, and is an
innovative and intelligent tool for extracting design parameters and elements from 3D scan data. This
tool helps users to easily define feature shapes with accurate parameters and design elements.

When can I use this tool?

When extracting design intent and parameters from 3D scan data, this tool is widely used within the
other tools provided by Rapidform XOR in the following cases:

• Extracting Distance from 3D scan data: When extruding a defined sketch profile to create an
extruded shape or subtracting a feature from other existing features, this tool makes it possible to
extract distance information from the 3D scan data without the need for manual measurement.
• Extracting Radius from 3D scan data: When creating a fillet shape in a fillet region that has a
constant radius or variable radius, this tool makes it possible to extract radius information from 3D
scan data without needing to measure on the section.
• Extracting Thickness from 3D scan data: If a model is being thickened, this tool makes it
possible to extract thickness information from 3D scan data.
• Extracting Draft Angle from 3D scan data: When extracting an accurate sketch profile from the
scanned object which has an amount of taper, this tool makes it possible to extract draft angle
information from 3D scan data.

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Furthermore, when creating a revolved shape or a spiral shape like a drill, it is possible to extract
important design parameters such as height, radius, pitch, and revolving ratio as well as design
elements such as section profile, 3D sweeping patch, rotational axis, etc. The extracted design
parameters and elements will be used for defining an accurate 3D feature shape as reference
information.

Parametric Feature Modeling by using the Redesign Assistant

4.3.5. Auto Sketch

Auto Sketch is used in the Modeling phase and is an innovative and automatic tool for creating a
sketch profile based on section polylines.
The sketching process extracts lines and arcs from complex section polylines and connects them to
create a sketch profile that may otherwise be difficult and time consuming. While creating a sketch
profile, Auto Sketch intelligently recognizes a relationship between lines and arcs and automatically
sets constraints to the sketch profile.
You can completely create a sketch profile by using the Auto Sketch tool only.

Creating a Sketch Profile from Section Polyline by using Auto Sketch Tool

Where is this tool?

Go to: Tools > Sketch Entities > Auto Sketch

How do I use this tool?

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Refer to the following topic below:
Tools > Sketch Entities > Auto Sketch

4.3.6. Various Modeling Wizards™

The Modeling Wizard is used in the Modeling phase and is an innovative and intelligent tool for
extracting 2D and 3D sketch profiles and feature information from 3D scan data.

The Modeling Wizard provides 5 different wizard tools:

• Extrusion Wizard: Creates an extruded feature.

• Revolution Wizard: Creates a revolved feature.
• Sweep Wizard: Creates a swept feature along a 3D path curve.
• Loft Wizard: Creates a lofted surface by connecting 3D section curves.
• Pipe Wizard: Creates a pipe feature by using a section profile and 3D path curve.

Extrusion Wizard / Revolution Wizard / Sweep Wizard

Extrusion Wizard
From a mesh region, the Extrusion Wizard intelligently generates an extruded solid/surface and its
2D/3D section sketch profile, while satisfying given deviation error automatically.

Revolution Wizard
From a mesh region, the Revolution Wizard intelligently generates a revolved solid/surface and its
2D/3D sketch profile and revolving axis, while satisfying given deviation error automatically.

Sweep Wizard
From a mesh region, the Sweep Wizard intelligently generates a swept solid/surface and its 2D/3D
sketch profile and 3D path curve, while satisfying given deviation error automatically.

Feature Modeling by using the Extrusion Wizard / Revolution Wizard / Sweep Wizard

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 Loft Wizard
From a mesh region, the Loft Wizard intelligently generates a smooth lofted surface and its profile
curves, while satisfying given deviation error automatically, as shown in the image below.

Creating a smooth lofted surface by using the Loft Wizard

Pipe Wizard
Using 3D scan data (Point Cloud or Mesh Region), the Pipe Wizard intelligently generates a swept
solid/surface and its 2D/3D sketch profile and 3D path curve, while satisfying given deviation error
automatically.

Creating a Pipe Feature by using the Pipe Wizard

Where is this tool?

• Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard
• Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard
• Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard
• Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard
• Insert > Modeling Wizard > Pipe Wizard

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4.3.7. Accuracy Analyzer™
The Accuracy Analyzer is used in the Model Verification phase, and is a real-time analysis tool for
creating the best 3D feature model from 3D scan data within design tolerances. This tool analyzes
deviations between the intermediate or final model with the raw 3D scan data and verifies the results.
And also, the quality and continuity of the faces of a model can be checked in order to ascertain
whether the final model can be manufactured without any problems. The analyzed results can be
used for creating an optimal 3D model within allowable design tolerances.

When can I use this?

Whenever the analysis of intermediate/final result is required, this tool can be used during the
modeling process in the following cases:

Aligning between scan data

You can check the deviation between each scan after alignment is performed in the scan data
processing phase, and get the best result by using the analysis feedback

Accuracy Analyzer during the scan data processing phase

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Extracting design intent or elements
You can check how the extracted elements and feature information compare to the original scan
data.

Accuracy Analyzer during the modeling phase

Confirming final modeling result

You can finally check the accuracy and quality of the model.

Accuracy Analyzer of the final result

4.3.8. LiveTransfer™

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LiveTransfer is an automatic tool in Rapidform for transferring 3D parametric models and their
modeling history and design parameters to another CAD system. It is a unique and powerful tool and
is used after completing the modeling process.

After completing data model in Rapidform XOR, the3D parametric model, with its modeling history
and design parameters can be transferred to other CAD systems, such as SolidWorks, PTC Creo
(Pro/Engineer), Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA V4/V5, and AutoCAD. This process creates a
native and parametric model in the target CAD system. Then the file can be used as normal for all
downstream applications; such as manufacturing, drafting, tooling, assembly, etc.

Transferring final results to other CAD system by using LiveTransfer

Where is this tool?

• File > LiveTransfer(TM) > To SolidWorks
• File > LiveTransfer(TM) > To Siemens NX
• File > LiveTransfer(TM) > To Creo(Pro/E)
• File > LiveTransfer(TM) > To AutoCAD
• File > LiveTransfer(TM) > To Inventor
• File > LiveTransfer(TM) > Save As CATIA V4/V5

5. Getting Help
To get technical support:
• If you have any problems or suggestions, you can contact support@rapidform.com.

To access FAQ, Technical Tips, and other resources:

• Go to the Support tab.

To access the online help documentation:

• While in that operation, press F1. The documentation will be displayed in the Help tab of the viewing
window.
• Look at the .chm file that contains a search function. It is available in the Help subdirectory of a root
directory.
• Also a PDF version of the documentation is available in the User Guide subdirectory of the root
directory.

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To check the version of the application and the Product ID:
• Click Help > About
• When you send your request to technical support, include this information.

To view the Quick Start Guide

• Click Help > Quick Start Guide.

To activate a Product license:

• Click Help > Activate License.

To Deactivate a Product license:

• Click Help > Deactivate License.

To view the performance of a system

• Click Help > Launch Performance Profiler.

To obtain the latest information:

• Click www.rapidform.com
• Online resources includes up-to-date product information, frequently asked questions (FAQ’s),
software downloads, and technical support contact information.

6. User Interface
The user interface of Rapidform XOR is intuitive and easy to use. It is a flexible and dynamic interface
that is simple to learn. The user interface windows and toolbars can be modified so that they are
always shown, dynamically hidden, or never shown, via the right mouse button menu in the toolbar
area.

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6.1. Title Bar
The title bar shows the full path of the model currently being worked on at the top of the application.
For example, if the file “C:\Program Files\INUS Technology\Product Name\Sample\xxx.xrl” is imported,
you can see its name in the title bar, but only after it is saved.

6.2. Menu Bar

The menu bar shows the top level of all of the menus. These include File, Select, Edit, Insert, Tools,
Measure, View, Add-Ins and Help menus.

Moving menu bar

The pull-down menu bar can be freely docked anywhere and some commands have icons for quicker
referencing.

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Menu types
There are three types of objects in a menu:

• Arrow ( )
If there is an arrow beside a menu option, there is a sub menu.
• Shortcut key ( )
Often used commands also have shortcut keys to the right of the command name.
• Ellipsis ( )
If there is an ellipsis "..." beside a dialog box or dialog tree, the command name has been
shortened and will be shown after it is clicked.

6.3. Mode
The application features different modes that allows for the generation and editing of entities with only
the appropriate functions displayed. Multiple modes are featured because the application can handle
and manipulate many different types of entities that normal CAD programs cannot. To simplify and
streamline the process there are different modes that can be used to handle the types of entities that
are being worked with.

When you enter a mode the working environment (tool palette, toolbars, selection toolbar, and options
under the Accuracy Analyzer pane) is automatically set to the current mode state. The application has
the following modes.
Mesh – The Mesh mode contains functions to edit, heal, enhance and optimize meshes. To
enter the Mesh mode, select a mesh and then click the Mesh icon or double-click the mesh in
the Feature / Model tree or in the Model View.

Region Group – The Region Group mode contains functions to classify features by colors
and groups. After region segmentation is performed a feature on a mesh can easily be
selected instead of selecting a feature by dragging or painting it. To enter the Region Group
mode, first select a mesh and then click the Region Group icon.

Point Cloud – The Point Cloud mode contains functions to clean and edit point clouds; and to
generate meshes. To enter the Point Cloud mode click the Point Cloud icon. Functions in the
Point Cloud mode apply to all point clouds in the model view.
Mesh Sketch – The Mesh Sketch mode contains functions to draw and edit sketch entities
such as lines, arcs, and splines; by fitting a section polyline onto the model that can be
extracted from point clouds or meshes. To enter the Mesh Sketch mode, a base plane which
can be a ref. plane, planar face, or planar region needs to be defined. These sketches are

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 used to generate a surface / solid body.

Sketch – The Sketch mode contains functions to draw and edit sketch entities such as lines,
arcs and splines; with or without a mesh or point cloud. Tools in the Sketch mode are the
same as those found in Mesh Sketch mode, however fitting is not available. To enter the
Sketch mode, a base plane must be defined. It can be a planar entity. These sketches are
used to generate additional surfaces / solid bodies without using the section information from
point clouds or meshes.

3D Mesh Sketch – The 3D Mesh Sketch mode contains functions to draw and edit 3D curves
based on point clouds or meshes. Whenever a curve is drawn or edited, it will be projected
onto the point cloud or mesh. To enter the 3D Mesh Sketch mode, select a mesh and then
click the 3D Mesh Sketch icon. Curves created in this mode can be used for generating fitting
surfaces.

3D Sketch – The 3D Sketch mode contains functions to draw and edit 3D curves as featured
in the 3D Mesh Sketch mode, but differs in that any curves created in 3D Sketch mode are not
projected onto a mesh. 3D curves can be freely drawn in space or on any entities. To enter the
3D Sketch mode click the icon. Curves created in this mode can be used to get a center line of
a pipe or to create a path for a 3D loft or sweep body.

Activating and exiting a mode

How to activate and escape a mode is below.
• Activating mode
Click a mode. When a mode is activates, the corresponding toolbars are also activates.
• Exiting a mode
To accept all changes in the mode click the icon or the mode button (e.g. ) again. If the
icon is clicked, all changes in the mode will be canceled.

6.4. Toolbar
You have menus or commands that are used frequently. Toolbar is a collection of the menus and
commands.

Customizing the toolbar

To customize the toolbar, right-click on it and choose Customize.

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The Commands tab
All commands are listed. When a command is selected, there will be a short description about it. You
can drag-and-drop a command into a toolbar.

The Toolbars tab

If you check the radio box next to a toolbar, it will be shown immediately.

To add a new toolbar, click the New button and enter a name for the new toolbar.

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When you click OK, you will notice the newly created toolbar which is empty.

Now you can drag and drop icons from the Command tab to customize the toolbar.

If you click Reset All, the icons on the toolbar will reset to default. Reset All does not move the
position of the toolbar immediately. To finish resetting, close and open the program. To change the
name of a toolbar, click the Rename button. To delete a toolbar, click the Delete button. When the
Show text option at the bottom is checked, the names of icons will be displayed at the bottom.

The Keyboard tab

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In the Keyboard tab, you can bind keys to a command to create a shortcut. First, you need to select a
Category and a Command in it, then press the New Shortcut Key (for example, pressing Ctrl and X).
Then when you click Assign, the shortcut key is bonded to the selected command. To take away the
shortcut keys of a command, select it in the Current Keys box, and click Remove. To return everything
to the original default state, click the Reset All button.

Note: When a shortcut key is already bonded to a command, you cannot assign another
command to it at the same time. It is also not possible to assign Windows level shortcuts, such
as Ctrl + P.

The 3D Mouse tab

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In the 3D Mouse tab, you can define the shortcut keys for the buttons of a 3D mouse. Click the
number of the button and double-click a command from the list box. To remove allocated shortcuts,
select the number and click the Delete button.

6.5. Docking Bars

You can change the behavior of a docking bar to Floating, Docking, Auto Hide, or Hide.
The application includes dockable property bars for the following: Tree, Display, Console, Properties,
Image Folder, Support, Help, Error List, Tabular View, Report, Viewpoint, Color Bar.

Showing/hiding docking bars

When a docking bar you want to see is not shown, right-click on the toolbar panel.

Icon Status

(Checked) The docking bar is shown on screen.

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 Unchecked The docking bar is not shown.

Check desire docking bars to display them. Recheck the check box to hide the docking bar.
The icon on the docking bar also hides it.

Folding/unfolding docking bars

There are two ways to fold docking bars.
• F12 key
The F12 key hides all docked bars and only shows the model view. Clicking F12 again restores
them.
• (pin) icon
Sets a window to hide automatically. The window will be shown when a mouse cursor hovers over
the appropriate tabs for the window.

Floating/docking bars
Double-clicking on the title of a docking bar enables it to be moved. Double clicking again docks it.

Note: If you right-click on any of the docking bars, the following pop-up menu appears in the
view.

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6.5.1. Tree
Feature Tree
Rapidform uses a method known as parametric history modeling. Parametric history modeling allows
the creation of objects by storing the operations used to construct the geometry, as well as the order
of the operations and their relationships to each other.

Whenever a feature such as a sketch, solid body, surface body, etc., is generated, it will be stacked in
the Feature Tree in chronological order. The Feature Tree shows all changes and created entities in
chronological order as well as the history for each change or creation. The order of features can be
altered by dragging and dropping features. It is also possible to go back to a certain point in the
modeling history by using the Rollback, Roll Forward, Roll To End commands. This type of modeling
is known as history modeling.

Changing the feature history by dragging and dropping

Selecting several items in a tree

You can select a feature or multiple features by using the Ctrl or Shift buttons on the keyboard. You
can then change the order of the features if desired.

Note: You can track and select an entity by typing the name of the entity on the keyboard in the
Feature Tree and Model Tree.

Pop-up menu
If you right-click on any entity in the Inspection Feature Tree, the following pop-up menu will be
displayed.

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 Edit – Edits data based on a selected data type. For example if you select mesh and click
edit, you can edit mesh data.

Delete – Deletes features

Suppress - Suppresses a feature so you can work on the model with the selected feature
temporarily removed.

Rollback - Temporarily reverts the model to an earlier state. You can add new features or edit
existing features while the model is in the rollback state. When a feature is in the rollback
state, any feature created will be added above the selected rollback feature. You can select
Roll Forward to roll forward or select Roll To End to go to the end feature.

Hide – Hides features

Zoom To This – Zooms an entity to fit the screen

Model Tree
The Model Tree shows all created entities by categories. This pane can be used for selecting and
controlling the visibility of an entity.

Showing/hiding entities on Model View

If the icon next to an entity appears as a closed eye , the entity will be invisible in the Model View.
For example, in the scenario below, the Top would not be visible in the Model View.

If the parent node is made invisible, all the child entities are invisible irrespective of their status. For
example see the tree below, although Front, Top and Right are set to be visible, the Ref. Planes
parent node is invisible, therefore no Ref. Planes will be shown in the Model View.

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 Note: When the mouse cursor hovers over an entity in the Model View, the entity will be
highlighted in the Model Tree. It is useful for recognizing a specific entity in the Model Tree when
many entities exist.

Pop-up menu
If you right-click on any feature, the following menu will be displayed.

Show This Only - If selected, only the feature will be shown in the viewing window

Hide – If selected, the feature will be hidden.

Zoom To Selection - If selected, the entity is zoomed to fit the screen.

Delete - If selected, the feature will be deleted.

Export - If selected, a dialog box will appear and you can specify the path and the type of file
to which the feature will be exported.

Property - If selected, properties will be shown on the right hand side.

6.5.2. Display
In the Display tab, you can change the settings related to viewing and displaying.

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All View - If you set the viewport (View > Viewport) to display more than two viewing panes and the
All View option is checked, all changes made to the viewing and display settings apply to all the
views.

Current View – If you set the viewport (View > Viewport) to display more than two viewing panes
and the Current View option is checked, all changes made to the viewing and display settings apply
only to the current view.

World Axis & Scale - If the World Axis & Scale option is checked, a world axis will be shown at
bottom left corner in the Model View.

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Scene Grid - If the Scene Grid option is checked, a grid will be shown in the Model View. It is
located at the bottom of the model in the X-Y plane of the global coordinates. You can view the size
of the grid as shown in the image below. This is useful for estimating the measurements of entities
while sketching.

Enabled Scene Grid option Disabled Scene Grid option

Gradient Background - If the Gradient Background option is checked, the background color of the
workspace window will be set to a gradient.

Label – If this option is enabled, the labels of the ref. geometries such as planes and vectors are
shown in the Model View.

General
Dynamic Draw - To simplify the model when it is in motion, check Dynamic Draw.

Dynamic Draw option enabled Dynamic Draw option disabled

Front Face – Determines the surface material of meshes and bodies in the Model View. As Is
displays each entity as a separate color, however All The Same displays all of the entities in gray.

As Is All The Same

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Back Face - If checked, the Back Face Color drop-down box will be activated. Within it, there are 3
options. If Complement is selected, a complementary color of the front face color will be used for
back faces. If As Is is selected, the color of the front and back faces become the same. If User
Defined is selected, a user defined color will be used for back faces. User Defined colors can be set
in the Display tab in File > Preferences.

Complement As is User Defined

Transparency - If checked, you can select an entity type and the selected type will be transparent in
the Model View.

Transparency enabled Transparency disabled

Projection Method - If Perspective is selected, the model is projected with parallax. In this case,
the part at the foreground appears bigger, while the part at the background appears smaller. If
Parallel is selected, the model is projected parallel to the viewing plane.

Viewpoint – You can set the viewpoint mode as Front, Back, Left, Right, Top, Bottom and Isometric.
They are assigned to the following shortcut keys: Alt + 1, Alt + 2, Alt + 3, Alt + 4, Alt + 5, Alt + 6 and
Alt + 7.

Lock – If checked, data cannot be rotated in the Model View.

Note: If you cannot rotate model data, check to see if this option has been activated.

Synchronize All View - If this option is checked, all open view ports in the Model View will be
synchronized to that in the current view.

Light - To turn Lights 1, 2, 3 or 4, on or off, check the corresponding box next to the number. If you
click the Set button, you can change properties for lighting conditions. It can also be accessed
through: View > Light Properties.

View Clip – If this option is checked, you can see clipped views of model data. To set the clipping
properties, click the Set button. It can also be accessed through: View > View Clip.
Mesh/Point Cloud
Mesh Display Mode – When Vertex is selected, only poly-vertices from a mesh are shaded. When
Smooth Face is selected, poly-faces will be shaded and connected poly-faces will be blended
smoothly. When Flat Face is selected, every triangular face will be shaded using one color and
connected poly-faces will not be blended. When Curvature is selected, roundness will be analyzed
and shown using a color range. This color range can be set from the color bar that appears in the
right pane. When Region is select, region colors will be displayed. The mesh should have regions
created in the Region mode in advance. When Estimated Feature is selected from regions, similar
geometry types will have the same color. This color is editable in Preferences.

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 Vertex Smooth Face Flat Face

Curvature Region Estimated Feature

Point Shader – Defines shading methods for point clouds. These shading methods can be used to
effectively view scan data.

Mesh Shader: Vertex Normal Display: On

Depth Point Shading X-Ray Point Shading

Note: The Point Shader option can be performed while the mesh is set to the Vertex mode in
the Mesh Shader options.

None – If a point cloud has color or normal information and the Texture or Normal option is
checked, the point cloud is shaded from the direction of the light source. If you turn off Texture
or Normal, all points are displayed as the same color without shading.

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 None with Normal None without Normal

Depth – This is the default shading method. From the origin viewpoint, the closer a point is,
the darker the color of the point will be. If the point is located farther away, the color of the
point will become lighter. If you click the Set button, you can define the range of depth by
using the adjustable slider. If points are out of the specified range of depth, they will disappear
from the Model View. The Depth function can be used to focus on a particular area by
removing other unwanted areas from the range of depth.

None Depth

When the point cloud has normal information, depth shading is available along with vertex
shading. Depth shading and vertex shading display the point cloud with enhanced three-
dimensional effects so that you can easily distinguish the front of the solid body from the back.

Depth Shading without Vertex Normal Depth Shading without Vertex Normal

Note: To create normal information for point clouds during importing, check the Normal
checkbox in the Import dialog box.
You can enable or disable vertex shading by checking or unchecking the Normal checkbox
in the Display tab.

X Ray – Using this point shader setting helps to focus on an area of interest by making closer
and farther areas transparent. To define the transparent areas, click the Set button. The Near

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 and Far areas will be transparent and the Middle area will be clearly displayed. For example,
if a scanner scans a building, it can be difficult to see the inside because of the outer walls.
You can use the X-Ray function to make the outer walls transparent, thus letting you see
inside clearly.

X-Ray Default After Adjusting X-Ray Depth

The X-Ray shading method makes points transparent in a certain range. When trying to select
points, points nearer to the viewing direction are selected first even if they are invisible.
Therefore, this method should be only be used for data viewing purposes.

Height – With the Height option enabled, as the height increases on the Z axis, the color of
data points change. Using this shading method, you can easily distinguish where the ground
is as well as other height-specific features. If you click the Set button, you can modify the
colors shown.

Height Color Bar

Vertex - If the Vertex option is checked, poly-vertices are drawn.

Edge - If the Edge option is checked, poly-edges are drawn.

Face - If the Face option is checked, poly-faces are drawn.

Texture - If the Texture option is checked, textures are drawn on a mesh.

Normal - If the Normal option is checked, normal information is used for shading point clouds.

Boundary – Shows or hides the boundaries of meshes. If you choose User Defined, you can
display boundary colors as set in Preferences. This option is available only for open meshes.

Boundary Enabled Boundary Disabled

As Is User Defined

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Suppressed - This option enables you to show / hide suppressed scan data.

Vertex size – Determines the display size of the vertex.

Vertex Size: 1 Vertex Size: 2

Note: When trying to see a more detailed image of a point cloud, increasing the point size will
cause the points to overlap, looking more like a mesh.

Dynamic Display Ratio - To change the amount of data displayed when a model is in motion, select
a value in the Dynamic Display Ratio box. This option is enabled only when Dynamic Draw is
checked.

Dynamic Display Ratio: 5% Dynamic Display Ratio: 50%

Static Display Ratio - To change the amount of the data displayed when a model is static, select a
value in the Static Display Ratio box.

Region
Geometry Type – If All is selected from the drop-down box, all geometry types are displayed. If
Selected only is selected only selected geometry types are displayed.

All Selected Only (Cylinders)

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Body
Display Mode – Determines how the body is displayed. Wireframe draws only edges of faces.
Hidden Line draws all hidden lines. Shaded draws shaded faces. Shaded With Edges draws
shaded faces with edges.

Hidden Line Wireframe

Shaded Shaded With Edge

Resolution – You can set the display resolution of bodies with this option. You can set the resolution
level from 0 to 10.

Resolution: 0 Resolution: 5 Resolution: 10

Note: CAD objects may be displayed as a low resolution graphical mesh. If faceting occurs,
then the resolution may need to be increased to display the CAD object correctly.

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Sketch & 3D Sketch
Constraint – If this option is checked, sketch constraints are displayed while drawing.

Enable Constraint Disable Constraint

Constraint Options
Coincidence Parallel
Perpendicular Constraint Fix
Concentric Conversion
Tangent Horizontal
Mid Point Vertical
Equal Length Linear Pattern
Equal Radius Circular Pattern
Cordial Symmetry
Collinear Angular
Pierce

Note: The color of the constraint icon’s background will be different based on its condition. If
you can only snap on the entity, the icon background color will be displayed in white . If you
can snap and give a constraint to the entity, the icon background will be displayed in yellow .
After creation of an entity, the icon background will be displayed in blue . If the entity is
overly constrained, the background color of the icon will be displayed in red .

Control Polygon – If this option is checked, control points are displayed on splines.

3D Spline Node – If this option is checked, node points are displayed on 3D splines.

Enable 3D Spline Node Disable 3D Spline Node

2D Section Points – If this option is checked, points which are extracted by the Mesh Sketch
function with the Silhouette option are displayed.

Show 2D Section Points Hide 2D Section Points

2D Section Polylines – If this option is checked, polylines which are extracted by the Mesh Sketch
function are displayed.

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 Show 2D Section Polylines Hide 2D Section Polylines

6.5.3. Accuracy Analyzer

The patent-approved Accuracy Analyzer™ shows real time deviation analysis while you are
designing, so you can ensure your finished model is faithful to the original 3D scan. It also saves time
because you never have to leave the application to check your modeling accuracy.

Accuracy Analyzer(TM) works in any mode except the Region Group mode. You can compare
designed bodies, curves, sketches or meshes with a base entity such as a base mesh or a base point
cloud. The options enable you to analyze curvature, torsion, environment mapping, iso-line, and
continuity to generate high quality surfaces and curves.

How to open the Accuracy Analyzer (TM) panel

If the Accuracy Analyzer(TM) panel is closed, use the pop-up menu on the tool palette and choose
Accuracy Analyzer(TM).

Options in Detail
Type
None - If None is selected, nothing is analyzed. This is the default state.

Deviation – Shows a deviation map between a created entity (body, sketch, curve or mesh) and its
base (mesh or point cloud). For example, if you design a body based on scan data, you can select the
Deviation option to check the deviation between the created body and actual scan data. You can
easily confirm the accuracy of your body.

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The Deviation has two options: Color Map and Vector.
If Color Map is selected, results will be displayed as a colored map on the created entity (body,
sketch, modified mesh). If the Deviation Type is Vector, the results will be displayed as displacement
vectors.

Deviation color map in the Default mode Deviation vector in the Default mode

Deviation in the 3D Mesh Sketch mode Deviation in the Mesh mode

Note: If you try to create a concave fillet and check the deviation while previewing the fillet in
Default mode, the deviation may not be shown because the fillet is under the body. In this case,
make the body transparent or display it as a wireframe.

If you are in Mesh mode, you can see the following drop down option list. You can compare edited
mesh with specified mesh using an option from the list.

Curvature - Displays the curvature flow. Curvature is the amount by which a geometric object
deviates from being flat. This is available for curve, body and mesh.

Curvature on a Curve Curvature on a Body Curvature on a Mesh

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The position on the 2D curve has a single curvature value. However, the position on 3D surface has
many curvature values according to its sectional the direction on the position.

Curvature on 2D Curvature on 3D

If the Min. option is selected, the minimum curvature value at each position will be displayed. If the
Max. option is selected, the maximum curvature value at each position will be displayed. If the Mean
option is selected, the mean value of Min. and Max. Curvature value at each position will be displayed.
If the Gaussian option is selected, the multiplication of Min. and Max. will be displayed.

Torsion - The torsion of a curve measures how sharply it is twisting. This option is available only in
the 3D Mesh Sketch and 3D Sketch modes.

Continuity - This method is useful when inspecting how smoothly connected faces are. If this option
is checked, analyzed results are displayed on the edges using color. If Position is selected, the
positional continuity is displayed on the edges. You can check G0 continuity which defines that
positions are continuous. If Tangency is selected, the tangential continuity is displayed on the edges.
You can check G1 continuity which defines positions and face normals as continuous. If Curvature is
selected, the curvature continuity is displayed on the edges. You can check G2 continuity which
defines that positions, face normals and curvatures are all continuous.

Iso Line - If this option is enabled, Iso lines are displayed on body faces. The flow of Iso lines on a
face determines its surface quality.

Disable Iso Line Enable Iso Line

Note: Fewer isolines will result in a smoother surface; while increasing the number of isolines
could introduce noise or waviness.

Environment Mapping - Environment mapping is used to examine the quality of body faces or
meshes. You can use different textures for mapping to examine surface quality. The Sphere type uses
a single texture containing the image reflected by a ball-shaped mirror. The Cube type uses a single
texture or six square textures containing the reflected image on six faces of a cube. Under the
Texture option, you can choose an image which will be used for environment mapping. True Sphere

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shows black and white stripes and it is normally used for inspection of surface quality.

Disjoined Ends - Highlights unconnected points on a sketch as shown in the image below. This
option is available only in the Mesh Sketch and Sketch modes.

Allowable Tolerance
Allowable Value - You can define the Low, High and Color values for the tolerance range. If you do
not check the Hide Allowable Tolerance option, areas within the tolerance range will be colored
green by default.

Deviation Option
Deviation Option - Deviation is calculated within specified Max. Distance and Max. Angle values.
Max. Distance sets the deviation distance within a specified distance between a target entity and a
base entity. The icon automatically recommends a maximum distance. Max. Angle limits the
angle deviation between the normals of target entities and a base entity at a position.

Fine Sampling – Calculates deviation more accurately but may increase calculation time.

Color Map Resolution

Color Map Resolution - You can adjust color map resolution from low to high with the slider.

Resolution: Low Resolution: High

Vector Resolution
Vector Resolution – Defines the amount of vectors. This option is available when Deviation method
is set to Vector.

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 Vector Resolution: Low Vector Resolution: High

Vector Multiplier
Vector Multiplier - Vector multiplier is used to adjust vector length. This option is available when
Deviation method is set to Vector.

Vector Multiplier Value: 1 Vector Multiplier Value: 2

Auto – Automatically sets the multiplier value to the same value as the current model zooming level.

Auto Adjust Color Bar Range

Auto Adjust Color Bar Range – Automatically adjusts the minimum and maximum values of the
color bar within a suitable range.

Before Auto Adjust After Auto Adjust

Note: If you have multiple solid or surface bodies and want to check the accuracy of each
individually, select a body in the Model Tree and use the Accuracy Analyzer.

6.5.4. Help
In this tab, you can find the online help file separated into two tabs for Contents and Index. In the
Contents tab, you can find information on all of the commands in the application. To quickly find a
command, go to the Index tab, and input key words related to it.

To see the main contents of help guide, press the F1 key while using a command or in any mode. The
F1 key by default will open the contents help guide. This will display the help document for the
particular command or mode that is being used.

Note: You must be in an active command or in an activate mode to use the F1 function. Otherwise,
the intro document page will be displayed if the F1 function is used for the first time or the last help
page viewed.

If you want to go back to the working area, click the Model View tab at the bottom of the workspace
window.

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6.5.5. Viewpoint
Viewpoint manages user-defined points of view with models and shown entities. It is useful for going
back to certain viewpoints. When a viewpoint is selected, entities that exist in the selected viewpoint
are displayed in Model In Viewpoint. The following images shows when Viewpoint5 is chosen in the
Viewpoint panel that its entity state is also shown in the Model In Viewpoint panel.

Options in Detail
Add Viewpoint - Adds a new viewpoint to capture the current view state.

Apply Viewpoint - Changes the viewpoint to a selected viewpoint. Double-clicking a viewpoint

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will have the same results.

Show Only Selected Viewpoint - Changes the visibility of entities to the selected viewpoint.

Reassign Viewpoint – Reassigns a selected viewpoint to the current view state.

Delete Viewpoint - Deletes the selected viewpoint.

Zoom - Determines the size of the thumbnail image.

Export Viewpoint - Exports the selected viewpoint to an image file.

6.5.6. Properties
The Properties window displays the properties of a selected object. The properties of the object can
be modified using this window.

The Calc. buttons are used to calculate the volume, area and mass center of an object. The following
list shows the calculation buttons available for each entity.
Mesh: Area, Volume, Mass Center (when the volume of an open mesh is measured, the title will be
shown as ‘Approx. Volume’)
Point Cloud: Mass Center
Region: Area
Region Group: Area
Poly-Face: Area
Solid Body: Area, Volume, Mass Center

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Surface Body: Area, Mass Center
Body Face: Area

When a mesh/point cloud is selected, its geometry information (scanner position, scanner direction or
scanner center) can be confirmed as its scanner type in its Properties panel.

6.5.7. Color Bar

The Color bar is used to view the deviation in created entities. The color bar looks like the following
image.

Editing Color Bar

The color bar can be edited based on the current project and its tolerances.

Changing limits
A color segment is the area of the color scale between two cursors. Within a color segment, numerical
values are mapped linearly to colors. They are the color scale’s limits to define the value range of
colors used for deviation. These limits can be modified by double-clicking the numerical values and
entering new values through their related text boxes. New values are made effective by pressing the
Enter key.

Splitting a color segment

A color segment can be subdivided by selecting the Split pop-up menu on the color segment. A new
segment is then created on top of the current segment.

Deleting a color segment

A color segment can be deleted by selecting the Delete pop-up menu on the color segment.

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Copying a color segment
A color segment can be copied by selecting it, right-clicking, choosing Copy, and then Pasting it into
another color segment. Alternatively, a color segment can be copied and pasted by using the Ctrl + C
and Ctrl + V shortcut keys.

Inspect Color Picker

If you select Edit Color from the pop-up menu on a color segment or double-click it, a Color Picker
dialog box will appear. Note that a tolerance color cannot be edited by the color picker.

Construction
The Color Picker consists of a color mode, a grayscale mode, Option, RGB and HSB; the color mode
and the grayscale mode can be changed by left-clicking in the appropriate control sector.

• Color mode
In pinwheel-shaped color mode, the Hue, Saturation, and Brightness properties are defined by
moving two squares using the left mouse button and mapping them to the currently-selected
segment.
The Hue property is defined by choosing a color section. The Saturation property is defined by
moving the squares to the outside of the section from the center, and the Brightness property is
defined by moving the squares to the inside of the section from the center.

• Grayscale mode
In the grayscale mode, the Brightness property is defined by positioning two squares by using the

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 left mouse button. After positioning, the white-black gradient will be mapped to the currently-
selected segment.

• Option
In the Option section, the editable box next to the Colors option defines the number of colors and
gradients of the currently-selected segment. You can change it by typing in the box and
confirming with the ENTER key or by dragging the slide bar. The maximum number is 100.
The Reverse checkbox makes the color gradient of the currently-selected segment inverse. The
first and last segments of the color bar can only use one color each, so you must select them by
using the square selectors in both the color and grayscale modes.

• RGB and HSB

The RGB and HSB sections show the current color properties. The properties can be changed by
editing the number boxes.

Making a color bar

For a single color gradient, position one of the squares to define the Hue and Saturation properties. If
you move the mouse cursor around the line of the selected color, the other square will be
automatically snapped to the line. Finally, position the snapped square on the line to define the
Brightness property. Both squares can then be moved along the created line to fine tune if necessary.

For the fixed brightness gradient, first position a square to define the Hue and Saturation properties
and position the other square to define the Brightness property. If you position the other square while
holding down the Shift key, the color can be changed while keeping the brightness at a fixed value.

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6.5.8. Support
The Online Support Page of the Support panel provides direct access to Rapidform’s web-based
support data base. It contains useful technical tips, tutorials, FAQs and other information.
Feedback and comments can be left for Rapidform products which are useful for enhancing
performance and functionality.
You can also access the Online Support Page via your web browser at:
http://rapidform.zendesk.com

Note: If you want to see this Support page when the application starts, go to the General tab in
File > Preferences, and set ‘Show Support At Startup’ to True.

Reporting a log file

The log file records all actions while using the application. If you meet a sudden error, this file can be
helpful for the developers in troubleshooting. Sometimes it is necessary to send this file with a bug
report.
To generate a log file;
1. Run Log_rfXORedesign.bat located in the installation folder of the application.
2. Use the software and try to recreate the event that you experienced.
3. Once finished, the log file is generated in the Logs folder under C:\Documents and Settings\system
name\My Documents\product name.

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6.5.9. Image Folder
The Image Folder stores images that are captured in the application. You can capture images by
using File > Capture Screen.

Display Types
In the Image Folder, you can choose between two display types; Thumbnail View and Filmstrip View.

Thumbnail view Filmstrip view

Images can be navigated through by using the forward and backward buttons. They
can also be rearranged by dragging and dropping them between other images.

If you right-click on a thumbnail, the following pop-up menu will appear.

Delete – Deletes the captured image.

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Export –Exports the thumbnail to another format like jpg, bmp etc.

Copy to clipboard – Copies the image to the clipboard.

6.5.10. Console
The Console panel shows you the detailed results of an operation. For example, the results of the
Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard operation shows detailed information about healed poly-faces.

If you click the right mouse button on the Console window you can select one of the following
commands:
Copy Selection Only – You can copy a selected list.

Copy All – You can copy all lists.

Clear – You can clear all selections.

6.5.11. Error List

The Error List lists errors that occurred during a modeling process as well as errors that occurred
while exporting models to other CAD systems. The errors can be confirmed by using the Edit >
Rebuild command or by using the File > LiveTransfer(TM) command. The descriptions of the errors
in the Error List can be used to diagnose and correct them.

Show Rebuild Failure – Shows errors or warnings that occurred during a modeling process. This
option is enabled by default.

Show live Transfer Failure – Shows unsupported features that cannot be directly transferred (File >
LiveTransfer(TM)) to other CAD systems. This option is enabled by default.

These errors are marked in the Feature tree:

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CAD Compatibility – Select one of the applications to check for errors when performing the
LiveTransfer operation to selected applications.

Note: When the “Show LiveTransfer Failure” option is on and “CAD Compatibility” is chosen, you
can check for failures while adding or editing features. If there is an error, you might get a dialogue
box stating the error, such as the one shown below:

6.5.12. Profile View

The Profile View enables you to interactively edit the modeling parameters of an executed command.
The Profile View appears when you run the Fillet (Variable and Conic Option), Helix and Spiral
commands.

Editing Parameters
You can see a line or connected lines in the Profile View and edit them by adding and manipulating
control points or manually input values by clicking the value directly. To add a control point, click a
point on the line. To remove a control point, select the control point and use the Delete key or drag it
outside of the line. You can also Undo (Ctrl + Z) or Redo (Ctrl + Y) an operation in the Profile View.

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Control Viewing
Zoom – Scroll the mouse wheel.

Pan – Use the LMB, or the Scroll Bar.

Scale (Y Direction) – Use Shift + LMB or move the top or bottom edges of the scroll bar.

Note: If you click the down arrow button at the right top corner of the Profile View, you can
access additional functions.

6.6. Viewing Window

The View Window is the main workspace. A model is displayed and manipulated in this area. It
supports multiple views, which can include 4 different views in four layouts of 3 views and two layouts
composed of 2 views. At the bottom of the view window, there are several Tabs such as Model View,
Support, Help, Image Folder, etc.

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6.7. Dialog Tree
When a command name including an ellipsis “…” is selected, a corresponding dialog tree appears in
the viewing window. According to prerequisite conditions, some controls might be enabled or disabled.

Common Style Command

The following is common format of dialog tree.

Expand or Collapse
The drop down arrow Icon or the Tilde ( ~ ) button on the keyboard can be used to expand or
collapse a dialog tree.

Auto Hide
If the pin button is enabled, whenever the user moves the mouse cursor away from the dialog tree,
it is automatically collapsed. When the mouse cursor is near the dialog tree it is expanded. This
behavior is useful as you can maximize available space to view the model. If the button is disabled,
the dialog tree is always expanded irrespective of the mouse position.

Reuse Command
The Don’t’ Quit Command With OK Button preserve the opened command even you click the
OK button so that you can continuously use that command.

Preview
The Preview button enables you to preview the result of an operation before you apply the
command to a model. If it is clicked, the Accept button and Restore button are enabled.

OK

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When you directly click the OK button , the command is accept and quit the command. Unser
some commands it is automatically changed to the Break button so that you can stop the
command while it is being performed. Also you can use the ESC key to stop the process. While the
command is being performed, the dialog tree is disabled and you cannot modify any options or
parameters.

Stage Style Command

Click the Next Stage button to go to the next phase of the procedure. Click the Previous Stage
button to go to the previous phase again.

Under the some stage style commands, Apply button enabled and this button just applies the
sub-method under the command. If you click the OK button on the top level, settings in each
stage will be applied and quit the command.

Folded Style

The plus and minus icons, and , allow the dialog tree to be folded or unfolded or to control
various parameters. Click the plus icon in front of More Options to access more options.

Input Values Manually

Click the Flip Direction icon to flip the direction of a parameter. Click the Measure Distance icon
to measure distance and input an alternate value if necessary. Click the Measure Radius icon
to measure radius and input an alternate value if necessary. The Measure Distance and Measure
Radius commands are the same as Measure > Distance and Measure > Radius in the top menu. To
select a position on a line or plane, hold the Ctrl key and pick a point. To average a measured value,
use the Shift key and measure.

Input Values Automatically

When the value is set to Auto, the application automatically estimates the adaptable value
considering of the model size and the noise. If you set to “0”, it will be the same as Auto.

When you click the magic wand Estimate icon , the input value will be recommended by the
application.

Selection

The yellow boxed button is currently activated button that is ready to accept your
selected entities. If you change the selection on another button, click another button and this button

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will be activated.

To reset all selected entities, click the Select None button . To cancel the selected entity one by
one, click the Deselect Last button .

Add and Remove

Click the Add icon to add an additional instance of controls. Click the Remove icon to
remove an instance of controls.

Click the All icon to select all entities.

Operation

The Edit Control box for a floating-point number allows you to input a numerical value or a numerical
formula. The available symbols and functions are as follows:
- A numerical formula that starts with an equal “=”.
- plus(+), minus(-), multiplication(*), division(/), power(^), factorial(!), square root(sqrt), absolute
value(fabs), trigonometrical function(sin, cos, tan, sec, cosec, cot, sinh, cosh, tanh, asin, acos, atan),
exponential(exp), or logarithmic(log, ln) function.
- No distinction between capital letters and lowercase letters.
- Spacing is ignored.

6.8. Monitoring

6.8.1. Status Bar

The Status Bar shows an explanation of a selected command and the progress of an executed
command.

6.8.2. Progress Bar

Progress of the current operation is shown in the Progress Bar. The progress will be displayed as a
numerical percentage.

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6.8.3. Time Indicator
You can check the Total Time, Operation Time, Current System Time, as well as Reset Time for
the application by right-clicking on the time indicator.

The total time is the time spent in a session. Operation Time is the time spent on one specific
operation. Current System Time is the computer clock time. If Reset Time is clicked, the time is
changed to 0:0:0.

6.9. Esc Key

To cancel a current operation, press the Esc key. It is same as clicking the Break button .
The Esc key cancels the command execution and deselects all the currently selected entities.

6.10. Mouse Control

The mouse is the main device for controlling the application. Clicking buttons or objects with or
without certain keyboard “modifier” keys alters the way you create, select, move, edit or view models
on the screen. For simplicity, we have used specific instruction conventions within this manual:

Left-click means press and release the Left mouse button.

Middle-click means press and release the middle mouse button.

Right-click means press and release the right mouse button.

Double-click means rapidly click the left mouse button twice.

Drag means click and hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse while continuing to hold
the button down.

The mouse actions and mouse action modifiers appear in the following table.

Mouse Button Action Usage

- selects a single item, button or icon

Left-click
- run menus and select options

- open the properties of the node in the model.

Double-click
- make a docking window float, or vice versa

Left
Shift + Left-click - select multiple items

Ctrl + Left-click - deselect items

- rotate (in viewing mode after middle-clicking)

Drag - select multiple items
- move toolbar, window, dialog tree or dialog box

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 Shift + Drag - zoom (in viewing mode after middle-clicking)

Ctrl + Drag - pan (in viewing mode after middle-clicking)

- run the Pause command for switching selection mode to

Middle Middle-click
viewing mode, or vice versa

Scroll wheel - dynamic zoom in/out

- access pop-up menus which contain a context-sensitive set

Right-click
Right of frequently used functions

Drag - rotate
Left + Right-click + Drag - pan
Ctrl + Drag - pan

If your mouse position is near a border in the Model View and the model can be rotated, the cursor
changes to the rotate icon;

6.11. Shortcut Keys

The shortcut keys provide quick access to the most commonly used commands. Keyboard shortcuts
offer an alternative method of performing actions for users who prefer the keyboard to the mouse.
Some of the commands in the application have default shortcut keys. You can define your own
shortcut keys using the Customize menu on the toolbar.
The following is a list of default shortcut keys in the application.

File menu Shortcut Key

New Ctrl + N

Open Ctrl + O

Save Ctrl + S

Print Ctrl + P

Select menu Shortcut Key

All Shift + A, Ctrl + A

None Shift + N, Ctrl + D

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 Inverse Shift + I, Ctrl + Shit + I

Edit menu Shortcut Key

Undo Ctrl + Z

Redo Ctrl + Y

Repeat Last Command Ctrl + Space

Cut Ctrl + X

Copy Ctrl + C

Paste Ctrl + V

Delete Delete

View menu Shortcut Key

Zoom Area Shift + Z

Zoom Previous Area Shift + X

Zoom Fit Ctrl + F

Zoom PIP Ctrl + W

Mesh Display Mode > Point Set F5

Mesh Display Mode > Wireframe F6

Mesh Display Mode > Shaded F7

Mesh Display Mode > Shaded With Edges F8

Mesh Display Mode > Region F9

View > Viewpoint > Front Alt + 1

View > Viewpoint > Back Alt + 2

View > Viewpoint > Left Alt + 3

View > Viewpoint > Right Alt + 4

View > Viewpoint > Top Alt + 5

View > Viewpoint > Bottom Alt + 6

View > Viewpoint > Isometric Alt + 7

View > Viewpoint > Align View Ctrl + Shift + A

View > Visibility > Meshes Ctrl + 1

View > Visibility > Point Cloud Ctrl + 3

View > Visibility > Surface Bodies Ctrl + 4

View > Visibility > Solid Bodies Ctrl + 5

View > Visibility > Sketches Ctrl + 6

View > Visibility > 3D Sketches Ctrl + 7

View > Visibility > Points Ctrl + 8

View > Visibility > Vectors Ctrl + 9

View > Visibility > Planes Ctrl + 0

View > Visibility > Smart Visibility Alt + Space

Etc Shortcut Key

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 Auto Hide Docking Bar F12

Help Context F1

Break Command Esc

Apply Command Return

Repeat Latest Command Ctrl + Space

Shrink Dialog Tree `( Single Quote)

6.12. Pop-up Menus

In the application view, if you right-click you can see access pop-up menus. The pop-up menu that
appears is based on the mode and current view.

Viewing mode ( )
If you are currently in the viewing mode ( ) and right-click the mouse, you can see the following
menu.

Zoom Fit - If selected, fits the model to the entire viewing window.

Zoom Area - If selected, zooms the viewing area in on a selected rectangular region.

Zoom PIP – If selected, enlarges a view at the position of the mouse cursor .

Zoom To Selection – If selected, selected entities are fitted in the graphic area.

Align View – If selected, you can align the view respective to the selected planar
entity.

Selection mode ( )
If you are currently in the selection mode ( ) and if you right-click in an empty area, you will see the
following pop-up menu.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | User Interface 113

 Filter Only – You can directly access to Select Filter and limits the entity type.

All – (Entity Type) - If selected, all entities of the current type will be selected.

None - If selected, all selections will be released.

Inverse – If selected, current selection of the current entity type will be inversed.

Edit View Clip – You can directly access to View > View Clip.

After Entity Selection

However, if you select a certain entity and access the pop-up menu, the command list as shown in the
image below will be seen. The following image is the menu for Poly-Faces.

Note: If you hold the Ctrl button and access a pop-up menu for the selection of an edge, you can
see the Deselect Tangent Edges command instead of Select Tangent Edges.

Selection on overlapped entities

When there are overlapping entities in the Model View, it could be difficult to select an entity. In such
cases, if you hold a left-click on an entity and release, the pop-up menu can be accessed.

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6.13. 3D Mouse
The application supports a 3D hardware device that can help in the modeling process. (3Dconnexion,
http://www.3dconnexion.com)

A 3D Mouse is a device similar to a joystick that allows intricate adjustments of camera views and
models without repeatedly stopping to change direction, zoom, or rotate. It also provides movement
controls with 6 degrees of freedom. Tilt up or down to move a model up or down. Tilt left or right to
move a model left or right. Pull towards you or push away to move a model nearer or farther away.
Orientate a model on the screen by simply twisting in any direction to rotate it around the X, Y or Z
axes (pitch, roll, and yaw).

The Customize dialog box by can be opened by using the RMB (Right Mouse Button) on the toolbar.
Commands can be assigned to each button on the device,

Configurations will be saved at the following location; C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\My
Documents\Product Name\Configure\configure\rfSpaceball.cfg

Note: Depending on the device and the pre-set settings of some buttons, you may not be able to

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | User Interface 115

 customize them.

6.14. Quick Modeling

Quick modeling is an semi-automated modeling process where the application analyzes geometric
features and creates extrusions and revolutions from a mesh. Using this information a user can then
decide to add new solid or surface bodies or cut existing bodies.

A feature consists of regions, sketches, axes of extrusion or revolution, extrusion distances, or

revolution angles. Rapidform XOR can find all elements of a feature automatically and generate it as
a solid or surface body. The elements of a feature are registered as a normal sketch and body feature
in the Feature tree, so they can be modified easily at any time.

Quick Modeling Workflow

• Import Mesh:
Imports scan data which must be a mesh

• Classify Region:
Applies auto segmentation to classify regions

• Analyze Features:
Analyzes features internally after region grouping

• Create Feature by User Choice:

Automatically creates extrusions, revolutions, fillet features and mesh fit surfaces from a selected
area of a region. By adding or removing features details of a part can be created. Combined with
other general surface or solid tools, a complete part can be made.

How to Access the Quick Modeling UI

General modeling processes can be accessed by targeted a region and using the pop-up menu. An
appropriate wizard function will automatically initialize and the application will also intelligently provide
sub-operations such as the merge or cut commands if there are existing bodies.

The following functions are available:

• Insert/Merge – Creates a new solid or surface body or merges existing bodies
• Cut – Removes a feature from existing features
• Fillet – Applies filleting to features

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How to Recognize Feature Shapes and Create a Solid or Surface
Body
The application will choose and run a Modeling Wizard based on the feature shapes analyzed from
selected regions.
• Extruded Feature Shape
When an extruded feature shape is recognized from selected regions, the Extrusion Wizard will
automatically run and it will find target regions on all sides. A proper extrusion direction will be
recommended from extrusion direction candidates. For more information, see Insert > Modeling
Wizard > Extrusion Wizard.

• Revolved Feature Shape

When a revolved feature shape is recognized from selected regions, the Revolution Wizard will
automatically run and find target regions. A proper revolution axis will be automatically extracted
from the target regions. For more information, see Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard.

• Freeform Feature Shape

When a freeform feature shape is recognized from selected regions, the Mesh Fit command will
automatically run and find target regions for creating features. For more information, see Insert >
Surface > Mesh Fit.

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7. Menu
The topmost menus in Rapidform XOR are: File, Select, Edit, Insert, Tools, Measure, View, Add-
Ins and Help.

Click on one of the menus. You may notice some of the menu choices are grayed-out and
unselectable rather than in black and selectable. There are two possible reasons for this:
-That particular command is not available for the current operation.
-The appropriate prerequisite operations have not been performed. It’s sometimes necessary that you
perform operations in a certain order.

7.1. File
The File menu is the first menu on the menu bar and includes commands to open new or existing files,
import additional files into the application, save files, and take screen captures of models and the
application. In the File menu, the default model settings and global options that affect all the objects in
the viewing window can be altered. The Exit command, which closes the application, is also located
in the File menu.

7.1.1. File > New

What
The New File command creates a new file to use within the application.

Why
The New File command is useful for:
• Creating a new file for a new project

How to Use
How to create a new file
1. Go to File > New, click the icon in the toolbar, or use the Ctrl + N keyboard shortcut.

2. A save file confirmation dialog box will appear for any existing open models that have been

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 118

 changed. A save confirmation box will not appear for models that had only simple changes
made to it such as a view rotation.

3. Click Yes to save any open models. To proceed without saving any open models, click No.
To cancel the New File operation, click Cancel.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Exit

7.1.2. File > Open

What
The Open File command opens an existing xrl file.

Why
The Open File command is useful for:
• Opening files native to the application
• Opening files compatible with the application

How to Use
How to open a file
1. Go to File > Open or click the icon in the toolbar, or use the Ctrl + O keyboard shortcut.

Note: The application cannot open an .xrl file that was created in a newer version of the
software.

2. A save file confirmation dialog box will appear for any existing open models that have been
changed. A save confirmation box will not appear for models that had only simple changes
made to it such as a view rotation.

3. Click Yes to save any open models. To proceed without saving any open models, click No.
To cancel the New File operation, click Cancel.

4. The Open dialog box will appear. Select the path of the file in the File Name box.

5. Click Open to open the selected file or click Cancel to quit the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 119

 Include Display Preference – Includes the display preferences stored with an .xrl file that can also
be accessed by going to File > Preferences.

Show Preview & Info. – Shows a thumbnail preview of the last saved view of a selected .xrl file.

Summary Information – Displays all entity information for a model being opened.

Note: The summary information for a file can be set in the File Summary information box.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Save
File > Save As
File > Recent Files
File > Exit

7.1.3. File > Save

What
The Save File command saves an existing xrl file.

Why
The Save File command is useful for:
• Saving files native to the application
• Saving files compatible with the application

How to Use
How to save a file
1. Go to File > Save or click the icon in the toolbar, or use the Ctrl + S keyboard shortcut.

Note: To save a copy of the current model use the File > Save As command.

2. A dialog box will appear for any existing open models that are a format other than the .xrl
format. This dialog box will not appear if the model was originally created in the .xrl.

Note: The directory of the last saved file will be remembered and shown when the Save
File command is executed.

3. Input a name for the file and click Save to save the model or click Cancel to quit the

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 command.

Note: If a command is not finished, a rollback is being executed, or the model is in any
mode, a prompt box will appear asking if the changes for that command want to be
discarded. Finish the current command, rollback or exit the current mode to save, or click
Cancel to cancel the save command.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Save As

7.1.4. File > Save As

What
The Save As command saves a copy of the existing xrl file.

Why
The Save As command is useful for:
• Saving a file without closing it
• Saving a file as a different file type

How to Use
How to save a file using the Save As command
1. Go to File > Save As or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To save the current model without a copy use the File > Save command.

2. A save as dialog box will appear

3. Input a name for the file and click Save to save the model or click Cancel to quit the
command.

Note: The directory of the last saved file will be remembered and shown when the Save
File command is executed.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Save

7.1.5. File > Export

What

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The Export command saves selected entities in various formats.

Why
The Export command is useful for:
• Exporting a file into a different file type
• Exporting a file into another program

How to Use
How to export a file
1. Go to File > Export or click the icon in the toolbar. The application will show the default
extension automatically in the Export dialog box which can be changed. Entities can be
first selected then exported.

Note: Supported extensions for selected entities are listed in the following table:
Export File Entity

Extens Forma Point Mesh Body Ref. Color Color Textur Textur
ion t Cloud Geome Vertex Face e e Face
try Vertex
XO
xdl Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Model
Rapidfo
mdl rm Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Model
Rapidfo
rm
xpc Yes
Extrem
e Point
Rapidfo
pts rm Yes Yes Yes
Point
Rapidfo
rm
fcs Yes Yes Yes
Polygo
n
INUS
Compr
icf Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
ession
File
Ascii
asc Yes Yes Yes
Points
Binary
stl Yes
STL
Ascii
stl Yes
STL
obj OBJ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes
AutoCA
dxf Yes Yes (Polylin
D DXF
e)
3D
3ds Yes Yes Yes
Studio
VRML
wrl Yes Yes Yes Yes
1.0
VRML
wrl Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
97
Cyber
ply Ware Yes Yes Yes
Binary
Cyber
ply Ware Yes Yes Yes
Ascii
ptc Kubit Yes Yes Yes
ptc Leica Yes Yes Yes

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 igs IGES Yes Yes
stp STEP Yes Yes
Parasol
x_t Yes
id Text
Parasol
X_b id Yes
Binary
ACIS
sat Yes Yes
Text
ACIS
sab Yes Yes
Binary
CATIA
model Yes Yes
V4
CATIA
catpart Yes Yes
V5

Note: To export the file formats listed in the table below a Rapidform Exchange™
License must be installed:
CAD File Extension Default Export Comments
Version

CATIA V4 .model CATIA 4.1.9

CATIA V5 .CATPart, .CATProduct CATIA V5 R6 Unsupported assembly non-ASCII character

in the file name
2. Click the OK button to export the selected entity or click the Cancel button to quit the
command.

Options in Detail

Export Accuracy Analyzer Color Map Of Body As Mesh Format – Exports a body as a colored
mesh. This option is available in the Export dialog tree when the Accuracy Analyzer™ is activated
and a body has been selected. This option will not appear from the pop-up menu on the Model
tree.

Point or Polyline – Creates a poly-face mesh for AutoCAD. This option is available when exporting
a mesh in the .dxf format.

3D Face – Creates a 3D face mesh for AutoCAD. This option is available when exporting a mesh in
the .dxf format.

Use Custom Setting – Enables the Unit and Precision options.

Unit – Defines a measurement unit for the entity to be exported.

Precision – Sets the precision for exported files. This option is enabled when the precision
of an imported point cloud or mesh is Double and exported in the ASCII format.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 123

 Export Each Mesh As Separate File – Saves several meshes as individual files instead of a single
file.

Use Mesh Name – Saves each file with the name of the mesh.

ICF Geometry Compression Ratio – Defines the resolution of a saved model. When Lossless is
selected, geometry will be preserved as it is, but this can increase the size of a file.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Save
File > Save As

7.1.6. File > Publish

The Publish menu publishes mesh through Internet Explorer by using the Point Stream and ICF
publishing commands.

7.1.6.1. File > Publish > Point Stream

What
The Publish Point Stream command publishes selected meshes and point clouds as a stream of
points that can be viewed using the Internet Explorer browser. The RPS internet explorer viewer plug-
in is automatically installed when a PC is connected to the internet.

Why
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 124
The Publish Point Stream command is useful for:
• Publishing a file into a Point Stream to be viewed in an Internet Explorer web browser

How to Use
A. How to publish a file as a point stream
1. Go to File > Publish > Point Stream or click the icon in the toolbar and select a mesh or a
point cloud to publish.

2. Click the OK button to publish the mesh. An .html and .rps file will be created that is
viewable in an Internet Explorer browser window. The same mouse and keyboard controls
used to rotate, pan and zoom in the application are also used in the browser.

3. To see the saved file, open the .html file.

If this file is being used for the first time a dialog box used to install the RPS viewer plug-in
will be displayed. Click Install to install and proceed.

Note: This plug-in is not supported on 64-bit Internet Explorer.

4. To control viewing:
• Rotate: Left mouse button
• Pan: Ctrl + Left mouse button
• Zoom: Shift + Left mouse button or mouse wheel

B. How to share a generated file

Uploading on a website
The simplest way is to upload both the RPS and HTML files to a webhost, usually with an FTP client,
in the same folder. Then link to the HTM file's location

To store the RPS and HTML file in a different folder, open the HTML file with a text editor and change
the RPSFilePath parameter’s value to correct location. (Relative path from the directory of the HTML
file is in).

Inserting into another html file

To insert the RPS view of your model into another web page, just copy tags everything in the HTML
file from "<OBJECT>" to "</OBJECT>", and paste them into another HTML source file.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 125

Options in Detail
Plug-in – Shows the download path for the plug-in.

Version – Shows the current version of the RPS viewer.

Width and Height – Shows the width and height of the viewing area of a file.

HTML File Path – Specifies the name and directory of a HTML document to be generated.

Background – Specifies the background color of the RPS viewer. The RGB value can be between
0 and 255. The Use Texture option assigns a specific image as the background.

Without Texture With Texture

Antialiasing – Enables or disables anti-aliasing when a model is in a static state in the RPS viewer.

Zoom Limit – Controls the range of zoom-in. No Limit allows infinite zoom, Bounding Sphere
allows zooming up to the boundary of a boundary sphere, Nearest Distances allows zooming to a
nearest distance and Limit Factor scales zooming distance for the Bounding Sphere and
Nearest Distance options.

Launch Internet Explorer – Specifies if a .html file will be opened in Internet Explorer upon
publishing.

Using the Point Stream Viewer

Shader Mode – Sets various shader mode settings. For more information, see Display tab page.

Point Size – Defines the drawing size of points.

Reset View – Resets the view to the default view.

Model Information – Displays the Number Of Points and Size Of Model.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 126

 Help – Displays the help panel.

About RPS Viewer – Displays the RPS Viewer information.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Publish > ICF

7.1.6.2. File > Publish > ICF

What
The Publish ICF command publishes selected entities (point cloud, mesh, surface or solid body) in
the .icf file format, enabling them to be viewed by the Internet Explorer browser. The ICF internet
explorer viewer plug-in is automatically installed when a PC is connected to the internet.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 127

Why
The Publish ICF command is useful for:
• Publishing a file into a .icf file to be viewed in the Internet Explorer web browser

How to Use
A. How to publish a file as an .ICF file
1. Go to File > Publish > ICF or click the icon in the toolbar and select point cloud, mesh,
surface or solid body to publish.

2. Click the OK button to publish the mesh. A .html and .icf file will be created that is viewable
in an Internet Explorer browser window. The same mouse and keyboard controls used to
rotate, pan and zoom in the application are also used in the browser.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 128

Display properties of the web browser can be altered by changing the .html file that is
created.

The following table shows the parameter list you can use in the html code.
PARAM NAME VALUE Default Value
IcfPath Location of ICF file
BackgroundColor Three real values between 0 and 1, for Gray color, the default color of
example "0.5 1.0 0.5" xo
ShowGrid "true" or "false" "true"
ShowWorldAxis "true" or "false" "true"
EnableGradientBackgr "true" or "false" "true"
oud
EnableDynamicDraw "true" or "false" "true"
DynamicDisplayRatio "100", "50", "25", "10", "5", "1", "0.5", "0.1", "25"
“auto” (identical with the value of xo)
StaticDisplayRatio "100", "50", "25", "10", "5", "1", "0.5", "0.1" "100"
(identical with the value of xo)
ShadingMode One among "point shading", "smooth "smooth shading"
shading", "smooth shading with point",
"smooth shading with point", "flat shading",
"flat shading with edge ", and "flat shading
with edge"
(“with point” means whether or not to show
the vertex and “with edge” means whether or
not to show the edges.)
Light Multiple choice among "light1", "light2", "light1"
"light3" and "light4" , or "lightall"
ProjectionMode "perspective" or "parallel" "perspective"
ViewOrientation One among "front", "back", "left", "rignt", "front"
"top", "bottom", "isometric"
EnableViewportLock "true" or "false" "false"
EnableTransparency "true" or "false" "false"
DrawBackface "true" or "false" "true"
BackfaceMode One among "complement color", "as is", and "complement color"
“user defined”
AnnotAlignMode One among "free" , "snap", and "automatic" "snap"
DelayLoad true" or "false" “false”
If it is "true", automatic icf loading and
drawing is not carried out until
LoadDelayedIcf() method is called.
PointSize Size of vertex point, it should be integer “2”
value and bigger than 0
ShowModelTree "true" or "false" “false”
(Specifies whether or not to show Model
Tree when ICFViewer is initially executed.)
AutoShowHideModelTr "true" or "false" “true”
ee (Specifies whether or not to show Model
Tree when ICFViewer is initially executed.)
ShowFPS "true" or "false" “false”
(Displays the number of frames per second)
SHowColorBar "true" or "false" “true”

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 129

 3. To see the saved file, open the .html file.

If this file is being used for the first time a dialog box used to install the ICF viewer plug-in
will appear. Click Install to install and proceed.

Note: This plug-in is not supported on 64-bit Internet Explorer.

4. To control viewing:
• Rotate: Right mouse button
• Pan: Right + Left mouse button
• Zoom: Right + Left mouse button or mouse wheel

B. How to share a generated file

Uploading on a website
The simplest way is to upload both the ICF and HTML files to a webhost, usually with an FTP client, in
the same folder. Then link to the HTM file's location

To store the ICF and HTML file in a different folder, open the HTML file with a text editor and change
the "IcfPath" parameter’s value to correct location. (Relative path from the directory of the HTML file is
in).

Inserting into another html file

To insert the ICF view of your model into another web page, just copy tags everything in the HTML file
from "<OBJECT>" to "</OBJECT>", and paste them into another HTML source file.

Options in Detail
Plug-in – Shows the location of the plug-in codebase.

Version – Shows the current version of the .icf viewer.

Width and Height – Shows the width and height of the viewing area of the file.

Fit Screen Size to Window on Resize – The viewer size is fully fit to the Explorer window size.
When you adjust the Explorer window size, the viewer size is adjusted according to the Explorer
window size.

HTML File Path – Specifies the name and directory of a HTML document to be generated.

Enable Dynamic Draw – If checked, the Dynamic Display Ratio will be enabled.

Dynamic Display Ratio – Changes the amount points drawn while a model is in motion.

Static Display Ratio – Changes the amount points drawn while a model is static.

Geometry Compression Ratio – Defines the resolution of the saved model. If Lossless is set, the
geometry will be preserved as it is. However its file size will be much bigger than the reset settings.

Launch Internet Explorer – Specifies if the .icf file will be opened in Internet Explorer upon
publishing.

Using the ICF Viewer

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 130

 Reset View – Resets the view to the default view.

Fit Zoom – Fits the view to the screen.

Show Model Tree – Shows the model tree.

Auto Show / Hide Model Tree – Shows the collapsible model tree at left side. When you hover
mouse cursor on the Show Model Tree, the tree appears.

Viewpoint – Changes the viewing direction of the model.

Point Size – Defines the drawing size of points.

About ICFViewerXO2 Control – Displays the ICF Viewer information.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Publish > Point Stream

7.1.7. File > Capture Screen

What
The Capture Screen command creates a screen shot using a variety of methods. The captured
images are registered in the Image folder.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 131

Why
The Capture Screen command is useful for:
• Capturing a model in its current state
• Capturing an image of a model to use in another program

How to Use
How to capture a file
1. Go to File > Capture Screen or click the icon in the toolbar. The Capture Screen dialog
box will appear.

Note: The captured images saved to the Image Folder can be set to be shown as
thumbnails or filmstrip view.
2. Select Current View as the Target method.

3. Click the OK button to save the image to the Image Folder.

Options in Detail
Current View – Captures the current view.

Entire Model View – Captures the entire model view.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 132

 Mouse Dragging Area – Captures the area defined by a mouse drag.

Selected Window – Captures a selected window.

Application Window – Captures an entire application window.

White Background – Sets the background of the capture to white and is available if the Target is
Current View, Entire Model View, or Mouse Dragging Area.

Transparent Background – Sets the background of the capture to transparent and is available if
the Target is Current View, Entire Model View, or Mouse Dragging Area. Transparent
background is preserved when the exported image format is .tiff or .png.

Custom Resolution – Sets a custom resolution with values between 20 and 8192 and is available
if the Target is Current View, Entire Model View, or Mouse Dragging Area.

Show Dialog Tree – Captures the dialog tree and is available if the Target is Current View, Entire
Model View, or Mouse Dragging Area.

Copy To Windows Clipboard – Copies a captured image to the windows clipboard, allowing
pasting into other applications.

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Image Folder

7.1.8. File > Print

What
The Print command prints the active document.

Why
The Print command is useful for:
• Printing a current project

How to Use
How to print a file
1. Go to File > Print or click the icon in the toolbar, or use the Ctrl + P keyboard shortcut.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 133

 2. Select the Printer, Print range and Number of copies.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Print Preview
File > Print Setup

7.1.9. File > Print Preview

What
The Print Preview command previews an active document before printing.

Why
The Print Preview command is useful for:
• Previewing what a print-out will look like before printing

How to Use
How to print preview a file
1. Go to File > Print Preview or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. A preview of the active document will be shown.

3. Click Print to print the document or Close to exit without printing.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Print
File > Print Setup

7.1.10. File > Print Setup

What
The Print Setup command sets printer settings.

Why
The Print Setup command is useful for:
• Changing printers
• Changing printer properties

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 134

• Changing paper size

How to Use
How to use print setup
1. Go to File > Print Setup or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. A preview of the active document will be shown.

3. Change settings and click OK to accept or Cancel to exit Print Setup.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Print
File > Print Preview

7.1.11. File > LiveTransfer™

What
The LiveTransfer™ command directly exports whole or partial data created in the application to
target CAD systems using the API (Application Programming Interface) for many different CAD
systems.
The LiveTransfer™ command transfers the geometries, topologies, modeling histories, and
parameters of a modeling job to a CAD system that can then be edited.
If features cannot be transferred into a CAD system while using the LiveTransfer™ command, the
transfer will pause so that the features can be manually added into the CAD system. The transfer can
be resumed afterward.
The following figure shows the work flow of the LiveTransferTM function.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 135

 XOR First or Specified
Feature

Get Feature Properties Resume CAD IF in XOR

Yes
Get Next Feature Is Suppressed?

No

No
Is there Entity-Type Parameter?

Yes

Create Matching Feature Manually in

Find Matching Entity in CAD
CAD

Create Feature into CAD

No
Succeeded? Pause

Yes

No Yes
Is Last Feature? Stop

Note: Setting the Preferred CAD as one of the following CAD systems: (SolidWorks, Siemens
NX, Creo(Pro/E), AutoCAD, Inventor), or checking the Show LiveTransfer™ option in the Error
list will allow the real-time analysis of feature compatibility.

Why
The LiveTransfer™ command is useful for:
• Transferring data within the application to CAD systems
• Transferring data easily using native CAD API’s

Summary of CAD Compatibility in LiveTransfer™

TM
Rapidform XOR liveTransfer supports SolidWorks 2006~2012, SIEMENS NX4~8, Pro/E
Wildfire3.0~5.0, Creo 1.0, AutoCAD 2007~2011 and Inventor 2010~2012.

Table Legend:
Yes: fully supported
Possible: supported, but not all options
Object: supported, but non-parametric as imported dummy feature
Not Now: not support now, but will be supported in a future release
No: downstream CAD software does not support the related API

SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor

APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
2D (Mesh) Sketch Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Sketch
3D (Mesh) Sketch Object Object Object Object Object
Extrude Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Revolve Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Possible or Possible or
Loft Possible Possible Object
Object Object
Possible or Possible or
Sweep Possible Possible Object
Solid Object Object
Cut Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Hollow Yes Yes Yes No Possible
Offset No Yes No No Yes
Thicken Yes Possible Possible No Yes
Boolean Possible Possible No Possible Possible

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 136

 Surface Extrude Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Surface Revolve Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Possible or Possible or
Surface Loft Possible Possible Object
Object Object
Possible or Possible or
Surface Sweep Possible Possible Object
Object Object
Reverse Normal No Yes No No Object
Sew Possible Possible No No Possible
Trim No Possible Possible No Yes
Surface
Untrim Possible No No No No
Trim & Merge Object No No No No
Surface Offset No Possible Object No Object
Extend Surface Object Object Object Object Object
Auto Surfacing Object Object Object Object Object
Fit Boundary Object Object Object Object Object
Mesh Fit Object Object Object Object Object
Fill Face No No No No Possible
Fillet Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Chamfer Possible Possible Possible Possible Possible
Draft Possible Possible Possible No Possible
Mirror Possible Possible Object Object Possible
Delete Face Possible No No No Possible
Move Face Possible Possible No No Possible
Refit Face No No No No No
Replace Face Possible Possible Possible No Object
Modeling Linear Pattern Possible Object Object Object Possible
Feature Circular Pattern Possible Object Object Object Possible
Curve Pattern Possible Object Object Object Object
Transform Body Possible No No No Possible
Duplicate Body Yes Object No No Object
Remove Body Yes No No No Yes
Split Face Possible Possible No No Possible
Helix Object Object No No Object
Spiral Object Object No No Object
Emboss Possible Possible No No Possible
Possible or Possible or
Ref. Point No No Object
Object Object
Possible or Possible or Possible or Possible or
Ref. Vector No
Object Object Object Object
Reference Possible or Possible or Possible or Possible or
Geometry Ref. Plane No
Object Object Object Object
Possible or Possible or Possible or
Ref. Coordinate No No
Object Object Object
Ref. Polyline No No No No No
Object Body Object Object Object Object Object

Details of CAD Compatibility

Table Legend:
Yes: supported
Possible: supported, but not exact same parameters
Object: supported, but non-parametric as imported dummy feature

Note: Sketch/Mesh Sketch features are transferred as parametric features, however, “Imported”
entities inside features are non-parametric. When the “Region” option is an “Object” in the table, the
feature will be transferred as a parametric feature, but only the Region option will be non-parametric.
Not now: not support now, but will be supported in a future release
No: downstream CAD software does not support the related API

Sketch/Mesh Sketch
SolidWorks Siemens Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX 4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 137

 Ref. Plane Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Face Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sketch Chain Object Object Object Yes Object
Curve Object Object Object Yes Object
Base
Sketch Object Object Object Yes Object
Plane
3D Sketch Object Object Object Yes Object
Edge Object Object Object Yes Object
Loop Object Object Object Yes Object
Region Object Object Object Yes Object
Point Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Line Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Arc Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes
Circle Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ellipse Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes
Entity Partial Ellipse Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes
Interpolated
Object Object Possible Object Object
Spline
Canonical Spline Yes Yes Possible Yes Object
Text Object Object Possible Object Object
Fit Spline Object Object Possible Object Object
Parabola Object Object Object Object Object
“Constructive”
Property Yes Yes No No Yes
option
Coincidence Yes Possible No No Yes
Concentric Yes Possible No No Yes
Perpendicular Yes Yes No No Yes
Parallel Yes Yes No No Yes
Tangent Yes No No No Yes
Equal Length Yes Yes No No Yes
Equal Radius Yes Yes No No Yes
Equal Curvature No No No No No
Coradial Yes Possible No No Yes
Colinear Yes Yes No No Yes
Fix Yes Possible No No No
Horizontal Yes Yes No No Yes
Vertical Yes Yes No No Yes
Linear Aligned
Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Dimension
Constraint Linear Horizontal
Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Dimension
Linear Vertical
Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Dimension
Radial Dimension Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Angular
Yes Possible Yes No No
Dimension
Mid Point No Possible No No No
Normal No No No No No
Conversion No No No No No
Equal Distance No No No No No
Linear Pattern No No No No Object
Circular Pattern No No No No Object
Symmetry No No No No Object
Offset No No No No Object
Removed
No No No No Object
Original Offset

3D Sketch/3D Mesh Sketch

SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Curve Object Object Object Yes Object

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 138

Extrude
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
3D Sketch No No No No No
Profiles Whole Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Multi Profiles Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ref. Vector Yes Yes No Possible No
Ref. Plane No Yes No Possible No
Sketch Chain No No No Possible No
Curve No Yes No Possible No
Custom Sketch No Yes No Possible No
Direction Region No No No Possible No
3D Sketch No Yes No Possible No
Edge Yes Yes No Possible No
Loop No No No Possible No
Face No Yes No Possible No
Length(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Blind
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No Yes Yes
No Option Yes Possible Yes Yes Yes
Through All
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Ref.
No Possible No Possible Possible
Point
Ref.
Coordin No Possible No Possible Possible
Vertex ate
Up To Vertex Curve
No Possible No Possible Possible
Point
Body
Yes Possible Possible Possible Possible
Vertex
Offset(Dist/Flip) No Yes No Possible Possible
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No Possible Yes
Region Object Object Object No Object
Up To Region Offset(Dist/Flip) Yes No No No No
(Trim with …) Trans(Dist/Flip) Yes No No No No
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No No Yes
Up To Region Min, Max, Mean Possible Possible Possible No Possible
(Max.Mean.Min.) Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No No Yes
Ref.
Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Surface Plane
Face Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Up To Surface Offset(Dist/Flip) Yes No No No No
Trans(Dist/Flip) Yes No No No No
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No No Yes
Surface
Yes Yes No No Yes
Body
Body
Up To Body Solid
Yes Yes No No Yes
Body
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No No Yes
Length(Flip) Yes Possible Yes Yes Yes
Mid Plane
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Solid Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes
Result
Cut Yes Possible Yes Possible Yes
Operations
Merge Yes Possible Yes Possible Yes
Opposite Yes Possible Yes Yes Yes

Revolve
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Profiles Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 139

 3D Sketch No No No No No
Whole Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Multi Profiles Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Ref. Vector Yes Yes Yes Possible Yes
Curve Yes Yes Yes Possible Yes
Axis Region No Object No Possible No
Edge Yes Yes Yes Possible No
Face No Yes No Possible No
One
Angle(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Direction
Mid Plane Angle(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Both Angle(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Directions Opposite Angle Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Solid Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes
Result
Cut Yes Possible Yes Possible Yes
Operations
Merge Yes Possible Yes Possible Yes

Loft
Not supported in NX4 and Pro/E 3.0+.
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX5 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Composite Profile No No No No No
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Profiles
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now Not now No No No
Loop No No No No No
Face Not now Not now No No Yes
None Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Direction Vector Not now No No No No
Normal
Not now No No No Possible
To Profile
Constraint
Tangency
No No No No Yes
To Face
Curvature
No No No No Yes
to Face
Composite Profile No No No No No
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Guide 3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Curves Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now No No No No
Merge Tangent Faces No No No No Yes
Close Loft Yes No No No Yes
Solid Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Result
Cut Yes Possible No Possible Yes
Operations
Merge Yes Possible No Possible Yes

Sweep
Not supported in NX4 and Pro/E 3.0+.
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX5 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Composite Profile No No No No No
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes No
Profiles Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now Not now No No No
Loop No No No No No
Composite Profile No No No No No
Path
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 140

 3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now Not now No No No
Follow Path Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Keep Normal Constant Not now No No No Yes
Follow Path And First
Not now No No No Yes
Guide Curve
Method Follow First And
Not now No No No No
Second Guide Curves
Twist Along Path Not now No No No No
Twist Along Path With
Not now No No No No
Normal Constant
Path None Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Alignment
Type Direction Vector Not now No No No No
Composite Profile Not now No No No No
Sketch Chain Not now No No No Possible
Curve Not now No No No Yes
Guide
Sketch Not now No No No Yes
Curves
Sketch Loop Not now No No No Possible
3D Sketch Not now No No No Yes
Edge Not now No No No No
Improve Curvature Flow Along Sweep
No No No No No
Path
Merge Tangent Faces Not now No No No No
Solid Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Result
Cut Yes Possible No Possible Possible
Operations
Merge Yes Possible No Possible Possible

Cut
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Region Object Object Object Not Now Object
Ref. Plane Yes Yes Yes Not Now Yes
Sketch Chain No No No No No
Curve No No No No No
Tool Entities Sketch No No No No No
3D Sketch No No No No No
Edge No No No No No
Surface Body Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Multiple Tool Entities No Yes No No Yes
Target
Solid Body Yes Yes Possible Yes Yes
Bodies

Hollow
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Body Solid Body Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Depth Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Hollow Outward Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Remove Faces Faces Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Multi-Thickness Face Yes Yes Yes No No
Faces Thickness Yes Yes Yes No No

Offset
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Solid Bodies No Yes No No Yes
Offset Distance(Flip) No Yes No No Yes

Thicken
APPLICATION SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 141

 2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Surface Body Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Thickness Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Direction1 Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Direction Direction2 Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Both Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Solid Yes Possible Possible No Yes
Result Operator Cut Yes Possible Yes No Yes
Merge Yes Possible Yes No Yes

Boolean
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Surface
Tool No No No No No
Merge Body
Bodies
Solid Body Yes Possible No Possible Yes
Surface
Tool No No No No No
Body
Bodies
Solid Body Yes Possible No Possible Yes
Cut
Target
Solid Body Yes Possible No Possible Yes
Bodies
Multiple Target Bodies No No No No No
Surface
Tool No No No No No
Body
Bodies
Intersect Solid Body Yes Possible No Possible Yes
Target
Solid Body Yes Possible No Possible Yes
Body

Surface Extrude
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
3D Sketch No No No Yes No
Profiles Whole Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Multi Profiles Yes Yes No Yes No
Ref. Vector No Yes No Possible No
Ref. Plane No Yes No Possible No
Sketch Chain No No No Possible No
Curve No Yes No Possible No
Custom Sketch No Yes No Possible No
Direction Region No No No Possible No
3D Sketch No Yes No Possible No
Edge No Yes No Possible No
Loop No No No Possible No
Face No Yes No Possible No
Length(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Blind
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No Yes Yes
No Option Yes Possible No Yes Object
Through All
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Ref. Point No Possible No Possible Possible
Ref.
No Possible No Possible Possible
Vertex Coordinate
Up To Vertex Curve Point No Possible No Possible Possible
Body Vertex Yes Possible Possible Possible Possible
Offset(Dist/Flip) No Yes No Possible Possible
Draft(Angle/Flip) Yes Yes No Possible Yes
Length(Flip) Yes Possible Yes Yes Yes
Mid Plane
Draft(Angle/Flip) Possible Yes No Yes Yes
Opposite Yes Possible Yes Possible Yes

Surface Revolve

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 142

 SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
3D Sketch No No No No No
Profiles Whole Sketch Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Multi Profiles Yes No No Yes Yes
Ref. Vector Yes Yes Yes Possible Yes
Curve Yes Yes Yes Possible Yes
Axis Region No No No Possible No
Edge Yes Yes Yes Possible No
Face No Yes No Possible No
One Direction Angle(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mid Plane Angle(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Both Angle(Flip) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Directions Opposite Angle Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Surface Loft
Not supported in NX4 and Pro/E 3.0+.
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Composite Profile No No No No No
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Profiles
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now Not now No No Yes
Loop No No No No No
Face Not now Not now No No No
None Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Direction Vector Not now No No No No
Normal To
Not now No No No No
Constraint Profile
Tangency
No No No No Possible
To Face
Curvature
No No No No Possible
to Face
Composite Profile No No No No No
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Guide Curves
Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now No No No No
Merge Tangent Faces No No No No Yes

Surface Sweep
Not supported in NX4 and Pro/E 3.0+.
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Composite Profile No No No No No
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes No
Profiles Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now Not now No No No
Loop No No No No No
Composite Profile No No No No No
Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
3D Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Path
Whole Sketch Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Part Of Sketch No No No No No
Edge Not now Not now No No No
Method Follow Path Yes Yes No Yes Possible

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 143

 Keep Normal
Not now No No No Yes
Constant
Follow Path
Not now No No No Possible
And First Guide Curve
Follow First
And Second Guide Not now No No No No
Curves
Twist
Not now No No No No
Along Path
Twist
Along Path
Not now No No No No
With Normal
Constant
Path None Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Alignment
Type Direction Vector Not now No No No No
Composite Profile Not now No No No No
Sketch Chain Not now No No No Possible
Curve Not now No No No Yes
Guide Curves Sketch Not now No No No Yes
Sketch Loop Not now No No No Possible
3D Sketch Not now No No No Yes
Edge Not now No No No No
Improve Curvature Flow
No No No No No
Along Sweep Path
Merge Tangent Faces Not now No No No No

Reverse Normal
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Surface Bodies No Yes No No Object

Sew
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Surface Bodies Yes Yes No No Yes
Continuity Constraint No No No No No

Trim
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Sketch Chain No No No Yes
Ref. Plane No Yes Yes Yes
Tool Region No Object Object No Object
Surface Body No Yes Yes Yes
Solid Body No No No Yes
Target Surface Body No Yes Yes No Yes

Untrim
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Edge Yes No No No
Tool Loop Yes No No No No
Face No No No No

Surface Offset
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Face No Yes Object No Object
Faces
Surface Body No Yes Object No Object
Offset Distance(Flip) No Yes Object No Object
Make Side Wall No No Object No No
More Option Remove
No No Object No No
Original Faces

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 144

Fillet
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Edge Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Entities Loop Not now Not now Not now Not now Not now
Constant Face Yes Yes No No Yes
Fillet Radius Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tangent Propagation Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Multiple Set Yes Yes Yes Yes Possible
Entities Edge Yes Yes Yes Yes
Radius Possible Yes Yes Yes
Tangent
Yes Yes No No
Variable Propagation No
Fillet Smooth
Yes No No Yes
Transition Transition
Method Linear
Yes Yes No Yes
Transition
Conic Fillet No No No No No
Faces/Faces Face Yes Yes Yes Yes
Radius Yes Yes Yes Yes
Edge No Yes No No
Curve No Yes No No
Hold Line Sketch
No No No No
Chain
Asymmetric No Possible No No
Face Fillet Ref. Point No No No No No
Help Point Curve Point No No No No
Vertex Yes No No No
Tangent Propagation Yes Yes Yes No
Constant Curvature Yes No No No
Constant Width Yes No No No
Radius2 No Yes No No
Conic
Rho No Yes No No
Left Yes No No Yes
Full Face Fillet Entity
Right Yes No No No Yes
Fillet Set
Center Yes No No Yes

Chamfer
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Edge Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Loop Not now Not now Not now Not now Not now
Entities Face Yes Yes No No No
Multiple
No No No No No
Entities
Distance Yes Yes Yes Yes
Angle Yes Yes Yes Yes
Angle &
Flip Direction Yes Yes No No No
Distance
Tangent
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Propagation
Distance Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Distance2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Distance &
Distance Flip Direction Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Tangent
Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Propagation

Draft
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Ref. Plane No Yes Yes No Yes
Neutral
Region No No No No No
Neutral Plane
Face Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Plane
Draft Faces Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Angle(Flip) Yes Yes Yes No Possible

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 145

 Ref. Vector Not Now Yes Yes No Yes
Ref. Plane Not Now Yes No No Yes
Sketch Chain Not Now No No No No
Curve Not Now Yes No No No
Pull Sketch Not Now Yes No No No
Direction Region Not Now No No No No
3D Sketch Not Now Yes No No No
Parting
Line Draft Edge Not Now Yes Yes No Yes
Loop Not Now No No No No
Face Not Now Yes No No
Parting
Edge Not Now Yes Yes No Yes
Lines
Angle Not Now Yes Yes No Yes
Flip Direction Not Now Yes Yes No Yes
Allow Reduced Angle Not Now No No No Yes
Ref. Plane Not Now No No No No
Neutral
Region Not Now No No No No
Plane
Face Not Now No No No No
Parting
Edge Not Now No No No No
Lines
Step Draft
Angle Not Now No No No No
Direction Not Now No No No No
Tapered Steps Not Now No No No No
Step Type Perpendicular
Not Now No No No No
Steps

Mirror
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Surface Body Yes Yes Object Object No
Bodies
Solid Body Yes Yes Object Object Yes
Ref. Plane Yes Yes Object Object Yes
Symmetry Plane
Face Yes Possible Object Object Yes
Trim & Merge No No Object Object No

Delete Face
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Delete Yes No No Yes
Delete And Heal No No No No Yes
Delete And Fill No No No No

Move Face
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Faces Yes Yes No No Yes
Ref. Vector Yes Yes No No Yes
Ref. Plane Yes Yes No No No
Translate Direction Curve No Possible No No No
Edge Yes Yes No No Yes
Face Yes Yes No No Yes
Distance(Flip) Yes Yes No No Yes
Faces Yes Yes No No Yes
Ref. Vector Yes Yes No No Yes
Rotate Axis Curve No Possible No No No
Edge Yes Yes No No Yes
Angle(Flip) Yes Yes No No Yes

Replace Face
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Target Faces Face Yes Yes Yes No Object
Region Object Object No No Object
Tool Body
Surface Body Yes Yes Yes No Object

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 146

Linear Pattern
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Solid Body Yes Object Object Object Yes
Bodies
Surface Body Yes Object Object Object No
Ref. Vector Yes Object Object Object Yes
Ref. Plane No Object Object Object Yes
Sketch Chain No Object Object Object No
Curve No Object Object Object No
Sketch No Object Object Object No
Direction
3D Sketch No Object Object Object No
Edge Yes Object Object Object Yes
Loop No Object Object Object No
Region No Object Object Object No
Face No Object Object Object Yes
Skip Instances Yes Object Object Object No

Circular Pattern
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Solid Body Yes Object Object Object Yes
Bodies
Surface Body Yes Object Object Object No
Ref. Vector Yes Object Object Object Yes
Curve No Object Object Object No
Rotation Axis Edge Yes Object Object Object Possible
Region No Object Object Object No
Face No Object Object Object No
Equal Spacing Yes Object Object Object Yes
True: Yes True: Yes
Rotate About Axis Object Object Object
False: No False: No
Skip Instances Yes Object Object Object No

Curve Pattern
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Solid Body Yes Object Object Object Object
Bodies
Surface Body Yes Object Object Object Object
Curve 1 Curve: Yes Object Object Object Object
Path Curve
Edge Yes Object Object Object Object
Equal Spacing Yes Object Object Object Object
Align To Seed Yes Object Object Object Object
Align Method
Rotate Along Curve Yes Object Object Object Object
Skip Instances Yes Object Object Object Object

Transform Body
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Solid Body Yes No No No Yes
Bodies
Surface Body Yes No No No Yes
Duplicate Yes No No No No
Rotate And Translate Yes No No No Yes
Scale: Global Origin Yes No No No No
Scale Body Center No No No No No
Method Center Custom No No No No No
By Matrix No No No No Possible
Datum Alignment No No No No Object
Align To Scan No No No No Object

Split Face
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 147

 Tool Sketch Yes Yes No No Yes
Entities 3D Sketch No Yes No No No
Target
Projection Face Yes Yes No No Yes
Entities
Single
Yes Yes No No No
Options Direction(Flip)
Bi-Direction Yes No No No Yes
Ref. Vector No No No No No
Region No No No No No
Ref. Plane No No No No No
Sketch
No No No No No
Chain
Pull Curve No No No No No
Direction
Sketch No No No No No
Silhouette
3D Sketch No No No No No
Edge No No No No No
Loop No No No No No
Face No No No No No
Target
Face No No No No No
Entities
Options Draft Angle No No No No No
Face No Yes No No No
Tool Surface
No Yes No No Yes
Entities Body
Solid
No Yes No No Yes
Body
Intersection
Face No Yes No No Yes
Target Surface
No Yes No No Yes
Entities Body
Solid
No Yes No No Yes
Body

Helix/Spiral
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Curves Object Object No No Object

Emboss
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Pad/Pocket Yes Yes No No Yes
Sketch Yes Yes No No Yes
Sketch Chain No No No No Yes
Profile Sketch Loop No No No No Yes
3D Sketch No Yes No No No
Loop No No No No No
Face Yes Yes No No Yes
Target Solid Body No Yes No No Yes
Surface Body No Yes No No No
Offset Surface Yes Yes No No Yes
Ref. Vector No Yes No No No
Region No No No No No
Ref. Plane No Yes No No No
Sketch Chain No No No No No
Translate Curve No Yes No No No
Surface Sketch No Yes No No No
End Cap 3D Sketch No Yes No No No
Edge No Yes No No No
Loop No No No No No
Face No Yes No No No
Region No Object No No No
End Cap Face No Yes No No No
Surface Surface Body No Yes No No No
Solid Body No Yes No No No
Side Face Normal Yes Yes No No No

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 148

 Wall Profile Direction No Yes No No Yes
Ref. Vector Yes Yes No No No
Region No No No No No
Ref. Plane No Yes No No No
Sketch Chain No No No No No
Direction Curve No Yes No No No
Vector Sketch No Yes No No No
3D Sketch No Yes No No No
Edge Yes Yes No No No
Loop No No No No No
Face No Yes No No No
Draft Angle (Flip) No Yes No No No

Ref. Point
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Definition Position No Object Object No Object
Extract No Object Object No Object
Find Circle Center No Object Object No Object
Find Slot Center No Object Object No Object
Find Rectangle Center No Object Object No Object
Find Polygon Center No Object Object No Object
Find Sphere Center No Object Object No Object
Projection No Object Object No Object
Ref. Point No Object Object No Object
Curve Point No Object Object No Object
Poly-Vertex No Object Object No Object
Curve No Object Object No Object
Pick Region No Object Object No Object
Multiple Entities Region
Points No Object Object No Object
Group
1 Vertex: Yes 1 Vertex: Yes 1 Vertex: Yes
Vertex No No
Else : Object Else : Object Else: Object
Edge No Object Object No Object
Face No Object Object No Object
N Division No Object Object No Object
Between 2 Points No Object Object No Object
Intersect 2 Lines No Object Yes No Object
Intersect Line and Face No Object Yes No Object
Intersect 3 Planes No Object Yes No Object

Ref. Vector
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Position (XYZ)
Position & Direction
Object Object Object No Object
Direction (+-XYZ, XYZ
(value))
Definition
Start Position
Start &
(XYZ)
End Object Object Object No Object
End Position
Position
(XYZ)
Poly-Vertex Object Object Object No Object
Ref. Polyline Object Object Object No Object
Curve Object Yes Object No Yes
Poly-Face Object Object Object No Object
Region Object Object Object No Object
Extract Entities
Region Group Object Object Object No Object
1 Linear 1 Linear 1 Linear 1 Linear
Edge Edge : Yes Edge : Yes Edge : Yes No Edge : Yes
Else : Object Else : Object Else : Object Else : Object
Face Object Yes Object No Object
Mesh Object Object Object No Object

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 149

 Fitting
Object Object Object No Object
Options
Constraint Project On
Object Object Object No Object
Options Plane
Find
Object Object Object No Object
Slot Axis
Find
Object Object Object No Object
Cylinder Axis
Find
Object Object Object No Object
Cone Axis
Projection Object Object Object No Object
2 Point : 2 Point :
2 Vertex :
Yes Yes
Ref. Point Object No Yes
Else : Else :
Else : Object
Object Object
Curve Point Object Object Object No Object
Poly-Vertex Object Object Object No Object
Pick Curve Object Object Object No Object
Multiple Entities Region Object Object Object No Object
Points Region Group Object Object Object No Object
2 Vertex : 2 Vertex : 2 Vertex :
2 Vertex :
Yes Yes Yes
Vertex No Yes
Else : Else : Else :
Else : Object
Object Object Object
Edge Object Object Object No Object
Face Object Object Object No Object
Ref. Point Object Yes Object No Object
Ref. Vector Object Yes Object No Object
Poly-Vertex Object Object Object No Object
Curve Point Object Object Object No Object
Ref. Plane Object Yes Object No Object
Pick Curve Object Yes Object No Object
Point & Entities
Line Sketch Object Possible Object No Object
Region Object Object Object No Object
Region Group Object Object Object No Object
Vertex Object Yes Object No Object
Edge Object Yes Object No Object
Face Object Yes Object No Object
Ref. Plane Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Sketch Object Object Object No Object
Intersect
Entities Region Object Object Object No Object
2 Planes
Region Group Object Object Object No Object
Face Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Average Object Object Object No Object
Cross 2 Lines Object Object Object No Object
Revolving Axis Object Object Object No Object
Extrusion Axis Object Object Object No Object
Pattern Revolving Axis Object Object Object No Object
Pattern Translation Axis Object Object Object No Object

Ref. Plane
SolidWorks SIEMENS Pro/E AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION
2006 + NX4 + Wildfire 3 + 2007 + 2010 +
Position (XYZ)
Position &
Normal (+- XYZ, Object Object Object No Object
Normal
XYZ (value))
Position1 (XYZ)
3 Positions Position2 (XYZ) Object Object Object No Object
Definition
Position3 (XYZ)
A (value)
B (value)
Coefficients Object Object Object No Object
C (value)
D (value)
Poly-Vertex Object Object Object No Object
Extract Entities
Ref. Polyline Object Object Object No Object

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 150

 Ref. Plane Object Object Yes No Object
Curve Object Object Object No Object
Poly-Face Object Object Object No Object
Region Object Object Object No Object
Region Group Object Object Object No Object
Edge Object Yes Object No Object
1 Planar 1 Planar 1 Planar 1 Planar
Face : Yes Face : Yes Face : Yes Face : Yes
Face No
Else : Else : Else : Else :
Object Object Object Object
Mesh Object Object Object No Object
Fitting Options Object Object Object No Object
Constraint
Axis Constraint Object Object Object No Object
Options
Projection Entities Object Object Object No Object
3 Point : 3 Point : 3 Point :
Yes Yes Yes
Ref. Point Object No
Else : Else : Else :
Object Object Object
Poly-Vertex Object Object Object No Object
Curve Point Object Object Object No Object
Curve Object Object Object No Object
Pick Multiple
Entities Region Object Object Object No Object
Points
Region Group Object Object Object No Object
3 Vertex : 3 Vertex : 3 Vertex :
Yes Yes Yes
Vertex Object No
Else : Else : Else :
Object Object Object
Edge Object Object Object No Object
Face Object Object Object No Object
Ref. Point Object Yes Yes No Object
Curve Point Object Object Object No Object
Poly-Vertex Object Object Object No Object
Ref. Vector Object Yes Yes No Object
Curve Object Yes Object No Object
Pick Point & Ref. Plane Object Yes Object No Object
Entities
Normal Axis Sketch Object Possible Object No Object
Region Object Object Object No Object
Region Group Object Object Object No Object
Vertex Object Yes Yes No Object
Edge Object Yes Yes No Object
Face Object Yes Object No Object
Ref. Point Object Yes Yes No Object
Curve Point Object Object Object No Object
Poly-Vertex Object Object Object No Object
Ref. Vector Object Yes Yes No Object
Pick Point & Curve Object Yes Object No Object
Coplanar Entities
Axis Region Object Object Object No Object
Region Group Object Object Object No Object
Vertex Object Yes Yes No Object
Edge Object Yes Yes No Object
Face Object Object Object No Object
Entities Object Object Object No Object
N Division
Pattern Option Object Object Object No Object
Ref. Plane Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Sketch Object Object Object No Object
Entities Region Object Object Object No Object
Offset Region Group Object Object Object No Object
Face Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Number (Value) Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Offset
Options Distance
Yes Yes Yes No Yes
(Value/Flip)

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 151

 Entities Object Object Object No Object
Rotation Rotate Number (Value) Object Object Object No Object
Options Angle (Flip) Object Object Object No Object
Average Entities Object Object Object No Object
View
Entities Object Object Object No Object
Direction
Tangent Entities Object Object Object No Object
Orthogonal Entities Object Object Object No Object
Draw Cutting Entities Object Object Object No Object
Mirror Entities Object Object Object No Object
Extreme Entities Object Object Object No Object
Position Direction Object Object Object No Object

Ref. Coordinate
SolidWork Pro/E
SIEMENS AutoCAD Inventor
APPLICATION s Wildfire 3
NX4 + 2007 + 2010 +
2006 + +
Origin (XYZ)
Axis 1, 2 (+- XYZ,
Origin & Axes No Object Object No Object
XYZ (value))
Definition
Order
Origin & Origin (XYZ)
No Object Object No Object
Rotation Rotation
Poly-Vertex No Object Object No No
Ref. Polyline No Object Object No No
Curve No Object Object No No
Poly-Face No Object Object No No
Entities Region No Object Object No No
Extract
Region Group No Object Object No No
Edge No Object Object No No
Face No Object Object No No
Mesh No Object Object No No
Fitting Options No Object Object No No
3 Point :
Yes
Ref. Point No Object No No
Else :
Object
Poly-Vertex No Object Object No No
Curve Point No Object Object No No
Curve No Object Object No No
Entities Region No Object Object No No
Pick Multiple Region Group No Object Object No No
Points 3 Vertex :
Yes
Vertex No Object No Object
Else :
Object
Edge No Object Object No No
Face No Object Object No No
Possible
More Option Order No Only XY Object No Possible
Order
Ref. Point No Yes Object No No
Ref. Vector No Yes Object No No
Poly-Vertex No Object Object No No
Curve Point No Object Object No No
Ref. Plane No Yes Object No No
Pick Point & Curve No Yes Object No No
Entities
Line Region No Object Object No No
Region Group No Object Object No No
Sketch No Yes Object No No
Vertex No Yes Object No No
Edge No Yes Object No No
Face No Yes Object No No

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 152

 Possible
More Option Order No Only XY Object No No
Order
Ref. Point No Yes Object No No
Ref. Coordinate No Yes Object No No
Poly-Vertex No Object Object No No
Curve Point No Object Object No No
Pick Point & Curve No Object Object No No
Entities
Coordinate Region No Object Object No No
Region Group No Object Object No No
Vertex No Yes Object No No
Edge No Object Object No No
Face No Object Object No No
Ref. Plane No Yes Yes No No
Sketch No Object Object No No
Intersect 3
Entities Region No Object Object No No
Plane
Region Group No Object Object No No
Face No Yes Yes No No
Possible
Intersection Check
No Only Object No No
Options Orthogonal
Orthogonal
Flip Z
More Options No Object Object No No
Flip X
Ref. Point No Object Object No No
Poly-Vertex No Object Object No No
Tangent Entities
Curve Point No Object Object No No
Vertex No Object Object No No

Reference
Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)
File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5

7.1.11.1. File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks

What
The LiveTransfer™ To SolidWorks command is used to directly export features and modeling
histories to the SolidWorks application.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 153

Why
The LiveTransfer™ To SolidWorks tool is useful for:
• Transferring data into the SolidWorks application

How to Use
How use the LiveTransfer™ To SolidWorks command
1. Go to File > LiveTransfer™ To SolidWorks or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The application currently supports SolidWorks 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010,
2011, and 2012.

2. Go to Start From First Feature in the dialog tree.

Note: The creation method is different in SolidWorks and there are some limitations to
the Cut command.

If a Tool Entity completely cuts a body, it will be transferred without any barriers.

Cut Result in Rapidform XOR LiveTransfer™ to SolidWorks

However, if a Tool Entity completely cuts a body and crosses into another body, it may
generate an error message within SolidWorks. To avoid this error message, uncheck the
Auto-select option in the Cut With Surface command in SolidWorks, and then manually
cut the body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 154

 Cut Result in Rapidform XOR LiveTransfer™ to SolidWorks

If a Tool Entity completely cuts a target body and completely crosses another body, the
other body will also be cut in SolidWorks. To avoid this situation, uncheck the Auto-select
option in the Cut With Surface command in SolidWorks, and then manually cut the target
body.

Cut Result in Rapidform XOR LiveTransfer to SolidWorks

If a Tool Entity cuts a single body and creates two or more remaining bodies, remaining
bodies can be selected in the application. After using the LiveTransfer™ To SolidWorks,
command however, the remaining bodies will be determined to be in the normal direction of
the Tool Entity. In this case the body needs to be cut manually in SolidWorks.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 155

 Cut Result in Rapidform XOR LiveTransfer to SolidWorks
3. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This tool features 3 different methods:

• Start From First Feature
All features starting from the first feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into
SolidWorks

• Resume From Selected Feature

All features starting from a selected feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into
SolidWorks

• Only Selected Entities

Only selected features will be exported into SolidWorks

Options
SolidWorks (Version) – Chooses a dedicated software version.

Note: When different SolidWorks versions are installed in the same PC, the SolidWorks
(Version) option will be displayed.

Prefix For Feature Name – Defines the prefix for a feature name.

Try To Transfer Sweep/Loft As Parametric Feature – Transfers Sweep and Loft features as
parametric features into SolidWorks, however if the sweeping and lofting algorithms are different
between the applications then the features will be transferred as dummy objects.

Feature – Selects a feature to start transferring.

Entities – Selects entities only to transfer.

Specify Face Or Plane Of Sketch Inside Of SolidWorks – Allows a Face or Plane to be selected
to be used as a 2D sketch plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 156

 SolidWorks Option
Use Custom SolidWorks Execution File Path – Manually defines the path of a SolidWorks
application execution file.
Pause At …
Pause At – Pauses transfer after a selected command is performed.

Reference
Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)
File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5

7.1.11.2. File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX

What
The LiveTransfer™ To Siemens NX command is used to directly export features and modeling
histories to the Siemens NX application.

Why
The LiveTransfer™ To Siemens NX tool is useful for:
• Transferring data into the Siemens NX application

How to Use
How use the LiveTransfer™ To Siemens NX command

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 157

 1. Go to File > LiveTransfer™ To Siemens NX or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The application currently supports Siemens NX4, 5, 6, 7, 7.5, and 8.

2. Choose Start From First Feature in the dialog tree.

3. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This tool features 3 different methods such as:

• Start From First Feature
All features starting from the first feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into Siemens
NX

• Resume From Selected Feature

All features starting from a selected feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into
Siemens NX

• Only Selected Entities

Only selected features will be exported into Siemens NX

Options
Siemens NX (Version) – Chooses a dedicated software version.

Note: When different Siemens NX versions are installed in the same PC, the Siemens NX
(Version) option will be displayed.

Prefix For Feature Name – Defines the prefix for a feature name.

Try To Transfer Sweep/Loft As Parametric Feature – Transfers Sweep and Loft features as
parametric features into Siemens NX, however if the sweeping and lofting algorithms are different
between the applications then the features will be transferred as dummy objects.

Feature – Selects a feature to start transferring.

Entities – Selects entities only to transfer.

Use Selected Face Or Plane In NX For 2D Sketch Plane – Allows a Face or Plane to be selected
to be used as a 2D sketch plane.

Siemens NX Option
Use Custom NX Execution File Path – Manually defines the path of a Siemens NX application
execution file.

Pause At …
Pause At – Pauses transfer after a selected command is performed.

Reference

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 158

Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)
File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5

7.1.11.3. File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)

What
The LiveTransfer™ To Creo(Pro/E) command is used to directly export features and modeling
histories to the Creo(Pro/E) application.

Why
The LiveTransfer™ To Creo(Pro/E) tool is useful for:
• Transferring data into the Creo(Pro/E) application

How to Use
How use the LiveTransfer™ To Creo(Pro/E) command
1. Go to File > LiveTransfer™ To Creo(Pro/E) or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The application currently supports Pro/E Wildfire 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and Creo 1.0.

2. Choose Start From First Feature in the dialog tree.

3. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 159

 Methods

This tool features 3 different methods:

• Start From First Feature
All features starting from the first feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into
Creo(Pro/E)

• Resume From Selected Feature

All features starting from a selected feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into
Creo(Pro/E)

• Only Selected Entities

Only selected features will be exported into Creo(Pro/E)

Options
Prefix For Feature Name – Defines the prefix for a feature name.

Try To Transfer Sweep/Loft As Parametric Feature – Transfers Sweep and Loft features as
parametric features into Creo(Pro/E), however if the sweeping and lofting algorithms are different
between the applications then the features will be transferred as dummy objects.

Feature – Selects a feature to start transferring.

Entities – Selects entities only to transfer.

Use Selected Face Or Plane In Creo(Pro/E) For 2D Sketch Plane – Allows a Face or Plane to
be selected to be used as a 2D sketch plane.

Pro/E Options
Use Custom Creo(Pro/E) Execution File Path – Manually defines the path of a Creo(Pro/E)
application execution file.

Use Creo(Pro/E) Template File – Uses a template Creo(Pro/E) file in the .prt format.

Pause At …
Pause At – Pauses transfer after a selected command is performed.

Reference
Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX
File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5

7.1.11.4. File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD

What
The LiveTransfer™ To AutoCAD command is used to directly export features and modeling histories

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 160

to the AutoCAD application.

Why
The LiveTransfer™ To AutoCAD tool is useful for:
• Transferring data into the AutoCAD application

How to Use
How use the LiveTransfer™ To AutoCAD command
1. Go to File > LiveTransfer™ To AutoCAD or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The application currently supports AutoCAD 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
AutoCAD LT is not supported

2. Choose Start From First Feature in the dialog tree.

3. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This tool features 3 different methods:

• Start From First Feature
All features starting from the first feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into AutoCAD

• Resume From Selected Feature

All features starting from a selected feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into
AutoCAD

• Only Selected Entities

Only selected features will be exported into AutoCAD

Options
AutoCAD (Version) – Chooses a dedicated software version.

Note: When different AutoCAD versions are installed in the same PC, the AutoCAD (Version)
option will be displayed.

Try To Transfer Sweep/Loft As Parametric Feature – Transfers Sweep and Loft features as

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 161

 parametric features into AutoCAD, however if the sweeping and lofting algorithms are different
between the applications then the features will be transferred as dummy objects.

Feature – Selects a feature to start transferring.

Entities – Selects entities only to transfer.

AutoCAD Options
Use Custom AutoCAD Execution File Path – Manually defines the path of a AutoCAD
application execution file.

Pause At …
Pause At – Pauses transfer after a selected command is performed.

Reference
Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5

7.1.11.5. File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor

What
The LiveTransfer™ To Inventor command is used to directly export features and modeling histories
to the Inventor application.

Why
The LiveTransfer™ To Inventor tool is useful for:
• Transferring data into the Inventor application

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 162

How to Use
How use the LiveTransfer™ To Inventor command
1. Go to File > LiveTransfer™ To Inventor or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The application currently supports Inventor 2010, Inventor 2011, and Inventor
2012.

2. Choose Start From First Feature in the dialog tree.

3. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This tool features 3 different methods:

• Start From First Feature
All features starting from the first feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into Inventor

• Resume From Selected Feature

All features starting from a selected feature in the Feature Tree will be exported into
Inventor

• Only Selected Entities

Only selected features will be exported into Inventor

Options
Inventor (Version) – Chooses a dedicated software version.

Note: When different versions of Inventor are installed in the same PC, the Inventor (Version)
option will be displayed.

Prefix For Feature Name – Defines the prefix for a feature name.

Try To Transfer Sweep/Loft As Parametric Feature – Transfers Sweep and Loft features as
parametric features into Inventor, however if the sweeping and lofting algorithms are different
between the applications then the features will be transferred as dummy objects.

Feature – Selects a feature to start transferring.

Entities – Selects entities only to transfer.

Inventor Options
Use Custom Inventor Execution File Path – Manually defines the path of an Inventor application
execution file.

Pause At …
Pause At – Pauses a transfer after a selected command is performed.

Reference

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 163

Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)
File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5

7.1.11.6. File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4

What
The LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V4 command is used to save files in the CATIA 4.1.9 format.
Sketches and Bodies can be saved in the .model format.

Why
The LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V4 tool is useful for:
• Transferring data into the CATIA V4 application

How to Use
How use the LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V4 command
1. Go to File > LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V4 or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To use this command the Rapidform Exchange™ License must be purchased and
installed

2. Type a File name and select Except Hidden Entities and Use Custom Settings option
boxes if desired.

3. Click Save to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Options
Except Hidden Entities – Will not import hidden sketches and bodies.

Unit – Defines the measurement unit of the entity to be saved.

Reference
Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)
File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 164

7.1.11.7. File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V5
What
The LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V5 command is used to save files in the CATIA V5 R6 format.
Sketches and Bodies can be saved in the .model format.

Why
The LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V5 tool is useful for:
• Transferring data into the CATIA V5 application

How to Use
How use the LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V5 command
1. Go to File > LiveTransfer™ Save As CATIA V5 or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To use this command the Rapidform Exchange™ License must be purchased and
installed

2. Type a File name and select Except Hidden Entities and Use Custom Settings option
boxes if desired.

3. Click Save to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Options
Except Hidden Entities – Will not import hidden sketches and bodies.

Unit – Defines the measurement unit of the entity to be saved.

Reference
Related Commands
File > LiveTransfer™ > To SolidWorks
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Siemens NX
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Creo(Pro/E)
File > LiveTransfer™ > To AutoCAD
File > LiveTransfer™ > To Inventor
File > LiveTransfer™ > Save As CATIA V4

7.1.12. File > Batch Process

What
The Batch Process commands execute a series of programs or “jobs” on a computer without manual

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 165

intervention.

Why
The Batch Process commands are useful for:
• Processing jobs when computer resources are less busy
• Avoiding idling computing resources with minute-by-minute intervention and supervision
• Sharing optimized processing with others
• Fully utilizing computing resources, helping to amortize the cost of the machine

Reference
Related Commands
File > Batch Process > Design
File > Batch Process > Run

7.1.12.1. File > Batch Process > Design

What
The Batch Process Design command is used to plan a series of commands and set parameters for
a batch process.

Why
The Batch Process Design tool is useful for:
• Easily and intuitively designing a batch job

How to Use
How design a Batch Process
1. Go to File > Batch Process > Design or click the icon in the toolbar.

2.
Click the New Batch Process button to create a new batch job.

3. Drag and drop the Align icon into the right panel.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 166

4. Add more commands using the same method. The processing order can be changed by
dragging the icons in the right panel. The process will start from the top to the bottom.

Note: Copy, Paste, and Delete commands using the pop-up menu for each command

5. Click added commands in the right panel to set its parameters. A dialog tree will appear and
parameters for methods and detail options can be defined.

6. The batch process automatically saves and when the Batch Process Design command is
executed the last batch state will be show. The batch process can be exported using the

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 167

 Export Batch Process button. To execute the batch process, go to File > Batch

Process > Run or click the Run Batch Process button.

The batch file is automatically saved as an .xml formatted file at the following location:
..\Users\User Name\Documents\Product Name\Configure\BatchProcess

How to use a batch template

When you run the Batch Process Design or Run commands, you can use or edit default batch
template files.

Auto Surfacing (Mesh only, XDL out)-[General] – Generates fitting surfaces using Auto Surface
with the Feature Following Network options based on a mesh and saves the final data in the .xdl
format.

Data Conversion_Any Scan Format to ICF-[General] – Used to reduce the file size of point clouds
or meshes. Files are saved in the .icf format.

General Mesh Generation (XDL out)-[Object Scan] – Generates a single complete mesh from non-
aligned multiple meshes and saves the final data in the .xdl format.

MeshBased_1 Data Polishing (XDL out)-[Long Range] – From MeshBased_1 to 4 are continuous
processes used to generate mesh from a long range scan data. This batch file removes noise in a
point cloud and saves the final data in the .xdl format.

MeshBased_2 Alignment (XDL out)-[Long Range] – The second step for long range scan data
processing. It aligns multiple point clouds using the Local Based On Auto Guess and Global And
Fine options. The final data is saved in the .xdl format.

MeshBased_3 Triangulation (XDL out)-[Long Range] – The third step for long range scan data
processing. It generates meshes using 2D Triangulation with the Spherical option. The final data is
saved in the .xdl format.

MeshBased_4 Single Mesh Generation (XDL out)-[Long Range] – The forth step for long range
scan data processing. It merges meshes creating a single mesh. The final data is saved in the .xdl
format.

PointBased_1 Data Polishing (XDL out)-[Long Range] –PointBased_1 to 4 are continuous

processes used to generate a single point cloud from long range scan data. This batch file removes
noise in a point cloud and saves the final data in the .xdl format.

PointBased_2 Alignment (XDL out)-[Long Range] – The second step for long range scan data
processing. It aligns multiple point clouds using the Local Based On Auto Guess and Global And
Fine options. The final data is saved in the .xdl format.

PointBased_3 Single Point Cloud Generation (ICF out)-[Long Range] – The third step for long
range scan data processing. It generates a single combined point cloud. The final data is saved in
the .xdl format.

Watertight Mesh Generation for FEM (XDL out)-[Object Scan] – Generates a single watertight
mesh from non-aligned multiple meshes and saves the final data in the .xdl format.

Options in Detail
New Batch Process – Creates a new batch process.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 168

 Import Batch Process – Imports a batch process saved in the .xml format.

Export Batch Process – Exports a batch process in the .xml format.

Delete Batch Process – Removes a selected batch process.

Delete All Batch Processes – Removes all batch processes.

Run Batch Process – Executes a selected batch process which can also be accessed by
going to File > Batch Process > Run.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Batch Process > Run

7.1.12.2. File > Batch Process > Run

What
The Run Batch Process command is used to execute a designed batch job.

Why
The Run Batch Process tool is useful for:
• Running designed batch jobs

How to Use
How run a Batch Process
1. Go to File > Batch Process > Run or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose a designed batch job.

The processes for the selected job will be displayed in a dialog box.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 169

 3. Choose the Run Process With Each Folder option to process all scan files in a specific
folder.

4. Click Add and insert scan files

5. Define the location and folder name to output to.

6. Click the Start Batch Process button.

Options in Detail
Methods
Run Process With Each Folder – Runs the batch process using folders.

Run Process With Each File – Runs the batch process using individual files.

Source Data
Add – Adds source data.

Delete – Deletes source data.

Filter – Filters the source data.

Output Data
Source Data Folder – Saves output files in the same folder as the source files.

User Specified Folder – Saves output files to a user-specified folder.

Sub Folder Name – Creates a sub-folder in a user-specified folder.

Save Final Model File As XRL File – Saves output files as .xrl formatted files.

Same Name As Source Data – Saves output .xrl file with the same name as the source data
file.

User Specified Name – Saves output .xrl file with a user-specified name.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 170

 Generate Log File – Creates a log file of the batch process in a .txt formatted file.

File Path – Chooses a file path for a log file.

Action When Error Occurs

Ignore Error And Continue Batching All Source Data – Continues batching if an error is
detected.

Stop Batching Current Source Data And Skip to Next Source Data – Skips the current batch
process if an error is detected.

Stop Entire Batch Process – Stops the entire batch process if an error is detected.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Batch Process > Design

7.1.13. File > Preferences

What
The Preferences commands manage global options that affect all objects in the viewing window.
Options are saved to each .xrl file and can be used later.

Note: After updating the application, customized settings files from older versions of the
application such as the Template, MaterialInfo.xmt.rfPreference.xpf, rfSpaceball.cfg, and
rfToolBarInfo.cfg can be used again. These files are located at: ..\Users\User
Name\Documents\Product Name

Why
The Preferences commands are useful for:
• Changing colors
• Changing line, point, and edge sizes
• Changing global tolerances
• Changing hardware settings
• Changing input/output settings
• Changing general settings

How to Use
How to set up Preferences
1.
Note: When starting the application for the first time the Initial Setup Dialog box will be
displayed. True or False can be selected for the option to Use Previous Version of
customized settings. To enable the option make sure the setting file is located at:
C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\My Documents\Product Name.

The settings for toolbars and customized toolbars can be imported, however the position

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 171

 of customized toolbars cannot be imported and will be in a hidden state by default.

Go to File > Preferences.

2. The Preference dialog box will be displayed. Change the Background color to light green
in the Dialog Tree section in the Display tab.

3. Click Apply to apply changes without closing the dialog box. The color of the dialog tree will
become green.

4. Change preferences as desire and click OK to accept or Cancel to exit Preferences.

Preferences can be exported as a .xpf file by using the Export button, and can also be
imported by using the Import button. The Reset button will return the Default Decimal
Place, Default Measure Unit, Thousand Separators preferences as well as all entities in
the display tab to their default states.

Options in Detail
General Tab
Enable Multi-thread – Enables multiple core or multiple thread enabled processors to utilize
multiple threads, speeding up the modeling process.

Template XRL File – Specifies the directory of the xrl file that is used as the template.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 172

Update Product Automatically – Updates the application automatically when the option is set to
True and the program is launched.

Cache Folder For Unloading And Backup – Specifies a directory for temporary file caching and is
located in the user's temporary directory assigned by the system environment variables by default.

Note: When working with large files it is recommended that the cache folder is set to a separate
dedicated hard disk drive. Setting the virtual memory to a separate dedicated hard disk drive
can also improve performance, especially when using Microsoft Windows Vista OS.

Show Support At Startup – Show the Support tab whenever the application is launched when set
to True.

Auto Save Reminder In Every X Minutes – Sets the amount of time in-between save dialog box
reminders.

View Manipulation Style – Selects a view manipulation style (zooming, panning, and rotating)
from either Rapidform, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Creo(Pro/E), CATIA, PolyWorks, or Geomagic.

Zooming Center Of Mouse Wheel Scroll – Sets the zooming center to the position of the mouse
cursor or the center of the screen.

Rotation Angle Of Down/Up Arrow Key (degree) – Sets the rotation angle in the model view
when using the arrow keys on the keyboard.

Undo Depth (times) – Sets the maximum amount of actions saved for the Undo command.

Default Decimal Place – Sets the number of digits displayed after a decimal point between 1 and
10.

Default Input (Scanner) Unit – Selects a default unit to use if there is no apparent unit in the file
format although it can be changed when importing a foreign file and is set by default to the unit in
the first loaded file.

Note: The default scanner unit is used for files that do not have an internal definition for units.
This is different than the Default Measure Unit parameter.

Default Measure Unit – Sets the default measurement units for models.

Thousand Separators – Separates thousands from hundreds for Real Value and Integer Value
numbers that have four or more places to the left of the decimal separator when set to True.

Sound – Specifies the sounds used when command completes, breaks, or sends a message and
can be either the default application sound or a user-specified sound.

Display Tab
Draw Properties – Sets the color, size, width, fonts, shadows, backgrounds, transparency, and
other draw properties for entities within the application.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 173

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 174
Dialog Tree – Sets the font face for dialog trees.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 175

Geometry Type Material – Sets the default colors for geometry type materials.

Body – Sets the default body material colors.

Ref. Geometry – Sets the default properties for ref. geometry.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 176

Sketch – Sets the default properties for sketches.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 177

3D Sketch – Sets the default properties for sketches.

Manipulator – Sets the default properties for manipulators.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 178

Widget – Sets the default properties for widgets.

Accuracy Analyzer™ – Sets the default properties for the Accuracy Analyzer™.

OpenGL – Sets the default properties for OpenGL.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 179

Triangle Offset – Displays the offset value of triangles when overlapping with other entities.

Line Offset – Displays offset values of lines when overlapping with other entities.

Point Offset – Displays offset values of points when overlapping with other entities.

The value range can be set from -1.0 to 1.0. If the value is set as -1.0, the entities closer to the
viewer will be displayed. If the value is set as 1.0, entities farther from the viewer will be displayed.
Using this option can define the overlapping order of entities.

Tolerance Tab
Mesh – Sets the Outlier For Allowable Deviation % value.

Outlier For Allowable Deviation (%) – Ignores the poly-vertices that cause the largest
deviations within a given value while creating fitting surfaces from mesh data. After creating
fitting surfaces, the area that will be less than this value.

Geometry Type Checking Control – Sets the criteria of geometry type classification.

Outlier For Geometry Type Checking (%) - Ignores poly-vertices that cause the largest
deviations within a given value when fitting mesh regions to analytic geometry. After creating
analytic geometry, the area will be less than this value.

Geometry Type Checking Tolerance (mm) – Tries to fit selected regions to specific analytic
geometry after removing outliers by the value of the Outlier For Geometry Type Checking. If
the maximum deviation is within this value, the application will recognize that analytic
geometry.

Maximum Radius Of Analytic Shape (mm) – Accepts estimated analytic regions if their
radius values are less than a given value when the application estimates selected regions to
be analytic geometry. This value prevents the application from estimating a selected region
as a meaningless analytic geometry.

Geometry Fitting Control – Sets the geometry fitting control properties.

Set Maximum Point Number For Geometry Fitting And Type Finding – Limits the number
of points used for fitting when this option is True. When it is False, all points inside of the
searching zone will be used for fitting.

Maximum Point Number – Defines the maximum number of points to be used for fitting.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 180

Hardware Tab
Processor Feature Support – Sets processor feature support properties. SSE2 (Streaming SIMD
Extensions), SSE3 or SSSE3 can be enabled which are provided by a CPU for higher processes.
These optimized settings are automatically set by the application after installing or running the
Performance Profiler (Help > Launch Performance Profiler).

OpenGL Renderer Setup – Sets OpenGL rendering properties.

Use Trackball Depth Average – Calculates the rotation center in the Model View.

Trackball Depth Average Resolution – Sets the panning depth for a trackball in the Model
View.

Frame Buffer Save/Restore – Optimizes rendering and speed settings and are
automatically set by the application after installing or running the Performance Profiler (Help
> Launch Performance Profiler).

Off-Screen Rendering Mode – Determines graphic acceleration by Software or Hardware. If

a graphic device supports hardware acceleration, it is recommended setting this option as
Hardware.

Hardware Multi-thread Rendering Support – Sets multi-threaded rendering support when

Hardware is selected in the Off-Screen Rendering option by selecting true or false. Set to
false when hardware cannot support this option.

Video RAM As Extended Memory – Loads data into video memory and speeds up
rendering performance when this option is set to True. The default setting is False, however,
it is recommended to turn on this option for most graphic cards when handling millions of
meshes to prevent any abnormal display problems.

User Shader Programs For Enhanced Rendering - Enhances the clarity of shading when
a point cloud is shaded on a body.

Scanner Direct Control – Sets frequently used scanners so when the LiveScan™ command is
used only those scanners will be displayed in the Devices pull down menu.

File I/O
Default Import File Formats – Sets True/False values for importing commonly used file formats.
Only commonly used formats will be displayed in the Import dialog box.

Locale
Language – Sets the display language of the application. Installed language packs will be listed.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 181

 Locale Format – Sets the numbers and time display format.

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Display

7.1.14. File > Summary Info

What
The Summary Info command allows for the input of summary information for a model.

Note: While opening a saved file, the summary information shows if the Show Preview & Info
Box option is checked in the Open dialog box.

Why
The Summary Info command is useful for:
• Changing basic file summary information

How to Use
How to change summary information
1. Go to File > Summary Info.

2. The Summary Information dialog box is displayed.

3. Change summary information as desire and click OK to accept or Cancel to exit the
Summary Information command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 182

7.1.15. File > Recent Files
What
The Recent Files command lists the recently used files in the application.

Why
The Recent File command is useful for:
• Conveniently viewing recently used files

How to Use
How to view and open recent files
1. Go to File > Recent Files. Mouse-over the command and a black arrow pointing to the
right will be displayed showing recently opened files.

2. Select a file to open it.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Open

7.1.16. File > Exit

What
The Exit command closes the application.

Why
The Exit command is useful for:
• Closing the application after a project is finished
• Closing the application when the system is not in use to free computing resources

How to Use
How to exit the application
1. Go to File > Exit.

2. If there are unsaved changes a dialog box will be displayed.

3. Save files as desire and click OK to accept or Cancel to exit the Exit command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 183

Reference
Related Commands
File > Save
File > Save As

7.2. Select
Selection
When most of commands are executed, the selection mode is automatically activated. The Select
menu features advanced selection tools, which allows the selection of various entities in the Model
View.

Select Filter
Select various kinds of entities within in the application.

(Filter Meshes) - Allows the selection of meshes only.

(Filter Regions) - Allows the selection of regions only.

(Filter Poly-faces) - Allows the selection of poly-faces only.

(Filter Poly-vertices) - Allows the selection of vertices and points only.

(Filter Mesh Boundaries) - Allows the selection of mesh boundaries only.

(Filter Bodies) - Allows the selection of bodies only.

(Filter Faces) - Allows the selection of faces only.

(Filter Loops) - Allows the selection of loops only.

(Filter Edges) - Allows the selection of edges and curves only.

(Filter Vertices) - Allows the selection of vertices and points only.

(Filter Ref. Geometries) - Allows the selection of ref. geometries only.

(Filter Sketches) - Allows the selection of sketches only.

(Filter Constraints & Dimensions) - Allows the selection of constraints and dimensions only.

(Clear All Filters) - Clears all selection filters (Shift + F).

Note: When a selection filter is on but the cursor is over an empty area, an icon ( ) beside
the cursor will appear.
- When the Mode is changed, the Selection Filters will be reset.
- Selection Filters can be quickly accessed by the pop-up menu.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 184

7.2.1. Select > Mode
What
The Select Mode command configures the shape of the selection tool.

Why
The Select Mode command is useful for:
• Changing the shape of the selection tool to provide flexibility in selecting entities

How to Use
How to use the selection tool
1. Go to Select > Mode or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the selection mode type.

3. Drag the selection tool over entities to select. To add a current selection to selections
already made, use the Shift button. To remove a current selection from selections already
made, use the Ctrl button.

Options in Detail
Note: All selection modes are able to select poly-vertices and poly-faces. The Rectangle
selection is the default selection mode in the application and can select any entities.

Line – Selects a straight line by clicking at one end of a supposed line and dragging to another.

Note: The width of a line can be edited by using Alt + left mouse buttons together.

Rectangle – Selects a region by dragging from one corner of an imaginary box to the opposite

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 185

diagonal corner.

Circle – Selects a circular region by clicking in the center of a supposed circle and dragging
outward.

Note: The radius of a circle can be edited by using Alt + left mouse buttons together

Polyline – Selects the inside of a polygon by picking points in the viewing window and clicking the
RMB or double-clicking the LMB to finalize.

Freehand – Selects an irregularly shaped region by tracing a perimeter with the mouse while
dragging.

Paint Brush – Selects regions that the mouse cursor covers during the dragging.

Note: The range of the paint brush can be edited by using Alt + left mouse buttons together

Flood Fill – Selects poly-faces within same boundary.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 186

Extend To Similar – Select areas that consist of similar features.

Extend To Sudden Change – Selects areas that have similar curvatures.

Box – Configures the shape of the selection tool as a box.

Cylinder – Configures the shape of the selection tool as a cylinder.

Sphere – Configures the shape of the selection tool as a sphere.

Visible Only – Decides whether selecting can take place on a visible area only or in space.

Position Snap – Snaps to meshes or bodies when an object is picked. The snap distance and
snap plane can be defined in the bottom toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 187

Reference
Related Commands
Mode

7.2.2. Select > All

What
The Select All command selects all entities.

Why
The Select All command is useful for:
• Selecting all entities in the model view

How to Use
How to select all entities
1. Go to Select > All – Poly-Faces in the Mesh mode, click the icon in the toolbar, or use the
Shift + A keyboard shortcut. All poly-faces can also be selected by using the RMB (Right
Mouse Button) and selecting all in the pop-up menu.

2. All poly-faces will be selected.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > None
Select > Inverse

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 188

7.2.3. Select > None
What
The Select None command de-selects all entities.

Why
The Select None command is useful for:
• Selecting all entities in the model view

How to Use
How to de-select all entities
1. Select poly-faces in the model.

2. Go to Select > None, click the icon in the toolbar, or use the Shift + N keyboard shortcut.
All poly-faces can also be de-selected by using the RMB (Right Mouse Button) and
selecting none in the pop-up menu.

3. No poly-faces will be selected.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > Inverse

7.2.4. Select > Inverse

What
The Select Inverse command selects the inverse of selected entities.

Why
The Select Inverse command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 189

• Selecting the inverse of already selected entities

How to Use
How to select the inverse of entities
1. Select poly-faces in the model.

2. Go to Select > Inverse, click the icon in the toolbar, or use the Shift + I keyboard shortcut.
The inverse can also be selected by using the RMB (Right Mouse Button) and selecting the
inverse in the pop-up menu.

3. The inverse of the originally selected poly-faces will be selected.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None

7.2.5. Select > Custom Region

What
The Select Custom Region command selects an area made by user selected vertices.

Why
The Select Custom Region command is useful for:
• Selecting or de-selecting complex regions

How to Use
How to select a custom region
1. Go to Select > Custom Region or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The Custom Region command can only be used in the Mesh mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 190

 2. Select the Add option. Pick poly-vertices to form a region.

3. Click on the starting node or use the Close Path button to close the path.

4. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Custom Path – Creates a custom path.

Note: A custom path drawn in a counterclockwise direction selects an inner region, but creating
a custom path in a clockwise direction selects an outer region. The Undo Last Path button is
used to cancel the last selection made, the Close Path button to close and finalize the custom
path, and the Reset button to discard all selections made

Add – Adds a selected region to existing selections.

Remove – Removes a selected region from the existing selections.

Inverse – Selects the inverse regions of existing selections.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse

7.2.6. Select > Boundary Entities

What
The Select Boundary Entities command selects poly-vertices or poly-faces around selected
boundaries.

Why
The Select Boundary Entities command is useful for:
• Selecting complex regions around a boundary

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 191

How to Use
How to select boundary entities
1. Go to Select > Boundary Entities or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Change the Type To Select to Poly-Faces and select the boundary.

3. Click OK to finish the command. Poly-faces around the boundary will be selected.

Options in Detail
Type To Select – Chooses whether to select poly-faces or poly-vertices around a boundary.

Seed Boundaries – Selects boundaries on a mesh in the model view.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse

7.2.7. Select > Entities Around Edges/Faces

What
The Select Entities Around Edges/Faces command selects poly-vertices or poly-faces around
selected entities.

Why
The Select Entities Around Edges/Faces command is useful for:
• Selecting entities around created edges and faces

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 192

How to Use
How to select entities around poly-faces
1. Go to Select > Entities Around Edges/Faces or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The Entities Around Edges/Faces command can only be used in Mesh, Region
Group, and Point Cloud modes.

2. Select a face on a body for the Seed Entities. Change the option to Poly-Faces.

3. Click OK to finish the command. Poly-faces around the face will be selected.

Options in Detail
Seed Entities – Selects entities (curves, edges, faces) that will be used to find poly-vertices or
poly-faces in the model view.

Options – Chooses Poly-Faces or Poly-Vertices are the final selected entity type.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse

7.2.8. Select > Enlarge

What
The Enlarge command enlarges a selection by a specified depth or angle. Depending on the type of

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 193

selected entity, the options in the dialog tree will be shown differently. The command will not be
available until entities have been selected.

Why
The Enlarge command is useful for:
• Selecting areas that would be difficult to select manually

How to Use
How to select entities using the Enlarge command
1. Select faces. Poly-faces, Poly-vertices, Faces, Edges and Regions can be selected for the
Enlarge command.

2. Go to Select > Enlarge or click the icon in the toolbar. Change the Angle to 15 degrees.

3. Click OK to finish the command. Poly-faces around the face will be selected.

Options in Detail
Type To Select – Chooses entity type to select.

Poly-Faces/Poly-Vertices/Faces/Edges/Region – Shows currently selected entities.

Depth – Expands the selection of entities by a specified depth.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 194

 Depth 2

Angle – Enlarges regions by a specified angle for poly-faces and poly-vertices.

Initial Selection Angle: 25 Angle: 60

Angle Tolerance – Limits the angle tolerance when comparing other neighboring entities when an
edge or face has been selected.

Forward Depth – Selects more edges when an edge or face is selected.

Forward Depth from the Initial Selection

Backward Depth – Selects more edges in the opposite direction from Forward Depth when an
edge or face is selected.

Forward Depth from the Initial Selection

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse
Select > Shrink

7.2.9. Select > Shrink

What
The Shrink command shrinks selected poly-faces by a specified depth. The command will not be
available until entities have been selected.

Why
The Shrink command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 195

• Shrinking a selected area that might otherwise be difficult to do manually

How to Use
How to select shrink entities
1. Go to Select > Shrink or click the icon in the toolbar. The pop-up menu can also be used
after selecting poly-faces.

2. Change Depth to 1.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Type To Select – Chooses entity type to select.

Poly-Faces/Poly-Vertices – Shows currently selected entities.

Depth – Shrinks the selection of entities by a specified depth.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse
Select > Enlarge

7.2.10. Select > Convert Current Selection

What
The Convert Current Selection command converts entities to another entity type. The command will
not be available until entities have been selected.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 196

Why
The Convert Current Selection command is useful for:
• Converting one type of entity to another quickly and effectively

How to Use
How to convert entities
1. Select an edge to convert to a vertex.

2. Go to Select > Convert Current Selection or click the icon in the toolbar. The pop-up
menu can also be used after selecting poly-faces or poly-vertices.

3. Click OK to complete the command. The edge will be changed to a vertex.

Options in Detail
From – Shows selected entity type.

To – Shows entity type for conversion.

Conversion List
From To
Poly-Vertex Poly-Face
Region Poly-Face
Mesh Loop(Boundary Loop) Poly-Face
Modeling Feature Body Face
Body Face Body Edge
Body Edge Body Vertex
2D/3D Curve 2D/3D Node Point

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 197

7.2.11. Select > By Criteria
What
The Select By Criteria command selects components of a model, 2D and 3D sketch entities based
on criteria such as edge, length, angle, area, or other components.

Why
The Select By Criteria command is useful for:
• Selecting large amounts of components based on type quickly

How to Use
A. How to select components by criteria in Mesh or Region Group mode
1. Go to Select > By Criteria or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check the Larger Than option under the Max. Edge Length option to select all faces
larger than a specified value. Click the Estimate button and the application will recommend
a reasonable value.

3. Click OK to complete the command. Mesh that is larger than the recommend value will be
highlighted.

B. How to select components by criteria in Sketch or Mesh Sketch mode

1. Go to Select > By Criteria or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select the Entity Type(s) for selection and Larger Than for the Length and click the
Estimate button. The application will recommend a reasonable value.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 198

 3. Click OK to complete the command. Sketch entities that are larger than the recommend
distance will be highlighted.

Options in Detail
Max. Edge Length – Sets criteria as length.

Smaller Than – Sets length criteria for a maximum length.

Larger Than – Sets length criteria for a minimum length.

Area – Sets criteria as area.

Smaller Than – Sets area criteria for a maximum area.

Larger Than – Sets area criteria for a minimum area.

Max./Min. Edge Length Ratio Is Larger Than – Selects all poly-faces that have a ratio between
the length of the longest edge and length of the shortest edge that is larger than a specified value.

Max. Edge Length/Max. Height Ratio Is Larger Than – Selects all poly-faces that have a ratio
between the length of the longest edge and height of the longest edge that is larger than a specified
value.

Angle Deviation From Plane Is Larger Than – Selects faces that have an angle deviation from a
plane that is larger than a specified value and is useful for detecting sharp faces on a smooth
surface.

Crease Angle Is Larger Than – Selects faces that have a crease angle larger than a specified
angle.

Entity Type – Sets entities as criteria from Lines, Circles, Arcs, Ellipses, Partial Ellipses, and
Parabolas.

Major Radius – Sets criteria as major radius.

Smaller Than – Sets major radius criteria for a maximum length.

Larger Than – Sets major radius criteria for a minimum length.

Minor Radius – Sets criteria as minor radius.

Smaller Than – Sets minor radius criteria for a maximum length.

Larger Than – Sets minor radius criteria for a minimum length.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 199

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse

7.2.12. Select > By Color

What
The Select By Color command selects poly-faces or poly-vertices by color. The command is enabled
when poly-faces or poly-vertices include color or texture information and can be used in Mesh,
Region Group, or Point Cloud mode.

Why
The Select By Color command is useful for:
• Selecting poly-faces or poly-vertices by color

How to Use
How to select entities by color
1. Enter Mesh mode.

2. Go to Select > By Color or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Change the Type To Select option to Poly-Faces. Click the Pick Color button and
extract a color from the mesh. Change the Fuse option to 200.

4. Click the Add Color button to extract similar colors on the mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 200

 5. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Type To Select – Selects a type of entity to be selected.

Color – Selects colors allows the use of the Pick Color, Add Color, and Remove Color buttons to
select colors.

Fuse – Selects the level of diffusion when selecting similar colors.

Add – Adds a selection when Poly-Faces or Poly-Vertices are selected before using the Select By
Color command.

Remove – Removes a selection when Poly-Faces or Poly-Vertices are selected before using the
Select By Color command.

Replace – Replaces a current selection when Poly-Faces or Poly-Vertices are selected before
using the Select By Color command.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse

7.2.13. Select > Exterior Poly-Face

What
The Select Exterior Poly-Face command selects exterior regions of poly-faces on mesh data. It can
be used on volume reconstructed mesh or mesh with multiple layers. It can be used in Mesh or
Region Group modes with mesh data.

Why
The Select Exterior Poly-Face command is useful for:
• Separating exterior poly-faces from interior poly-faces

How to Use
How to select exterior poly-faces
1. Go to Select > Exterior Poly-Face or click the icon in the toolbar. Mesh that has poly-faces
inside and outside such as a model captured by a CT scanner can be used.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 201

 2. Set Initial Radius to 10, Expand Radius to 5, and Tolerance to 0.3.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

4. Copy the selected outside surface by going to Edit > Copy.

5. Exit Mesh mode and go to Edit > Paste to paste the exterior poly-face mesh.

Options in Detail
Initial Radius – Changes the initial radius value used to detect exterior poly-faces.

Expand Radius – Changes the expanded radius value from a seed region, which is an initially
selected point or face.

Tolerance – Changes the interruption areas caused by noise on mesh.

Reference
Related Commands
Select > All
Select > None
Select > Inverse

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 202

7.3. Edit
The Edit menu features commands to handle entities and operation.

Repeating Operation
• Undo & Redo
Whenever you want to cancel the applied operation, use the Undo command. If you want to
restore the operation from Undo, use the Redo command.

• Repeat Last Command

Quickly apply the operation that you used previously.

Editing Entities
• Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete
The Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete operations are available to the selected entities.

Navigating Modeling History

• Rebuild
Rebuilds a model with the current version of the application based on the model history.

• Rollback, Roll Forward, Roll To End

Navigates modeling history to return to a certain point of modeling feature.

Showing or Hiding Features in History

• Suppress and Unsuppress
Temporarily removing features from the model.

Editing Feature
• Feature
Edits a selected feature.

7.3.1. Edit > Undo

What
The Undo command undoes previous operations.

Why
The Undo command is useful for:
• Reversing mistakes made
• Going back to a previous point

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 203

How to Use
How to undo an action
1. Go to Edit > Undo or use the Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut.

Note: The depth of the Undo command can be changed by going to File > Preferences.
The default depth is 50.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Redo

7.3.2. Edit > Redo

What
The Redo command reverses the Undo command or advances operations to a more current state
step-by-step. This command is opposite of undo command.

Why
The Redo command is useful for:
• Advancing operations to a more current state
• Reversing the Undo command

How to Use
How to undo an action
1. Go to Edit > Redo or use the Ctrl + Y keyboard shortcut.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Undo

7.3.3. Edit > Repeat Last Command

What
The Repeat Last Command repeats the last used command.

Why
The Repeat Last Command command is useful for:
• Repeating the last command made if it is going to be used often in a row

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 204

How to Use
How to repeat the last command
1. Go to Edit > Repeat Last Command or use the Ctrl + Space keyboard shortcut.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Undo
Edit > Redo

7.3.4. Edit > Cut

What
The Cut command deletes an entity and copies it, saving it to the clipboard to be pasted.

Why
The Cut command is useful for:
• Removing an entity to use for another time or place

How to Use
How to cut an entity
1. Select an entity to cut.

2. Go to Edit > Cut or use the Ctrl + X keyboard shortcut.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Paste
Edit > Copy

7.3.5. Edit > Copy

What
The Copy command copies a selected entity, saving it to the clipboard to be pasted.

Why
The Copy command is useful for:
• Creating a copy of an existing entity to be used at a later time or place

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 205

How to Use
How to copy an entity
1. Select an entity to copy.

Note: Mesh, Point Cloud, 2D sketches, 3D sketches and Ref. Geometries can be copied
in the default mode.

2. Go to Edit > Copy or use the Ctrl + C keyboard shortcut.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Cut
Edit > Paste

7.3.6. Edit > Paste

What
The Paste command copies a selected entity, saving it to the clipboard to be pasted.

Why
The Paste command is useful for:
• Pasting a cut or copied entity

How to Use
How to paste an entity
1. Select an entity and use the Cut or Copy command.

2. Go to Edit > Paste or use the Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Cut
Edit > Copy

7.3.7. Edit > Delete

What
The Delete command deletes selected entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 206

Why
The Delete command is useful for:
• Removing unnecessary entity

How to Use
How to delete an entity
1. Select an entity.

2. Go to Edit > Delete or use the Delete key on the keyboard.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Undo
Edit > Redo

7.3.8. Edit > Rebuild

What
The Rebuild command rebuilds a model with the current version of the application based on the
model history.

Why
The Rebuild command is useful for:
• Updating and rebuilding a model using any changed algorithms or commands in the application

How to Use
How to rebuild a model
1. Go to Edit > Rebuild or use the icon in the toolbar.

7.3.9. Edit > Rollback

What
The Rollback command temporarily reverts a model to an earlier state. New features can be added
or existing features can be edited.

Why

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 207

The Rollback command is useful for:
• Going back to previous step in the modeling process

How to Use
How to rollback a model
1. Select an entity in the feature tree.

2. Go to Edit > Rollback or use the icon in the toolbar. All entities after the rollback entity will
be dimmed in the model tree.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Roll Forward
Edit > Roll To End

7.3.10. Edit > Roll Forward

What
The Roll Forward command rolls a model forward step-by-step after executing the Rollback
command. New features can be added or existing features can be edited.

Why
The Roll Forward command is useful for:
• Going forward step-by-step after using the Rollback command to see changes

How to Use
How to Roll Forward a model
1. After executing the Rollback command, select an entity in the feature tree.

2. Go to Edit > Roll Forward or use the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Rollback
Edit > Roll To End

7.3.11. Edit > Roll To End

What
The Roll To End command rolls a model to the end of the modeling history after executing the
Rollback command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 208

Why
The Roll To End command is useful for:
• Going to the end of the modeling history after using the Rollback command

How to Use
How to roll a model to the end
1. After executing the Rollback command, go to Edit > Roll To End or use the icon in the
toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Rollback
Edit > Roll Forward

7.3.12. Edit > Suppress

What
The Suppress command suppresses a feature, temporarily removing it from the model.

Why
The Suppress command is useful for:
• Seeing and working with a model without a specific feature

How to Use
How to suppress a feature
1. Select an entity in the feature tree.

2. Go to Edit > Suppress, or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Suppressed entities will be dimmed in the Model Tree.

Reference
Related Commands

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 209

Edit > Unsuppress

7.3.13. Edit > Unsuppress

What
The Unsuppress command unsuppresses a feature after using the Suppress command.

Why
The Unsuppress command is useful for:
• Unsuppressing a feature

How to Use
How to unsuppress a feature
1. Select a suppressed entity in the feature tree.

2. Go to Edit > Unsuppress, or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Suppress

7.3.14. Edit > Feature

What
The Feature command allows the editing of a selected feature.

Why
The Feature command is useful for:
• Selecting and editing a feature

How to Use
How select a feature
1. Select an entity in the feature tree.

2. Go to Edit > Feature, or click the icon in the toolbar. The entity will now be editable.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 210

7.4. Insert
The Insert menu features various commands used to generate or import entities and register them as
features with a generation history in the Feature Tree.

The Insert menu provides tools used to:

Import
• Import Scan Data or CAD Data
Imports entities that are also treated as features in the application with an importing and editing
order that reflects the compositions in the modeling history

Mesh
• Edit meshes
Fixes errors, optimizes surface quality, and re-constructs the structure of mesh which is normally
polygonal data from scanners or other software

Point Cloud
• Edit Point Clouds
Enables editing and optimizing of point clouds which are a set of vertices in the three-dimensional
coordinate system. These vertices are usually defined by the X, Y, and Z coordinates

Region Group
• Classify Regions
Generates, edits and optimizes region groups that are groups or regions made up of poly-faces
that assist in the alignment of mesh data to the global coordinate system and in the selection of a
region of interest used for extracting design intent and converting to a surface

Solid
• Generate Solid Bodies
Generates and edits solid bodies which are A B-rep entities that have both geometry and topology
information based on a mesh or point cloud

Surface
• Generate Surface Bodies
Generates and edit solid bodies which are zero-thickness 3D entities with edge boundaries based
on a mesh or point cloud

Mesh Sketch
• Generate Sketches Based on Scan Data
Generates and edits sectional profiles that consist of a set of 2D objects (lines, rectangles, circles,
arcs, ellipses, splines, etc) on a plane, a face, or a planar cross-section, based on a mesh or point
cloud

Sketch
• Generate Sketches
Generates and edits sketch entities that consist of a set of 2D objects (lines, rectangles, circles,
arcs, ellipses, splines, etc) on a planar entity such as those created in other CAD software

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 211

3D Mesh Sketch
• Generate Splines Based on Scan Data
Generates a curve network which is a set of 3D curves and lines on mesh faces used for
boundary fitting surfaces or extracting character curves on a mesh

3D Sketch
• Generate Splines
Freely draws splines which are a set of 3D curves and lines in space regardless of a mesh

7.4.1. Insert > Import

What
The Insert > Import command imports scan data or CAD data. Imported data is added and managed
under the Feature Tree.

Supported file formats are shown in the following table:

Extension Application Import Export Color Texture Property

Point, Polygon, Curve,
xdl, xrl, rwl XO Model Yes Yes Yes
Surface, Solid
Rapidform Extreme
xpc Yes Yes Yes Point
Point Cloud

Point, Polygon, Curve,

mdl Rapidform2006 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Surface, Solid

Point (ASCII), xyz or

asc, xyz, txt Ascii Points Yes Yes Yes
xyzrgb
pts Rapidform Point Yes Yes Point file (ASCII)

fcs Rapidform Polygon Yes Yes Yes Polygon file (ASCII)

stl Stereolithography Yes Yes Polygon (ASCII or Binary)

Point (Import only),
obj OBJ Yes Yes Yes Yes
Polygon
ply CyberWare Yes Yes Yes Polygon (ASCII or Binary)
3ds 3D Studio Yes Yes Yes Point or Polygon

wrl VRML 1.0/97 Yes Yes Yes Yes Point or Polygon

INUS Compression
icf Yes Yes Yes Yes Polygon file
File Format
igs, iges IGES Yes Yes Point, Curve, Surface

stp, step STEP Yes Yes Point, Curve, Surface

x_t, x_b Parasolid Text/Binary Yes Yes Solid or Surface

sat, sab, ACIS Text/Binary Solid, Surface, Curve,
Yes
asat, asat Part/Assembly Point
Solid, Surface, Curve,
model CATIA V4 Yes Yes
Point
catpart, CATIA V5 Solid, Surface, Curve,
Yes Yes
catproduct Part/Assembly Point
prt, prt.*, Creo(Pro/Engineer) Solid, Surface, Curve,
Yes
asm, asm.* Part/Assembly Point
Solid, Surface, Curve,
prt Siemens NX Yes
Point
sldprt, Solid, Surface, Curve,
SolidWorks Yes
sldasm Point

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 212

 dxf AutoCAD DXF Yes Yes Point, Polygon, Curve

scn NextEngine Yes Yes Polygon, Curve, Surface

ac Steinbichler Yes Yes Point or Polygon
Bre, ctr Breuckmann Yes Yes Point
vvd, cdm,
VIVID Yes Yes Polygon
cdk
rgv, rvm Range7 Yes Point, Polygon

pix PICZA (Roland) Yes Point, Polygon

g3d Yes Yes Point or Polygon

cloud GOM Yes Yes Point

surf Yes Yes Point

pmj, pmjx 3D Digital Corp. Yes Point

pts, ptx, ptg Leica Yes Yes Point
fls Yes Yes Point
FARO The information of
fws Yes Yes
corresponding fls files

iqscan iQvolution Yes Yes Point

3dd, rxp Riegl Yes Yes Point or Polygon

xyz, crs, lin,
Opton Yes Point
smh, bin
soi MENSI Yes Yes Point

btx Surphaser Yes Yes Point, Polygon

stb Scantech Yes Point
3pi ShapeGrabber Yes Point
sab, sab2 3D Scanners Yes Yes Point or Polygon
swl, swb, bin Perceptron Yes Point
rtpi, xyzi,
DeltaSphere Yes Yes Point
xyzrgb
psl, scn, pcn LDI Yes Point
cbk, grk, cwk Kreon Yes Point
icv Yes Yes Polygon
Solutionix
snx Yes Polygon
tfm Wicks and Wilsons Yes Yes Point
m3d Steintek Yes Point, Polygon
hym Hymarc Yes Point
xyz, xyzn Cognitense Yes Point, Polygon
opd Optimet Yes Yes Point, Polygon
mpc Mantis Vision Yes Yes Point, Polygon
dat, nas NASTRAN Yes Polygon
ans ANSYS Yes Polygon
iv Inventor Yes Yes Yes Point, Polygon
vda VDA-FS Yes Curve, Surface
3dm OpenNURBS(Rhino) Yes Curve, Surface
cls Topcon Yes Yes Point
ptc Kubit Yes Yes Point
lsf LiveScan Yes Point
i3d Imetric Yes Yes Point, Polygon
rge Shining 3D Yes Point, Polygon
csd Fujifilm Yes Yes Point, Polygon
Color means colors on Poly-Vertex/Face and Texture means an image file such as .jpg.

Note: The application supports standard file formats (IGES, STEP, VDA-FS, ACIS and Parasolid)
without any licenses, but for the file formats listed in the table below, the Rapidform Exchange™
License is needed to use them.

CAD File Extension Version Supported Comments

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 213

 CATIA V4 .model CATIA 4.1.9 to CATIA 4.2.4 - Geometry Only

CATIA V5 .CATPart, .CATProduct CATIA V5 R2 through R21 - Geometry Only

- Unsupported non-ASCII
character in the file name
Pro/E Wildfire .prt, .prt.*, .asm, .asm.* Pro/E 16 to Wildfire 5, Creo 1.0 - Geometry Only
(Creo 1.0)
Siemens NX .prt Unigraphics 11 to 18 and NX1 to NX7.5 - Geometry Only

SolidWorks .sldprt, .sldasm SolidWorks 98 to 2012 - Geometry Only

Note: The .icv and .snx Solutionix file formats are supported in the 32-bit version of Rapidform
XOR only

Note: The following point cloud formats can be converted into polygons with its grid information or
2D triangulation processes during the importing process: Ac, Bre, cloud, surf, opton, 3pi, stb,
pmj/pmjx, grk, tfm, m3d.

Note: It is possible to import multiple files at once. To do so, hold down Ctrl or Shift key while
selecting files in the importing dialog box.

Note: The following formats can be imported without loss of color information:
WRL, OBJ, PLY, Rapidform (fcs, icf, mdl, xdl).

Note: If the Import dialog box is opened to import files, all of the supported files may not be listed
under “File Format” because of the limitations of the OS. Favorite file formats can be shown by
choosing True next to the file format in the File I/O tab in File > Preferences and only these
formats will be shown in the Import dialog box.

How to Use
A. How to import scan data
1. Go to Insert > Import.

2. Select the files to import by click-dragging the mouse cursor over them, or by using the
Shift or Ctrl key and selecting them one by one.

3. Click Import Only to import the files without executing any operations or use the Run
Mesh Buildup Wizard to generate a single mesh from multiple scan shots. The Mesh
Buildup Wizard can be executed any time after importing scan data (Tools > Scan Tools
> Mesh Buildup Wizard).

Note: If an imported scan data part is very small or large, it can be problematic to
generate features based on the mesh. If this type of data is imported, the application
will show the ‘Confirm Input (Scanner) Unit’ dialog box to verify the input unit of the
scan data. Normally long range scan data files are very large and entities in the file can
span far away from the global origin. In this case it is recommended to import the scan
data with the Double Precision option to preserve the accuracy of the scan data.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 214

 If importing a large scan data with Double Precision, the Transform the data close to
the global origin option will appear. This option aligns the scan data to the global
origin while importing.

B. How to use the ASCII Converter to import an unknown scan format (text file)
1. Go to Insert > Import or click the icon in the toolbar and select a text file. To import scan
data formatted similarly to the image below, follow the steps.

2. Check the Use ASCII Convert option.

3. Click Import Only.

4. The Convert ASCII dialog box will appear and columns and rows can be selected to be
imported.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 215

5. Define the separator in the Separator section. Since different files may use different
separators to separate data, a suitable separator in the Separator section may need to be
defined. If a space or a tab is used as the separator, the Whitespace (space, tab) box will
need to be checked. Otherwise, check the Other Character box and input a suitable
character. If “,” is used for a decimal point, check the Comma ( , ) For Decimal Point
option to distinguish the separator and the decimal point.

6. Change the Ignore columns to Red, Green and Blue, if color information is included in the
text file.

Note: When the title of the column is clicked, a pull-down menu appears. X, Y, Z
characters define coordinate information, R, G, B characters define color information
and I, J, K characters define normal information on each point. Ignore ignores the
content in a selected column.

Normally a file contains X, Y, Z or X, Y, Z, R, G, B information. If only one of the R, G,

B color attributes has a value, it will not be the color information, but the intensity value.
However, if more than 2 of the R, G, B color attributes have values, they will be the
color information.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 216

 Since different files may use different values to represent color information, a suitable
Multiplier value may be needed. The range of colors is 0-255. For example, if the R, G,
B values in a file are between 0 and 255, the Multiplier value will simply be ignored. But
if the R, G, B values on a file are between 0 and 1, 255 will be needed for the
Multiplier value.

7. Uncheck the first and second rows to ignore them.

8. Click OK. The scan data will be imported into the application.

Note: To define columns and save them, use the Edit Template button. A pre-defined
template can be loaded again without editing columns.

C. How to import CAD data

1. Go to Insert > Import or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a CAD file.

3. Click Import Only. After the importing process, the CAD data and the feature named
Imported Body1 in the Feature tree can be viewed.

Note: If an IGES, VDA, STEP or 3DM(OpenNurbs) file containing holes and erroneous
faces is imported, the application will ask “Do you want to run healing imported body
process?” click “Yes” and the healing process will be performed with the Heal Imported
Body dialog tree.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 217

 Try To Heal Discontinuous Faces – Attempts to heal faces that are internally (C1)
discontinuous. If these faces are not healed, they cannot be extended, lofted, or swept.

Show Discontinuous Faces – Highlights discontinuous faces in red

Heal Selected Gap – Fills selected gaps in the list box

Try Heal All Gap – Attempt to heal all gaps.

Restore The Healed Imported Bodies – Resets all changes

Options in Detail

Fix Erroneous Data – Checks non-manifold faces, coincident vertices and degenerated faces and
fixes them if needed.

Use ASCII Convert – Used for unknown text formats. The Convert ASCII dialog box will appear
and columns, rows and separators can be defined.

Use Custom Setting – Specifies sub-options that will be preserved when importing scan data
again. If this option is not checked, the settings of sub-options will be changed to a selected file
type.

Points Only – Imports point clouds without poly-faces.

Mesh Data Points Only

Suppress Mesh – Suppresses scan data during importing which loads meshes onto the hard disk

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 218

helping to deal with large files efficiently. The Suppress/Unsuppress mechanism manages data
and memory by swapping the data dynamically between the physical memory and the hard disk.
The swapping time for Load / Unload is very short, so the calculation overhead is negligible. After
importing the meshes the Unsuppress (load on the memory) command can be used in the pop-up
menu in the Feature tree.

Unit – Defines a scan data file measurement unit.

Include Vertex Normal – Preserves normal information.

Combine Point Clouds – Combines multiple point clouds into a single point cloud.

Precision – Indicates how many decimal places a position in space will carry with it throughout
calculations. The float precision is the default setting and it is appropriate for most cases, but
double precision can be specified for large scale data or for higher accuracy.

Include Texture – Ignores texture information when None is selected. When As It Is is selected,
texture information will be preserved in its original status (an image or color points). When As
Color Point is selected, texture information from an image will be converted to color points.

Include Texture Exclude Texture

Note: After importing a texture, it can be shown or hidden in the Display panel.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all selected
data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Triangulation Cutoff Angle – Filters noisy vertices that have a normal angle compared to
neighboring vertices whose angles are larger than a specified value during triangulation. Normally

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 219

 side walls cannot clearly be scanned from a scanning direction. This data can be defined as noise.
This option is available when selecting a scan file format that includes scan direction information.

Reference
Related Commands
File > Preferences
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard
Docking Bars > Display

7.4.2. Insert > Mesh

Going to Insert > Mesh from the menu and clicking the Mesh mode icon in the tool palette produce
different results. Going to Insert > Mesh enables only the addition of mesh features in the Feature
tree, however, entering the mesh mode with the icon enables full editing of a mesh entity.

Insert Mesh
Using Insert > Mesh enables the addition of mesh feature in the Feature tree.

A. How to add a mesh by converting CAD data

1. Go to Insert > Mesh.

2. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body.

3. Select a solid or surface body.

4. Set the slider of Quality to define resolution.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to add a mesh by copying a part of a mesh

1. Go to Insert > Mesh.

2. Show other meshes.

3. Select poly-faces from other meshes.

4. Go to Edit > Copy or use the Ctrl + C shortcut key.

5. A message box will appear to confirm the copied entities. Click OK to complete the
command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 220

 6. Go to Edit > Paste or use the Ctrl + V shortcut key.

Note: Copying a whole mesh using Insert > Mesh is not necessary. In the default
mode, select a mesh and copy and paste it.

Mesh Mode

The Mesh mode features functions to edit, heal, enhance and optimize mesh. To enter the Mesh
mode, select a mesh and then click the Mesh icon or double-click the mesh in the Feature or Model
tree or in the Model View.

Mesh functions for a whole mesh or partial mesh can be performed by selecting partial areas on the
mesh.

Navigation Palette
The navigation palette in the Mesh mode finds and navigates through holes, regions and erroneous
poly-faces. If the Find Defect command is executed and the application finds errors, the errors are
listed in the pull-down menu. Errors on the mesh can be cycled through by clicking the or
buttons.

The middle button changes depending on the function. For example with the Fill Hole command, the
middle button changes to , but with the Find Defect command, the middle button changes to
.

How to Use
How to delete poly-faces
1. Select a mesh and click the Mesh Mode button on the toolbar, or double click the mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 221

 2. The toolbar will show functions related to mesh tools.

3. Select poly-faces on the mesh.

4. Go to Edit > Delete or press the Delete key on the keyboard to remove them.

5. Click the Apply button at bottom right corner of the Model View or click the mesh mode
icon again to apply all changes and exit the Mesh mode.

Note: Clicking the cancel button , will exit the mesh mode and cancel all
changes made in the mode.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body
Edit > Copy
Edit > Paste

7.4.3. Insert > Region Group

Region Group classifies areas of mesh based on geometry features. The Region Group mode
automatically or manually classify and edit regions on a mesh with the following characteristics:

- Generating and editing region history will not register in the feature tree.
- The Region Group mode icon will be dimmed if more than one mesh exists until one of them is
selected.
- The Region Group mode can be exited by clicking the Region Group icon or the Apply button at
bottom right corner.
- Clicking the Cancel button at the bottom right corner removes all changes in the region group
mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 222

 Geometry Classification Option
This option classifies geometry types such as plane, cylinder, and cones as a specified input
condition. For example, to classify regions of very small object it is necessary to judge geometry
types due to the small geometry of the object.

Tolerance – Judges an analytic shape. When a large value is set, a shape that is not a circle can
be registered as one.

Outlier – Data that is far from the standard deviation which may include unreliable information that
can deform results from ideal geometry.

Outlier in Statistic Outlier in Cylinder Geometry

Allow Invasion – Allows expanding regions to invade other regions. If this option is unchecked,
regions cannot be overflowed into other regions.

7.4.4. Insert > Point Cloud

Insert Point Cloud
The Insert > Point Cloud command inserts point clouds by converting other entities into point clouds
or copying poly-vertices from existing mesh.

A. How to add a point cloud by converting a curve

1. Prepare a curve and go to Insert > Point Cloud or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 223

 2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Convert Entities.

3. Select a curve.

4. Set the slider of Quality to define the resolution.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to add a point cloud from other meshes

1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Show other meshes.

3. Select poly-vertices from other meshes.

4. Go to Edit > Copy or use the Ctrl + C shortcut key.

5. A message box will appear to confirm the copied entities. Click OK.

6. Go to Edit > Paste or use the Ctrl + V shortcut key.

Point Cloud Mode

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 224

Point Cloud mode features functions to add and optimize point clouds and create meshes. To enter
the Point Cloud mode, select a point cloud and then click the Point Cloud icon or double-click the
point cloud in the Model tree or in the Model View.

Point cloud functions can be performed for a whole point cloud or only for a part of the point cloud by
selecting partial poly-vertices. Point Cloud mode has the following characteristics:

- All functions are available on the toolbar and in the Tools > Point Cloud Tools menu.
- Generating and editing point cloud will not create any history or features in the feature tree.
- Allows functions to be applied to any existing point clouds.
- Clicking the Point Cloud icon or Apply button at bottom right corner will exit the mode.
- Clicking the Cancel button at the bottom right corner removes all changes in the Point Cloud mode
- Commands under Tools > Scan Tools can directly apply to point clouds without entering the Point
Cloud mode.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Convert Entities
Edit > Copy
Edit > Paste

7.4.5. Insert > Ref. Geometry

The Ref. Geometry menu features various commands used to generate primitive geometry and edit
other entities. The description of reference geometries are for normal situations. In some situations
the geometries can be used for different purposes.

Ref. Geometries
• Plane
Used for a sketch plane and a cutting plane
• Vector
Used for an axis of a feature
• Coordinate
Used for local coordinate of an object
• Polyline
Used for a reference to extract design indent from a mesh
• Point
Marks a position

Note: After generating ref. geometries, they can be exported by using the File > Export command
or the pop-up menu on selected ref. geometry in Model Tree.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 225

7.4.5.1. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Plane
What
A reference plane is a virtual plane that has a normal direction but an infinite size. The ref. plane is not
a surface body. They are used to generate other features. The following images show some examples
of reference plane usage.

Fitting Plane from Scan Data Sketch Plane Mirror Plane

Why
The Ref. Plane command is useful for:
• Setting a sketch plane
• Extracting a plane by fitting scan data’s planar area
• Cutting object to trim meshes or bodies
• Generating mirrored features
• Finding the middle plane of a symmetry mesh

How to Use
A. How to extract a sketch plane from a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh. A mesh with region groups is ideal.

2. Go to Insert > Ref. Geometry > Plane or click the appropriate icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 226

 3. Change the method to Extract.

4. Select poly-vertices or a region. The top face of hexagonal object is selected in the
following image.

5. When a region is selected the preview plane is shown with highlighted poly-vertices which
are used for fitting.

6. Use other options or click OK to complete the command.

Note: The Extract method is available not only for mesh but also for point clouds,
bodies, faces, edges, sketch entities, curves, boundaries, etc.

B. How to offset a plane

1. Select an existing plane.

2. Press the Ctrl key and drag a plane.

3. Release the mouse button.

4. To edit the offset distance, double click the offset plane and change the distance. This is the
same method as Offset in Ref. Plane command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 227

Target Entities
Entities – Selects target entities. The required target entities are different depending on the
method.

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Definition
• Extract
• Projection
• Pick Multiple Points
• Pick Point & Normal
• Pick Point & Coplanar Axis
• Convert
• N Division
• Offset
• Rotation
• Average
• View Direction
• Tangent
• Orthogonal
• Draw Line
• Mirror
• Extreme Position

Definition – Creates a ref. plane by using the mathematical definition of the plane. The value can
be input numerically or interactively picked by a point in the Model View.

Position & Normal – Creates a ref. plane using Position and Normal values.

Position – Specifies the values of X, Y and Z, or manually selects a point where the
normal value will be automatically acquired.

Normal – Selects a point on the model to acquire a normal value of a picked object or
used to specify a numerical value. By clicking the X, Y, or Z buttons, a normal can be
aligned to a selected direction.

3 Positions – Creates a plane which intersects with three positions.

Position 1 and Position 2 and Position 3 – Chooses a position on the model or

directly inputs a X,Y and Z value.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 228

 Coefficient - Creates a plane using specified A, B, C and D values which are coefficients of
the plane equation (Ax + By + Cz + D = 0).

A, B, C, D – Inputs the numerical value of coefficient of a plane.

Extract – Extracts a plane from selected entities by using a fitting algorithm.

Fitting Type – Creates a best-fitted value by the least square fitting method when the Best
Fit option is selected. The least squares method is the approximate solution from distributed
data.

Least Square Method

The lowest value which is parallel to Best Fit will be created from the minimum bounded box
of selected entities when Min Boundary is selected.
The highest value which is parallel to Best Fit will be created from the maximum bounded
box of selected entities when Max Boundary is selected.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 229

 Best Fit Min Boundary Max Boundary

Remove Outlier – Removes outlier data to achieve more accurate fitting results.
The N*Sigma method requires an N value and excludes data that is larger than N times the
standard deviation, also known as the sigma.
The Ratio method requires a ratio value and only data that falls into the selected value will
be used.
The Absolute Distance method requires a distance and the fitting will be done by excluding
any data outside of that distance.

N Sigma

Use Normal – Excludes points that have a normal angle larger than the normal of
fitted ref. geometry. After removing points, the application will internally generate fitted
ref. geometry again from the refined points.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Use Only Effective Data – Uses only effective data when fitting. Effective data is the actual
data points used in fitting after sampling and outlier removal.

Axis Constraint – Constrain the direction of an axis.

Use Specified Axis As Initial Guess – Defines an initial axis that can be used for
finding the direction of a fitting shape.

Use Specified Axis As It Is – Manually define the direction of an axis. The direction
of an axis can be defined by selecting an entity that has a vector property or manually
typing the values.

Projection – Creates a plane by projecting a planar entity onto a linear entity.

To make a plane using the Projection method:
1. Select a planar entity such as a plane, face, or region.
2. Select a linear entity such as a line, vector, or edge.
3. Click OK.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 230

Pick Multiple Points – Creates a plane by picking three or more points.
To make a plane using the Pick Multiple Points method:
1. Pick three or more points.
2. Click OK.

Pick Point & Normal Axis – Creates a plane by picking a point (position) and selecting a normal
axis.
To make a plane using the Pick Point & Normal method:
1. Select a linear entity for normal of the plane.
2. Pick a point for the position of the plane.
3. Click OK.

Pick Point & Coplanar Axis – Creates a plane on a coplanar axis.

To make a plane using the Pick Point & Normal method:
1. Select a linear entity for coplanar axis.
2. Pick a point for the position of the plane.
3. Click OK.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 231

Convert – Creates plane on a selected planar entity.
To make a plane using the Convert method:
1. Select a planar entity (plane, face, region, etc).
2. Click OK.

N Division – Creates planes by dividing selected entities. Multiple planes will be created evenly
and perpendicularly to the selected entity.
To make a plane using the N Division method:
1. Select a line, curve, edge or etc.
2. Define sub option.
3. Click OK.

Uniform – Creates planes by evenly dividing a selected entity by specified number.

Offset – Creates planes by a specified offset distance and total number on a selected entity.

Offset – Creates a specified number of planes by offsetting them from a selected planar entity.
To make a plane using the Offset method:
1. Select a planar entity such as a plane, face, or region.
2. Set the total number and distance.
3. Click OK.

Note: A ref. plane can be offset by using the Ctrl key and mouse drag an existing ref. plane.

Rotation – Creates multiple planes by rotating a planar entity.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 232

To make a plane using the Rotation method:
1. Select a planar entity such as a plane, face, or region.
2. Select a linear entity such as a line, vector, or edge which will be the rotation axis.
3. Set the total number of planes and the rotation angle.
4. Click OK.

Average – Creates a plane by averaging two selected planar entities. The planar entities do not
need to be parallel.
To make a plane using the Average method:
1. Select two planar entities such as a plane, face, or region.
2. Click OK.

View Direction – Creates a plane in the current view direction.

To make a plane using the View Direction method:
1. Pick a point , also known as a position, on the Model View.
2. The plane normal will be the viewing direction.
3. Click OK.

Tangent – Creates a plane that is tangent to a picked entity.

To make a plane using the Tangent method:
1. Pick a point also known as a position, on a curve point, poly-vertex, vertex, face or ref. point.
2. Click OK.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 233

Orthogonal – Creates an orthogonal plane from a selected point (point-element entity) on a mesh.
A point and two body faces can also be used.
To make a plane using the Orthogonal method on a mesh:
1. Pick a point on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

To make a plane using the Orthogonal method on a body:

1. Pick a vertex on a body.
2. Select two body faces.
3. Click OK.

Draw Cutting – Creates a plane by drawing a line on the screen.

To make a plane using the Draw Cutting method on a body:
1. Draw a linear line on the screen.
2. Click OK.

Mirror – Finds and creates a symmetrical plane of a mesh automatically. An initial plane which
roughly indicates the normal direction of the plane is necessary.
Lock Normal Direction Of Mirror Plane As Selected Planes’ uses the normal of the initial plane
as it is.
To make a plane using the Mirror method:
1. Select an initial plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 234

 2. Select a mesh.
3. Click OK.

Extreme Position – Creates a plane at a maximum or minimum position of a selected entity in a

specified direction.
To make a plane using the Extreme Position method:
1. Click the Direction button and select a linear entity such as a line, or vector.
2. Select a target entity.
3. Click OK.

The following images show generated planes at the extreme position to the Z direction on an entity.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Vector
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Coordinate
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Polyline
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Point

Tips & Tutorials

Creating Reference Geometry using Ref Coordinates

7.4.5.2. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Vector

What
A reference vector is a virtual axis with a direction and infinite size. A ref. vector is not a line entity and
is used just to generate other features.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 235

 Cylinder Axis Intersecting Two Planes

Why
The Ref. Vector command is useful for:
• Setting an axis of a revolving body
• Creating a rotation axis for a circular pattern
• Finding the axis of a cylinder
• Finding the axis of a cone
• Finding revolving and extruding axes

How to Use
How to extract a cylinder axis from a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh. A mesh with region groups is ideal.

2. Go to Insert > Ref. Geometry > Vector or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Change the method to Find Cylinder Axis.

4. Select cylindrical regions.

5. Click OK to complete the command. The application will find an axis from the cylindrical
regions.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 236

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Entities – Selects target entities.

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Definition
• Extract
• Find Slot Axis
• Find Cylinder Axis
• Find Cone Axis
• Projection
• Pick Multiple Points
• Pick Point & Line
• Convert
• Intersect 2 Planes
• Average
• Tangent
• Cross 2 Line
• Revolving Axis
• Extrusion Axis
• Pattern Revolving Axis
• Pattern Translation Axis

Definition – Creates a vector using the mathematical definition of a vector. A numeric value can be
input or a point can be picked manually in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 237

 Position & Direction – Creates a ref. vector with Position and Direction values.

Position – Selects a point in the Model View or allows the manual input of specific
values for X, Y and Z.

Direction – Selects a linear entity to acquire a directional value or allows the manual
input of a specific numerical value. The X, Y or Z buttons align the direction to a
selected direction.

Start & End – Creates a vector by defining the Start Position and the End Position.

Start Position and End Position – Creates a vector by connecting two positions. The
positions can be selected in the Model View or manually input into the X, Y, Z boxes.

Extract – Extracts a vector from selected entities by using a fitting algorithm.

Remove Outlier – Removes outlier data to achieve more accurate fitting results.
The N*Sigma method requires an N value and excludes data that is larger than N times the
standard deviation, also known as the sigma.
The Ratio method requires a ratio value and only data that falls into the selected value will
be used.
The Absolute Distance method requires a distance and the fitting will be done by excluding
any data outside of that distance.

N Sigma

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Use Only Effective Data – Uses only effective data when fitting. Effective data is the actual
data points used in fitting after sampling and outlier removal.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 238

 Project On Plane - Projects a created vector onto a selected planar entity such as a plane,
face, region, or sketch.

Find Slot Axis – Creates a vector of a slot on a selected entity using a fitting algorithm. The fitting
option is the same as the Extract method.

Fitting Type – Creates a best-fitted value by the least square fitting method when the Best
Fit option is selected. The least squares method is the approximate solution from distributed
data.

Least Square Method

The lowest value which is parallel to Best Fit will be created from the minimum bounded box
of selected entities when Min Boundary is selected.
The highest value which is parallel to Best Fit will be created from the maximum bounded
box of selected entities when Max Boundary is selected.

Best Fit Min Boundary Max Boundary

Find Cylinder Axis – Creates a cylinder axis from a selected entity by using the fitting algorithm.
The fitting option is same as the Extract method.

Use Normal – Excludes points that have a normal angle larger than the normal of
fitted ref. geometry. After removing points, the application will internally generate fitted
ref. geometry again from the refined points.

Fix Radius – Specifies the value of the radius of a cylinder if it is already known.

Axis Constraint – Constrain the direction of an axis.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 239

 Use Specified Axis As Initial Guess – Defines an initial axis that can be used for
finding the direction of a fitting shape.

Use Specified Axis As It Is – Manually define the direction of an axis. The direction
of an axis can be defined by selecting an entity that has a vector property or manually
typing the values.

Find Cone Axis – Creates a cone axis from selected entities by using a fitting algorithm. The fitting
option is same as the Find Cylinder Axis method.

Projection – Creates a vector by projecting a planar entity onto a linear entity.

To make a vector using the Projection method:
1. Select a planar entity such as a plane, face, or region.
2. Select a linear entity such as a line, vector, or edge.
3. Click OK.

Pick Multiple Points - Creates a vector by picking two or more points.

To make a vector using the Pick Multiple Points method:
1. Pick two or more points.
2. Click OK.

Pick Point & Line – Creates a vector by picking a point as the position and a linear entity as the
direction.
To make a vector using the Pick Point & Line method:
1. Select a linear entity for the direction of a vector.
2. Pick a point for the position of the vector.
3. Click OK.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 240

Convert – Creates a vector as an axis of a selected entity or on a selected entity.
To make a vector using the Convert method:
1. Select a cylindrical entity such as a face or a region, or a linear entity such as a line or an
edge.
2. Click OK.

Intersect 2 Planes – Creates a vector from intersecting two planes.

To make a vector using the Intersect 2 Planes method:
1. Select two planar entities such as planes, faces, regions.
2. Click OK.

Average – Creates a vector by averaging two linear entities.

To make a vector using the Average method:
1. Select two linear entities such as lines, edges, vectors.
2. Click OK.

Tangent – Creates a vector that is tangent to a selected entity.

To make a vector by using the Tangent method:
1. Pick a point on an entity such as a curve, edge, or poly-vertex.
2. Click OK.

Cross 2 Lines – Creates a vector from crossing two linear entities.

To make a vector using the Tangent method:
1. Select two linear entities such as lines, edges, or vectors.
2. Click OK.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 241

Revolving Axis – Creates a vector that is an axis from a revolved mesh feature. The fitting option
is same as the Extract method.
To make a vector using the Revolving Axis method:
1. Select a revolved area on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Extrusion Axis – Creates a vector in an extrusion direction from an extruded mesh feature. The
fitting option is the same as the Extract method.
To make a vector using the Extrusion Axis method:
1. Select extruded area on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Use Specified Axis As Initial Guess – Defines an initial axis used to find the axis of the
plane. A linear entity or a user defined direction can be chosen as a vector.

Pattern Revolving Axis – Creates a vector from the center axis of a revolved pattern feature.
To make a vector using the Pattern Revolving Axis method:
1. Select two or more pattern features on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Pattern Translation Axis – Creates a vector in a pattern direction from pattern features.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 242

 To make a vector using the Pattern Translation Axis method:
1. Select two or more pattern features on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Sampling Ratio – See the Pattern Revolving Axis option.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Plane
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Coordinate
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Polyline
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Point

Tips & Tutorials

How do I align a part using vectors?

7.4.5.3. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Coordinate

What
A reference coordinate is a local coordinate system that a user can use to define additional
coordinates.

Why
The Ref. Coordinate command is useful for:
• Transforming scan data
• Aligning scan data

How to Use
How to add a coordinate using the intersection of 3 planes

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 243

 1. Go to Insert > Ref. Geometry > Coordinate.

2. Change the method to Intersect 3 Planes.

3. Select three defined ref. planes.

4. Click OK to complete the command. A ref. coordinate at the corner of the 3 ref. planes will
be created.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Entities – Selects target entities.

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Definition
• Extract
• Pick Multiple Points
• Pick Point & 2 Lines
• Pick Point & Coordinate
• Insert 3 Planes
• Tangent

Definition – Creates a ref. coordinate by the mathematical definition of the coordinate.

Origin & Axis – Creates a coordinate using the Origin and Axis1 value.

Origin – Selects a point in the Model View or allows the manually input of the X, Y and
Z values.

Axis1 / Alxis2 – Pick a point on the model to acquire the direction of the picked object
or specify numerical value. If you click X, Y or Z button, you can align normal to the
selected direction.

Order – Defines the order of Axis1 and Axis2 as X, Y or Z. If the order is XY, Axis1
will be set to X direction and Axis2 will be set to Y direction.

Origin & Rotation – Creates a coordinate with the Origin and Rotation value.

Origin – Selects a point in the Model View or allows the manually input of the X, Y and

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 244

 Z values.

Rotation – Specifies the degree of an angle of an axis that a coordinate will rotate
around.

Extract – Extracts a coordinate from selected entities by using a fitting algorithm. The fitting option
is same as the Extract method.

Fitting Type – Creates a best-fitted value by the least square fitting method when the Best
Fit option is selected. The least squares method is the approximate solution from distributed
data.

Least Square Method

The lowest value which is parallel to Best Fit will be created from the minimum bounded box
of selected entities when Min Boundary is selected.
The highest value which is parallel to Best Fit will be created from the maximum bounded box
of selected entities when Max Boundary is selected.

Best Fit Min Boundary Max Boundary

Remove Outlier – Removes outlier data to achieve more accurate fitting results.
The N*Sigma method requires an N value and excludes data that is larger than N times the
standard deviation, also known as the sigma.
The Ratio method requires a ratio value and only data that falls into the selected value will be
used.
The Absolute Distance method requires a distance and the fitting will be done by excluding
any data outside of that distance.

N Sigma

Use Normal – Excludes points that have a normal angle larger than the normal of fitted

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 245

 ref. geometry. After removing points, the application will internally generate fitted ref.
geometry again from the refined points.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Use Only Effective Data – Uses only effective data when fitting. Effective data is the actual
data points used in fitting after sampling and outlier removal.

Pick Multiple Points – Creates a coordinate by picking two or more points.

To make a coordinate using the Pick Multiple Points method:
1. Pick two or more points.
2. Click OK.

Order – Refer to the Definition method.

Direction – Flips the directions of defined axes by clicking the Flip button

Pick Point & 2 Lines – Creates a coordinate from a point used for an origin and two lines used for
directions. The direction of the coordinate on the first and second line will follow the settings in the
Order option. For more about the Order option, see the Definition method.

Order – Refer to the Definition method.

Direction – Refer to the Pick Multiple Points method.

Pick Point & Coordinate – Creates a coordinate from a point used for an origin and another
coordinate.

Intersect 3 Planes – Creates a coordinate from three planar entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 246

 Direction – Refer to the Pick Multiple Points method.

Tangent - Creates a coordinate tangent to a manually picked entity using a point on a mesh or a
body face.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Plane
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Vector
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Polyline
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Point

Tips & Tutorials

How to use the Transform Body command to change Coordinate Systems

7.4.5.4. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Polyline

What
A reference polyline is a connected series of line segments. The polyline is used to extract the design
intent or character lines from a mesh.

Silhouette Beadline

Why
The Ref. Polyline command is useful for:
• Extracting silhouette lines

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 247

• Extracting parting lines
• Extracting fillet center lines
• Extracting pipe center lines
• Extracting bead center lines
• Extracting boundaries from selections
• Extracting revolving and extrusion profiles
• Extracting sharp edges on rounded shapes

How to Use
How to find the curve in the center of pipe using mesh
1. Go to Insert > Ref. Geometry > Polyline or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Change the method to Pipe.

3. Select the pipe area.

4. Click OK to complete the command. The application will find the pipe line.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Entities – Selects target entities

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 248

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Intersection
• Silhouette
• Parting
• Fillet
• Sweep
• Pipe
• Bead Line
• Boundary
• Projection
• Revolving Profile
• Extrusion Profile
• Extract Virtual Sharp Edge

Intersection – Creates polylines at an intersection between a mesh and a planar entity.

To make a polyline using the Intersection method:
1. Select a mesh.
2. Select a planar entity such as a plane, face, or region.
3. Click OK.

Silhouette – Creates silhouette polylines using a mesh and a plane or vector

To make a polyline using the Silhouette method:
1. Select a mesh.
2. Select a planar entity or linear entity for the projection direction
3. Click OK.

2D Silhouette – Creates a 2D polyline on a plane.

Check 2D Silhouette Uncheck 2D Silhouette

Outer Loop Only – Creates only outermost silhouette polylines

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 249

 Check Outer Loop Only Uncheck Outer Loop Only

Parting– Creates parting lines from mesh

To make a polyline using the Parting method:
1. Select a mesh.
2. Select a planar entity or linear entity for the projection direction
3. Click OK.

Draft Angle – Poly-faces within the draft angle will be removed to calculate a parting line after
a draft angle is specified

Draft Angle: 0 Draft Angle: 10

Fillet – Creates polylines in the center of a fillet feature

To make a polyline using the Fillet method:
1. Select fillet areas on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Thinning – Removes noisy polylines to generate a single line. A Search Depth value must be
specified and is used to clean a polyline with the inputted search depth value.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 250

 Uncheck Thinning Check Thinning

Sweep – Creates a sweep path from a sweep feature

To make a polyline using the Sweep method:
1. Select sweep areas on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Thinning – See the Fillet method’s sub-option under Ref. Polyline.

Pipe – Creates a pipe center path from a pipe feature

To make a polyline using the Pipe method:
1. Select pipe areas on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Thinning – See the Fillet method’s sub-option under Ref. Polyline.

Inner / Outer – Selects the normal direction of a pipe.

Bead Line – Creates bead center polylines from a bead feature.

To make a polyline using the Bead Line method:
1. Select bead areas on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Radius – Specifies the radius of a virtual ball that rolls over the surface of a mesh that is used
to detect the boundaries of bead lines. The radius of the virtual ball needs to be larger than
bead lines because if it is set as a very small value it might follow the shape of bead lines
instead of detecting their boundaries. A value of 0 will allow the application to automatically set
the radius.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 251

 Tolerance – Areas within a given distance will be treated as noise and ignored.

Thinning – See the Fillet method’s sub-option under Ref. Polyline.

Convex / Concave – Chooses a bead shape.

Boundary – Creates boundary polylines from a selected area.

To make a polyline using the Boundary method:
1. Select areas on a mesh.
2. Click OK.

Projection – Projects a polyline onto a planar entity.

To make a polyline using the Projection method:
1. Select an existing polyline.
2. Select a planar entity such as a plane or face.
3. Click OK.

Revolving Profile – Creates a revolving profile from a selected area.

To make a polyline using the Revolving Profile method:
1. Select a mesh or areas on a mesh.
2. Select a ref. vector as the revolution axis.
3. Select a planar entity such as a plane or face for the sketch plane.
4. Click OK.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 252

 Use Normal – Excludes points that have a normal angle larger than the normal of fitted ref.
geometry. After removing points, the application will internally generate fitted ref. geometry
again from the refined points.

Thinning – See the Fillet method’s sub-option under Ref. Polyline.

Extrusion Profile – Creates an extrusion profile from a selected area.

To make a polyline using the Extrusion Profile method:
1. Select a mesh or areas on a mesh.
2. Select a ref. vector which will be the extrusion direction.
3. Select a planar entity such as a plane or a face for the sketch plane.
4. Click OK.

Use Normal – See the Revolving Profile method’s sub-option under Ref. Polyline.

Thinning – See the Fillet method’s sub-option under Ref. Polyline.

Extract Virtual Sharp Edge – Creates sharp edges on rounded features on a mesh or a body
To make a polyline using the Extract Virtual Sharp Edge method:
1. Select a side area around a rounded feature.
2. Select an opposite side area around the rounded feature.
3. Click OK.

Fit Surface From Region – Internally creates fitting surfaces to find intersections between
surfaces

Expand Ratio – Sets a value for the expand ratio used to find virtual edges. This option expands a
selected region. To find a virtual edge between far distance regions, set a large enough value to
make an intersection.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 253

 More Options
Delete Small Cluster – Removes noisy polylines that have less than a specified number of
connected lines.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Plane
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Vector
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Coordinate
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Point

Tips & Tutorials

How can I create a polyline or sketch from the intersection of a mesh and a surface?

7.4.5.5. Insert > Ref. Geometry > Point

What
A reference point is a zero-dimensional entity. A reference point is used to mark a specific position on
a model or in space.

Ref. Point on Mesh Intersection between curve and plane

Why
The Ref. Point command is useful for:
• Finding a the center of a circle, slot, rectangle, polygon, or sphere
• Finding an average point from multiple points
• Finding the intersection point of two lines
• Finding the intersection point of a line and a face
• Finding the intersection point of three planes
• Importing positions

How to Use
How to make an average point from a region
1. Go to Insert > Ref. Geometry > Point or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Change the method to Extract.

3. Select a region.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 254

 4. Click OK to complete the command. The application will extract an average point from the
selected region.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Entities – Selects target entities.

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Definition
• Extract
• Find Circle Center
• Find Slot Center
• Find Rectangle Center
• Find Polygon Center
• Find Sphere Center
• Projection
• Pick Multiple Points
• Convert
• N Division
• Between 2 Points
• Intersect 2 Lines
• Intersect Line(Curve, Axis) & Face
• Intersect 3 Planes
• Import

Definition – Creates a point by using the mathematical definition of a point. The value can be input
numerically or interactively picked by a point in the Model View.

Extract – Creates a point from selected entities by using a fitting algorithm.

Remove Outlier – Removes outlier data to achieve more accurate fitting results.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 255

 The N*Sigma method requires an N value and excludes data that is larger than N times the
standard deviation, also known as the sigma.
The Ratio method requires a ratio value and only data that falls into the selected value will
be used.
The Absolute Distance method requires a distance and the fitting will be done by excluding
any data outside of that distance.

N Sigma

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Use Only Effective Data – Uses only effective data when fitting. Effective data is the actual
data points used in fitting after sampling and outlier removal.

Find Circle Center – Creates a circle center point from selected entities.

Fitting Type – When Best Fit is selected, the least squares fitting method is used. Minimum
separation is a fitting method that uses a pair of concentric fitting shapes that contains all
data points to extract both a Min. Bound and Max Bound.
When Min. Bound is selected for a circle, the smallest value of the radial distances between
a pair of concentric circles of minimum separation is used.
When Max. Bound is selected the largest value from minimum separations is used. Min.
Bound and Max. Bound share the same center point.

Best Fit Min / Max Boundary

from Minimum Separation

The Hole method is available under the Find Circle Center option. This method is useful for
finding the center of a hole in a model by locating a candidate area around a hole from a
selection and generating a fitting circle based on the center of the hole.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 256

 1. Selection 2. Candidate area for circle 3. Find a center of a hole
fitting

Remove Outlier, Sampling Ratio, Use Only Effective Data – Identical to the Extract
method.

Project On Plane –- Projects a created vector onto a selected planar entity such as a plane,
face, region, or sketch.

Fix Radius – Specifies the value of the radius of a cylinder if it is already known.

Find Slot Center – Extracts the center point of a slot from selected entities using a fitting algorithm.
The sub-options are the same as the Find Circle Center method under Ref. Point.

Find Rectangle Center – Extracts the center point of a rectangle from selected entities using a
fitting algorithm. The sub-options are the same as the Find Circle Center method under Ref.
Point.

Rounded Corner – Finds the center point of a rounded corner rectangle.

Find Polygon Center – Extracts the center point of a polygon center from selected entities using a
fitting algorithm. The sub-options are the same as the Find Circle Center method under Ref.
Point.

Rounded Corner – Used for polygon corners that are round.

Num. Of Edges – Specifies the number of edges of a polygon.

Find Sphere Center - Extracts the center point of a sphere from selected entities using a fitting
algorithm. The sub-options are the same as the Find Circle Center method under Ref. Point.

Projection – Extracts a point by projecting onto another entity.

To make a point using the Projection method:
1. Select points such as ref. points, curve points or vertices.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 257

 2. Select a target entity that selected points will be projected onto.
3. Click OK.

Pick Multiple Points – Creates an average point by choosing one or more points.
To make a point using the Pick Multiple Points method:
1. Pick points on scan data or select points such as ref. points, vertices or circles.
2. Click OK.

Convert – Create a center point from a selected entity.

To make a point using the Convert method:
1. Select a circle or an arc.
2. Click OK.

N Division – Creates multiple points by dividing a selected curve, vector, or mesh data.
To make a point using the N Division method:
1. Select a curve.
2. Click OK.

Uniform – Creates planes by evenly dividing a selected entity by a specified number.

Offset – Creates planes by a specified offset distance and total number on a selected entity.

Uniform Offset

Between 2 Points – Creates a point between two points using a Ratio value to decide the position.
To make a point using the Between 2 Points method:
1. Select two points.
2. Set the ratio of position between two selected points.
3. Click OK.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 258

 Ratio: 0.2 Ratio: 0.5 Ratio: 0.8

Intersect 2 Lines– Creates a point from the intersection of two linear entities.
To make a point using the Intersect 2 Lines method:
1. Select two linear entities such as a line, edge, or vector.
2. Click OK.

Intersect Line (Curve, Axis) & Face - Creates a point from the intersection of a curve or an axis of
a geometric entity and a face.
To make a point using the Intersect Line(Curve, Axis) & Face method:
1. Select a curve such as a line, edge, vector, 2D or 3D curve.
2. Select a face.
3. Click OK.

Intersect 3 Planes – Creates a point from the intersection of three selected planar entities.
To make a point using the Intersect 3 Planes method:
1. Select three planar entities such as a face, region, or plane.
2. Click OK.

Check Orthogonality – Allows the creation of a point only if three planes are orthogonal.

Import – Creates points by importing an ASCII file. A text file containing X, Y and Z coordinates
separated by tabs or commas can be imported through the ASCII converter.

When a text file is opened the ASCII Converter will appear. Column definition, separators such as
white space or user defined characters, and commas for decimal point in the ASCII Convert dialog
box can be set.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 259

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Plane
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Vector
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Coordinate
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Polyline

7.4.6. Insert > Solid

The Insert Solid menu features various commands used to generate and edit solid bodies and
surfaces.

Generating Solid Bodies from Sketches

• Extrude
Creates extruded bodies with a sketch, direction and length
• Revolve
Creates revolved bodies with a sketch, axis and revolution angle
• Sweep
Creates swept bodies with a sketch and path
• Loft
Creates lofted bodies with a set of sketches

Generating Solid Bodies from Other Bodies

• Offset
Creates offset faces from existing body faces
• Thicken
Creates a constant thickness solid body from a surface body
• Hollow
Creates a constant thickness solid body from a solid body
• Cut
Creates a solid body by cutting an existing solid body
• Boolean
Creates a solid body by merging, cutting or intersecting with another body

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 260

7.4.6.1. Insert > Solid > Extrude
What
The Extrude command stretches an object section in a straight direction and then generates a closed
solid body. The object section is expressed by a single profile or multiple profiles on a sketch. A profile
is drawn by sketch entities such as a single circle or a spline or the combination of lines, arcs or
splines.

Sketch Direction and Length Extrusion Body

Note: To generate an extruded solid feature, a profile must be closed. The Surface > Extrude
command can be used to generate an extruded feature by using an open profile.

Why
The Extrude command is useful for:
• Creating a body for a straight object
• Creating a boss or rib on a plastic part
• Creating a hole in an object
• Creating a straight pipe
• Creating the outside of a building
• Creating a pillar for a building or bridge

How to Use
A. How to generate an extrusion solid body
1. Draw a sketch or a mesh sketch.

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Extrude or click the icon in the toolbar. Select the sketch as the
Base Sketch. Specify the Length for the extrusion.

3. The Draft option generates a tapered body. Specify the value as 10 degrees.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 261

 4. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to generate holes on a solid body

1. Draw a sketch or a mesh sketch.

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Extrude or click the icon in the toolbar and then select the sketch as
the Base Sketch.

3. Click the Flip Direction button to reverse the extrusion. Choose the Cut option under
Result Operator to cut holes in the main solid body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 262

 4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Base Sketch – Selects a Sketch of the Mesh Sketch as a base sketch. The base sketch is a 2D
sectional profile of an extrusion object.

Profiles – Select or deselect loops used to extrude a desired profile. Multiple profiles can be drawn
on a sketch.

Extrude Loop 1 Extrude Loop 2 & 3

Custom Direction – Specifies a different extrusion direction as the default direction for a linear
entity with a normal. The default extrusion direction will be the normal of the sketch plane.

Default Extrusion Custom Direction Extrusion

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 263

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Blind
Defines the extrusion height.
• Through All
Defines the extrusion height to the end of another body.
• Up To Vertex
Defines the extrusion height to a vertex.
• Up To Region
Defines the end condition to a region.
• Up To Surface
Defines the end condition to a surface.
• Up To Body
Defines the end condition to a body.
• Mid Plane
Defines the symmetry extrusion feature from a sketch.

Blind – Extends a profile to a specified distance.

Through All – Extends a profile through all existing solid or surface bodies in the extrusion
direction.

Up To Vertex – Extends a profile to a selected vertex.

Up To Region – Extends a profile to a selected region on a mesh. A fitting surface is created from
the region during the process and cuts the extruded body at the intersection. The sub-option
Region Fitting Option can be used in this command: see Insert > Surface > Mesh Fit.

Up To Surface – Extends a profile to a selected surface body that cuts the extruded body at the
intersection.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 264

Up To Body – Extends a profile to a selected surface or solid body used when extruding an
assembly part to another body.

Mid Plane – Extends a profile in both directions leaving a selected sketch in the middle of the
extrusion.

More Options
Draft – Applies a draft angle to a model that can be flipped by using the Flip Direction button .
Draft angles are used for a mold to ease in the removal of a molded part.

Draft: 0 Draft: 10

Opposite Direction – Extrudes a body shape from a base sketch in the opposite direction of the
default direction.

Result Operator
The Result Operator option is available when one or more bodies exist. The Boolean command
can be used to cut or merge with other bodies later.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 265

 Without Cut and Merge

Cut – Cuts bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

With Cut Option

Merge – Merges bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

With Merge Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard
Insert > Surface > Extrude

Tips & Tutorials

Using CAD tools to edit your mesh
XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.6.2. Insert > Solid > Revolve

What
The Revolve command turns an object section around a revolution axis and generates a closed solid
body. The object section can be expressed by a single or multiple profiles on a sketch and is drawn by
circle, spline, lines and arc sketch entities.

Sketch Axis and Angle Revolution Body

Note: To generate a revolved solid feature, a profile must be closed. To generate a revolved
feature by using an open profile, use the Surface > Revolve command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 266

Why
The Revolve command is useful for:
• Creating a fully revolved object
• Creating a half or angled revolved object

How to Use
How to generate a revolved body using a revolution angle
1. Draw a sketch or a mesh sketch that includes a profile and a revolution axis.

Note: A revolution axis can be a construction line in a sketch or other linear entities out of
a sketch such as a vector or an edge on the sketch.

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Revolve or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a sketch as a Base Sketch. If a sketch has a construction line, or axis, the application
will automatically recognize it as the Axis.

4. Select the desired Method. Enter 180 degrees as the Revolving Angle.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Base Sketch – Selects a sketch to revolve.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 267

Profiles – Selects desired loops to revolve from multiple loops.

Revolve Loop 1 Revolve Loop 1, 2 & 3

Axis – Selects a linear entity to revolve a sketch around an axis.

Methods

The following methods are available for this command:

• One Direction
Revolution direction in a single direction
• Mid Plane
Symmetrical revolution directions to both side of a sketch
• Two Direction
Two different revolution directions

One Direction – Creates a revolved feature in one direction from a sketch.

Mid Plane – Creates a symmetry revolved feature in both the clockwise and counterclockwise
directions from a base sketch.

Two-Direction – Creates a revolved feature in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions from
a sketch plane with different angle values. The total of the two angles cannot exceed 360 degrees.

More Options
Angle – Specifies the revolution angle from a base sketch.

Opposite Angle – Specifies the revolution angle of the side opposite to the main angle and is
available only using the Both Directions method.

Result Operator
The Result Operator option is available when one or more bodies exist. The Boolean command
can be used to cut or merge with other bodies later.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 268

 Without Cut and Merge

Cut – Cuts bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

With Cut Option

Merge – Merges bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

With Merge Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard
Insert > Surface > Revolve

Tips & Tutorials

XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.6.3. Insert > Solid > Sweep

What
The Sweep command traces the path of an object section and then generates a closed solid body.
The object section can be expressed by a single or multiple profiles on a sketch and is drawn by circle,
spline, lines and arc sketch entities.

Sketch Profile and Path Sweep Body

Note: To generate a sweep solid feature, a profile must be closed. To generate a revolved feature
by using an open profile, use the Surface > Sweep command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 269

Why
The Sweep command is useful for:
• Creating a bent object with a constant section
• Creating a twisted object with a constant section

How to Use
How to generate a sweep feature using a profile and a path
1. Draw a sketch or a mesh sketch.

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Sweep or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a Profile and Path.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Profiles – Selects a profile such as a sketch, 3D sketch, or edge that will be used to create a
sweep body. The profile should be closed profile. To make a composite profile, select edges or
curves with the Shift button. A profile should not self-intersect.

Path – Selects a path for a profile to follow. An opened or closed loop can be used. The starting
point of a path must lie on the plane of the profile and a path should not self-intersect.

Methods

The following methods are available for this command:

• Follow Path
• Keep Normal Constant
• Follow Path And First Guide Curve

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 270

 • Follow First And Second Guide Curves
• Twist Along Path
• Twist Along Path With Normal Constant

Follow Path – Keeps a profile at the same angle as a path.

Keep Normal Constant – Keeps a profile parallel to the beginning of a section.

Follow Path and First Guide Curve – Selects a guide curve to control the intermediate shape of a
profile. Click the button and select a guide curve.

Follow First and Second Guide Curve – Selects two guide curves to control the intermediate
shape of a profile. Click the button and select guide curves.

Twist Along Path – Twists a section along a path by a specified number of degrees.

Twist Along Path With Normal Constant – Twists a section along a path keeping the section
parallel to the beginning section as it twists along a path.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 271

Path Options
Path Alignment Type – Stabilizes a profile when small and uneven curvature fluctuations along a
path causes a profile to misalign. This option is available when the Follow Path option is selected

None – Aligns a profile normal to a path with no corrections applied.

Direction Vector – Aligns a profile in the direction of a selected linear entity vector.

Guide Curves
Guide Curves – Guides a profile as it sweeps along a path.
Click the button and select a guide curve.

Options
Improve Curvature Flow Along Sweep Path – Smoothly connects the curvature flow of faces
along a sweep path

Merge Tangent Faces – Merges tangentially connected faces to reduce the total number of faces.

Without Merge Tangent Faces With Merge Tangent Faces

Result Operator
The Result Operator option is available when one or more bodies exist. The Boolean command
can be used to cut or merge with other bodies later.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 272

 Without Cut and Merge

Cut – Cuts bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

With Cut Option

Merge – Merges bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

With Merge Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard
Insert > Surface > Sweep

Tips & Tutorials

XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.6.4. Insert > Solid > Loft

What
The Loft command connects multiple object sections and generates a closed solid body from them.
The object sections are expressed by a single profile or multiple profiles on a 2D or 3D sketch and
can be drawn by circles, splines, lines and arc sketch entities.

Sketch Section Profiles Loft Body

Note: To generate a lofted solid feature, a profile must be closed. To generate a lofted surface
feature using an open profile, see Surface > Loft.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 273

Why
The Loft command is useful for:
• Creating an object connected by multiple sections
• Creating different starting and ending profile objects

How to Use
How to generate a loft feature from profiles
1. Go to Insert > Solid > Loft or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select Profiles to loft.

Note: The alignment between loft profiles can be modified by manipulating the handles
(spheres) that appear on the selected profiles as part of the connector. The connector is
the poly line connecting corresponding points in both directions.

Note: The lofting order of profiles in the dialog tree can be changed by using the Up
and Down buttons after selecting a profile in the list.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 274

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Profiles – Selects a profile such as a sketch, 3D sketch, or edge that will be used to create a sweep
body. The profile should be closed profile. To make a composite profile, select edges or curves with
the Shift button. A profile should not self-intersect.

Constraints
Start Constraint – Selects the starting constraint type.

None – Applies no tangency constraints or zero curvatures.

Direction Vector – Applies a tangency constraint based on a selected entity. Click the
Direction Vector button and select a linear entity such as a vector, line, edge, etc, or a planar
entity such as a plane, region, or face.

Tangent Length – Controls the amount of tangency influence on a loft by setting the
value or manipulating the blue arrow in the Model View. The tangency direction can be
reversed by using the Flip Tangent button .

Tangent Length: 1 Tangent Length: 2

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices - Applies the same tangency to all vertices
on a profile. Tangent length can also be applied individually on each vertex.

Use Same Tangent Length Individual Tangent Length

Normal To Profile - Applies a tangency constraint normal to a starting profile.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 275

 Tangent Length – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Tangency To Face – Creates a tangency constraint that follows a selected face and is
available if a face is selected as a profile. Clicking the Next Face button will find the next
candidate face.

Tangent Length – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Curvature To Face – Creates a curvature constraint that follows a selected face and is
available if a face is selected as a profile. Clicking the Next Face button will find the next
candidate face.

Tangent Length – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

End Constraint – Selects the ending constraint type. The sub-options are the same as the Start
Constraint options.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 276

Guide Curves
Guide Curves – Selects a guide curve to control the intermediate shape of a sweep body.

Without Guide Curve With Guide Curve

Options
Merge Tangent Faces – Merges tangentially connected faces to reduce the total number of faces.

Without Merge Tangent Faces With Merge Tangent Faces

Close Loft – Creates a closed body along a loft direction.

Without Close Loft With Close Loft

Result Operator
The Result Operator option is available when one or more bodies exist. The Boolean command
can be used to cut or merge with other bodies later.

Without Cut and Merge

Cut – Cuts bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

With Cut Option

Merge – Merges bodies that intersect with a created extruded body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 277

 With Merge Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard
Insert > Surface > Loft

Tips & Tutorials

Creating high quality loft surface
Fail to create a Solid Loft with 3D Mesh Sketch
XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.6.5. Insert > Solid > Offset

What
The Offset command enlarges or shrinks a solid body with a constant distance.

Why
The Offset command is useful for:
• Creating a model in a different size

How to Use
How to offset a solid body
1. Go to Insert > Solid > Offset or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 278

 2. Select a solid body and specify the Offset distance.

Note: To reverse the offset direction, use the Flip Direction button .

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Bodies – Selects target solid bodies to offset.

Offset Distance – Specifies the distance to offset from a solid body. To reverse the offset
direction, use the Flip Direction button.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Offset

7.4.6.6. Insert > Solid > Thicken

What
The Thicken command offsets a surface body and generates a solid body with a constant thickness.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 279

Why
The Thicken command is useful for:
• Creating an object with constant thickness
• Creating a sheet metal part

How to Use
How to generate a constant wall thickened feature from a surface body
1. Prepare a surface body.

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Thicken or click on the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a surface body to thicken. Enter 3 mm as the Thickness and set the offset
direction.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Body– Selects a surface body.

Note: When a surface body is comprised of multiple adjacent faces, the surfaces must be
sewn together before applying the Thicken command.

Thickness – Specifies a thickness value.

Direction
Direction 1 – The default positive direction to thicken.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 280

 Direction 2 – The opposite, negative direction from Direction1.

Both – Thickens in both directions.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Solid > Hollow
Insert > Surface > Offset

7.4.6.7. Insert > Solid > Hollow

What
The Hollow command removes selected faces from a solid body and generates a constant thin-
walled model with the remaining faces.

Why
The Hollow command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 281

• Creating a constant thickness object
• Creating an injection molded part

How to Use
How to generate a constant wall thickened feature from a solid body
1. Prepare a solid body.

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Hollow or click on the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body to Hollow and a bottom face for Remove Faces. Specify a Depth.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Body – Selects a body to hollow.

Depth – Specifies a global wall-thickness of a hollow feature.

Hollow Outward – Applies hollowing to the outward direction from a solid body.

Remove Faces
Remove Faces – Selects faces to remove.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 282

 Multiple Thickness
Multi-Thickness Faces – Specifies multiple thicknesses for each face by adding a face using the
Add Face button and setting its depth. To remove the last added face setting, click the
Remove Face button .

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Solid > Thicken

7.4.6.8. Insert > Solid > Cut

What
The Cut command cuts a solid body by removing material with a surface or plane. The remaining
material can be chosen manually.

Why
The Cut command is useful for:
• Creating a feature cut using a surface or plane
• Dividing an object

How to Use

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 283

How to cut a solid body with a surface body
1. Prepare a solid body (gray color) and a surface body (yellow color).

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Cut or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Click the Tool Entities button and select a surface body. Click the Target Bodies button
and select a solid body.

4. Click the Next Stage button and select a remaining body.

5. Click OK to complete the command and hide the surface body.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Tool Entities – Selects entities as tool entities to cut a solid body. A ref. plane, region, sketch,
sketch chain, curve, 3D sketch, edge and surface body can be selected as tool entities.

Target Bodies – Selects target bodies. Only solid bodies can be selected as target bodies.

Result
Remaining Bodies – Select bodies to remain after cutting.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 284

 Solid Body (Target) and Regions (Tool)

Remaining Body: Bottom Remaining Body: Top

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Solid > Boolean
Insert > Surface > Trim
Insert > Surface > Trim & Merge

7.4.6.9. Insert > Solid > Boolean

What
The Boolean command combines two or more solid bodies to generate a single body or multiple
bodies by using one of three methods: Merge, Cut and Intersect.

Merge (A+B) Cut (A-B) Intersect (between A, B)

Note: The cut and merge methods can be used while generating a solid body. When a solid body
already exists and a new solid body is generated using the Extrude, Revolve, Sweep or Loft
commands, the Result Operator option will appear at the bottom of the command dialog tree.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 285

Why
The Boolean command is useful for:
• Combining solid bodies
• Splitting solid bodies
• Obtaining a shared area between overlapped solid bodies

How to Use
How to create a negative solid body
1. Prepare two overlapped solid bodies.

2. Go to Insert > Solid > Boolean or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose Cut as the Operation Method. Select bodies as Tool Bodies and Target Bodies.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Merge – Combines all selected bodies, creating a single body.

Before Merge After Merge

Cut – The tool bodies remove overlapping material from the target bodies.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 286

 Before Cut After Cut

Intersect – Removes all material between the tool and target bodies except the area of shared
material.

Before Intersect After Intersect

7.4.7. Insert > Surface

The Insert Surface menu features various commands used to generate and edit surfaces. The
Surface menu features functions such as Surface Primitives, Mesh Fit, Boundary Fit, Auto
Surfacing, Extrude, and, Revolve.

Generating Surface Bodies by Fitting a Mesh

• Mesh Fit
Generates fitting surfaces based on regions of a mesh
• Boundary Fit
Generates a fitting surface inside of a curve network based on a mesh
• Auto Surfacing
Generates a curve network and a fitting surface based on a mesh

Generating Surface Bodies from Sketches

• Extrude
Extrudes bodies using a sketch, direction and length
• Revolve
Revolves bodies using a sketch, axis and revolution angle
• Sweep
Sweeps bodies using a sketch and path
• Loft
Lofts bodies using a set of sketches

Generating Surface Bodies from Other Entities

• Offset
Offsets faces from existing body faces
• Fill Face
Creates surfaces inside of boundary curves or edges
• Trim & Merge
Creates a solid body by completely cutting a material with other surfaces

Editing Surface Bodies

• Extend

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 287

 Creates a surface body by extending existing bodies
• Trim
Creates a surface body by cutting surfaces
• Untrim
Restores a surface previously trimmed by other surfaces or curves
• Sew
Merges two or more adjacent surfaces
• Reverse Normal
Flips surfaces

7.4.7.1. Insert > Surface > Mesh Fit

What
The Mesh Fit command generates surfaces by using a fitting algorithm based on a mesh. Surface
Fitting Technology is a unique technique in the Reverse Design process that provides an effective way
to easily and quickly create a 3D freeform surface body from a freeform mesh shape.

Mesh Fitting Region Surface

Why
The Mesh Fit command is useful for:
• Creating a smooth surface from a coarse mesh surface
• Creating a freeform surface (not analytic shape) on a part
• Creating an aesthetic model

How to Use
How to generate freeform surface on a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh with regions.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Mesh Fit or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a region to generate a fitting surface.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 288

4. Change the Resolution option to By No. Of Control Points to define U and V directional
control points on the surface. Set the U control points to 5 and V control points to 10.

Note: The preview has controllers at each edge and corner. They can be resized and
rotated by dragging them to completely cover the target region.

5. Click the Next Stage button.

6. In the second stage, the flow of iso-lines can be changed. Set the Control Net Density
option and deform controllers on the preview to enhance the iso-line flow.

7. Click the Next Stage button.

8. In the third stage, the density of iso-lines can be changed. Create additional iso-lines on
high curvature areas by clicking an existing iso-line while holding down the Ctrl key to
create a copy of that line and dragging it to a desired location.

Note: When the Deviation option is used in the Accuracy Analyzer™ panel,
deviations can be checked in real-time whenever iso-lines are modified.

9. Click OK to complete the command. The fitting surface will be created.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 289

Options in Detail
Stage 1/3: Default Setting
This stage defines the default settings for generating a fitting surface such as target areas on a mesh,
resolution, fitting options and surface extension options.

Regions / Poly-Faces – Selects target regions or poly-faces on a mesh to generate a fitting

surface.

Create Single Surface – Selects multiple regions to create a single surface.

Select Two Regions Disable Option Enable Option

Resolution – Controls resolution to determine the overall accuracy and smoothness of a fitting
surface.

By Allowable Deviation – Sets the resolution of a fitting surface by the deviation between
the mesh and the fitting surface. Use this option when deviation is the most important criteria
of a fitting surface.

Note: When a region classified as a primitive feature such as a plane, cylinder, cone or
sphere is selected as a target region and the resolution option is defined as By Allowable
Deviation, a primitive surface will be generated as a fitting result. For example, when a
conical region is selected as a target region and the resolution option is defined as By
Allowable Deviation, the fitting result will be a conical surface body.

Conical Target Region Created Conical Surface Body

Allowable Deviation – Specifies the allowable deviation distance between a mesh

and a fitting surface.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 290

 Outlier % For Allowable Deviation – Sets the percentage value used to remove
outliers from a mesh. The value can be set under the Tolerance tab in File >
Preference.

Maximum No. Of Control Point – Creates control points by specifying a maximum

number. The number relates to the iso-lines in the third stage.

Max. Number: 6 Max. Number: 10

By No. Of Control Points – Specifies the number of control points for the U and V directions
which control the resolution of a fitting surface. When a large number of control points are
specified, deviation can be minimized but smoothness may also be lost.

No. Of U Control Points –Specifies the number of control points in the U direction on
a surface.

U Number: 5

No. Of V Control Points – Specifies the number of control points in the V direction on
a surface.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 291

 V Number: 7

Smoothness – Determines the smoothness level of a fitting surface.

Smoothness: Less Smoothness: More

Resample Mesh –Creates regular iso-lines of a fitting surface. This option may generate twisted or
poorly fitted surfaces on complicate shapes or multiple regions.

Manipulate U-V Axes – Enables the red or green controllers used to resize a fitting area in the U or
V directions. The blue controller is used to resize both the U and V directions at the same time. The
handle is used to rotate a fitting area.

Extend – Extends a fitting surface.

Linear – Linearly extends a surface from the original fitting surface.

Curvature – Extends a surface by maintaining curvature from the original fitting surface.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 292

 Same Surface – Extends a surface by mirroring the original fitting surface.

U Extend Ratio – Specifies the extension ratio in the U direction.

V Extend Ratio – Specifies the extension ratio in the V direction.

Stage 2/3: Iso-Line Flow Control

This stage controls the flow of Iso-lines which determines the quality of a fitted surface. To make Iso-
lines that follow the flow of a surface on a mesh is the purpose in this stage, however, excessive
editing may generate twisted fitted surfaces.
Reset Manipulator – Clears all changes made to manipulators.

Control Net Density – Determines the density of control points for manipulators. A lower density,
will allow for control of the overall iso-line flow and a higher density will better control iso-line flow in
detail.

Control Density: Less Control Density: More

Note: The control net density does not have relationship with the iso-line number. The number
of iso-lines is determined by the Resolution option in the first stage.

Control Degree Of Deformation – Controls points individually. The editing zone can be resized by
holding down the Alt key and dragging with the left-mouse button.

Fix Boundary Points – Prevents control points from moving over a boundary.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 293

 With Fix Boundary Points Without Fix Boundary Points

Stage 3/3 Iso-Line Density Control

In the third stage iso-lines can be moved, added and deleted to improve surface quality and fitting
accuracy. Additional iso-lines can be added on high curvature areas to satisfy desired fitting deviations.
On lower curvature areas, iso-lines can be removed or moved if a few curves are enough to express
the flat area.

The following actions can be applied to iso-lines:

Move – Select and drag.
Add – Hold down the Ctrl key and drag.
Delete – Select and press the Delete key.

Note: While manipulating control curves, the Accuracy Analyzer™ can be used. The image
below shows real-time deviation maps as control curves are adjusted.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Boundary Fit
Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing

Tips & Tutorials

How can I create a quick surface?
Create a surface which has continuous Iso-lines

7.4.7.2. Insert > Surface > Boundary Fit

What
The Boundary Fit command generates surfaces inside of boundaries using a fitting algorithm based
on a mesh. The boundaries are defined by a 3D spline curve network in the 3D Mesh Sketch mode.
Surface Fitting Technology is a unique technique in the Reverse Design process that provides an
effective way to easily and quickly create a 3D freeform surface body from a freeform mesh shape.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 294

 Mesh Boundaries (3D Mesh Sketch) Surface

Why
The Mesh Fit command is useful for:
• Creating CAD-like fitting surfaces
• Creating higher quality fitting surfaces than auto surfacing
• Quickly making CAD data from a mesh

How to Use
How to generate fitting surface using a curve network
1. Prepare a mesh and curve network.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Boundary Fit or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select all curves or select the 3D Sketch (Mesh) under the Feature or Model Trees as Mesh
Curves.

Note: Clicking the Curve Loops button and picking loops on the curve network will
remove them from a fitting surface. Selecting a curve again will re-add it.

4. Click the Next Stage button. Red coloring represents the U direction and the green color
represents the V direction.

5. Set the surface resolution method to By Allowable Deviation or By No. Of Control

Points.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 295

 If By No. Of Control Points is selected then set the values for the U and V points.

6. To change control point numbers locally, click the Set Manually button, and select a curve
to change and set the value in the box that appears near the curve.

7. Click OK to complete the command.

Note: The quality of a boundary fit surface is directly affected by the mesh quality and curve
network.
To improve mesh quality:
- Remove errors in the mesh such as folded, dangling, small, non-manifold and crossing
poly-faces. See Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard (hyper link)
- Remove unnecessary features from the mesh. See Tools > Mesh Tools > Defeature
- Remove unnecessary holes. See Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill
- Holes (hyper link)
- Improve the balance of poly-faces. See Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh (hyper link)

To optimize a curve network:

- Create a curve network that equalizes the formation of the structure.
- A rectangular feature with four similar curve boundaries will result in a better fitting
surface.

- If the shape of a feature has a sudden narrow area or is twisted then a twisted and self-
intersected face could be created when the surface is generated.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 296

 - Avoid creating T-Junctions when creating curve networks.

No T-Junctions Undesired T-Junction

- Anything except a 4 sided curve boundary will create a trimmed fitting surface.
- Adjust the same number of control point in each matching boundary for surface patches
to improve surface matching continuity.
- Set a curve boundary using appropriate control point.

Options in Detail
Stage 1/2: Select Entities and Loop Options
Mesh Curves – Selects a curve network.

Curve Loops – Selects loops in a curve network.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 297

Use Mesh Normal To Evaluate Loop Winding – Evaluates a mesh normal to decide a loop to be
filled when boundaries create two loops.

Enable Option Disable Option

Allow Hole (Boundary) – Fills a loop that includes holes with a trimmed surface.

Enable Option Disable Option

Allowable Convex Ratio – Sets the ratio for an allowable convex or concave ratio for a loop used
to wrap a feature between a loop and inside a mesh shape.

Ratio: 10: possible to wrap the feature Ratio: 2: impossible to wrap the feature

Stage 2/2: Control Surface Quality

Resolution – Controls resolution to determine the overall accuracy and smoothness of a fitting
surface.

By Allowable Deviation – Sets the resolution of a fitting surface by the deviation between
the mesh and the fitting surface. Use this option when deviation is the most important criteria
of a fitting surface.

Allowable Deviation – Specifies the allowable deviation distance between a mesh

and a fitting surface.

Outlier % For Allowable Deviation – Sets the percentage value used to remove
outliers from a mesh. The value can be set under the Tolerance tab in File >
Preference.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 298

 Maximum No. Of Control Point – Creates control points by specifying a maximum
number. The number relates to the iso-lines in the third stage.

Max. Number: 6 Max. Number: 10

By No. Of Control Points – Specifies the number of control points for the U and V
directions which control the resolution of a fitting surface. When a large number of control
points are specified, deviation can be minimized but smoothness may also be lost.

No. Of U Control Points –Specifies the number of control points in the U direction on
a surface.

U Number: 5

No. Of V Control Points – Specifies the number of control points in the V direction on
a surface.

V Number: 7

Set Manually – Changes control point values locally on a curve network. Click the Set
Manually button, select a curve to change, and set a value in the box that will appear
near it.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 299

Smoothness – Determines the smoothness level of a fitting surface. Moving the slider towards
More will create a smoother surface but can diminish accuracy.

Smoothness: Less Smoothness: More

Set Sharp Edge – Removes the tangent constraint between adjacent surfaces of selected curves
to create a sharp edge.

Disable Sharp Edge Enable Sharp Edge

Regularize Overall Control Point Count – Attempts to propagate the control point number to a
neighboring surface and is only available if the By Allowable Deviation method is selected.

Disable Option Enable Option

Resample Mesh – Creates iso-lines of equal values and works best for simple surfaces.

Reference
Related Commands

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 300

Insert > Surface > Mesh Fit
Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing

Tips & Tutorials

How to create a high quality fitting surface
Creating Boundary Fit Surface having good quality
How to create Boundary Fit surface
How to surface a human head shape
XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - Boundary Fit

7.4.7.3. Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing

What
The Auto Surfacing command generates fitting surfaces that mathematically fit CAD surfaces to
mesh. During the auto surfacing process the application will automatically create a curve network that
envelops the entire mesh and fills fitting surfaces for each patch of the curve network.

Mesh Auto Curve Network Surface

This command is available if a mesh is already imported or has been generated from a point cloud. As
the fitting surface is affected by the quality of a mesh, it should be pre-processed without erroneous
poly-faces.

Note: When a mesh is modified after generating auto surfaces, the surfaces will be updated in the
Feature Tree but may take time to rebuild.

Why
The Auto Surfacing command can be used to:
• Generating surfaces from a mesh
• Assisting in surfacing a complicated part
• Defines surface models that cannot be defined in CAD such as organic or natural objects

How to generate quality auto surfaces

The quality of the Auto Surfacing command directly depends on the mesh and curve network. The
following guidelines can be utilized to successfully generate auto surfaces:
• Remove sharp patches
• Remove T-junctions*
• Maintain similar mesh densities
• Remove noise around boundaries by using the Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Boundaries

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 301

 command
• Fill holes
• Split patches to make the size of patches standard

*T-junctions are junctions where one spline joins another but does not cross it and is marked by thick
lines at intersecting node such as the image below. Surface matching around T-junction may not be
satisfactory for auto surfacing, so it is better to remove them or add a spline to make a completed
junction.

How to use Auto Surfacing command

A. How to generate CAD like auto surfaces
1. Go to Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Feature Following Network option.

3. Adjust the slider for the Feature Detection Level option until the sharp-edged character lines
are detected.

4. Click the Next button. The curve network will be modified in the second stage.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 302

5. A node position can be relocated by using the Deform option and click-dragging node points.

Note: To resize the editing zone represented by circle comprised of yellow dots, press
the Alt key and move the mouse left or right while holding down the left-click button.

6. To remove a spline from a T-junction, choose the Remove option and removable splines will
be highlighted in green.

7. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to generate auto surfaces on an organic model

1. Go to Insert > Surface > Auto Surfacing or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Evenly Distributed Network option.

3. Specify the total number of surface for the No. Of Surfaces option. In this example 300 is
used.

4. Click the Next button. The curve network will be modified in the second stage.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 303

Options in Detail
Stage 1
Mesh – Select a mesh.

Methods
Evenly Distributed Network – Generates a curve network with evenly sized patches. This method
can apply to any object shape, especially those that cannot be defined as CAD objects like organic
or natural objects. To generate a CAD like network, use the Feature Following Network option.

Feature Following Network – Follows character lines on high curvature areas of a mesh. This
method creates a smaller number of patches than the Evenly Distributed Network method and
expresses the model similarly to CAD data.

Patch Network Options

No. of Surfaces – Controls the total number of patches in a network. A higher value more
accurately represents a mesh but increases the number of patches and the file size. The Estimate
button will automatically recommend a value.

Patch Size Regularity – Controls the regularity of patches. When the slider is moved to Adaptive,
the application will generate an appropriate patch shape around areas of high curvature and when
the slider is moved to Uniform, patches will be regular size regardless of the curvature area.

Adaptive Uniform

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 304

Hole Filling By Area – Generates fitting surfaces when small holes that normally disturb the
creation of fitting surfaces exist in a mesh. When the slider is moved to Large, holes with areas up
to 20% of the entire mesh areas will be filled.

Remove Sharp Patches – Removes sharp patches in a curve network.

Relax Initial Mesh – Internally modifies a mesh to make regular size poly-faces and generates
patches with lines that are close to 90 degree angles.

Feature Detection Level – Detects features on a mesh using a slider to show yellow preview
areas of increased or decreased detection. The detected features will be information used to draw
network curves on high curvature areas.

Detection Level: Less Detection Level: More

Optimize Patch Network – Minimizes irregular patches such as narrow and long patches.

Fitting Options
No. of Control Points / Surface – Determines the number of control points along the U and V
directions for each surface. The values are simultaneously changed and the control points are
internally set and cannot be displayed. The higher the number of control points, the more degrees
of freedom for changing the shape and accurately following areas of high curvature areas but at
the loss of surface smoothness.

Control Points

Smoothness – Controls the smoothness of a fitting surface. A strong smoothness will remove
spikes and wrinkles but will also lose fitting accuracy.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 305

 Smoothness: Less Smoothness: More

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is moved
towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is moved towards
Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Loose Tight

Remove Self-intersecting Patches – Remove self-intersecting patches.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 306

Stage 2 of Evenly Distributed Network
The following editing methods appear when the Evenly Distributed Network method is chosen in
Stage 1. You also can quickly access the editing methods from the pop-up menu.

Deform Curve Network (D) – Deforms a preview network by moving a node of a curve within in
an editing zone. To adjust the editing zone, hold down the Alt key and left-click and drag the
mouse left or right. The shortcut key of this method is D.

Subdivide Vertex (S) – Previews subdivided curves when the mouse positions on an intersection
node. The shortcut key of this method is S.

Merge Vertex (G) – Previews merged curves to help reduce the number of network curves when
the mouse positions inside of a network area. The shortcut key of this method is G.

Rotate Edge (R) – Previews rotated curves to flip an edge direction when the mouse positions on
a network curve. The shortcut key of this method is R.

Relax Patches – Smooths entire patches.

Before Relax Patches After Relax Patches

Stage 2 of Feature Following Network

The following editing methods appear when the Feature Following Network method is chosen in
Stage 1. You also can quickly access the editing methods from the pop-up menu.

Deform (D) – Deforms a spline by moving a node of a curve within in an editing zone. To adjust the
editing zone, hold down the Alt key and left-click and drag the mouse left or right. The shortcut key
of this method is D.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 307

 Before Deform After Deform

Split (S) – Adds a spline and splits a patch to generate an additional patch by picking a point on a
spline and then picking a second point on another spline that will be displayed in green. The
shortcut key of this method is S.

Before Split After Split

Slide (E) – Repositions the start or end point of a spline to another position. Pick a spline first and
then pick the position on another green spline. The shortcut key of this method is E.

Before Slide After Slide

Merge (G) – Removes a patch in a network by merging patches together. Patches that are able to
be merged will be displayed in green and when the mouse cursor is placed over a green patch, a
preview of the merged patch will be displayed. The shortcut key of this method is G.

Before Merge After Merge

Remove (R) – Deletes a spline. Only highlighted splines can be removed. The shortcut key of this
method is R.

Before Remove After Remove

Swap Y and T Junction (W) – Swaps the properties of a Y junction and a T junction. Splines able
to be swap will be displayed in green. When a green spline is selected, the T junction mark will be
swap to the Y junction. The shortcut key of this method is W.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 308

Y junction consists of three splines and T junction consists of two splines.

Y Junction T Junction

If a patch is consist of Y and T junction but T junction is located at a corner of a rectangle, the
rectangle does not consist of right four edges. By swapping Y and T junction this rectangle can
have correct four edges.

Before Swap After Swap

Define Sharp Edges (H) – Defines a spline as a sharp edge which prevents a spline from
matching with neighboring surfaces. Splines defined as sharp edges will be highlighted.

Defining Sharp Edges Defined Sharp Edges

Fitting Result with Sharp Edge Fitting Result without Sharp Edge

Quick Preview – Displays preview results without matching and sewing.

Show Erroneous Patches – Highlights erroneous patches (gaps between patches or missed
patches after generating fitting surfaces) in red. The thin red patch shows errors created when
fitting or sewing. The thick red patch shows errors created when generating surfaces. Erroneous
patches can be navigated through by clicking the Previous or Next buttons.

Show Nodes And T-junctions – Displays interesting nodes and T junction on patches.

Show Nodes and T Junctions Hide Nodes and T Junctions

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 309

 Show Defined Sharp Edge – Displays sharp edges defined by the editing method “Define Sharp
Edges (H)”.

Deform With Stiffening Around Crossing Nodes – Maintains tangency after deforming splines
around an intersecting node, otherwise, sharp edges will be formed.

With Option Without Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Mesh Fit
Insert > Surface > Boundary Fit

Tips & Tutorials

Surface Modeling - AutoSurface
Generating offset surfaces from a complicated surface body

7.4.7.4. Insert > Surface > Extrude

What
The Extrude command stretches an object section in a straight direction and then generates an open
solid body. The object section is expressed by a single profile or multiple profiles on a sketch. A profile
is drawn by sketch entities such as a single circle or a spline or the combination of lines, arcs or
splines.

Sketch Direction and Length Extrusion Body

Note: To generate an extruded surface feature, it is not necessary for a profile to be closed. If an
extruded solid feature generated from a closed profile is desired use the Solid > Extrude
command.

Why
The Extrude command is useful for:
• Creating a body for a straight object
• Creating a boss or rib on a plastic part
• Creating a hole in an object
• Creating a straight pipe

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 310

• Creating the outside of a building
• Creating a pillar of a building or bridge

How to Use
How to generate an extrusion surface body
1. Draw a sketch or a mesh sketch.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Extrude or click the icon in the toolbar and select the sketch as
the Base Sketch. Specify the desired Length for the extrusion.

3. Check the Draft option and specify the value as 10 degrees to generate a tapered body.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 311

Select Entities
Base Sketch – Select a base sketch, or a 2D sectional profile of an extrusion object.

Profiles – Selects closed-loop profiles in a sketch to extrude.

Extrude Loop1, 2 & 3 Extrude Loop 2 & 3

Custom Direction – Specifies a different extrusion direction as the default direction for a linear
entity with a normal. The default extrusion direction will be the normal of the sketch plane.

Default Extrusion Custom Direction Extrusion

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Blind
Defines the height of an extrusion
• Through All
Defines the height of an extrusion to the end of all bodies
• Up To Vertex
Defines the height of an extrusion to a vertex.
• Mid Plane
Defines the symmetry extrusion feature of a sketch

Blind – Extends a profile to a specified distance.

Through All – Extends a profile through all existing solid or surface bodies in an extrusion
direction.

Up To Vertex – Extends a profile until a selected vertex.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 312

 Mid Plane – Extends a profile in two directions from a sketch. The sketch will become the middle of
the extrusion.

More Options
Draft – Applies a draft angle to a model that can be flipped by using the Flip Direction button .
Draft angles are used for a mold to ease in the removal of a molded part.

Draft: 0 Draft: 10

Opposite Direction – Extrudes a body shape from a base sketch in the opposite direction of the
default direction.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard
Insert > Solid > Extrude

Tips & Tutorials

Using CAD tools to edit your mesh
XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.7.5. Insert > Surface > Revolve

What
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 313
The Revolve command turns an object section around a revolution axis and then generates a surface
body. The object section is expressed by a single profile or multiple profiles on a sketch. A profile is
created by sketch entities such as a circle, spline, or the combination of lines, arcs and splines.

Sketch Axis and Angle Revolution Body

Note: To generate a revolved surface feature, it is not necessary for a profile to be closed. If a
revolved solid feature generated from a closed profile is desired use the Solid > Revolve
command.

Why
The Revolve command is useful for:
• Creating a fully revolved object
• Creating a half revolved or angled object

How to Use
How to generate a revolved surface from a revolution angle
1. Draw a sketch or a mesh sketch that includes profile and revolution axis.

Note: A revolution axis can be a construction line or another linear entity from a sketch
such as a vector or an overlapping edge.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Revolve or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a Base Sketch. If a sketch has an axis as a construction line the application will
automatically recognize it as the Axis.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 314

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Base Sketch – Selects a sketch to revolve.

Profiles – Selects desired loops to revolve from multiple loops.

Revolve Loop 1 Revolve Loop 1, 2 & 3

Axis – Selects a linear entity as an axis to revolve a sketch around.

Methods

The following methods are available for this command:

• One Direction
Sets the revolution direction to a single direction
• Mid Plane
Sets symmetrical a revolution direction for both side of a sketch
• Two Direction
Creates a revolution in both direction with different angle values

One Direction – Creates a revolved feature in one direction from a sketch.

Mid Plane – Creates a symmetrical revolved feature in both the clockwise and counterclockwise
directions from a base sketch.

Two-Direction – Creates a revolved feature in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions from
a sketch plane with different angle values. The total of the two angles cannot exceed 360 degrees.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 315

 More Options
Angle – Specifies the revolution angle from a base sketch.

Opposite Angle – Specifies the revolution angle of the side opposite the default side. This option is
available only for the Both Directions method.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard
Insert > Solid > Revolve

Tips & Tutorials

XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.7.6. Insert > Surface > Sweep

What
The Sweep command traces the path of an object section and generates a surface body from it. The
object section is expressed by a single profile or multiple profiles on a sketch. A profile is created by
sketch entities such as a circle, spline, or the combination of lines, arcs and splines.

Sketch Profile and Path Sweep Body

Note: To generate a swept surface feature, it is not necessary for a profile to be closed. If a swept
solid feature generated from a closed profile is desired use the Solid > Sweep command.

Why
The Sweep command is useful for:
• Creating a bent object with a constant section
• Creating a twisted object with a constant section

How to Use
How to generate a sweep surface feature using a profile and a path
1. Prepare sketches that include a profile and a path.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 316

 2. Go to Insert > Surface > Sweep or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a Profile and a Path.

4. Change the Method to Keep Normal Constant.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Profiles – Selects a profile such as a sketch, 3D sketch, or edge that will be used to create a
sweep body. To make a composite profile, select edges or curves with the Shift button. A profile
should not self-intersect.

Paths – Selects a path on which the profile follows. You can use the opened or closed loop. The
start point of the path must lie on the plane of the profile. The path should not be self-intersection.

Methods

The following methods are available in this command:

• Follow Path
• Keep Normal Constant
• Follow Path AND First Guide Curve
• Follow First And Second Guide Curves
• Twist Along Path
• Twist Along Path With Normal Constant

Follow Path – Keeps a profile at same angle with respect to path at all times.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 317

Keep Normal Constant – Keeps a profile parallel to the beginning section at all times.

Follow Path and First Guide Curve – Selects a guide curve to control the intermediate shape of a
profile. Click the button and select a guide curve.

Follow First and Second Guide Curve – Selects two guide curves to control the intermediate
shape of a profile. Click the button and select guide curves.

Twist Along Path – Twists a section along a path. Define the twist angle by degrees.

Twist Along Path With Normal Constant – Twists a section along a path keeping the section
parallel to the beginning section as it twists along the path.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 318

 Path Options
Path Alignment Type – Stabilizes a profile when small and uneven curvature fluctuations along
the path cause the profile to misalign. This option is available when Follow Path is selected.

None – Aligns a profile normal to a path. No correction is applied.

Direction Vector – Aligns a profile in a selected direction. Select a linear entity to set the
direction vector.

Guide Curves
Guide Curves – Guides a profile as it sweeps along a path. Click the button and
select a guide curve on the screen.

Options
Improve Curvature Flow Along Sweep Path – Smoothly connects curvature flow of faces along a
sweep path.

Merge Tangent Faces – Merges tangentially connected faces and reduces the total face numbers.

Without Merge Tangent Faces With Merge Tangent Faces

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard
Insert > Solid > Sweep

Tips & Tutorials

XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 319

7.4.7.7. Insert > Surface > Loft
What
The Loft command connects multiple object sections and generates a surface body from them. The
object sections are expressed by a single profile or multiple profiles on a 2D or 3D sketch and can be
drawn by circles, splines, lines and arc sketch entities.

Sketch Section Profiles Loft Body

Note: To generate a lofted solid feature, a profile must be closed. For more information, see Insert
> Solid > Loft.

Why
The Loft command is useful for:
• Creating an object connected by multiple sections
• Creating different starting and ending profile objects

How to use Loft command

How to generate a loft feature using profiles
1. Go to Insert > Surface > Loft or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 320

 2. Select Profiles to loft.

Note: The alignment between loft profiles can be modified by manipulating the handles
(spheres) that appear on the selected profiles as part of the connector. The connector
is the poly line connecting corresponding points in both directions.

Note: The lofting order of profiles in the dialog tree can be changed by using the Up
and Down buttons after selecting a profile in the list.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Profiles – Selects a profile such as a sketch, 3D sketch, or edge that will be used to create a
sweep body. To make a composite profile, select edges or curves with the Shift button. A profile
should not self-intersect.

Note:
- Non-planar profiles can be used for a loft surface.
- To make a composite profile, select multiple edges or curves with the Shift key.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 321

Constraints
Start Constraint – Selects the starting constraint type.

None – Applies no tangency constraints or zero curvatures.

Direction Vector – Applies a tangency constraint based on a selected entity. Click the
Direction Vector button and select a linear entity such as a vector, line, edge, etc, or a
planar entity such as a plane, region, or face.

Tangent Length – Controls the amount of tangency influence on a loft by setting the
value or manipulating the blue arrow in the Model View. The tangency direction can
be reversed by using the Flip Tangent button .

Tangent Length: 1 Tangent Length: 2

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices - Applies the same tangency to all
vertices on a profile. Tangent length can also be applied individually on each vertex.

Use Same Tangent Length Individual Tangent Length

Normal To Profile - Applies a tangency constraint normal to a starting profile.

Tangent Length – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Tangency To Face – Creates a tangency constraint that follows a selected face and is

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 322

available if a face is selected as a profile. Clicking the Next Face button will find the next
candidate face.

Tangent Length – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Curvature To Face – Creates a curvature constraint that follows a selected face and is
available if a face is selected as a profile. Clicking the Next Face button will find the next
candidate face.

Tangent Length – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

Use Same Tangent Length To All Vertices – Refer to the Direction Vector option.

End Constraint – Selects the ending constraint type. The sub-options are the same
as the Start Constraint options.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 323

Guide Curves
Guide Curves – Selects a guide curve to control the intermediate shape of a sweep body.

Without Guide Curve With Guide Curve

Without Guide Curve With Guide Curve

Options
Add Side Curve Influence – Sets the side edges of a loft surface tangent to the side edges of
references. This option is available for Direction Vector, Tangency To Face, or Curvature To
Face constraints.

Without Side Curve Influence With Side Curve Influence

Merge Tangent Faces – Merges tangentially connected faces to reduce the total number of faces.

Without Merge Tangent Faces With Merge Tangent Faces

Close Loft – Closes a lofted body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 324

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard
Insert > Solid > Loft

Tips & Tutorials

Creating high quality loft surface
Fail to create a Solid Loft with 3D Mesh Sketch
XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.7.8. Insert > Surface > Offset

What
The Offset command enlarges or shrinks a surface body by a constant distance.

Why
The Offset command is useful for:
• Creating a model in a different size
• Offsetting faces on a surface or solid body
• Copying faces on a surface or solid body

How to Use
A. How to offset faces on a surface or a solid body
1. Prepare a solid or surface body.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Offset or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 325

 3. Select faces on a body and specify the Offset distance.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to copy faces on a body

1. Go to Insert > Surface > Offset or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a face to copy.

3. Change the offset distance to 0.

4. Click OK to complete the command and then hide the body. A copied face can be seen.

Options in Detail
Faces – Selects faces on a body or an entire surface body.

Offset Distance – Specifies the distance to offset from a solid body. To reverse the offset
direction, use the Flip Direction button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 326

 Make Side Wall – Creates side walls between an offset face and a body.

Disable Option Enable Option

Remove Original Faces – Removes original faces used to offset.

Disable Option Enable Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Solid > Offset
Insert > Surface > Fill Face
Insert > Surface > Trim

Tips & Tutorials

Generating offset surfaces from a complicated surface body

7.4.7.9. Insert > Surface > Fill Face

What
The Fill Face command generates a surface patch with any number of sides within a boundary
defined by edges, sketches or curves.

Empty Face Define Boundary Filled Face

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 327

Why
The Fill Face command is useful for:
• Filling in missing faces of an imported body
• Healing faces
• Modifying local features
• Filling holes for machining

How to Use
How to fill a missing face
1. Prepare a body with a missing face.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Fill Face or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select the edges to fill with a face.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 328

Select Entities
Edges – Selects edges on a body to fill with a face.

Fit Face To Underlying Mesh – Fits a face to an underlying mesh. This option is useful for real
parts that are different from their originally designed CAD parts.

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is
moved towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is
moved towards Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Smoothness – Determines the smoothness level of a fitting surface. Moving the slider to
More will increase smoothness but can also lower accuracy.

Smoothness: Less Smoothness: More

Matching Options
Set Continuity Constraint – Defines a tangent or curvature constraint with adjacent faces. If this
option is not used, sewing will be executed with the G0 position constraint.

Without Continuity

Tangent Continuous Edges – Selects edges to connect with the G1 tangent constraint with
adjacent faces.

Tangent

Curvature Continuous Edges – Selects edges to connect with the G2 curvature constraint
with adjacent faces. This option is available if the Create Single Patch option is checked.

Curvature

Advanced Continuity Options

This option is available when the Create Single Patch or Fit Face To Underlying Mesh options
are used.

Shape Transition To Adjacent Faces – Centralizes a modification around an edge when the
slider is moved to Abrupt.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 329

 (A) Before

(B) The result of Abrupt

(C) The result of Gradual

Boundary Accuracy – Determines accuracy when sewing edges. When the slider is moved to
Tight more tightly joined points will be created on an edge.

Unconstrained Edge – Determines the deformation method for non-sewing edges that are
unconstrained.

Do Not Preserve – Does not preserve unconstrained edges which may deform them.

Preserve Isolated Edges Only – Preserves isolated edges that are not adjacent to sewing
edges.

Preserve All – Preserves all edges without deformations.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 330

 More Options
Create Single Patch – Creates a single surface.

Disable Option Enable Option

Merge Result – Merges a created single surface to a body to create a single body.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Delete Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Split Face
Insert > CAD Correct > Refit

Tips & Tutorials

Discontinuous Face Healing Process

7.4.7.10. Insert > Surface > Extend

What
The Extend command expands a surface boundary by an edge, multiple edges, or a face.

Face Edges to Extend Extened Face

Why
The Extend command is useful for:
• Expanding a face by preserving its shape
• Creating intersections with other faces

How to Use
How to extend a face
1. Prepare a surface or solid body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 331

 2. Go to Insert > Surface > Extend or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select edges on a body and specify a Distance value or click-drag the green arrow on the
graphics area to extend the face.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Edges/Faces – Selects edges or faces to extend.

End Conditions
By Distance – Specifies an extension distance.

Up To Point – Selects a vertex for an end position.

Up To Body/Region – Select a face on a body or a region. The end will be cut by the selected
body or region.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 332

 Extension Methods
Linear – Linearly extends the surface from the original surface.

Curvature – Extends the surface by keeping curvature from the original surface.

Same Surface – Extends the surface by mirroring the original surface.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Trim
Insert > Surface > Trim & Merge
Insert > Solid > Cut

Tips & Tutorials

Discontinuous Face Healing Process

7.4.7.11. Insert > Surface > Trim

What
The Trim command cuts a surface body by removing material using a surface, solid body or curve.
The remaining material is chosen manually.

Face Target (Face) and Tool (Curve) Entity Trimmed Face

Why
The Trim command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 333

• Creating a feature by surface modeling method
• Creating a sheet metal part
• Trimming a surface by using a curve or another surface
• Removing surface material with intersecting surface

How to Use
A. How to trim a face by a curve
1. Prepare a face and a curve.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Trim or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a curve as a Tools Entities and a face as a Target Bodies.

3. Click the Next Stage button and select a face to remain after the trim.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to trim a face by another faces

1. Prepare a face and s curve.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 334

 2. Go to Insert > Surface > Trim or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select two faces as Tools Entities and a main face as a Target Bodies.

3. Click the Next Stage button and select a face to remain after the trim.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 335

 Select Entities
Tool Entities – Selects tool entities such as ref. planes, regions, sketch chains, surface bodies and
solid bodies to cut a target face.

Note: When a tool entity does not make a complete interaction with a target entity, it will be
extended and will make an intersection automatically.

Target Bodies – Defines a target surface body.

Note: It is possible to trim between tool entities without defining a target entity. If a target entity
is defined then tool entities will be hidden in the following stage to aid in the selection of
remaining faces.

Result
Remaining Bodies – Selects remaining areas.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Untrim
Insert > Surface > Trim & Merge
Insert > Solid > Cut

Tips & Tutorials

XOR Tutorial: Surface Modeling - SheetMetal

7.4.7.12. Insert > Surface > Untrim

What

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 336

The Untrim command extends a surface boundary and returns it to an untrimmed status.

Trimmed Face Edges to Untrim Result Face

Why
The Untrim command is useful for:
• Filling holes
• Re-trimming an original face

How to Use
How to patch a hole by using the Untrim command
1. Prepare a trimmed face.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Untrim or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a face as Entities.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Entities – Selects entities such as edges, loops and faces to untrim.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 337

 Entity: Face

Entity: Edge

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Trim
Insert > Surface > Trim & Merge

7.4.7.13. Insert > Surface > Trim & Merge

What
The Trim & Merge command trims faces leaving a common area among intersecting faces to
generate a solid body.

Intersecting Faces Trim and Merge Solid Body

Why
The Trim & Merge command is useful for:
• Creating a feature from intersecting faces

How to Use
How to cut intersecting faces and leave a common area
1. Prepare a set of faces that can create inner material.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 338

 2. Go to Insert > Surface > Trim & Merge or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select all faces as Entities.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Entities – Selects enclosed faces or regions.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Trim

7.4.7.14. Insert > Surface > Sew

What
The Sew command combines two or more faces into a single surface body by sewing together
boundaries.

Indipendant Faces Sewing Surface Body

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 339

Why
The Sew command is useful for:
• Combining faces
• Matching faces

How to Use
How to sew faces with the tangent constraint
1. Prepare faces.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Sew or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select faces as Surface Bodies. Click the Next Stage button.

4. To tangentially connect faces, check the Set Continuity Constraint option. Click the
Tangent Continuous Edges button and select common edges between faces.

5. Click OK to complete the command. Faces will be tangentially connected to form a single
surface body.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Surface Bodies – Selects independent surfaces to sew.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 340

Zip Gaps
Edge Pair – Forces the connection of gaps between faces that are larger than the internal
tolerance for the application. While sewing gaps surface geometry can be deformed. To
make edge pairs, select two edges in sequence or drag edges together.

Set Continuity Constraint – Defines a tangent or curvature constraint with adjacent faces. If
this option is not used, sewing will be executed with the G0 position constraint.

Tangent Continuous Edges – Selects edges to connect with the G1 tangent

constraint with adjacent faces.

Curvature Continuous Edges – Selects edges to connect with the G2 curvature

constraint with adjacent faces.

Note: When Environment Mapping in Accuracy Analyzer™ is enabled, surface

matching condition will be displayed. When G0 continuity is used the flow of light will be
split on an edge. When G1 continuity is used it will be connected without splitting but can
have a sharp peak. When G2 continuity is used it will be smoothly connected without
splitting and peaking.

Original Shape G0 Continuous

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 341

 G1 Continuous G2 Continuous

Master Faces – When faces are designated as Master Faces they will not deform
while sewing.

Without Master Faces

Master Face: Side

Master Face: Top

Advanced Continuous Options

Shape Transition To Adjacent Faces – Centralizes the deformation of faces around an
edge as the slider is moved to Abrupt.

(A) Before

(B) The result of Abrupt

(C) The result of Gradual

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 342

 Boundary Accuracy – Determines accuracy when sewing edges. When the slider is moved
to Tight the application will create more points on an edge to sew. The Preview button
shows the maximum deviation between edges.

Loose Tight

Unconstrained Edge – Determines the deformation method for non-sewing edges that are
unconstrained.

Do Not Preserve – Does not preserve unconstrained edges which may deform them.

Preserve Isolated Edges Only – Preserves isolated edges that are not adjacent to
sewing edges.

Preserve All – Preserves all edges without deformations.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Trim and Merge

7.4.7.15. Insert > Surface > Reverse Normal

What
The Reverse Normal command flips the normal of faces.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 343

 Original Face Reversed Face

Why
The Reverse Normal command is useful for:
• Mating normal between faces

How to Use
How to flip the normal of a surface body
1. Prepare a surface body.

2. Go to Insert > Surface > Reverse Normal or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a surface body.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Surface Bodies – Selects surface bodies to reverse the normal.

7.4.8. Insert > Modeling Wizard

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 344
The Modeling Wizard menu features various commands used to extract geometric features from a
mesh model. These wizards intelligently analyze features from a mesh and automatically extract
feature information such as feature profiles, axes, and paths. After using a wizard, features can be
manually edited for more accurate results.

Generating Primitive Features

• Solid Primitives
Generates the following solid features: cylinders, cones, spheres, tori and boxes
• Surface Primitives
Generates the following surface features: planes cylinders, cones, spheres and tori

Generating CAD Features

• Extrusion Wizard
Generates extruded bodies
• Revolution Wizard
Generates revolved bodies
• Sweep Wizard
Generates swept bodies
• Loft Wizard
Generates lofted bodies
• Pipe Wizard
Generates swept bodies with circular profiles and paths

7.4.8.1. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Solid

Primitives
What
The Solid Primitives command quickly extracts simple geometry objects from a mesh. Solid
primitives such as cylinders, cones, spheres, tori and boxes can be extracted.

Mesh Mesh with Region Solid Primitives

Note: Primitive objects are extracted based on regions. To use the Solid Primitive function, a
mesh must have region groups that can be generated by the Region Group mode in the toolbar.

Why
The Solid Primitives command is useful for:
• Generating solid primitive features

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 345

How to Use
How to generate solid primitive features from a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh.

2. Go to Insert > Region Group or click the icon in the toolbar. Click OK in the Auto
Segment command to classify regions.

3. Exit the Region Group mode.

4. Go to Insert > Modeling Wizard > Solid Primitives or click the icon in the toolbar.
Choose the Automatically Extract Shapes option. Select all regions on the mesh and
check the Cone and Sphere shape types under the Shapes To Be Extract option.

5. Click the Next Stage button to move to the next step.

6. Extracted primitives will be displayed and can also be removed under the Result option.
Click OK to confirm remaining primitives.

7. Hide the mesh to see the final extracted primitive solid bodies.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 346

Options in Detail
Methods
Automatically Extract Shapes – Extracts possible primitive features from selected regions.
Cylinder, Cone, Sphere and Torus can be selected as candidate features to be extracted.

The next stage will show the candidate primitives. To remove candidates, select them from the list
box, and then click the Delete key.

Extract Specific Shape – Extracts a specified single primitive feature such as a Cylinder, Cone,
Sphere, Torus and Box from a selected region. The Preview button will show extracted
primitives without completing the command.

Select Entities
Regions – Selects regions on a mesh to create solid primitives.

More Options
Expand Ratio – Expands a feature by a specified ratio.

Ratio: 0 Ratio: 50

Merge Regions Belong To Single Shape – Generates a single primitive feature from separated
regions as a single shape. This option is available in the Automatically Extract Shapes method.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 347

 Disable Merge Enable Merge

Use Only Regions Covering Whole Shape – Extracts only a complete shape of a primitive region
as a primitive feature. When extracting primitive features from partial shape of regions, uncheck
this option. This option is available in the Automatically Extract Shapes method.

Whole Shape of Cylinder Partial Shape of Cylinder

Get Partial Shape – Extracts only partial primitive features from partial regions.

Partial Shape of Sphere Enable Option Disable Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Surface Primitives

7.4.8.2. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Surface

Primitives
What
The Surface Primitives command quickly extracts simple geometry objects from a mesh. Surface
primitives such as cylinders, cones, spheres, and tori can be extracted.

Mesh Mesh with Region Surface Primitives

Note: Primitive objects are extracted based on regions. To use the Surface Primitive function, a
mesh must have region groups that can be generated by the Region Group mode in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 348

Why
The Surface Primitives command is useful for:
• Generating surface primitive features

How to Use
How to generate surface primitive features from a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh.

2. Go to Insert > Region Group or click the icon in the toolbar. Click OK in the Auto
Segment command to classify regions.

3. Exit the Region Group mode.

4. Go to Insert > Modeling Wizard > Surface Primitives or click the icon in the toolbar.
Choose the Automatically Extract Shapes option. Select all regions on the mesh and
check the Plane and Cylinder shape types under the Shapes To Be Extract option.

5. Click the Next Stage button to move to the next step.

6. Extracted primitives will be displayed and can also be removed under the Result option.
Click OK to confirm remaining primitives.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 349

 7. Hide the mesh to see the final extracted primitive surface bodies.

Options in Detail
Methods
Automatically Extract Shapes – Extracts possible primitive features from selected regions.
Plane, Cylinder, Cone, Sphere and Torus can be selected as candidate features to be extracted.

The next stage will show the candidate primitives. To remove candidates, select them from the list
box, and then click the Delete key.

Extract Specific Shape – Extracts a specified single primitive feature such as a Plane, Cylinder,
Cone, Sphere, Torus and Box from a selected region. The Preview button will show extracted
primitives without completing the command.

Select Entities
Regions – Selects regions on a mesh to create surface primitives.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 350

 More Options
Expand Ratio – Expands a feature by a specified ratio.

Ratio: 0 Ratio: 50

Merge Regions Belong To Single Shape - Generates a single primitive feature from separated
regions as a single shape. This option is available in the Automatically Extract Shapes method.

Disable Merge Enable Merge

Use Only Regions Covering Whole Shape – Extracts only a complete shape of a primitive region
as a primitive feature. When extracting primitive features from partial shape of regions, uncheck
this option. This option is available in the Automatically Extract Shapes method.

Whole Shape of Cylinder Partial Shape of Cylinder

Get Partial Shape – Extracts only partial primitive features from partial regions.

Partial Shape of Sphere Enable Option Disable Option

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Solid Primitives

Tips & Tutorials

How can I create a quick surface?

7.4.8.3. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion

Wizard
What
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 351
The Extrusion Wizard command extracts extruded objects from a mesh. The wizard intelligently
computes sectional profiles, extrusion direction, and height based on selected regions.

Mesh Mesh with Region Extrusion Feature

Why
The Extrusion Wizard command is useful for:
• Generating extrusion solid or surface features

How to Use
How to quickly generate an extrusion feature based on a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh with regions and go to Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard or
click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Click the Sides button and choose regions for the side faces of an extrusion body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 352

3. Click the Top button and choose a region for the top face of an extrusion body.

Note: The Extrusion Wizard can be executed without selecting a top region. The
application will automatically define the top.

4. Click the Bottom button and choose a region for the bottom face of an extrusion body.

Note: The Extrusion Wizard can be executed without selecting a bottom region. The
application will automatically define the bottom.

5. Click the Next Stage button. To make a solid body, check the Cap Ends option.

6. Click OK to complete the command. Hide the mesh to see the result.

Note: The profile of an extrusion body is registered in the Feature Tree. Curves of the
profile can be edited for a more fine and accurate extrusion body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 353

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Sides – Selects regions or poly-faces on the mesh.

Top – Selects regions, poly-faces, poly-vertices or faces for the top face of an extrusion body. If a
top face is not defined, the application will automatically find it.

Bottom – Selects regions, poly-faces, poly-vertices or faces for the bottom face of an extrusion
body. If a bottom face is not defined, the application will automatically find it.

Note: When a seed region is selected, the Estimate button will be enabled and can be
used to automatically find target regions that require the creation of an extruded feature shape.

Custom Extrusion Direction – Selects a custom direction for an extrusion from an entity or linear
entity with a normal. The default extrusion direction will be calculated by the direction of selected
regions.

Default Extrusion Custom Direction Extrusion

Note: When target regions are selected, the Custom Extrusion Direction can be
automatically found from the selected target regions by using the Estimate button .

Fix Sketch Plane With Selection – Fixes a sketch base plane by using a user-defined
plane.

Draft Angle – Specifies a draft angle for an extrusion body or automatically applies a value if Auto
or 0 is used. The Estimate button will recommend an adaptable draft angle.

With Draft Angle Without Draft Angle

Result Operator – Specifies results. This option offers 5 different operation methods: Solid Insert,
Solid Merge, Solid Cut, Surface Insert, and Surface Cut.

Note: If other bodies exist already, the Boolean operation can be used while creating extruded
features.

Solid Insert – Creates a new solid body.

Solid Merge – Merges a resulting body into an existing solid body.

Solid Cut – Cuts an existing solid body by a resulting solid body

Surface Insert – Creates a new surface body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 354

 Surface Cut – Cuts an existing solid body using a resulting surface body

Second Stage Options

Draft Angle – Specifies a draft angle for an extrusion body or automatically applies a value if Auto
or 0 is used. The Estimate button will recommend an adaptable draft angle.

Resolution – Specifies the resolution of section segments by adjusting the slider between Min. and
Max. When adjusting the slider towards Max., more segments will be constructed.

Low Resolution High Resolution

Note: While adjusting the slider, results will be updated in real-time.

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Specifies geometry capture accuracy by adjusting the slider
between Loose and Tight. When moving the slider toward Tight, sketches will be extracted from
section segments with a tight tolerance.

Sewing Tolerance – Specifies a tolerance range for sewing sketches by adjusting the slider
between Min. and Max. When adjusting the slider toward Max., sketches will be joined with
coincidence constraint with a loose tolerance.

With Tight Tolerance With Loose Tolerance

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 355

 Note: When moving the slider toward Min., sketches may not be joined with coincidence
constraint because of use of tight tolerance.

Remove Small Fillet – Removes automatically generated small fillets by using a radius value.

Filleted Feature Removed Fillet

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Pipe Wizard

7.4.8.4. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution

Wizard
What
The Revolution Wizard command extracts revolved objects from a mesh. The wizard intelligently
computes sectional profiles and revolution axis and the rotation angle based on the selected regions.

Mesh Mesh with Region Revolution Feature

Why
The Revolution Wizard command is useful for:
• Generating revolved solid or surface features

How to Use
How to generate a revolution feature based on a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh with regions and go to Insert > Surface > Revolution Wizard or click the
icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 356

 2. Choose a region for a revolution body for the Target option.

3. Click the Next Stage button.

4. Click OK to complete the command. Hide the mesh to see the result.

Note: The profile of an extrusion body is registered in the Feature Tree. Curves of a
profile can be edited for a more fine and accurate extrusion body.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Target – Selects regions or poly-faces on a mesh.

Custom Revolution Axis – Finds an optimized revolution axis from a selected target.

Note: The Custom Revolution Axis can be specified by 2 planes. When specifying a custom

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 357

 revolution axis by using 2 planes, an intersecting line will be specified as the revolution axis and
a sketch base plane will be automatically defined on a higher priority plane from the 2 specified
planes. The higher priority plane is determined by the order of registration in the Feature Tree

Use Specified Axis Direction As It Is – Uses the direction of a specified axis as it is to set
an axis of revolution.

Use Specified Axis Of Rotation As It Is – Uses both the direction and the position of a
specified axis to set an axis of revolution.

Fix Sketch Plane With Selection – Fixes a sketch base plane by using a user-defined
plane.

Get Partial Shape – Defines a revolution angle to extract a partial shape of a revolution body. In the
second stage, the angle can be set by using the appropriate manipulator or widget.

Manipulator Widget

Result Operator – Specifies results. This option offers 5 different operation methods: Solid Insert,
Solid Merge, Solid Cut, Surface Insert, and Surface Cut.

Note: If other bodies exist already, the Boolean operation can be used while creating extruded
features.

Solid Insert – Creates a new solid body.

Solid Merge – Merges a resulting body into an existing solid body.

Solid Cut – Cuts an existing solid body by a resulting solid body

Surface Insert – Creates a new surface body.

Surface Cut – Cuts an existing solid body using a resulting surface body

Profile Auto Generation Options

Full Revolution – Creates a fully revolved feature.

Resolution – Specifies the resolution of section segments by adjusting the slider between Min. and
Max. Adjusting the slider towards Max. will construct more segments.

Low Resolution High Resolution

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 358

 Note: While adjusting the slider, results will be updated in real-time.

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Specifies geometry capture accuracy by adjusting the slider
between Loose and Tight. When moving the slider toward Tight, sketches will be extracted from
section segments with a tight tolerance.

Sewing Tolerance – Specifies a tolerance range for sewing sketches by adjusting the slider
between Min. and Max. When adjusting the slider toward Max., sketches will be joined with
coincidence constraint with a loose tolerance.

With Tight Tolerance With Loose Tolerance

Note: When moving the slider toward Min., sketches may not be joined with coincidence
constraint because of use of tight tolerance.

Remove Small Fillet – Removes automatically generated small fillets by using a radius value.

Filleted Feature Removed Fillet

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Pipe Wizard

7.4.8.5. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard

What
The Sweep Wizard command quickly extracts sweep objects from a mesh. The wizard intelligently
computes sectional profiles and the path based on the selected regions.

Mesh Mesh with Region Sweep Feature

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 359

Why
The Sweep Wizard command is useful for:
• Generating swept solid or surface features

How to Use
How to quickly generate sweep feature based on a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh with regions and go to Insert > Surface > Sweep Wizard or click the icon
in the toolbar.

2. Select a swept region as a Target.

3. Choose the Auto Generation option under Profile and Path. Click the Next Stage button.

4. A preview body will be previewed.

5. To check the accuracy, click Deviation in the Accuracy Analyzer panel.

6. Click Ok to complete the command.

Note: The profile of a swept body is registered in the Feature Tree. Curves of a profile

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 360

 can be edited for a more fine and accurate extrusion body.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Target – Selects regions or poly-faces on a mesh.

Profile
Auto Generation – Automatically finds a profile.

Freeform Curve(s) – Creates 2D spline curves as the result a profile auto generation.

Gap Joining Tolerance – Connects separated sketch entities within a given

tolerance.

Use Line/Arcs When Possible – Uses 2D lines and arcs when sectional segments are
analyzed as lines and arcs for profile entities.

Sensitivity – Selects the tolerance used to determine arcs and lines from sectional
segments of a mesh. A smaller value generates a higher segment resolution.

Low Resolution High Resolution

Max. Arc Radius – Recognizes a curve with a value lower than a specified value as
an arc. Curves with a value higher than the specified value will be classified as lines.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 361

Gap Joining Tolerance – See the sub-option under the Freeform Curve(s) method.

Use Geometry In Specified Sketch – Uses a sketch that already exists outside of the sweep area.
by transforming the sketch to the sectional coordinate of the sweep body.

Use Specified Sketch As It Is – Selects a sketch to use as a sweep profile without changing its
location.

Path
Auto Generation – Automatically finds a path.

Freeform Curve(s) – Creates 3D spline curves as the result a profile auto generation.

Use Line/Arcs When Possible – Extracts lines and arcs splines when sectional segments
are analyzed as lines and arcs for profile entities.

Use Specified Curve As Initial Guess – Specifies a curve to approximately set a correct sweep
path. The application will generate several sectional profiles based on a selected curve to find the
correct path.

Use Specified Curve As It Is – Selects a curve to use as a sweep profile without changing its
location.
Second Stage Options
Cap Ends – Closes top and bottom faces. This option is available if the profile is a closed curve.

Result Operator – Cuts or merges resulting bodies with other intersecting body or bodies. This
option is available when one or more bodies already exist. When the Cut or Merge options are not
checked, an independent body will remain.

Profile Auto Generation Options – Refer to the first stage.

Path Auto Generation Options – Refer to the first stage.

Deform Curve – Deforms a preview network by moving a node of a curve within in an editing zone.
To adjust the editing zone, hold down the Alt key and left-click and drag the mouse left or right.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 362

 Editing Zone Enlarged Editing Zone

Rebuild Curve Options – Adjusts the number of node points on a freeform curve that has
excessive node points.

To edit node points:

1. Click the Target Curves button and select splines.
2. Set the total number of points next to No. Of Interpolation Points.
3. Click the Rebuild Curves button .

No. Of Interpolation Points: 50 No. Of Interpolation Points: 20

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Pipe Wizard

7.4.8.6. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard

What
The Loft Wizard command extracts loft objects from a mesh. The wizard intelligently computes
several sectional profiles and creates a loft path based on the selected regions.

Mesh Mesh with Region Loft Feature

Why

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 363

The Loft Wizard command is useful for:
• Generating loft surface features

How to Use
How to generate a loft feature from a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh with regions and go to Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard or click
on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select regions or poly-faces where a lofted surface will be created. Check the By Plane
option to generate sectional planes on a planar area.

3. Check the By No. Of Sections option and set the No. Of Sections to 10. Move the Slider
to More and manipulate the size and rotation of the preview plane in the Model View.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Regions/Poly-Faces – Selects regions or poly-faces on a mesh.

Path
By Plane – Selects a planar entity for a planar loft. Profile planes will be aligned perpendicular to a
selected plane.

By Curve – Selects a curve for a blended loft. Profile planes will be aligned perpendicular to a
selected curve.

Section

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 364

 By Allowable Deviation – Calculates the adaptable number of sections by the deviation between
allowable deviation and the limited number sections.

Allowable Deviation – Specifies the allowable deviation distance between a mesh and a loft
body.

Max. No. of Sections – Limits the number of created sections by a specified value.

By No. Of Sections – Calculates the loft surface by the total number of sections.

No. Of Sections – Specifies the total number of sections.

Smoothness – Determines the smoothness level of a fitting surface. Moving the slider
towards More will create a smoother surface but can diminish accuracy.

Profile Type
3D Sketch – Creates 3D spline curves for profile entities and registers resulting sections as a 3D
Sketch in the Feature Tree.

Ref. Planes + Mesh Sketches – Creates 2D lines and arcs for profile entities that are analyzed as
lines and arcs and registers resulting sections as 2D Mesh Sketch with sectional planes.

Second Stage
In the next stage, section planes can be manipulated for a more accurate loft surface. The
Accuracy Analyzer™ can be used to check deviation in real-time.

The following actions are available in the second stage:

Move – Select and Drag
Add – Ctrl + Drag
Remove – Select and Delete button
Undo – Ctrl + Z

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Pipe Wizard

7.4.8.7. Insert > Modeling Wizard > Pipe Wizard

What

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 365

The Pipe Wizard command extracts pipe objects from a mesh or point cloud. The wizard intelligently
computes the circular profile, or radius, and the path based on selected poly-faces or poly-vertices.

Mesh Mesh with Region Sweep Feature

Note: The Pipe Wizard command, unlike the other wizard commands, can use point clouds as
target entities. When extracting pipe features, it is not necessary to generate a mesh from a point
cloud.

Why
The Pipe Wizard command is useful for:
• Generating pipe features
• As-built modeling for construction

How to Use
How to generate a pipe feature from a mesh
1. Prepare a mesh or point cloud and go to Insert > Surface > Pipe Wizard or click the icon
in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Auto Selection option and select pipe regions in the model as Target.

3. Click the Next Stage button to see the preview pipe.

4. In the Adjust Pipe Path stage, the curve of a pipe path can be edited by choosing the
Rebuild Curve option and selecting a pipe path. Set the No. Of Interpolation Points to 50
and click the Rebuild Curve button. The number of nodes on the points will be reduced.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 366

 5. Click OK to complete the command. A pipe body will be created.

Note: The profile and the path of a swept body are registered in the Feature Tree.
Curves of profiles and paths can be edited for more accurate pipe body.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 367

1/3 Select Target Data
Auto Selection – Uses a selected seed point to automatically find a pipe shape in a mesh or a
point cloud. For a mesh, select regions or poly-faces and for a point cloud, select poly-vertices.
One depth of undo is allowable from multiple selections.

Selection on Point Cloud Auto Searching Pipe

Data Quality – Defines the quality of scan data. When scan data is clean move the slider towards
Clean and for noisy scan data move the slider towards Noisy.

Roughness – Detects the length of a pipe path. When scan data is smoothly connected
without noise, move the slider towards Smooth and the application will detects a pipe area
with a tight tolerance. When the slider is moved towards Rough the application will extend a
pipe with a loose tolerance.

Smooth Rough

Cylinder Selection – Detects a pipe from several picked points and is useful if a pipe is split but a
single pipe is desired. One depth of undo is allowable from multiple selections.

Seed Points Detected Pipe

Target – Selects regions, poly-faces or poly-vertices of a pipe area. If a poly-vertex is picked, the
application will automatically find the pipe area.

Pipe Radius – Specifies a pipe radius. When the value is Auto, the application will automatically
find the radius of a pipe.

2/3 Select Remaining Pipe

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 368

When multiple pipe areas are selected the Select Remaining Pipe stage will shows candidate
pipes. Pipes to be generated can be selected by clicking the Bodies button.

3/3 Adjust Pipe Path

After generating a preview pipe, the path of the pipe can be edited.

Cap Ends – Closes top and bottom faces and generates a solid body. This option is available if the
profile is a closed curve.

Result Operator – Cuts or merges resulting bodies with other intersecting body or bodies. This
option is available when one or more bodies already exist. When the Cut or Merge options are not
checked, an independent body will remain.

Freeform Curve(s) – Creates 3D spline curves as the result a profile auto generation.

Use Line/Arcs When Possible – Uses lines and arcs splines when sectional segments are
analyzed as lines and arcs.

Sensitivity – Selects the tolerance used to determine arcs and lines from sectional
segments of a mesh. A smaller value generates a higher segment resolution.

Low Resolution High Resolution

Max. Arc Radius – Recognizes a curve with a value lower than a specified value as an arc.
Curves with a value higher than the specified value will be classified as lines.

Deform Curve – Deforms a preview network by moving a node of a curve within in an editing zone.
To adjust the editing zone, hold down the Alt key and left-click and drag the mouse left or right.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 369

 Editing Zone Enlarged Editing Zone

Rebuild Curve – Adjusts the number of node points on a freeform curve that has excessive node
points.

To edit node points:

1. Click the Target Curves button and select splines.
2. Set the total number of points next to No. Of Interpolation Points.
3. Click the Rebuild Curves button .

No. Of Interpolation Points: 50 No. Of Interpolation Points: 20

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Extrusion Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Revolution Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Sweep Wizard
Insert > Modeling Wizard > Loft Wizard

7.4.9. Insert > Modeling Feature

The Modeling Features menu features various commands used for applying additional modifications
on basic bodies to generate final features.

The Modeling Features are divided into groups used to:

Modify Features
• Fillet
Generates rounded-edge features
• Chamfer
Generates beveled-edge features
• Draft
Generates tapered features
• Emboss
Sculpts patterns or shapes on a body with curves

Generate Patterned Features

• Linear Pattern
Generates linearly copied features

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 370

• Circular Pattern
Generates circularly copied features
• Curve Pattern
Generates copied features by following a curve
• Mirror
Generates symmetrical features

Generate Special Features

• Helix
Generates helical features
• Spiral
Generates spiral features

Edit Bodies
• Move Face
Transforms faces and changes the shape of a body
• Delete Face
Removes faces on a body.
• Replace Face
Replaces faces and change the shape of a body
• Split Face
Adds edges on a face
• Transform Body
Transforms or scales bodies
• Remove Body
Deletes bodies

7.4.9.1. Insert > Modeling Feature > Fillet

What
The Fillet command generates rounded features on a solid or surface body and can be applied to
edges or faces.

Body Apply Fillet

Why
The Fillet command is useful for:
• Generating a rounded edge part

How to Use
A. How to generate constant fillets with different radii

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 371

 1. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Fillet or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Constant Fillet method.

3. Select outer edges and set the radius to 2mm.

4. To add a larger radius click the Add Radius button and select inner edges. Set the
radius to 1mm.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to generate variable fillets

1. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Fillet or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Variable Fillet method and select two edges.

3. Select Edge 1 in the list box of Entities and change the end fillet radius marked as R to
3mm in the Profile View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 372

 Note: The Up and Down icons can be used to change the order of entities.

A selected edge will show a preview of the fillet.

4. Select Edge 2 in the list box.

Click in the middle of the yellow line to add a control point and edit it by dragging or
inputting the value: Radius: 5mm, Position: 50%.

Note: To zoom in or out of a graph in the Profile View or scroll the mouse wheel.

The selected edge shape will change to reflect the inputted values.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 373

 5. The preview will also change.

6. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Constant Fillet – Creates constant radius fillets by selecting edges or faces and specifying the
fillet radius.
If multiple radii are required click the Add Radius button , select more edges or faces, and
specify the new radius.
To remove a fillet entity, click the Remove Radius button . Edges, loops or faces can be
selected as Entities.
Use the Estimate Radius From Mesh button to automatically extract the approximate fillet
radius from a mesh. This button can only be used if meshes exist.

Tangent Propagation – Extends a selection to tangentially connected adjacent edges.

With Tangent Propagation Without Tangent Propagation

Selection Guide – Finds candidate edges that have similar fillet radii from an input radius.
The candidate edges will be highlighted on a body. When multiple fillet sets exist, only the
focused set’s radius will be highlighted. The range of the total number of candidate edges
can be modified.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 374

Variable Fillet - Creates variable radius fillets by specifying different radii on an edge and will
initiate the Profile View in the console window. A control point can be added by clicking a specific
location on the yellow line and the radius can be set and positioned by dragging a blue point or
clicking the widget to specify a numerical value. To remove a control point, select the point and
click the Delete key or move the point to another point and combine them.

The Estimate Radius From Mesh button automatically extracts variable radii from a mesh and
shows the radius flow in the Profile View. To apply variable radii automatically, click the down
arrow button in the Profile View and choose the Fit Graph To Mesh method.

The images below show an example of the Fit Graph To Mesh method.

Before Fit Graph To Mesh

After Fit Graph To Mesh

The Result on Body

Tangent Propagation – Refer to the Constant Fillet method.

Conic Fillet –Creates a blending area with different radii to each individual face. This option
is available under the Variable Fillet and Face Fillet methods.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 375

 Conic Fillet: R 50 and R 25 The Result of Conic Fillet

Rho – Determines the shape of a blending area with a possible value between 0 and
1. The higher the value to 1, the sharper the blending shape, and the lower the value
to 0, the flatter the blending shape.

Rho = 0.3 Rho = 0.9

Transition Method – Selects the position of the start and end of a fillet.
Smooth Transition creates a fillet which smoothly flows from one radius to another when
matching a fillet edge to an adjacent face.
Linear Transition creates a fillet which linearly flows from one radius to another without
matching edge tangency with an adjacent fillet.

Smooth Transition Linear Transition

Face Fillet – Selects faces to fillet. Non-adjacent faces can be blended with a fillet face.

Tangent Propagation – Refer to the Constant Fillet method.

Conic Fillet – Refer to the Variable Fillet method.

Constant Curvature – Creates a smoother curvature fillet than a standard fillet. This
method will create no jump in curvature flow at boundaries. To verify result use
Environment Mapping under the Accuracy Analyzer™ panel.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 376

 Enable Constant Curvature Disable Constant Curvature

Constant Width – Creates fillet face with constant width.

Enable Constant Width Disable Constant Width

Trim and Merge Result – Trims and merges faces into one body after filleting.

Original Faces Check Option Uncheck Option

Hold Line – Selects a body edge or curve as a boundary for where a face fillet shape
overfills a hold line. The radius of a fillet is driven by the distance between the hold line and
the edge to be filleted. The Asymmetry option create a symmetry hold line opposite to a
fillet shape and is useful for creating different hold lines.

Help Point – Resolves an ambiguous selection when it may not be clear where a face blend
should occur. Click the Help Point button and pick a vertex on the side where a face fillet
should be. A fillet will be created at the location closest to the Help point.

Full Face Fillet – Creates fillets that are tangent to three adjacent faces.

Left – Selects the left face.

Center – Selects the center face.

Right – Selects the right face that is opposite to the Left face.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 377

 Tangent Propagation – Refer to the Constant Fillet method.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Chamfer

Tips & Tutorials

How to select edges by using the Selection option
To avoid an error when Full Face Fillet operation fails
Full Face Fillet

7.4.9.2. Insert > Modeling Feature > Chamfer

What
The Chamfer command generates a beveled feature on edges or faces of a solid or surface body.

Body Apply Chamfer

Why
The Chamfer command is useful for:
• Generating a beveled part

How to Use
How to apply chamfer to a body using the angle and distance conditions
1. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Chamfer or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Angle And Distance method and set the Distance to 5 mm and the Angle to
45 degrees.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 378

 3. Select edges to chamfer. A preview or the resulting chamfer will be shown.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Entities – Selects edges, faces or loops.

Angle And Distance – Generates a beveled face by using Distance and Angle that are specified
from edges. The Estimate Distance From Mesh button , automatically extracts an
approximate value from a mesh but is only available if meshes already exist.

Distance And Distance – Generates a bevel face by using two Distances that are specified from
edges.

Common Options
Flip Direction – Flips a chamfer direction.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 379

 Before Flip Direction After Flip Direction

Tangent Propagation – Extends a selection to tangentially connected adjacent edges.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Fillet

7.4.9.3. Insert > Modeling Feature > Draft

What
The Draft command tapers faces on a solid or surface body using a specified angle.

Body Apply Draft

Why
The Draft command is useful for:
• Tapering to ribs, bosses, walls, and other entities on a molded part
• Generating a tapered feature

How to Use
How to apply a draft to a solid body
1. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Draft or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a bottom face as the Neutral Plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 380

 3. Select a side faces as the Draft Faces.

4. Set the Angle to 2 degrees and click the Preview button. To change a draft direction, click
the Flip button. When the result in the preview are satisfactory, click OK to complete the
command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Neutral Plane Draft – Creates a draft to selected faces based on a neutral plane.

Neutral Plane – Determines the pull direction of a model by using the normal of a
selected entity’s such as a ref. plane, region or face.

Draft Faces – Selects faces to be drafted.

Parting Line Draft – Drafts surfaces around a parting line. The parting line can be non-
planar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 381

 Pull Direction – Determines the pull direction of a model by using a selected linear
entity’s direction or planar entity’s normal.

Parting Lines – Select edges on a body.

Step Draft – Uses a variation of the parting line draft method to draft surfaces by creating
one face rotated around the plane used as a direction of a Neutral Plane. The results are
small faces, highlighted in red circle in the example below.

Neutral Plane – Determines the pull direction of a model by using the selected
entity’s normal.

Parting Lines – Selects edges on a body.

Tapered Steps – Faces that have a normal that is not in the same direction as the
pull direction of a model are generated in the same manner as tapered faces.

Perpendicular Steps - Faces that have a normal that is not the same as the pull
direction of a model are generated perpendicularly to an original main face.

Tapered Steps – Highlighted faces are Perpendicular Steps – Highlighted faces are not
drafted drafted

Draft Parameters
Angle – Specifies a draft angle. To change draft direction, click the Flip button .
The Estimate Angle From Mesh button automatically extracts an angle based on a
mesh.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Solid > Extrude
Insert > Surface > Extrude

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 382

7.4.9.4. Insert > Modeling Feature > Emboss
What
The Emboss command wraps a 2D or 3D sketch onto a planar or a non-planar face and generates a
convex or concave feature.

Body Apply Emboss

Why
The Emboss command is useful for:
• Generating an extruded feature on a non-planar surface
• Generating an engraved object
• Marking a company name or a part name onto a feature

How to Use
How to apply an emboss to a body
1. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Emboss or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Pad option and select curves as Profile and a solid body as Target.

3. Set the Depth to 5 mm and click the Preview button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 383

 4. Click Accept to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Pad – Creates a convex feature.

Pocket – Creates a concave feature.

Pad Pocket

Select Entities
Profile – Selects 2D or 3D curves. Multiple loops can be selected simultaneously.

Target - Selects a face on a solid or surface body.

End Cap Surface

Offset – Offsets the top face of an embossed feature from a target face.

Depth – Specifies the height of an embossed feature.

Translate – Translates the top face of an embossed feature as a selected direction from a
target face. A linear entity or an entity which has a normal as Direction can be used.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 384

 Depth – Specifies the height of an embossed feature.

Choose Other - Selects the top face of an embossed feature as an entity. A region, face,
surface body or solid body can be selected as an End Cap.

Side Wall
Face Normal – Sets the side face of an embossed feature in the face normal direction.

Profile Direction – Sets the side face of an embossed feature in the profile’s normal
direction.

Custom Vector – Sets the side face of an embossed feature in a selected direction. A linear
entity or an entity that has the same normal as the Pull Direction can be selected.

Draft – Specifies the draft angle of an embossed feature. The Draft option also for the Side
Wall option.

Side Wall: Face Normal

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 385

 Side Wall: Project Direction

Side Wall: Direction Vector

Reference
Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Surface > Extrude

Tips & Tutorials

Can I wrap text around an object, then separate it from that object?

7.4.9.5. Insert > Modeling Feature > Linear Pattern

What
The Linear Pattern command generates multiple features in a linear direction at one time.

Body Direction and Instances Apply Linear Pattern

Why
The Linear Pattern command is useful for:
• Generating patterned features along linear directions

How to Use
How to pattern a body along two directions

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 386

 1. Prepare a body and two directional vectors.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Linear Pattern or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body for Bodies and select a vector for Direction1. Set Instance to 3 and
Distance to 25 mm.

Note: The blue distance arrow can be manipulated.

4. Select another vector as Direction2. Set Instance to 2 and Distance to 15 mm.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Bodies – Selects solid or surface bodies.

Direction 1 – Selects a linear entity such as an edge or vector, or an entity with a normal such
as a plane or face, for a pattern direction.

Set Instances
No. Of Instances – Sets the total number of objects for Direction 1.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 387

 No. Of Instances: 5

Distance – Sets the spacing between pattern instances. The Reverse Direction button or
the on-screen arrow will reverse the direction.

Direction 2 – Creates a pattern in a second, opposite direction from Direction 1.

Skip Instances
Skip Instances – Removes pattern instances by clicking on them. To restore a removed
instance click it again.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Circular Pattern
Insert > Modeling Feature > Curve Pattern

7.4.9.6. Insert > Modeling Feature > Circular

Pattern
What
The Circular Pattern command generates multiple features around an axis at one time.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 388

 Body Axis and Instances Apply Circular Pattern

Why
The Circular Pattern command is useful for:
• Generating patterned features along an axis

How to Use
How to pattern a body along an axis
1. Prepare a body and a vector for a rotational axis.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Circular Pattern or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body for Bodies and a vector for Rotation Axis. Set No. of Instances to 6 and
Total Angle to 360. Check Equal Spacing.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Bodies – Selects solid or surface bodies.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 389

Rotation Axis – Selects a linear entity such as an edge or vector, or an entity that has an axis
such as a cylinder, cone, or circular edge for a rotational axis.

Set Instances
No. Of Instances – Sets the total number of objects.

No. Of Instances: 3 No. Of Instances: 5

Interval Angle – Sets the angle between instances. To reverse the direction, click the Flip button
or click the green arrow on the screen.

Equal Spacing – Sets equal distances between instances within a total angle.

Without Equal Spacing With Equal Spacing

Rotate About Axis – Rotates instances around a rotation axis.

Without Equal Spacing Without Equal Spacing

Skip Instances – Removes pattern instances by clicking on them. To restore a removed instance
click it again.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 390

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Linear Pattern
Insert > Modeling Feature > Curve Pattern

7.4.9.7. Insert > Modeling Feature > Curve Pattern

What
The Curve Pattern command generates multiple features around a curve at one time.

Body Curve and Instances Apply Curve Pattern

Why
The Curve Pattern command is useful for:
• Generating patterned features along a curve

How to Use
How to pattern a body along a curve
1. Prepare a body and a curve.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 391

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Curve Pattern or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body for Bodies and a curve for Path Curve. Set No. of Instances to 6 and check
Equal Spacing.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Bodies – Select solid or surface bodies.

Path Curve – Selects a curve or edge for the path curve.

Set Instances
No. Of Instances – Sets the total number of objects.

Distance - Sets the spacing between pattern instances. The Reverse Direction button or the
on-screen arrow will reverse the direction.

Equal Spacing – Sets equal distances between instances along a selected curve.

Without Equal Spacing With Equal Spacing

Options
Align To Seed – Aligns each instance to match the original alignment of the seed feature.

Align To Seed Without Align To Seed

Rotate Along Curve – Aligns the direction of instances to a selected face or mesh normal. Click
the Normal Reference button and then select a face or a mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 392

 Transform Curve – Maintains the delta X and delta Y distances from the origin of the selected
curve to the seed feature for each instance. This option is available with a 2D curve.

Offset Curve – Maintains the normal distance from the origin of a selected curve to the seed
feature for each instance. This option is available with a 2D curve.

Skip Instances
Skip Instance – Removes pattern instances by clicking on them. To restore a removed instance
click it again.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Linear Pattern
Insert > Modeling Feature > Circular Pattern

7.4.9.8. Insert > Modeling Feature > Mirror

What
The Mirror command generates copied features that are mirrored at a plane or a planar entity.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 393

 Body Symmetry Plane Apply Mirror

Why
The Mirror command is useful for:
• Generating a symmetrical feature
• Copying a feature using a plane

How to Use
How to generate a symmetrical body
1. Prepare a body and a ref. plane in the middle of a body.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Mirror or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body for Bodies and a ref. plane for Symmetry Plane.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Bodies – Selects solid or surface bodies.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 394

Symmetry Plane – Selects a ref. plane or a planar face as a mirroring plane.

Options
Trim And Merge – Removes overlapping areas and sews them together if a mirrored feature
and original body are overlapping. Clicking the Tangent Continuous Face button and
selecting faces will tangentially sew them. A trimmed area can be flipped by using the
Reverse Clipping Direction button .

Without Trim And Merge With Trim And Merge

Advanced Continuity Options

Shape Transition To Adjacent Faces – Centralizes the deformation of a face around an
edge by moving the slider to Abrupt.

(A) Before

(B) The result of Abrupt

(C) The result of Gradual

Boundary Accuracy – Determines accuracy when sewing edges. Moving the slider to Tight,
will create more points on an edge and will attempt to tightly sew them. The Preview button
shows the maximum deviation between edges.

Loose Tight

Unconstrained Edge – Determines the deformation method for non-sewing edges that are
unconstrained.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 395

 Do Not Preserve – Does not preserve unconstrained edges which may deform them.

Preserve Isolated Edges Only – Preserves isolated edges that are not adjacent to
sewing edges.

Preserve All – All edges will not be deformed.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Mirror

7.4.9.9. Insert > Modeling Feature > Helix

What
A Helix is a three-dimensional curve that has a tangent line at any point that is at a constant angle
with an axis. The Helix command easily generates a helical curve.

Start Point and Axis Helical Curve

Why
The Helical command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 396

• Sweeping or lofting a path
• Generating screw shapes
• Generate coil spring shapes

How to Use
How to generate a helical curve
1. Prepare a point as a starting position and a vector as an axis.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Helix or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose the Constant method. Select a vector as an Axis.

4. Select a ref. point as the Start.

5. Click the end point on the graph in the Profile View and set the Height, Radius, Pitch and
Revolution. The blue point can be dragged or specified by a numerical value in each field.

Whenever a value changes the resulting curve will be displayed on the screen.

6. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 397

Options in Detail
Methods
Constant – Creates a constant pitch throughout a helix.

Variable – Creates a variable pitch based on specified parameters.

Select Entities
Axis – Selects a linear entity for the axis of a helix.

Start – Selects a point entity for the starting position of a helix.

Plot Mesh Section As Guide – Uses a section profile to extract the design intent of helix
parameters. Clicking the button will display the section profile of a mesh in the Profile View.
This option is available if a mesh exists already.

(A) Mesh

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 398

 (B) Extracted Mesh Section

Options
Counter Clockwise – Sets a helical direction as counterclockwise.

Clockwise – Sets a helical direction as clockwise.

Extend To Opposite Direction – Extends a helix curve to the opposite direction by a specified
number of revolutions.

Revolution: 0.5 Revolution: 1

Controlling Profile View

Used to define helix parameters in the Profile View. Clicking a node point will display editable
parameters.

- The horizontal axis represents Height and the vertical axis represents Radius.
- The left blue point represents the starting position and the right blue point represents the ending
position.
- A node point can be dragged or directly specified on the widget by clicking it.
- To remove an added node, move the node onto another point and overlap it or by pressing the
Delete key.
- The Variable option allows for the addition of more node points by clicking on the graph.

(A) Variable Options Parameters

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 399

 (B) The Result of Helical Curve

Viewing in Profile View

Zoom – Use the mouse wheel.
Pan – Use the left mouse button or the scroll bar in the Profile View window.
Scale (Y Direction) – Use Shift + left mouse button or move the top or bottom edge of the scroll
bar.

Note: The button at the right top corner of the Profile View, displays additional functions.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Spiral

7.4.9.10. Insert > Modeling Feature > Spiral

What
A Spiral is a two-dimensional curve which emanates from a central point, getting continuously farther
away in a circular pattern. The Spiral command generates a spiral curve.

Start Point and Axis Spiral Curve

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 400

Why
The Spiral command is useful for:
• Sweeping or lofting a path

How to Use
How to generate a spiral curve
1. Prepare a point as a starting position and a vector as an axis.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Spiral or click on the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a vector for Axis.

4. Select a ref. point for Start.

5. Click the end point on the graph in the Profile View and set the Height, Radius, Pitch and
Revolution. The blue point can be dragged or specified by a numerical value in each field.

6. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Constant – Creates a constant pitch throughout a spiral.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 401

Variable – Creates a variable pitch based on specified parameters.

Select Entities
Axis – Selects a linear entity for the axis of a spiral.

Start – Selects a point entity for the starting position of a spiral.

Plot Mesh Section As Guide – Uses a section profile to extract the design indent of helix
parameters. Clicking the button will display the section profile of a mesh in the Profile
View. This option is available if a mesh exists already.

(a) Mesh

(B) Extracted Mesh Section

Options
Counter Clockwise – Sets a spiral direction as counterclockwise.

Clockwise – Sets a spiral direction as clockwise.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 402

 Extend To Opposite Direction – Extends a spiral curve to the opposite direction by a
specified number of revolutions.

Controlling Profile View

Used to define spiral parameters in the Profile View. Clicking a node point will display editable
parameters.

- The horizontal axis represents the Radius.

- A node point can be dragged or directly specified on the widget by clicking it.
- The Variable option allows for the addition of more node points by clicking on the graph.
- To remove an added node, move the node onto another point and overlap it or by pressing
the Delete key.
- Move the starting position by dragging the node.

Viewing in Profile View

Zoom – Use the mouse wheel.
Pan – Use the left mouse button or the scroll bar in the Profile View window.
Scale (Y Direction) – Use Shift + left mouse button or move the top or bottom edge of the
scroll bar.

Note: The button at the right top corner of the Profile View, displays additional
functions.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Spline

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 403

7.4.9.11. Insert > Modeling Feature > Move Face
What
The Move Face command transforms a face and reconstructs the accompanying solid or surface
body.

Body Faces and Direction Moved Faces

Why
The Move Face command is useful for:
• Moving and deforming a body

How to Use
How to transform a body face
1. Prepare a body and vector as a direction.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Move Face or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose the Translate option and select a body face for Faces and a vector for Direction.
Set the distance to 10 mm.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 404

Options in Detail
Methods
Translate – Moves selected faces linearly.

Rotate – Moves selected faces by rotating them.

Select Entities
Faces – Selects faces on a solid or surface body.

Direction – Selects a linear entity or an entity with a normal to define a moving direction. Specify
the Distance to define the amount of movement.

Axis – Selects a linear entity or an entity with a normal to define a rotation axis. Specify the Angle
to define the amount of revolution.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Delete Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Replace Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Split Face

7.4.9.12. Insert > Modeling Feature > Delete Face

What
The Delete Face command removes faces on a solid or surface body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 405

 Body Remove Face

Why
The Delete Face command is useful for:
• Reconstructing features

How to Use
How to remove a body face
1. Prepare a solid or surface body.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Delete Face or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose the Delete option and select a face to delete.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Delete – Removes selected faces.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 406

 Delete And Heal – Removes selected faces and automatically patches and trims the body.

Delete And Fill – Removes selected faces and replaces them with a single face to close any
gaps.

Select Entities
Faces – Selects faces on a solid or surface body to remove.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Move Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Replace Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Split Face

7.4.9.13. Insert > Modeling Feature > Replace Face

What
The Replace Face command removes a selected face, extends neighboring faces, and replaces the
original face with a target face.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 407

 Body Replaced Face

Why
The Replace Face command is useful for:
• Reconstructing a body face
• Extending a feature to a surface
• Copying another face and applying it to a feature

How to Use
How to replace a body face
1. Prepare a solid body and a surface body.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Replace Face or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a top face for Target Faces. Select a freeform surface for Tool Entity.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 408

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Target Faces – Selects faces to replace.

Tool Entity – Selects a region or surface body to replace a target face.

Note: When a selected target face does not cover a tool face, the application will automatically
extend the tool face tangent to a position that can touch the extruded target faces and replace
the target faces.

Selecting Target Faces and Tool Face Replacing Target Faces

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Move Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Delete Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Split Face

7.4.9.14. Insert > Modeling Feature > Split Face

What
The Split Face command splits a target face by using the projection, silhouette and intersection
methods. After splitting a face, a target entity will have several faces but will still be a single entity.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 409

 Body and Curve Split Face

Why
The Split Face command is useful for:
• Adding edge faces
• Adding parting lines

How to Use
How to split a body face by using a curve
1. Prepare a curve and a body.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Split Face or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose the Projection method. Select a curve for Tool Entities and a face for Target
Entities.

4. Click Preview. If the face cannot be split then change the projection direction by using the
Flip Direction button.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 410

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Projection – Determines the projection method. When tool entities are 2D curves, a sketch normal
will be used for a projection direction. If tool entities are 3D curves, a face normal will be used for a
projection direction.

Split with 2D Sketch Split with 3D sketch

Single Direction – Projects a split line in one direction. To reverse the direction, click the
Flip Direction button .

Bidirection – Projects a split line in both directions.

Silhouette – Creates a silhouette in a pull direction and splits target entities with the silhouette
lines.

Pull Direction - Defines a silhouette direction.

Target Entities – Selects faces on a solid or surface body.

Pull Direction & Target Entities Split Result

Draft Angle – Sets the angle between pull direction and tangential direction on a point of a
face.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 411

 Draft Angle: 0 Draft Angle: 30 Draft Angle: 60

Intersection – Divides target entities by intersecting them with other faces.

Pull Direction & Target Entities The Split Result

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Move Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Delete Face
Insert > Modeling Feature > Replace Face

7.4.9.15. Insert > Modeling Feature > Transform

Body
What
The Transform Body command moves, rotates or scales a solid or surface body. It can also be used
to align a body to another body or mesh by using datum pairs.

Body Apply Transform

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 412

Why
The Transform Body command is useful for:
• Copying and moving a body
• Repositioning a body
• Aligning a body to another body or a mesh

How to Use
How to move and rotate a body
1. Prepare a solid or surface body.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Transform Body or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body and check the Duplicate box to copy it. Click the Next Stage button.

4. Select the Rotate And Translate method and input a Rotate and Translate value or drag
the manipulator on the screen.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Note: After the transformation of a body, the transformation matrix can be exported. To
export the transformation matrix follow the steps below:
1. Select a Transform feature in the Feature tree.

2. See the Properties panel.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 413

 3. Click the button.

4. Use the Export button and save the matrix. The file will be saved as Transform
Matrix File (.trm).

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Bodies – Selects solid or surface bodies.

Duplicate – Copies selected bodies.

Methods
Rotate And Translate – Applies rotation and translation to a body in the X, Y and Z direction and
axis. You can interactively use the manipulator on the screen or input specific values.

Scale - Scales a solid or surface body along its center, a coordinate system, or a custom position.

Uniform Scale – Scales a body based on the X, Y and Z directions concurrently. If this option
is not used, scale can be applied individually in the X, Y and Z directions.

Uniform Scale: X, Y, & Z=3 Non-uniform Scale: X=2, Y=3, Z=3

Unit Converter – Converts scale values by using unit conversion. Changing unit types in
From and To, will automatically apply the changes to the scale value. Changing the scale
value directly will set the Unit Converter as default.

Scale Center – Selects a position of a scale origin. Global Origin, or the global coordinate,
Body Center, or the center of a body, and Custom, or the custom origin, can be chosen.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 414

By Matrix – Allows for the direct input of values into a transformation matrix. After using the
Rotation And Translate and Scale options the transformation matrix will be calculated and filled. If
a value in the matrix is modified, the corresponding Rotate, Translate, Scale values will reflect
those changes.

A transformation matrix file can be imported by using the Matrix File Open button .
If Set is selected the imported matrix is applied as it is.
If Multiply is selected the imported matrix will be multiplied from the current position.
If Inverse Multiply is selected the imported matrix will be inversed and multiplied from the current
position.
If Transpose is select the imported matrix will be transposed from the current position.

Datum Alignment – Aligns a body to another body or a mesh by using datum pairs. Select a face
that can be a datum such as a cylinder, sphere, plane, or edge on the original body and then select a
pair of datum on another body.

Datum Pairs – Type(Moving – Target, Flip) – Defines datum pairs in Moving and Target
order.

Note: A moving datum can be flipped by using the Flip button when datum pairs are
defined.

Align To Scan – Aligns a body to a desired location in a scan data.

By Auto Guess – Aligns a body to a desired location in a scan data by automatically

recognizing the geometry features of target scan entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 415

 By Picked Pair Points – Aligns a body to a desired location in scan data by manually picking
points on corresponding features.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points in a target scan by a specified value. When the ratio is
100%, all selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be
used.

Global Coordinate – Sets constraints by using the global coordinate system

Lock Translation – Locks the translation of a transform in each coordinate axis.

Lock Rotation – Locks the rotation of a transform in each coordinate axis.

User Defined Coordinate – Sets constraints by using a user-defined coordinate system.

Lock Translation – Refer to the Global Coordinate option.

Lock Rotation – Refer to the Global Coordinate option.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Duplicate Body
Insert > Modeling Feature > Remove Body
7.4.9.16. Insert > Modeling Feature > Duplicate
Body
What
The Duplicate command copies a solid or a surface body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 416

 Body Apply Duplication

Why
The Transform Body command is useful for:
• Copying a body

How to Use
How to copy a body
1. Prepare a body.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Duplicate Body or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body to duplicate.

4. Click OK to complete the command. A new entity named Duplicated Body 1 will be created
in the Feature Tree.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 417

 Bodies – Selects bodies to copy

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Transform Body
Insert > Modeling Feature > Remove Body

7.4.9.17. Insert > Modeling Feature > Remove Body

What
The Remove Body command deletes a solid or a surface body.

Body Apply Remove

Why
The Remove Body command is useful for:
• Deleting a body

How to Use
How to delete a body
1. Prepare a body.

2. Go to Insert > Modeling Feature > Remove Body or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body to remove.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 418

 4. Click OK to complete the command. The selected body will be removed and the new entity
named Remove Body 1 will be created in the Feature Tree.

Options in Detail
Bodies – Selects bodies to remove.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Modeling Feature > Transform Body
Insert > Modeling Feature > Duplicate Body

7.4.10. Insert > CAD Correct

The CAD Correct menu features various commands used to enables the editing and reforming of the
geometries on a generated body or imported body based on deformed scan data. During the
manufacturing process, a manufactured object can be different from its original CAD data because of
design optimization after CAD modeling.

7.4.10.1. Insert > CAD Correct > Refit

What
The Refit command applies a fitting algorithm to body faces to match them with a deformed mesh. To
apply this command a body and mesh must be aligned.

Refit Face

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 419

Why
The Remove Body command is useful for:
• Correcting original CAD data with a final product

How to Use
How to refit a body to a design-changed mesh
1. Prepare a mesh and a body. They should be aligned by using the Tools > Align > Quick /
Best Fit / Datum commands.

2. Go to Insert > CAD Correct > Refit or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a mesh for a reference Mesh and select faces on a body for Faces which will be
target faces.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Before Refit After Refit

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Mesh – Selects a reference mesh.

Faces – Selects faces on a solid or a surface body.

Group Faces By Stiffness – Individually sets the weight factor for fitting to each face. The Loosely

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 420

Fit Faces, Tightly Fit Faces and Free Faces buttons can be used to define the tightness for faces.

Loosely Fit Faces – Selects faces that will be loosely fit to a mesh. Faces around target
faces for refitting can be chosen and looseness can be controlled by using the slider.

Tightly Fit Faces - Select faces that will be tightly fit to a mesh. Faces for refitting can be
chosen and the tightness can be controlled by using the slider.

The sliders in the Loosely Fit Faces and Tightly Fit Faces options interact together. If one
of the slider is moved, the other slider will change automatically.

The following images illustrate influence of combinations of weight values. Moving the slider
that is next to Tightly Fit Faces to Tight, and the slider that is next to Loosely Fit Faces to
Loose will increase the deviation of loose faces correlatively when deviation decreases
between tight faces and a reference mesh.

(A) Before Refitting

Red - Tightly Fit Faces, Blue - Loosely Fit Faces

(B) Minimum Weight of Tight Faces

(C) Middle Weight of Tight Faces

(D) Maximum Weight of Tight Faces

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 421

Free Faces – Selects faces that are not constrained by a reference mesh. The resulting
shape of the free faces will be influenced by deformation from loose and tight faces only.

(A) Before refit

(B) Result from tight face (blue)

(C) Result from free face (green)

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 422

Fitting Options
Type Of Control Vertices – Selects the type of control vertices.
The Global option will create an overall shape from a resulting body that will be better in
smoothness.
The Local option will create a resulting shape that will be more influenced by the local features on a
reference mesh.

(A) Before refit

(B) After refitting with the Global option

(C) After refitting with the Local option

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is moved
towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is moved towards
Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Smoothness – Determines the smoothness level of a fitting surface.

Smoothness: Less Smoothness: More

More Options
Compensation Factor – Controls the amount of deformation scaling by a specified value. A fitting
face will offset from a mesh as a scale value. The default value is 1.0 and if the value is negative,
the deforming direction will be flipped. Positive or negative values can be toggled by using the Sign
button.

Shape Transition To Adjacent Faces – Centralizes a modification around edges by moving the

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 423

 slider towards Abrupt.

(A) Before Refitting

(B) Result of Abrupt

(C) Result of Gradual

Preserve Boundary Edge – Prevents boundary edge faces from being deformed.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Refit

7.4.11. Insert > Mesh Sketch

The Mesh Sketch mode extracts sectional polylines or silhouette polylines based on a mesh or a
point cloud as well as the creation of 2D geometries such as lines, circles, arcs, rectangles based on
extracted polylines. Constraints on sketch entities can be applied to generate a fully parametric model.
The Mesh Sketch mode extracts correct and accurate design intent from scan data.

Mesh Sketch to Mesh Mesh Sketch to Point Cloud

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 424

 Note: The color and point size of section points that are extracted from point clouds in the Mesh
Sketch mode can be set by going to File > Preferences. Go to Section Points under Colors
under Sketch in the Display tab or Section Point Size under Size (pixel) under Sketch in the
Display tab.

Red, Size 3 Green, Size 6

Entering the Mesh Sketch mode will display tool palettes that apply functions globally. The values in
the tool palette will be preserved if the mode is exited and entered again.

Segment Section Polyline

Section polylines are a group of small lines extracted from a section of scan data. The extracted
polylines can be classified as lines or arcs.

Resolution – Determines the resolution of polylines. Moving the slider to the left will create fewer
segments, and lines and arcs will have a loose tolerance. Moving the slider to the right will create
more segments, and lines and arcs will have a tight tolerance. Moving the slider will display
classified lines and arcs in real-time.

Low Resolution High Resolution

Entity Fitting
During the creation of 2D geometries by fitting polylines, polylines can be filtered. Set a value and
click the OK button, and the application will apply the condition to all of the entities in the Mesh
Sketch mode.

Sampling – Executes a fitting by using sampled points according to a specified value. When
section polylines are messy and large they can be sampled to accelerate calculation speeds.

Remove – Remove noise on section polylines.

The N*Sigma option requires an N value and will execute a fitting by excluding fitting data that has
an error value larger than N times of the standard deviation.
The Ratio option requires a ratio value and will execute a fitting by sorting fitting data only with the
data that falls into the ratio.
The Absolute Distance option requires an error distance value and executes a fitting by excluding

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 425

fitting data outside of this distance.

Disjoined Points Constraint

Automatically connects disjoined sketch entities such as lines and arcs globally, or only selected
entities.

Angle – Connects curves and arcs with a tangent constraint that have a tangent angle between an
arc and an arc, or an arc and a line that is less than a specified value.

Before Applying After Applying

Max. Dist. – Connects curves and arcs with a maximum distance less than a given distance value.

Before Applying After Applying

Intersection – Connects curves and removes the lesser distance after an intersection.

Before Applying After Applying

How to Use
A. How to get sectional polylines by offsetting a plane
1. Prepare a mesh and a ref. plane.

2. Click the Mesh Sketch mode icon in the toolbar, or go to Insert > Mesh Sketch.

3. Select a ref. plane for a base plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 426

 4. Drag the blue arrow to offset the plane and make an intersection with the mesh. The offset
value can also be input next to the Offset Distance From Base Plane option.

5. Click OK to complete the command. Hide the mesh to clearly see the section polylines.

B. How to get silhouette polylines from a mesh

1. Prepare a mesh and a ref. plane.

2. Click the Mesh Sketch mode icon on the toolbar, or go to Insert > Mesh Sketch.

3. Select a ref. plane for a base plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 427

 4. Change the Silhouette Range value to cover the whole mesh.

Note: The silhouette range can be changed by dragging the blue arrow on the screen.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Planar Method – Extracts section polylines at an intersection with a plane defined by the offset
method. The intersecting position of a base plane can be selected by dragging the long blue arrow
manipulator in the Model View or by directly inputting the offset value in the Offset Distance From
Base Plane option. A planar entity can be selected for a Base Plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 428

Rotational Method – Extracts section polylines at an intersection with a plane defined by the
rotation method. The position of a base plane can be determined by rotating the plane along an
axis. Select a planar entity for a Base Plane and a linear entity for a Central Axis.

Add Section Polyline

Section Polyline – Creates multiple section polylines by repositioning a base plane and clicking
the Add button or removes a section polyline by selecting the section polyline in the list box and
clicking the Delete Section button. To remove all section polylines, click the Reset button.

Offset Distance From Base Plane – Offsets from a base plane by inputting a distance from the
base plane or by dragging the blue arrow in the Model View.

Silhouette Range – Extracts a silhouette from a mesh or point cloud as polylines by manually
inputting a value or dragging the small blue arrow in the Model View. The value is the thickness
used to find a silhouette range and can be resized and rotated by dragging the red, green and blue
control points on the plane.

Planar Method Rotational Method

Options
Draft Angle - Sets a draft angle when extracting a section polyline from a drafted mesh feature. If
a draft angle is set, an un-drafted section polyline from the offset distance from the base plane can
be extracted.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 429

 Without Draft Angle

With Draft Angle

Exclude Round Corner - Remove round polylines less than a specified value. This option can be
used to create a sketch without filleting.

Disable Option

Enable Option

Limit To Regions – Selects regions to extract section polylines from. This option is only available
if a mesh has regions.

Without Region Limitation With Region Limitation (front & back regions)

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 430

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Sketch

7.4.12. Insert > Sketch

The Sketch mode creates 2D geometries such as lines, arcs, and splines, and can edit created 2D
geometries.

Entering the Sketch mode will display a tool palette that globally applies functions to all entities or
selected entities. The values in the tool palette will be preserved if the mode is exited and entered
again.

Disjoined Points Constraint

Automatically connects disjoined sketch entities such as lines and arcs globally or only on
selected entities.

Angle – Connects curves and arcs with a tangent constraint that have a tangent angle
between an arc and an arc, or an arc and a line that is less than a specified value.

Before Applying After Applying

Max. Dist. – Connects curves and arcs with a maximum distance less than a given distance
value.

Before Applying After Applying

Intersection – Connects curves and removes the lesser distance after an intersection.

Before Applying After Applying

Rebuild Splines
Reorganizes a spline curve by changing the number of node points.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 431

No. of Interp. Pts – Sets the total number of interpolation points by selecting splines,
specifying a total number of nodes, and clicking the OK button.

Interpolation Points: 4 Interpolation Points: 8

Evenly Spaced Points – Spaces dense interpolation points evenly.

Before Evenly Spaced Points After Evenly Spaced Points

How to Use
How to create a sketch without a mesh
1. Click the Sketch Mode button on the toolbar, or go to Insert > Sketch.

2. A dialog tree will be displayed to define a sketch plane.

3. Select a planar entity such as a ref. plane or a face on a solid or surface body.

4. In the Sketch mode, create lines, arcs and splines.

5. Edit the sketch by using the Trim and Fillet commands.

6. Click the Apply button at right bottom corner or click the Sketch mode button again to apply

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 432

 all changes and exit the Sketch mode.

A solid or surface body can be generated from a sketch by using the Extrude, Revolve, Loft,
and Sweep commands.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Mesh Sketch

7.4.13. Insert > 3D Mesh Sketch

The 3D Mesh Sketch creates splines on a mesh using various commands. Created splines can be
edited with tools such as the Trim, Offset, and Project commands.

Entering the 3D Mesh Sketch mode will display a tool palette that globally applies functions to entities
in the mode. The values in the tool palette will be preserved if the mode is exited and entered again.

Note: The difference between 3D Mesh Sketch and 3D Sketch modes is that curves generated
in 3D Mesh Sketch mode always lay on a mesh but curves in 3D Sketch freely exist in space.

Join
Automatically joins disconnected splines and create intersection points. Set a value and click the OK
button and the application will apply the value to all splines or selected splines.

Curve Ends – Joins curve ends that have a distance smaller than a given value.

Before Applying After Applying

Intersection – Creates intersection points between splines.

Before Applying After Applying

Rebuild
Regenerates splines by controlling node points and deviations between splines and a mesh. This tool
palette is available after selecting splines.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 433

 No. Of Interpolation Pts. – Sets the total number of interpolation points by selecting splines,
specifying a total number of nodes, and clicking the OK button. To reduce the deviation between
spline and mesh data, increase the number of node points.

Number: 4 Number: 7

Allowable Deviation – Regenerates curves by a specified deviation. Node points will be

regenerated and rearranged automatically to satisfy the deviation.

Deform Smoothness
Defines the smoothness and viewing direction when creating a spline.

Deform Smoothness – Determines the smoothness strength when editing splines.

Original Curve Smoothness: Min Smoothness: Max

Dynamic View Change – Automatically centralizes the view whenever a point is picked on a mesh.
This option is available after generating a spline.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > 3D Sketch

7.4.14. Insert > 3D Sketch

The 3D Sketch mode creates 3D geometries such as splines, sections and boundaries on a mesh.
Created curves can be edited by using the Trim, Offset, and Project commands.

Entering the 3D Sketch mode will display a tool palette that globally applies functions to all entities in
the mode. The values in the tool palette will be preserved if the mode is exited and entered again.

Note: The difference between 3D Mesh Sketch and 3D Sketch modes is that curves generated

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 434

in 3D Mesh Sketch mode always lay on a mesh but curves in 3D Sketch freely exist in space.

Join
Automatically joins disconnected splines and create intersection points. Set a value and click the OK
button and the application will apply the value to all splines or selected splines.

Curve Ends – Joins curve ends that have a distance smaller than a given value.

Before Applying After Applying

Intersection – Creates intersection points between splines.

Before Applying After Applying

Rebuild
Regenerates splines by controlling node points and deviations between splines and a mesh. This tool
palette is available after selecting splines.

No. Of Interpolation Pts. – Sets the total number of interpolation points. Select splines and specify
the total number of nodes and click the OK button.

Number: 4 Number: 7

Deform Smoothness

Deform Smoothness – Determines the smoothness strength when editing splines.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 435

 Original Curve Smoothness: Min Smoothness: Max

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > 3D Mesh Sketch

7.4.15. Insert > Scanner Direct Control

The Scanner Direct Control menu enables the use of various scanning devices directly within the
application.
A preferred scanner device can be set in the Initial Setup Dialog that will be displayed when the
application is initially started or in the Device list in the Hardware table at File > Preferences.

7.4.15.1. Insert > Scanner Direct Control >

LiveScan(TM)
What can LiveScan™ do?
LiveScan™ is designed to support the collection of scan data or probing data using various devices
to use with the XOR application. The following are supported in LiveScan™.

Calibration (Optional as device)

- Hardware calibration can be performed.
- The bundle software from a device must be installed.

Laser and Probe Setting (Optional as device)

- Laser and probe parameters can be set.
- The bundle software from a device must be installed.

Move Device
- Maintains a coordinate system after moving a device.

Align
- Aligns scanning or probing coordinate to CAD’s coordinate.

Scanning
- Acquires scanning data.

Probing
- Acquires probing data.

Generate Entity
- Instantly generates from acquired scanning or probing data.
- Ref. Geometry (Point, Vector, Plane, Polyline)
- Point Cloud
- Mesh
- Surface Body
- Solid Body
- 2D Sketch

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 436

- 3D Sketch

Supported Devices in LiveScan™

The following table shows supported devices in the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the application.
Device 32-bit 64-bit Website
[API] IntelliScan/IntelliProbe Yes www.apisensor.com
[Cimcore] Portable CMM Yes www.cimcore.com
[Creaform] Handy PROBE Yes Yes www.creaform3d.com
[FARO] FaroArm/ScanArm Yes Yes www.faro.com/
[Kreon] Scanner* Yes Yes www.kreon3d.fr/en/
[LDI] SLP Yes Yes www.laserdesign.com
[Leica] T-Scan Yes Yes www.leica-geosystems.com
[NDI] ScanTRAK/OPTOTRAK Yes Yes www.laserdesign.com
[Nikon Metrology] Handheld** Yes Yes www.nikonmetrology.com
[Perceptron] ScanWorks Yes Yes www.perceptron.com
[Perceptron] ScanWorks XYZ Yes www.perceptron.com
[Romer] Portable CMM Yes www.romer.com
[ROMER] ROMER-RDS Yes Yes www.romer.com
[RSI] MicroScan/MicroScribe Yes www.rsi-gmbh.de
[Steinbichler] T-Scan Yes Yes www.steinbichler.de/

* Kreon users should install "Rapidform plug-in installer" which is distributed by Kreon.
** The hardware that is supported by the Handheld API is the following:
- Optical CMM (K-Series system) with the laser scanners: MMD, MMC, MMDx
- MCA II 7-axis articulated arm with the scanners: MMD, MMC, MMDx
- MCA II 6-axis acrticulated arm without scanner
- MCA 7-axis articulated arm with the laser scanners: MMD, MMC, MMDx, LC60D
- MCA 6-axis articulated arm with the scanners: MMD, MMC
- Romer Cimcore Infinite 1.0 7-axis articulated arm with the laser scanners: MMD, MMC, MMDx
- Romer Cimcore Infinite 2.0 7-axis articulated arm with the laser scanners: MMD, MMC, MMDx
- Romer Cimcore Infinite 1.0 6-axis articulated arm with the laser scanners: MMD, MMC
- Romer Cimcore Infinite 2.0 6-axis articulated arm without laser scanner
- Faro Fusion, Titanium, Platinum 7-axis articulated arm with the laser scanners: MMD, MMC, MMDx
- Faro Fusion, Titanium, Platinum 6-axis articulated arm with the laser scanners: MMD, MMC

How can LiveScan™ control a scanner?

Rapidform XOR’s LiveScan™ technology contains three function controls. The functions of the
buttons will vary between different type and manufacturers of scanners.
Button on
Function
LiveScan™
Scan - Resumes scanning and pauses scanning.
A
Probe – Picks a point.
Scan - Stops scanning.
B
Probe - Creates a scan entity.
Scan - Not Available
C
Probe – Cancels the scanning.

To perform the A, B and C functions of LiveScan™ as described above, use the buttons on each
scanner device specified in the following table.
Scanner
Product Model Button
Device
1. Probing (SMR)
There is no button on the hardware. Use A, B and C buttons on
the LiveScan™ UI or hotkeys.
2. Probing (IProbe)
There is only one button on the hardware.
Function A: click the button.
[API] Function B: double-click the button.
Intelli-Probe
IntelliScan Function C: use A, B and C buttons on the LiveScan™ UI or a
Intelli-Scan
IntelliProbe hotkey since C function is unavailable using the button on the
hardware.
3. Scanning (IScanner)
There is only one button on the hardware.
Function A: click the button.
Function B: use A, B and C buttons on the LiveScan™ UI or a
hotkey.
[Cimcore] Probing
Infinite
Portable CMM Function A: Click the middle button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 437

 Function B: Click the buttons on the both sides.
Function C: Press the buttons on the both sides for a few
seconds.
Scanning
Function A: Click the green button.
Function B: Click the red button.
Probing
Arm Function A: Click the green button.
[FARO]
- Platinum, Quantum, FusionScanner, Function B: Click the red button.
FaroArm
EDGE arm Function C: Press the red button for a few second
ScanArm
- Laser ScanArm V2, Laser ScanArm V3

The function control varies according to the arm type. For

Cimcore arm, the function control is same with that of
Perceptron.
Scanning
Function A: Click the middle button.
[Kreon] ZEPHYR
Function B: Click the buttons on the both sides.
Scanner SOLANO
Probing
Function A: Click the middle button.
Function B: Click the buttons on the both sides.
Function C: Press the buttons on the both sides for a few
seconds.
The function control varies according to the arm type. For FARO
arm, the function control is as follows:
Scanning
Function A: Click the green button.
[LDI]
SLP (Surveyor Laser Probes) Function B: Click the red button.
SLP
Probing
Function A: Click the green button.
Function B: Click the red button.
Function C: Press the red button for a few seconds.
Optical CMM (K-Series system) with the
following laser scanners: Scanning
MMD / MMC / MMDx Function A: Click the middle button.
Function B: Click the buttons on the both sides.
MCA II 7-axis articulated arm with the Probing
following scanners: Function A: Click one of the four buttons in the inside.
MMD / MMC / MMDx Function B: Click the button on the outside.

CA II 6-axis articulated arm without

scanner

MCA 7-axis articulated arm with the

following laser scanners:
MMD / MMC / MMDx / LC60D

CA 6-axis articulated arm with the

following scanners:
MMD / MMC
[Nikon
Metrology] Romer Cimcore Infinite 1.0 7-axis
Handheld articulated arm with the following laser
scanners:
MMD / MMC / MMDx

Romer Cimcore Infinite 2.0 7-axis

articulated arm with the following laser
scanners:
MMD / MMC / MMDx

Romer Cimcore Infinite 1.0 6-axis

articulated arm with the following laser
scanners:
MMD / MMC

Romer Cimcore Infinite 2.0 6-axis

articulated arm without laser scanner,
Faro Fusion, Titanium, Platinum 7-axis
articulated arm with the following laser
scanners:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 438

 MMD / MMC / MMDx

Faro Fusion, Titanium, Platinum 6-axis

articulated arm with the following laser
scanners:
MMD / MMC
For Cimcore arm, the function control is as follows:
Scanning
Function A: Click the middle button
Function B: Click the buttons on the both sides.
[Perceptron]
Scanworks Laser Head Probing
ScanWorks
Function A: Click the middle button.
Function B: Click the buttons on the both sides.
Function C: Press the buttons on the both sides for a few
seconds.
There are two buttons on the hardware.
Probing
[Romer]
Sigma Function A: Click one of two buttons.
Portable CMM
Function B: Click the other button.
Function C: Press the button set as B for a few seconds.
Scanning
Function A: Click the button on the scanner.
[RSI]
MicroScan Function B: Click the buttons on the LiveScan™ screen.
MicroScan
MicroScribe G2, MX series Probing
MicroScribe
Function A: Click the button on the scanner.
Function B and C: Click the buttons on the LiveScan™ screen.

LiveScan™ workflow
Before starting LiveScan™, a hardware device must be installed with its drivers or software and be
ready to communicate with the PC.

Select a device supported in the

application.

Connects the device. (If connected,

this button changes to “Disconnect”)

(Optional procedure as a device)

Hardware parameters settings for
Calibration, Laser Setting, Probe
Selection.

(Optional procedure) Software

parameters settings for scanning and
probing.

Choose “Align” or “Scan” stage.

Start scanning or probing. (If

started, this button changes to “Stop”)

How to Use
A. Aligning the scan coordinate to CAD data using Best-Fit method.
1. Import CAD data.

2. Go to Insert > Scanner Direct Control > LiveScan(TM) or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose a device.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 439

 4.
Click the Connect button .

5. Set the alignment method to Best-Fit in the LiveScan™ dialog tree.

6. Click the Target Body button and choose a CAD data.

7. Click the Start button to start scanning.

8. Scan a real part by pushing the “A” button on the device. It must cover the entire area.

9. After scanning, push the “B” button. The Best-Fit alignment calculation will be performed.

10. To acquire additional scan data or probe data, move to the Next Stage .

B. Aligning the scan coordinate to CAD data using Datum method.

1. Import CAD data.

2. Go to Insert > Scanner Direct Control > LiveScan(TM) or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose a device.

4.
Click the Connect button .

5. Set the alignment method to Datum in the LiveScan™ dialog tree.

6. Select datums on the CAD data such as plane, cylinder, cone and sphere. Selected datum
types will be listed. The device type (probe or scanner) and a method for each datum can
be configured.

7. Click the Start button to start scanning.

9. Probe a real feature by pushing the “A” button on the device.

10. After acquiring probing points for a datum, push the “B” button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 440

 11. Complete the remaining datums.

12. After completing the last datum the Datum alignment calculation will be performed.

13 To acquire additional scan data or probe data, move to the Next Stage .

C. Scanning a real part.

1. Import CAD data.

2. Go to Insert > Scanner Direct Control > LiveScan(TM) or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose a device.

4.
Click the Connect button .

5. Move to the Next Stage in the LiveScan™ dialog tree.

6. Choose a device type from a Laser Scanner or Touch Probe.

7. Choose a Feature Type which will be generated in the application from acquired scan or
probe data.

8. Click the Start button to start scanning or probing.

9. Click OK to complete the LiveScan™ command.

Options in Detail of Device Manager

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 441

1. Device Manager

When the Auto Connect option is Used for a scanning device

enabled, the last connected device calibration.
will be remembered and will
connect automatically when starting
LiveScan™.
When the Hold Connection option
is used, the application will not
disconnect a device even if the
LiveScan™ command is closed.

Connects a selected device. Used for a scanning device

settings.

Used to reposition a device to scan Used for the probe settings

or probe a part. of a device.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 442

Move Device
Used to when scanning a large object that requires multiple scans due to the single scan size
limitations of a scanning device.

How to use the Move Device command

If Device Type is a Scanner:
nd
1. Click Next Step (2 process) and then scan the part.
rd
2. Click Next Step (3 process) and then move the device.
th nd
3. Click Next Step (4 process) and then re-scan the area from the 2 step.
th
4. Click Next Step (5 process) and the application calculates the moved position of the device.

If Device Type is a Probe:

1. Click Add and create 3 or more Ref. Points (The creation method can be defined in Method)
nd
2. Click Next Step (2 process) and then prove the part regarding to the Ref. Points.
rd
3. Click Next Step (3 process) and then move the device.
th nd
4. Click Next Step (4 process) and then re-prove the part from 2 step.
th
5. Click Next Step (5 process) and then the application calculates the moved position of the device.

Options in Detail of Scanner Options Dialog

The General tab lists general settings when scanning.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 443

Display
Zoom Fit – Displays an entire model during scanning. The view will be refreshed when
the scan line is out of the screen.

Camera – Aligns a view by following a device’s front direction. Zooming size is

determined by the Slider.

Note: The view will be fixed if both Zoom Fit and Camera are not selected.

View Direction
Fixed Top View – Fixes the top view direction by using hardware information. The Set button
defines the Top view direction.

Smart View – Intelligently recognizes a scanning direction within a system-defined view range
and dynamically adapts the view direction to a proper viewpoint.

Free View – Freely sets the view direction according to a scanning direction.

Auto Restart
Auto Restart – Performs post processing and readys to scan without pressing the A button after
stopping a scan by pressing the B button.

Auto Save
Auto Save - Automatically saves raw scan data in a specified location. The folder is automatically
named by date and saved in the .lsf format.
For example: xxx/20070704/ScanRawData1_1627_1.lsf

Sound and Button

Enable Sound While Scanning – Enables sound while scanning.

Hotkey for A/B Buttons – Defines keyboard hotkeys for the A and B button. Click a box and enter a
desired key.

The Data Process tab lists detailed settings when acquiring scan data.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 444

Filter Scan Data
Cutoff Angle – Selects a cutoff angle to use while scanning allowing the scanner to gather points
from an object within an angle between a scan direction and an object’s normal direction.

Filter Noise – Reduces the noise introduced during scanning.

Smoothness of Scan Data

Smooth – After post processing from acquired scan data, smoothing is applied.

Weight – Determines smoothness strength.

Iteration – Determines repetition of smoothness.

Scan Data Post Processing

Use Original Data – For post processing of scan data, uses original scan data from scan device.

Sample - Skips several points when scanning data large data that it is beyond memory limits.

Distance – Specifies a length that the software uses to find points.

Ratio - Specifies the sampling ratio to load points.

Triangulate – Generates a mesh from scan data.

Maximum Edge Length - Limits triangle size by a longest edge length.

Make Grid – Generates a grid type uniform scan data.

Grid Size – Defines a grid resolution. High resolution of a grid will make a dense scan data.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 445

Setting
Load - Imports saved settings for the Data Process tab.

Save - Saves settings in the Data Process tab as an .ini file.

Default – Resets all settings as default values.

Options in Detail of Probe Options Dialog

View Direction
Fixed Top View – Fixes the top view direction by using hardware information. The Set button
defines the Top view direction.

Smart View – Intelligently recognizes a probing direction within a system-defined view range
and dynamically adapts the view direction to a proper viewpoint.

Free View – Freely sets the view direction according to a probing direction.

Auto Probe
Auto Probe – Acquires a probe position automatically without using the A button when the probe tip
is held still near a target position. Pressing the A button changes the acquisition status to Pause and
Resume. In the Pause state, no probe position is acquired, even if the probe is held at a position. In
the Resume state, the auto probing scheme will be used. The current status at the top right in Model
View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 446

 Time - Defines the hold time when the probe tip stays near the target position.

Range - Defines the allowable area of acquiring position from the target position.

Drag Mode
Drag Mode – Allows to capture multiple points while pushing the A button.

Time – Every point as defined time will be acquired.

Distance – Every point as defined distance will be acquired.

Tolerance and Sound

RMS Tolerance – Sets an RMS tolerance value and will display any value outside of the tolerance
during probing as red and will trigger a beeping alert from the PC in use.

Enable Sound While Probing – Triggers a beeping alert from the PC in use when generating a
probing point.

Hotkey
Hotkey for A/B/C Buttons – Defines keyboard hotkeys for the A, B and C button. Click the box and
enter the desired key.

Compensation and Generate Entity

Use Custom Compensation - Compensates a probe radius by the direction of the X, Y, and Z
global axes or the probe axis and is useful when a scanning part is aligned to a CAD in the
application. Compensation is applied to a surface normal direction when the Surface option is
chosen.

Without Compensation Compensation to –Z Compensation to Probe Axis

Create Ref. Points From Measured Points – Registers probed points as ref. points.

Create Sketch Points From Measured Points – Creates points in the Sketch mode from probed
points.

Options in Detail of LiveScan(TM) Dialog Tree

1/2 Align Stage

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 447

Reset to HW Coordinate System – Resets the coordinate system to the HW coordinate system.

Note: When running the LiveScan™ command, the scanning coordinate system aligns by default
to the previously used coordinate system by using the last used transform matrix.

Align Type
Best Fit – Alignment method that is applied when scanning is finished.

Global – Alignment method that is applied to a selected whole body.

Partial – Alignment method that is applied only to selected faces on a body.

Max. Distance – Sets the maximum distance between alignment entities.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Max. Iteration Count – Determines a value that will limit the number of times a registration
iterates.

Max. Average Deviation – Determines a value as deviation criteria used to judge if a

registration result is satisfactory. The application will attempt to make the average deviation of
a final model less than this value within the Max. Iteration Count.

Offset – Applies the Best Fit method by offsetting at a specified distance.

Anchor Type – Defines the reference position for constraints of translation or rotation. Selects
the type of anchor used in the command. If the Scan Data Center option is selected, the
center of the bounding box for selected scan data is shown and used as the anchor point. If
the Model Center option is selected, the center of the target model will be used as an anchor
point. If Local Coordinate is selected, you can define custom coordinate as the anchor point.
If the Global Origin option is selected, the origin point in the global coordinate will be used as
the anchor point.

Lock Translation/Rotation – Limits movement and rotation in each direction while scan data
is aligned.

Ignore Outlier – Ignores data far from the average during calculation.

Datum – Used for alignment by selecting geometry such as a plane, cylinder, sphere, or vertex on a

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 448

body, allowing the selection of a device and a method to acquire pair geometry from a real-part. After
acquiring all geometries, the application performs Datum alignment.

2/2 Scan Stage

Device
Laser Scanner – Acquires data using a scanner.

Touch Probe – Acquires data using a probe.

Feature Type (Laser Scanner)

Mesh / Point Cloud – Creates meshes or point clouds after scanning.

Ref. Geometries – Creates a ref. plane after scanning.

Surface Body – Creates a surface body by averaging scanned points. You can create a
plane, cylinder, cone, sphere and torus after scanning.

Solid Body – Creates a solid body by averaging scanned points. You can create a cylinder,
cone, sphere and torus after scanning.

Feature Type (Touch Probe)

Mesh / Point Cloud – Creates meshes or point clouds after probing.

Ref. Geometries – Creates ref. geometries after probing.

Ref. Planes – Creates a ref. plane by fitting probing points.

Probing Points Ref. Plane

Ref. Vector – Creates a ref. vector using one of the following methods:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 449

 Intersect 2 Planes – Creates two planes by probing, and then generates a ref.
vector at the intersecting line of the two planes.

First Plane Second Plane Ref. Vector

Fit Without Compensation – Creates a ref. vector by using use probe centers
to average probing points without compensation.

Probing Points Ref. Vector

Projection And Fit Without Compensation – Creates a projected ref. vector

from probing points without compensation.

Base Plane Probing Points Ref. Vector

From Fitting Cylinder – Creates an axial ref. vector of a cylinder that was
created by fitting probing points. At least seven points are required to create a
cylinder.

Probing Points Ref. Vector

From Fitting Cone – Creates an axial ref. vector of a cone that was created by
fitting probing points. At least eight points are required to create a cylinder.

Probing Points Ref. Vector

Ref. Polylines – Creates a ref. polyline from probing points without

compensation.

Probing Points Ref. Polyline

Ref. Points – Creates a ref. point using one of the following methods:

Average – Internally creates a plane by fitting probing points and compensates

a plane. The averaged proving point will be projected onto the compensated
plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 450

 Probing Points Ref. Point

Average Without Compensation – Creates a ref. point by averaging probed

points without compensation.

Probing Points Ref. Point

Projection And Average Without Compensation - Creates a projected ref.

point without compensation.

Base Plane Probing Points Ref. Point

Intersect 3 Planes – Creates a ref. point at the intersecting position of three

planes.

First Plane Second Plane Third Plane Ref. Point

Intersect 2 Planes – Creates a center point at the intersecting line between two
planes.

First Plane Second Plane Ref. Point

From Fitting Circle – Creates a projected ref. point from the center position of a
fitted circle.

Base Plane Probing Points Ref. Point

From Fitting Sphere – Creates a ref. point at the center of a fitting sphere.

Probing Points Ref. Point

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 451

 From An Edge Of A Plane – Creates an edge point on a ref. plane.

Base Plane Probing Points Ref. Point

Intersection Points On A Plane – Creates a ref. point at the intersecting

position between a plane and a line generated by two points.

Base Plane Probing Points Ref. Point

Instant Point Without Compensation – Creates ref. points by a single

acquisition of the A button.

Probing Points Ref. Point

Surface Body – Creates a surface body by averaging probed points after probing. A plane,
cylinder, cone, sphere, or torus can be created.

Solid Body – Creates a solid body by averaging probed points after probing. A cylinder, cone,
sphere or torus can be created.

Sketches – Creates sketch entities after probing. A line, rectangle, circle, point, or slot can be
created.

3D Sketches – Creates a spline after probing.

Set Name Prefix – Defines the prefix of an entity name.

Use Device Buttons To Change LiveScan™ Option – Allows changes in options in the
LiveScan™ dialog tree by using scanner buttons.

7.4.15.2. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Creaform

Handyscan 3D
VXscan or VXelements should be installed in advance to directly control a Handyscan 3D scanner.

Supported devices
Device 32-bit 64-bit
HandyScan Yes Yes

Options in Detail
1. Configure

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 452

 Session

New – Starts a new session.

Open – Opens an existing session file (.CSF).

Save – Saves the current session (.CSF).

Positioning Features

Open – Opens a positioning target file (.TXT).

Copy - Copies positioning targets to a new scan.

Save - Saves positioning targets in a file (.TXT)

Scan List - Shows existing scans of the current session and

highlights the current scan.

Add – Adds a scan to the current session.

Rename Scan - Changes the name of the current scan

in the Current Scan box.

Remove Scan - Removes the current scan.

Sensor

Configuration - Shows the Sensor Configuration dialog

box for Handyscan 3D.

Calibration – Shows the Sensor Calibration dialog box

for Handyscan 3D.

Scan Backup Path – Sets the backup folder for scan data.
2. Scan

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 453

 Scan

Start – Starts scanning.

Stop – Stops scanning.

Reset – Clears the scan data for the current scan.

Surface – Gathers surface data and positioning

features during scanning.

Positioning Features – Gathers only positioning

features during scanning.

Show Current Scan Only – Shows only the scan data

of a selected scan.

Hide Positioning Features When Surface Scanning

– Hides positioning features during scanning.

Show VxScan Entity Only – Shows only meshes and

ref. point entities related to scan data.

Open VxScan Window – Opens the VxScan window

and enables users to access all functions that VxScan
provides.

Surface Parameter - Sets scanning volume size or resolution.

Volume Size – Adjust surface reconstruction settings and sets the scanning volume. Changing
the volume size directly affects the voxel size of each resolution level.

Resolution – Select High, Medium or Low resolution.

Apply - Confirms settings.

Cancel – Restores a previous setting.

Center Volume - Centers the volume on an object being scanned.

Refine - Performs an operation on a surface that decreases the impact of possible positioning
errors that may occur during scanning.

Facet Parameter

Spike Filter – Determines the level of spike filtering.

Fill Positioning Features – Fills holes created by the positioning features on an object.

Apply – Confirms settings.

Cancel – Restores a previous setting.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 454

7.4.15.3. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Z
Corporation ZScanner 700
ZScan should be installed in advance to directly control a ZScanner 700 scanner.

Supported devices
Device 32-bit 64-bit
ZScan Yes Yes

Options in Detail
1. Configure
Session

New – Starts a new session.

Open – Opens an existing session file (.CSF).

Save – Saves the current session (.CSF).

Positioning Features

Open – Opens a positioning target file (.TXT).

Copy - Copies positioning targets to a new scan.

Save - Saves positioning targets in a file (.TXT).

Scan List - Shows existing scans of the current session and

highlights the current scan.

Add – Adds a scan to a current session.

Rename Scan - Changes the name of the current scan

in the Current Scan box.

Remove Scan - Removes the current scan.

Sensor

Configuration - Shows the Sensor Configuration dialog

box for ZScan.

Calibration – Shows the Sensor Calibration dialog box

for ZScan.

Scan Backup Path – Set the backup folder for scan data.

2. Scan

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 455

 Scan

Start – Starts scanning.

Stop – Stops scanning.

Reset – Clears the scan data for the current scan.

Surface – Gathers both surface data and positioning

features during scanning.

Positioning Features – Gathers only positioning

features during scanning.

Show Current Scan Only – Shows only the scan data

of a selected scan.

Hide Positioning Features When Surface Scanning

– Hides positioning features during scanning.

Show ZScan Entity Only – Shows only meshes and

ref. point entities related to scan data.

Open ZScan Window – Opens the ZScan window and

allows users to access all functions that ZScan
provides.

Surface Parameter - Sets scanning volume size or resolution.

Volume Size – Adjust surface reconstruction settings and sets the scanning volume. Changing
the volume size directly affects the voxel size of each resolution level.

Resolution – Select High, Medium or Low resolution.

Apply - Confirms settings.

Cancel – Restores a previous setting.

Center Volume - Centers the volume on an object being scanned.

Refine - Performs an operation on a surface that decreases the impact of possible positioning
errors that may occur during scanning.

Facet Parameter

Spike Filter – Determines the level of spike filtering.

Fill Positioning Features – Fills holes created by the positioning features on an object.

Apply – Confirms settings.

Cancel – Restores a previous setting.

7.4.15.4. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Konica

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 456
 Minolta VIVID
Supported devices
Device 32-bit 64-bit
VIVD 910 Yes Yes
VIVD 9i Yes Yes

Options in Detail
1. General
Scan

Name – Used to input the name of a scan

shot and its suffix.

Auto Align – Automatically aligns captured

scan shots.
Rotary Axis is used for a rotary table
device, and Geometry performs auto
alignment with an application algorithm.
The With Only Last Scan option performs
alignment between the last scan shot and a
previous one.

Save Raw Data – Saves raw scan data to a

desired directory.

Preview – Shows a preview image with a

color map. Red represents near distances
from a scanner and blue represents far
distance. Anything displayed in black will not
be seen by a scanner, because it is out of
range. When a preview is satisfactory, click
Accept.

Scan – Starts scanning.

Auto Scan – Starts auto scanning using a rotary table. Parameters can be set in the Rotary
Table tab in the Auto Scan option.

Digitizer Parameter – Applies parameters from the Standard and Advanced tab to a scanner
device when the Set button is clicked. The Get button retrieves the parameters from a scanner
device to the Standard and Advanced tab.

Mode – Select the Standard, Extend or User mode provided by a scanner device.
2. Standard Tab

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 457

 Focus – Sets a focusing distance. Clicking Auto
Focus, will set a scanner to find the best
focusing distance automatically. Checking the
Auto Focus Before Scan option will allow a
scanner to Auto Focus whenever it scans.

Exposure – Sets the exposure of scanner

device.

LD - LD (Laser Diode) Power.

Gain - CCD Gain.

Auto Exposure Before Scan – Sets

exposure values automatically before
starting a scan.

Auto Exposure – Finds the best exposure

for scanning. Checking the Auto
Exposure Before Scan option allows a
scanner to use Auto Exposure whenever
it scans.

Scan

No Polygon – Gathers only point clouds.

Multi-Pass – Determines the number scans.

Import Raw Data – Imports .cdk and .cdm file formats.

Texture

Use Texture – Gathers textures. To correct a texture color, use the Dark Correct or Log
Correction options.

Dark Correction - Applies dark correction to color data. Use for striation-type noise in
images.

Log Correction - Applies logarithmic correction to color data. Used to brighten neutral
colors.

Brightness – Corrects texture brightness.

Overlap Texture - Uses the texture of a current model and overlaps it onto previously
scanned data. A non-textured model can overlap another texture in different illumination
conditions.
3. Advanced Tab

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 458

 Raw Data Process

Reduce Ratio – Decides the sampling

ratio used to import scan data.

Filter - Decides the filtering method for

poly-vertices.
The None method will not filter any poly-
vertices.
The Noise Filter method will filter noisy
poly-vertices.
The High Quality method will filter
unreliable data but is only effective for
importing scan data obtained using a
Vivid910.
The Noise Filter & High Quality method
uses both the Noise Filter and High
Quality methods and is also only effective
for importing scan data obtained using a
Vivid910.

Remove – Chooses a method to remove unnecessary parts while importing scan data.
The Don't Remove method will not remove any parts
The Bound method removes boundary points.
The Bound & xx Degree method removes boundary points and polygons within a
corresponding angle range between 5, 10, 15, and 20 Degrees to a view vector.

Fill Holes – Fills small holes in a mesh.

Multi-Depth Scan

Multi-Depth Scan – Executes multiple scans while changing distances.

For example, setting Spacing to 20 and Scan Num to 3 when the distance is 600, will scan at
the 580, 600, and 620 positions and create three meshes in the working window with the
names “Default - 000deg: 01”, “Default - 000deg: 02” and “Default - 000deg: 03”.

Direction – Selects the direction for multi scanning.

Forward – Starts scanning in the forward direction from a current focus length.

Backward – Starts scanning in the backward direction from a current focus length.

Both – Starts scanning in the forward and backward direction from a current focus
length.

No. of Scan – Defines how many scan shots will be captured.

Spacing – Defines distance increments for focus length.

VIVID 9i Calibration – Calibrates a VIVID 9i scanner which requires a calibration jig.

4. Rotary Table Tab

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 459

 Connection

Auto Connect On Startup –

Automatically communicates with a rotary
table upon startup.

Model – Selects a rotary table which you

want to connect.

PORT – Selects the port used to

communicate with a rotary table.

Connect – Starts communication with a

rotary table.

Disconnect – Stops communication with a

rotary table.

Single Scan

Use Angle As Name Suffix – Uses a specified angle for the file name suffix.

Auto Rotate – Automatically turns a rotary table by a specified angle after scanning.

Rotary – Manually turns a rotary table.

The Move button starts to turn a rotary table.
The Origin button moves a rotary table to its origin position.

Auto Scan – Sets the parameters used for an automated scan.

No. of Scan – Sets the number of rotations.

Total Angle – Sets the entire angle of scanning.

Equal Spacing – Applies scanning with an equal angle decided by the No. of Scan and Total
Angle options.

Interval Waiting – Sets the value for scanning after a rotary table has been turned. A time can
be set to prevent a model from shaking by the sudden stop of a rotary table.
5. Calibration Tab

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 460

 The Calibration tab contains parameters for
calibration of a rotary table.
Calibration State shows the calibration status or
if a stored calibration has been successfully
loaded. If it is not lit a calibration is necessary.
Calibration Types chooses the method of
calibration. The default is Plate for plates
provided by Konica Minolta. When a calibration
ball provided by INUS Technology is used the
Sphere type needs to be used.
Scan For Calib uses a jig used for calibration
that can be scanned. The axis vector of the
rotary table can automatically be found by
processing the scan data of a part in the
application.

If the results of an axis vector are not satisfactory, it can be manually re-assign by selecting scan
areas using the Upper Sphere, Lower Sphere, Left Plate, and Right Plate buttons. The new axis
vector will be recalculated from the manual selection of areas.

When scan data contains noise, the application may fail to calibrate and the scan data may need to
be edited by making a reference vector in the application. After editing scan data, the Pick Rot
Vector option can be used to set a rotation vector. Click the Pick Scan & Calib. Option and select a
scan data to perform calibration.
Calibration Info. shows the current calibration information.
Load Calib Data will load calibration information previously stored in a file.
Save Calib. Data will save the current calibration information to a file.
Manual Clustering Criterion can be used to classify clusters for calibration purposes and if it is not
checked, the value will be automatically calculated.

7.4.15.5. Insert > Scanner Direct Control >

Breuckmann
To execute the Breuckmann command, previously, Optocat should be installed on your machine.

Options in Detail
1. System

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 461

 Breuckmann Optocat

Version – Chooses an installed version of Optocat.

Launcher Path – Chooses the file path of the

Optocat .exe file.

Connect & Initialization – Connects a scanner and

defines the initial setup preferences supported by
Optocat. The color of ‘Breuckmann Connection’ will
change from red to green when successful.

Rotary Table Setting

Model – Chooses a type of a rotary table.

COM Port – Chooses a port for the application to

communicates with a rotary table. If a rotary table is
connected by USB, this option will be disabled.

Connect – Connects a selected rotary table. The

color of ‘Breuckmann Connection’ will change from
red to green when successful.

Test – Tests to verify that a rotary table is working

correctly.

Data Option

Including Color – Imports color information.

Triangulation – Starts triangulation when scan data

is acquired.

Scanner Waiting Time – Sets the time between

scanning intervals.

2. Calibration

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 462

 Home – Rotates a rotary table to a default position.

Move Rotary Table – Rotates a rotary table by a specific

angle.

Set Scan Parameter – Opens the option dialog box of

Optocat.

Incremental Angle– Specifies an angle between scans.

Scan for Calibration – Calibrates by scanning three

times by a specified angle.

Start Calibration – Opens the Calibration Window dialog

box and calculates the rotational axis of a rotary table by
picking markers or spheres on three images and clicking
the Start Calibration button.

Image Size – Selects an image size in the Calibration

Window dialog box.

Reverse Axis Direction – Flips a rotation axis.

Show Axis – Displays an axis.

3. Single
Home - Rotates a rotary table to a default position.

Move Rotary Table – Rotates a rotary table by a specific

angle.

Set Scan Parameter - Opens the option dialog box of

Optocat.

Scan – Starts scanning.

Auto Align – Automatically aligns scan shots.

Geometry – Aligns scan data using a feature-to-

feature recognition alignment algorithm.

Rotary Axis – Aligns scan data using the axis of a

rotary table that can be found in the Calibration tab.

With Only Last Scan – Performs alignment with

the last scan.

4. Batch

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 463

 Auto Filling – Displays the Auto Filling dialog box where
the Start / End Angle and Count options can be utilized.
Angles will be displayed in the Scan List box.

Clear – Removes all angles in the Scan List box.

Set Scan Parameter - Displays the option dialog box of

Optocat appears.

Batch Scan – Starts scanning.

Align Geometry – Aligns scan data using a feature-to-

feature recognition alignment algorithm.

Rotary Axis – Aligns scan data using the axis of a rotary

table that can be found in the Calibration tab.

7.4.15.6. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > KODEN

OCM-A
The default setting of KODEN OCM-A devices are included in OCM-A_Info.ini.file. The file is located
in C:\Program Files\INUS Technology\Rapidform Program\bin\KODEN OCM-A.

Options in Detail
Connect – To communicate with KODEN OCM-A devices, click this button. When connected to
the device, the button will change to Disconnect.

Auto – Automatically applies the Zoom fit function while scanning is in progress.

ZoomFit – Displays and refreshes an entire model during scanning.

7.4.15.7. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Roland

LPX (32 bit only)
Supported devices
Device 32-bit 64-bit
LPX Series Yes No

Options in Detail
Connect – Communicate with a Roland LPX scanner.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 464

Port – Selects a port.

Rotational Scan – Set scanning options for scanning a model while it is rotating.

A scanning area is defined by the Height and Circumferential input boxes. If a scanning size
cannot be initially defined, click the Preview button and an approximate height will be generated
for a Height value.
Scanning pitch is defined in the Circumferential Pitch and Height-direction Pitch input boxes.
After scan settings are define scanning time can be estimated by using the up arrow button. To
start scanning, click the Scan button.

Planar Scan – Makes a square of the scanning area and scans a model in several rotational
directions.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 465

A total number of scans can be defined in the Surfaces to Scan input box. If 3 is input, a model
will be scanned 3 times.

To change an initial scanning direction, click the button. A scanning area is defined by the
Height and Width input boxes. If a scanning size cannot be initially defined, click the Preview
button and an approximate height will be generated for a Height value.
Scanning pitch is defined by the Circumferential Pitch and Width-direction Pitch input boxes.
After scan settings are define scanning time can be estimated by using the up arrow button. To
start scanning, click the Scan button.

Points Only – Imports scan data as a point cloud.

Cutoff Angle - Specifies an angle between a scan direction and a normal direction of poly-face
mesh to be generated. If the angle is larger than a user defined value, a poly face mesh will not be
generated. This option is useful for preventing scan data from containing unwanted spikes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 466

7.4.15.8. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > Konica
Minolta RANGE5/RANGE7 (64 bit only)
To execute the RANGE5 and RANGE7 command, previously, RangeViewer should be installed on
your machine.

Options in Detail
Connect – Connects to a RangeViewer after setting a Path.

Points Only – Imports only point data from RangeViewer.

Suppress – Used to suppress data when acquiring point cloud or mesh data of large sizes from a
scanner. The suppressed data will be imported and loaded on the hard disk.

RangeViewer Path – Automatically sets a default installation path when the application is first
installed. If the installation folder is changed or move, this option can be used to set the correct
path for RANGEVIEWER.exe.

7.4.15.9. Insert > Scanner Direct Control > 3D

Digital Scanner
RealScan should be installed in advance to directly control a 3D digital scanner.

Options in Detail
Scanner – Chooses a scanner to directly control in the application.

Gain / Threshold – Allows users to specify scan density. The number of lines is adjustable up to
1000 and the higher the density of points, the longer it will take to scan. Along with the resolution
control, users can also adjust gain and stripe threshold settings. The stripe threshold and gain
settings allow users to adjust camera sensitivity to capture more or less points on the surface of an
object to be scanned. Darker objects will need higher gain settings so that the laser will appear
brighter to the camera.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 467

 Noisy Scan Good Scan

1000 / 255 Points / Lines – Controls distribution points consisting of the number of points per line
by the number of lines per scan. There are 2 modes for scanning, 255 Points or 1000 Points. The
resolution of a scan can be changed by adjusting the number of Points and Lines. The default
number of points per laser stripe will be 255 in a fast scan mode. EScan models can only scan in
modes of 255 points, while Optix series scanners can scan up to 1000 points. The number of lines
can be increased up to 1000.

Z Range Cut Off – A Z Range Cut Off setting is provided to help remove the foreground and
backdrop from a model. To eliminate the foreground and backdrop points, reduce the maximum Z
and increase the minimum Z using the Set Cutoff Plane sliders. The Far slider sets the location of
the far cutoff plane and the Near slider sets the location of the near cutoff plane. Users can adjust
scan volume in real time when the Preview button is used. To open Z limits, click the Extend DOF
button. To return back to calibrated limits, push the button again.

X Range Limits – The X-Range Limits allows users to control an area being scanned in the X
axis. A laser sweeps left to right but the length of each sweep can be narrowed if a user is
scanning a smaller object. The Laser On button will turn on the laser to allow users to see the
laser position. To adjust limits, move the slider bar to a desired laser position and click the L or R
button to set either the left or right limits of scanning. Clicking the double arrow button will move the
laser to either extreme of the scanning field. To open up the X limits again, click the Reset FOV
button.

Points Only – Creates a point cloud from a scan. To get mesh data from scanning, turn this option
off.

Preview / Scan – Toggles the preview mode or take scans.

7.4.15.10. Insert > Scanner Direct Control >

Shining3D
To directly control a Shining 3D scanner, Shining 3D’s application should be installed in advance.

Note: If the application cannot find a Shining 3D application, a dialog box will be displayed to
manually choose the Shining 3D’s application execution file (.exe) when the Insert > Scanner
Direct Control > Shining3D command is executed.

Note: Scanner Direct Control Interface for Shining 3D is supported in the 32-bit version of
Rapidform XOR only.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 468

1. Run Application
Manually choose the directory where the Shining 3D application execution file (.exe) and
configuration files are located. Once the directory is set, it will be preserved for when the application
is run again.

2. General
Ini Path – Shows the path where the configuration file
(.ini) is located.

– Manually chooses the location of the configuration

file (.ini).

View – Shows the view of the Left Camera or the Right

Camera.

Camera Settings – Specifies camera settings.

Exp. Time – Specifies the exposure time of

camera.

Both – Applies camera settings to both the Left

Camera and the Right Camera.

Gain – Adjusts camera sensitivity to capture more

or less points on the surface of an object. Darker
objects will need higher gain settings so that the
laser will appear brighter to the camera.

Projector Settings – Specifies projector settings.

Stripe Test – Projects stripes on a target object.

Cross – Projects a crossed center on a target

object.

Stripe Width – Sets the width of projected stripes

by adjusting a slider.

Min. / Max. Bright – Sets the range of brightness

by adjusting a slider. (0~255)

Calibration – Shows the Sensor Calibration dialog box for

Shining 3D.

Scan and Align – Scans and aligns scan data.

Align – Aligns scan data.

Maker – Aligns scan data by using detected markers used during scanning.

Feature – Aligns scan data by using feature information. The application uses the
Local Based On Auto Guess method for quick and accurate alignment. For more
information, see Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan Data.

Import Marker Info. – Imports pre-defined markers information.

Export Marker Info. – Exports detected marker information during the scanning.

Scan – Starts scanning.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 469

7.5. Tools
The Tools menu features commands to edit existing features or create a new feature.

Tools are divided into 5 tool groups used to:

Managing Features
• Create new 3D Scan Data (Related to Scan Tools)
Creates and edits new 3D scan data from raw 3D scan data
• Edit Mesh (Related to Mesh Tools)
Edits mesh in the Mesh mode
• Manage Regions (Related to Region Tools)
Creates new regions on a mesh or edits them in the Region Group mode
• Edit Point Clouds (Related to Point Cloud Tools)
Edits point clouds in the Point Cloud mode
• Manage Texture (Related to Texture Tools)
Adds a new texture on mesh or edits it in the Mesh mode

Managing 2D Sketches
• Create 2D Sketch Entities (Related to Sketch Entities)
Creates 2D sketch entities such as lines, arcs, circles, rectangles, and ellipses
• Edit 2D Sketch Entities (Related to Sketch Tools)
Edits existing 2D sketch entities by filleting, offsetting, trimming, etc.
• Use 2D Sketch Options (Related to Sketch Options)
Executes 2D sketch options while creating 2D sketch entities
• Add Dimension Constraints (Related to Smart Dimension)
Measures dimensions and sets constraints for 2D sketch entities

Managing 3D Sketches
• Create 3D Sketch Entities (Related to 3D Sketch Entities)
Creates 3D sketch entities such as splines, sections, and boundaries
• Edit 2D Sketch Entities (Related to 3D Sketch Tools)
Edits existing 2D sketch entities by offsetting, trimming, extending, etc.

Managing Bodies
• Manage Bodies (Related to Body Tools)
Finds defects in existing bodies

Aligning Features
• Align Coordinates (Related to Align)
Moves features by aligning their coordinates

7.5.1. Tools > Scan Tools

The Scan Tools menu features various commands used to create new meshes from raw scan data
as well as editing existing 3D scan data.

Scan Tools are divided into 2 tool groups used to:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 470

Creating a New 3D Scan Data
• Mesh Buildup Wizard
Creates defect-free and watertight mesh models from raw 3D scan data through mesh building
stages
• Triangulate
Creates mesh from raw point clouds
• Align Between Scan Data
Aligns 3D scan data
• Merge
Merges 3D scan data into a single mesh
• Combine
Combines multiple 3D scan data files into a single 3D scan data file
• Decimate Meshes
Reduces the number of poly-faces in a mesh

Editing 3D Scan Data

• Normal Information Manager
Manages normal information in 3D scan data
• Transform Scan Data
Transforms 3D scan data
• Average Meshes
Creates averaged master meshes or feature shapes from 3D scan data
• Boolean
Creates new mesh by applying various geometric / mathematic operations

7.5.1.1. Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard

What
The Mesh Buildup Wizard command is a wizard style interface for creating defect-free and watertight
mesh models from raw 3D scan data. The command consists of 5 stages that can be executed in just
few clicks, enabling the speedy creation of optimized mesh for use in final reverse design stages.

Why
Mesh Buildup Wizard command is useful for:
• Creating a watertight mesh from raw 3D scan data
• Managing large amounts of 3D scan data and generating high quality mesh from it
• Applying proper 3D scan data processing methods to 3D scan data based on its type
• Reducing tedious and time consuming 3D scan data processing tasks

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 471

How to Use
A. How to create mesh from unaligned raw point clouds
1. Importing 3D scan data by using Mesh Buildup Wizard

Go to Insert > Import, or click the icon in the toolbar.

Select 3D scan data and click the Run Mesh Buildup Wizard button in the Import dialog
box.

Note: The Mesh Buildup Wizard can be executed after importing scan data by going to
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard in the menu. Multiple meshes or point
clouds or a single mesh or point cloud can be used as target 3D scan data.

2. Stage 1/5 – Data Preparation: Defining data properties

Check Small/Medium Size Object Scanner as the target 3D scanner type.

Note: This example assumes that the target scan data is a 3D point cloud to be scanned
as a Small/Medium Size Object scanner and not aligned.

Uncheck the “Is Pre-Aligned?” option and click the Next Stage button.

3. Stage 2/5 – Data Editing: Deleting unnecessary poly-vertices/faces

Select unnecessary clusters or outer poly-vertices.

Press the Del key or click the Delete button to remove them.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 472

 Note: Checking specific 3D scan data or using the Show This Only option in the pop-up
menu in the Entity Thumbnails pane can assist in displaying only desired data while
editing 3D scan data.

Click the Next Stage button.

4. Stage 3/5 – Data Pre-Aligning: Aligning 3D scan data automatically or manually

Choose the Local Based On Auto Guess option to automatically align scans.
Check if all scans are selected as Moving scans.

Click the Apply button.

All scans will be automatically aligned.

Note: If scans fail to align, use the Local Based On Picked Point option to manually
align them.

Click the Next Stage button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 473

 5. Stage 4/5 – Best-Fit Aligning: Using the previous rough alignment, this stage performs a
best-fit alignment to accurately align scans.

Check that all scans are selected for Moving and then click the Apply button.

Click the Next Stage button.

6. Stage 5/5 – Data Merging: Merging scans and generating a single mesh

To make a watertight mesh, use the Remesh And Fill All Holes To Create Watertight
Mesh option.

Click the Apply button and check the result.

7. Click OK to complete the command.

B. How to create a mesh from pre-aligned raw 3D point clouds

1. Run the Mesh Buildup Wizard command by going to Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh
Buildup Wizard in the menu. Multiple meshes or point clouds or a single mesh or point
cloud can be used as target 3D scan data in the Mesh Buildup Wizard.

2. Stage 1/4 – Data Preparation: Defining data properties

Select Line Laser With CMM/Arm as the target 3D scanner type.

Note: This example assumes that the target scan data are 3D point clouds to be
scanned by a Line Laser with CMM/Arm scanner and are already pre-aligned.

Check the “Is Pre-Aligned?” option and click the Next Stage button to continue.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 474

3. Stage 2/4 – Data Editing: Deleting unnecessary poly-vertices/faces

Set the Max. Poly-Vertices/Faces Count Per Noisy Cluster option to 100 and click the
Find Noisy Cluster button.
Check that noisy clusters are selected and listed under the Select button.

Press the Del key or click the Delete button to remove them.
Click the Next Stage button.

4. Stage 3/4 – Best-Fit Aligning: If the 3D scan data has been pre-aligned, this stage
accurately aligns scans

Select all scans for Moving.

Click the Apply button.

Check the results and click the Next Stage button.

5. Stage 5/5 – Data Merging: Merging scans and generating a single mesh

Check the Remove Redundant Points option and reduce the ratio by adjusting the slider
towards Less.

To make a watertight mesh, check the Remesh And Fill All Holes To Create Watertight
Mesh option. Click the Apply button and check the result.

Note: If the results are not satisfactory they can be manually edited by using the Edit

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 475

 Tools.

6. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Stages

This command consists of the following stages:

• Data Preparation stage
Analyzes the state of 3D scan data and defines the next process according to the type of
target 3D scan data
• Data Editing stage
Removes noisy clusters and unnecessary point clouds or meshes
• Data Pre-Aligning stage
Quickly aligns multiple scans
• Best-Fit Aligning stage
Accurately aligns multiple scans by using geometry shape information
• Data Merging stage
Merges scans and creates an optimized mesh.

Stage 1/5 – Data Preparation

This stage prepares data by selecting target 3D scan data and setting its type and alignment status.
Depending on the settings selected in this stage, future stages will be automatically organized.

Select – Selects point clouds or meshes. If multiple scan data are selected as the target scan data,
the alignment stage will be the following stage.

Set Scanner Type – Chooses a type of 3D scanner for target 3D scan data that can be viewed in
the mouse help option. Depending on the selected type the Mesh Buildup Wizard will generate a
watertight mesh using the most appropriate mesh generation algorithms.

Touch Probe With CMM/Arm – Sets Touch Probe With CMM/Arm as the scanner type for
target 3D scan data.

Line Laser With CMM/Arm – Sets Line Laser With CMM/Arm as the scanner type for target
3D scan data.

Small/Medium Size Object Scanner – Sets Small/Medium Size Object Scanner as the
scanner type for target 3D scan data.

Long Range Scanner – Sets Long Range Scanner as the scanner type for target 3D scan
data that is scanned by long-range 3D laser scanners.

Unknown – Sets a generic scanner type for target 3D scan data that cannot be defined by a
specific scanner type or has been mixed with different scan types.

Set Data Condition – Sets the current status of 3D scan data.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 476

 Is Pre-Aligned? – Indicates target 3D scan data has been pre-aligned.

Skip Data Editing Stage? – Skips the data editing stages.

Stage 2/5 – Data Editing

This stage removes unnecessary poly-vertices or faces manually or automatically. After selecting
unwanted data use the Del key or click the Delete button to remove them.

Remove Unwanted Data – Removes unwanted poly-vertices or faces in 3D scan data using
various editing tools.

Select – Selects unwanted poly-vertices/faces manually.

Define Wanted Region By Box – Defines a working volume by resizing a box. After defining
a working volume, click the Delete button to remove outer poly-vertices or faces from the box.

Define Wanted Region By Scanner Range – Defines a working volume by resizing a

cylinder. The radius of the cylinder can be manipulated by a gray circle. After defining the
working volume, click the Delete button to remove outer poly-vertices or faces from the
cylinder.

Find Floor – Selects a seed point on a scan data used to expand and select flat areas. After
finding the flat areas, click the Delete button to remove the selected poly-vertices or faces.

Find All Boundary – Selects all boundaries and is available for mesh data only. After finding
boundaries, click the Delete button to remove poly-faces neighboring the boundaries.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 477

 Find Noisy Cluster – Finds small groups of poly-vertices or faces that are unnecessary in
constructing a mesh by specify a cluster size next to the Max. Poly-Vertices/Faces Count
Per Noisy Cluster options. After finding noisy clusters, click the Delete button to remove the
selected poly-vertices or faces.

Stage 3/5 – Data Pre-Aligning

This stage aligns scans manually or automatically. The Local Based On Auto Guess option
intelligently compares features on each 3D scan data file and aligns them. If scans fail in auto-guess
aligning, they can be manually aligned by using the Local Based On Picked Point option.
For information about aligning between scan data, see Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan
Data.

Note: This stage is accessed when the Is Pre-Aligned? A option has been unchecked in the first
stage (Data Preparation). If scans have already been pre-aligned, skip this stage by clicking the
Next Stage button.

Stage 4/5 – Best-Fit Aligning

If scans are roughly aligned or the Data Pre-Aligning stage is used, it will be necessary for scans
to be aligned accurately. This stage uses the best-fit alignment algorithm to match scans closely and
reduce deviation.

Select – Selects point clouds or meshes.

Reference – Selects scans to set for Reference. Their position will be fixed and other
Moving scans will be transformed. A reference scan is not necessary.

Moving – Selects scans to set for Moving. The moving scans will be transformed to the
Reference.

Options – Sets alignment the options.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Apply Only Small Transform – Applies only a small transform when overlapping areas are
assumed to be well aligned or if an alignment is difficult due to lack of feature shapes that can
be used.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 478

 Lack of Feature Shapes Patterned Feature Shapes

Do Not Align Between Moving Object – Applies alignment by scan groups.

Reference Group Moving Group – aligned scans

Update View & Histogram – Displays the alignment process and the updating histogram in
the Model View in real-time.

Edit Tools – Removes unwanted poly-vertices/faces in 3D scan data by using various editing tools
and corrects the normal information of 3D scan data.

Note: This command can be used in this stage as well as in the Data Pre-Aligning stage (3/5
stage) and in the Data Merging stage (5/5 stage).

Remove Unwanted Data – Selects unwanted poly-vertices or faces that can be deleted by
pressing the Del key or clicking the Delete button.

Note: Unwanted scan data can be selected manually or automatically by selecting or

using the Detect Floor and All Boundaries buttons.

Reverse Normal Of Entire Mesh/Point Cloud – Reverses the normal information of an

entire target 3D scan data.

Reverse Normal Of Cluster – Reverses the normal information of a poly-face cluster.

Fix Normal Of Mesh – Corrects the normal information of a target mesh.

Stage 5/5 – Data Merging

This stage merges 3D scan data and generates them into a single mesh. While generating a mesh,
the application uses the Mesh Construction method.

Options – Sets the options used to construct a mesh.

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is
moved towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is
moved towards Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 479

 Loose Tight

Suppress Result – Suppresses results from the Feature Tree.

Note: The Suppress and Unsuppress mechanisms manage data memory by swapping
data dynamically between physical memory and a hard disk. This function is useful for
effectively managing and handling a large 3D scan data file.
Created Features can be suppressed or unsuppressed by checking the box next to the
feature name in the Feature Tree.

Unsuppressed Suppressed

Reduce Noise – Reduces noisy poly-faces.

Without Reduce Noise option With Reduce Noise option

Remesh And Fill All Holes To Create Watertight Mesh – Generates a watertight mesh that
has no holes and or defects.

Non-watertight Mesh Watertight Mesh

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate
Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan Data
Tools > Scan Tools > Merge
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fix Normal
Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 480

Tips & Tutorials
Mesh Modeling/Optimization Tutorial for XOR3

7.5.1.2. Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate

What
The Triangulate command creates poly-faces by connecting points within 3D scan data to construct
mesh. A target can be entire point clouds or individually selected poly-vertices in a point cloud.

Point clouds scanned and produced by 3D scanners can be used directly for measuring and
visualizing. Using only a point cloud can be difficult to represent a shape and lacks information for
further design stages. Triangulation is a typical process used for creating geometric shape information
from a raw point cloud.

Why
The Triangulate command is useful for:
• Converting point cloud to 3D mesh models with geometric shape information
• Creating basic geometric shape information used for creating CAD model
• Creating basic geometric shape information used for evaluating the shape of a model
• Creating basic geometric shape information used for modifying an original feature shape

How to Use
A. How to create a mesh model from point cloud which side-wall shapes exist
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 481

 2. Click the Point Cloud button and select a point cloud.

Note: This example assumes that a target point cloud is a single point cloud combined
by multiple scans that have been scanned in different scanning directions and that it
cannot be projected onto any virtual plane.

3. Choose the 3D Triangulate method. The Estimate button automatically calculates the
distance between points and displays them in the Distance Criteria To Connect Vertices
box.

4. Click OK to complete the command. Check the results.

B. How to create a mesh model from point clouds which side-wall shapes
doesn’t exist
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Click the Point Cloud button and select a point cloud.

Note: This example assumes that target point clouds are multiple scans that have been
scanned in different scanning directions and that they can be projected onto a virtual
plane.

3. Choose the 2D Triangulate method.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 482

 4. Click OK to complete the command. Check the results.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Point Clouds – Selects point clouds or poly-vertices.

Note: This option allows the selection of not only multiple point clouds, but also poly-vertices.
Selected point clouds and poly-vertices can be used to create a polygonal mesh on partial areas
of point clouds.

Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• 2D Triangulate
Generates a polygonal mesh by projecting a point cloud onto a virtual plane or sphere
• 3D Triangulate
Generates a polygonal mesh by connecting points in a point cloud in 3D space
• Mesh Construction
Generates a polygonal mesh by following the geometric shape of a point cloud

2D Triangulate – Generates a polygonal mesh from a point cloud by using projection and
repositioning. Poly-vertices in three dimensional space are projected onto a plane or sphere
specified by a user and triangulated to projected vertices which are repositioned to their original
position.

Point Cloud Projection Triangulation Reposition

Planar – Projects poly-vertices onto a virtual plane and generates poly-faces. This method
can be used when 3D scan data is scanned in a single direction.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 483

 Scan Direction – Projects in a scanning direction shown as an arrow on a point cloud
in the Model View. Reverse the projection direction by clicking an arrow on the model.
If point clouds do not have normal information, click the Find Scan Direction button.

Current Viewing Direction – Projects in the current viewing direction in the Model
View.

Spherical – Projects poly-vertices onto a virtual sphere from the center point of 3D scan data
and generates poly-faces. This method is used to triangulate sphere-like 3D scan data files
obtained by specific scanner types like long-range laser scanners.

Input Center Manually – Specifies a center position manually.

Note: The center point of 3D scan data follows the origin in the world coordinate
system (X: 0, Y: 0, Z: 0) by default. In case where the 3D scan data was
transformed before triangulation, input new X, Y, Z coordinate values according to
the transformation information.

Face Removal Criteria – Filters irregular poly-faces while executing 2D triangulation.

Maximum Edge Length Is Larger Than – Removes poly- faces that have a longest
edge length longer than a specified value.

Area Is Larger Than – Removes poly-faces that have an area larger than a specified
value.

Max/Min Edge Length Ratio Is Larger Than – Removes poly-faces that have a
maximum and minimum length ratio between its longest edge and shortest edge that is
larger than a specified value.

Angle Between Projection Direction And Face Normal Direction Is Larger Than –
Removes poly-faces that have an angle between a projection direction and a poly-face
normal that is larger than a specified criteria.

3D Triangulate – Generates a polygonal mesh from a point cloud by connecting poly-vertices. This
method starts generating small poly-faces from closest poly-vertices and propagates triangulation to

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 484

adjacent poly-vertices. This method is useful for generating polygonal mesh from a point cloud that
has multiple scans combined from different directions that cannot be projected onto a virtual plane
or sphere.

Point Cloud 1st Triangulation 2nd Triangulation 3rd Triangulation

Distance Criteria To Convert Vertices – Specifies distances between poly-vertices to

connect them and generate poly-faces.

Note: The Estimate button estimates distances between poly-vertices and displays the
results in a criteria list box. The results are representative values of average distance of a
point cloud. To edit values, double-click it. If another value needed, click the Add button.

Mesh Construction – Generates poly-faces by following the geometric shape of a point cloud. This
method is useful for generating polygonal mesh from a point cloud that has multiple combined
directional scans that cannot be projected onto a virtual plane or sphere or when results are
required to be constructed by poly-faces with uniform poly-edge lengths.

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is
moved towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is
moved towards Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Loose Tight

Scanner Accuracy – Specifies the accuracy of a scanner. Specify a value by referring to the
specification of a particular scanner. For example, if target 3D scan data is scanned by a
small/medium object scanner, the default value of 0.05 mm is suitable. If target 3D scan data
is scanned by a long-range laser scanner, increase the value based on the precision of the
scanner.

Note: In general, if scan data is clean with a low level of noise, has a regular density, and
also has satisfactory align accuracy, then using the maximum value of the 'Scanner
Accuracy' slider will preserve and use most points just as they are.
Each decreased step in the slider will decrease the creation of meshes by approximately a
half of the previous step. The result will not be a uniform reduction and high curvature
regions will be preserved, which is similar to applying a 50% decimation.
For example, the following combinations create almost the same results:
- 'Scanner Accuracy' is 0.05mm and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the 4th step
- 'Scanner Accuracy' is 0.0333mm (0.05 / 1.5) and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the
3th step'
- Scanner Accuracy' is 0.075mm (0.05 x 1.5) and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 485

 5th step

More Options
Remove Original Data – Removes original point cloud after triangulation.

Suppress Result – Suppresses results from the Feature Tree.

Note: The Suppress and Unsuppress mechanisms manage data memory by swapping
data dynamically between physical memory and a hard disk. This function is useful for
effectively managing and handling a large 3D scan data file.
Created Features can be suppressed or unsuppressed by checking the box next to the
feature name in the Feature Tree.

Unsuppressed Suppressed

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all selected
data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Assume Vertices Are Densely Placed Along A Direction – Samples redundant poly-vertices
closed by a certain distance for better triangulation results. Check this option when target 3D scan
data is scanned by a line laser with a CMM/Arm device.

Crease Angle – Specifies a maximum angle between normal vectors of adjacent poly-faces to
avoid generating abnormal poly-faces.

Angle between Normal Vectors of

Adjacent Poly-Faces

Reduce Noise – Reduces noisy poly-faces.

Without Reduce Noise option With Reduce Noise option

Remove Redundant Points – Removes redundant poly-vertices closed by a certain distance for

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 486

 better triangulation results.

Make Single Mesh – Merges selected point clouds into a single mesh after triangulation and is only
available if two or more point clouds exist.

Without Make Single Mesh With Make Single Mesh

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard

Tips & Tutorials

Mesh Modeling/Optimization Tutorial for XOR3

7.5.1.3. Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan

Data
What
The Align Between Scan Data command aligns two or more 3D scan data sets scanned in different
scanning directions based on geometric feature shape information.

Why
The Align Between Scan Data command is useful for:
• Completing a model from multiple 3D scan data files scanned in different scanning directions
• Effectively managing a large amount of 3D scan data and re-arranging them

How to Use
A. How to align multiple 3D scan data files automatically

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 487

 1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan Data or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to 3D scan data, the target 3D scan data should not have
child entities.

2. Check the Local Based On Auto Guess option, and then select all scans for Moving.

3. Click the Apply button and check the results.

B. How to align multiple 3D scan data manually

1. If scans fail during auto guessing, manually align them using the Local Based On Picked
Point method.

Check the Local Based On Picked Point option and select aligned scans for Reference
and select failed scan shots for Moving.

2. Manually pick corresponding points on 3D scan data in the Reference and Moving window.
To cancel the last picking point, go to Edit > Undo or use the Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 488

 3. Click the Apply button to apply manual alignment.

C. How to align multiple 3D scan data files accurately

1. Accurately align roughly aligned scans by using the Local Based On Auto Guess or Local
Based On Picked Point methods.

Check the Global And Fine option and select all scans for Moving.

2. Click the Apply button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 489

 3. Click Avg. Deviation in the Accuracy Analyzer ™ panel to confirm deviation among
meshes. Deviation results and a histogram can be displayed by selecting entities in the
Entity Thumbnail pane.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• Local Based On Auto Guess
Automatically aligns scans based on geometric feature shape information
• Local Based On Picked Point
Manually aligns scans by using corresponding points
• Global And Fine
Aligns scans based on geometric feature shape information with the lowest amount of
deviation possible in overlapping areas

Local Based On Auto Guess – Automatically aligns scans.

Reference – Selects scans to define as reference entities.

Moving – Selects scans to define as moving entities. One or more scans should be
registered for Moving to execute the command.

More Options

Preference – Adjusts operation preferences. To quickly align scans, move the slider
towards Speed, and if it fails, move the slider towards Quality.

If Features Are Sufficient In Overlapped Regions – Used when scans have sufficient
features in overlapped areas. If overlapped areas are flat or smooth without features,
do not use this option.

Alignment Order – When the target scans are scanned in a certain scanning order,
use this option for more accurate alignment.
By Name aligns by naming order.
By Selection aligns by selection order. The selection order can be changed in the list

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 490

 box under Moving using the Up and Down buttons .

Do Not Align Between Moving Object – Applies alignment by scan groups.

Reference Group Moving Group – aligned scans

Local Based On Picked Point – Manually aligns scans. Select scans for Reference and for
Moving, and pick corresponding points in the Reference and Moving windows.
The corresponding points are required to be defined for Reference and Moving entities to apply this
method. This method can be used when scans fail in the Local Based On Auto Guess method or
when scans are needed to be aligned manually.

Refine Alignment – Applies best-fit alignment to areas around defined corresponding points
after the Local Based On Picked Point method is applied.

Global And Fine – Aligns scans based on geometric feature shape information with the lowest
amount of deviation possible in overlapping areas. This method can be used after the Local Based
On Auto Guess or Local Based On Picked Point methods are applied to scans for more accurate
alignment.

Partial – Selects scans to define as partial entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 491

 Note: Poly-vertices selected from at least two different 3D scan data files are need as
Partial to apply this command. The partially selected poly-vertices are used to calculating
the fine alignment.
Statistical results such as average, standard deviation, RMS for Global And Fine
alignment are listed in the Console panel after alignment.

Global Options

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%,
all selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be
used.

Max. Iteration Count – Specifies a maximum iteration value.

Max. Average Deviation – Specifies a maximum average deviation.

Note: The Max.Iteraction Count and Max.Average Deviation options interactively

affect each other. For example, if both options are applied to the alignment, it
performs until the defined maximum average deviation is satisfied within the
maximum iteration count.

Apply Only Small Transform – Applies small transform only if overlapped areas are
assumed to be well aligned or if alignment is difficult to be performed due to lack of
feature shapes that can be referred to on the overlapped areas.

Use Only Reliable Scan Data – Uses only reliable 3D scan data or only effective
overlapped scan areas for better alignment.

Constraint Options – Fixes the translation or rotation of the X, Y, or Z axes for Moving
entities.

Update View & Histogram – Used to view the alignment process in the Model View and to
update the histogram in real-time.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard
Tools > Scan Tools > Transform Scan Data

Tips & Tutorials

Mesh Modeling/Optimization Tutorial for XOR3
Huge Scan Data Handling by Manual Align Method
How to register and merge huge scan data

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 492

7.5.1.4. Tools > Scan Tools > Merge
What
The Merge command merges multiple point clouds or meshes and creates a single mesh. During the
merging process, overlapped areas will be removed efficiently and neighboring boundaries are
stitched together.

Why
The Merge command is useful for:
• Merging multiple 3D scan data into a single mesh

How to Use
How to merge multiple 3D scan data into a single mesh
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Merge or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to 3D scan data, a target 3D scan data should not have
child entities.

2. Click the Mesh / Point Cloud button and select entities to merge them.

3. Choose Surface Merge and click the OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 493

 Note: Deviation between original data and a merged mesh can be viewed in the
Accuracy Analyzer ™ panel.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Mesh / Point Cloud – Selects meshes or point clouds.

Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• Surface Merge
Merges scans by their boundaries by removing overlapping areas
• Volume Merge
Generates polygonal mesh by reconstructing geometries scans with 3D volume
• Mesh Construction
Generates a polygonal mesh by following the geometric shape of a target 3D scan data

Surface Merge – Detects overlapping areas in target scans and merges the scans by their
boundaries by removing the overlapping areas. This method can be applied to meshes only. It is
useful for preserving the original position of poly-faces on a target 3D scan data and merging them
by deleting only the overlapping areas.

Overlapped Meshes Removing Common Area Zipping Gap

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is
moved towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is
moved towards Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Loose Tight

Estimated Num. Of Faces – Estimates the total number of poly-faces after a merging is
completed.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 494

Volume Merge – Divides the 3D volume of target scans by a specified resolution and generates a
polygonal mesh by reconstructing geometries of the scans within the volume. This method can be
applied to meshes only. It is useful for generating a smooth polygonal mesh when 3D scan data has
complex boundaries or has been badly aligned.

Overlapped Meshes Reconstruction

Current Average Edge Length – Shows the current average edge length of poly-edges from
selected meshes.

Edge Length Multiplier – Specifies an edge length multiplier.

Original Edge Length Edge Length Multiplier: 2

Target Average Edge Length – Defines the average length of poly-edges after merging
using a specified value. The size of poly-faces of results will be determined according to a
defined target average edge length. The average edge length of poly-faces can be control by
either the Edge Length Multiplier or the Target Average Edge Length options.

Mesh Construction – Combines target scans and reconstructs a polygonal mesh by following the
geometric shape of the target 3D scan data. This method can be applied to both point clouds and
meshes. It executes the Triangulate and Merge methods simultaneously by following the geometric
shape of scan data.

Scanner Accuracy – Specifies the accuracy of a scanner. Specify a value by referring to the
specification of a particular scanner. For example, if target 3D scan data is scanned by a
small/medium object scanner, the default value of 0.05 mm is suitable. If target 3D scan data
is scanned by a long-range laser scanner, increase the value based on the precision of the
scanner.

Note: In general, if scan data is clean with a low level of noise, has a regular density, and
also has satisfactory align accuracy, then using the maximum value of the 'Scanner
Accuracy' slider will preserve and use most points just as they are.
Each decreased step in the slider will decrease the creation of meshes by approximately a
half of the previous step. The result will not be a uniform reduction and high curvature
regions will be preserved, which is similar to applying a 50% decimation.
For example, the following combinations create almost the same results:
- 'Scanner Accuracy' is 0.05mm and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the 4th step
- 'Scanner Accuracy' is 0.0333mm (0.05 / 1.5) and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the
3th step'
- Scanner Accuracy' is 0.075mm (0.05 x 1.5) and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 495

 5th step

More Options
Remove Original Data – Removes original 3D scan data after merging.

Suppress Result – Suppresses results from the Feature Tree.

Note: The Suppress and Unsuppress mechanisms manage data memory by swapping data
dynamically between physical memory and a hard disk. This function is useful for effectively
managing and handling a large 3D scan data file.
Created Features can be suppressed or unsuppressed by checking the box next to the feature
name in the Feature Tree.

Unsuppressed Suppressed

Scale Of Overlap Region Deviation Criteria – Sets the scale deviation criteria for overlapping
areas. When target 3D scan data has a thinner thickness than its average edge length, scale the
deviation criteria down to avoid merging poly-faces between the front and back sides.

Large Data Mode – Internally divides target 3D scan data into sub models and manages large data
files by unloading and loading between the physical memory and the hard drive during calculation.

Reduce Noise – Reduces noisy poly-faces.

Without Reduce Noise option With Reduce Noise option

Remove Redundant Points – Removes redundant poly-vertices closed by a certain distance for
better triangulation results.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard
Tools > Scan Tools > Combine

Tips & Tutorials

Mesh Modeling/Optimization Tutorial for XOR3
How to register and merge huge scan data

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 496

7.5.1.5. Tools > Scan Tools > Combine
What
The Combine command combines selected point clouds or meshes as a single point cloud or a mesh
without reconstructing entities.

Why
The Combine command is useful for:
• Combining multiple point clouds into a single point cloud
• Combining multiple meshes into a single mesh

How to Use
How to combine multiple meshes into a single mesh
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Combine or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to 3D scan data, the target 3D scan data should not have
child entities.

2. Select meshes.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 497

 Type To Combine
Choose either a Point Cloud or Mesh as an entity type.

Target Entities
Selects point clouds or meshes.

Remove Overlap Region – Removes overlapped areas.

Before Combining Combine Without Remove Combine With Remove

Overlapped Areas Overlapped Areas

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard
Tools > Scan Tools > Merge

7.5.1.6. Tools > Scan Tools > Decimate Meshes

What
The Decimate Meshes command reduces the number of poly-faces by merging poly-vertices while
preserving geometric feature shapes. This command can be applied to multiple 3D scan data at one
time.

Why
The Decimate Meshes command is useful for:
• Reducing the number of poly-faces
• Increasing the size of poly-faces from meshes
• Dealing with a large number of meshes in follow-up modeling processes while maintaining an
original shape

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 498

How to Use
How to reduce the number of poly-faces of a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Decimate Meshes or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to meshes, the target meshes should not have child entities.

2. Check the Poly-Face Count option and set the Reduction Ratio to 70 %.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Target Mesh – Selects target meshes.

Methods

This command features 2 methods:

• Poly-Face Count
Reduces the number of poly-faces by controlling the target poly-face count
• Allowable Deviation
Reduces the number of poly-faces within an allowable deviation

Poly-Face Count – Reduces the number of poly-faces by using parameters specified by the Target
Poly-Face Count or Reduction Ratio options.

Target Poly-Face Count – Determines the target number of poly-faces. This option can be
used only when a single mesh is selected.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 499

 Original Face Count: 14,703 Target Face Count: 5,228

Reduction Ratio – Determines reduction ratio.

Original Data Reduction Ratio: 70% Reduction Ratio: 30%

High Curvature Area Resolution – Determines resolution in high curvature areas of a target
mesh.

Original Data

High Curvature Area Resolution: Sparse

High Curvature Area Resolution: Dense

Allowable Deviation – Reduces the number of poly-faces within an allowable deviation between an
original shape and decimated results.

More Options
Do Not Move Poly-Vertices – Preserves the original position of poly-vertices during decimation.

Do Not Modify Boundaries – Preserves the original shape of boundaries during decimation.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 500

 Original Data Check Option Uncheck Option

Regularize Poly-Faces – Regenerates poly-faces with uniform poly-edge lengths.

Note: The calculation time for this command may be highly increased with this option.

Large Data Mode – Internally divides target 3D scan data into sub models by unloading and loading
between the physical memory and the hard drive during the calculation. This option is useful when
dealing with huge numbers of meshes.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard
Tools > Mesh Tools > Decimate

7.5.1.7. Tools > Scan Tools > Normal Information

Manager
What
The Normal Information Manager command generates, reverses, and removes normal information
from 3D scan data.

Why
The Normal Information Manager command is useful for:
• Correcting the normal information of scan data
• Creating a defect-free mesh that has no abnormal poly-faces

How to Use
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 501
How to generate normal information into point clouds
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Normal Information Manager or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to 3D scan data, the target 3D scan data should not have
child entities.

2. Select all point clouds.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• Generate
Generates normal information
• Reverse
Reverses the normal information of 3D scan data
• Remove
Removes normal information from point clouds

Generate – Generates normal information into a target point cloud.

Except Point Clouds Which Have Vertex Normal – Preserves existing normal information
and is useful when target point clouds are mixed with multiple point clouds that have normal
information and do not have normal information.

Reverse – Flips the normal information of point clouds, meshes, and poly-vertices/faces.

Remove – Removes normal information from a point cloud.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Mesh Buildup Wizard
Tools > Mesh Tools > Find Defect
Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fix Normal

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 502

7.5.1.8. Tools > Scan Tools > Transform Scan Data
What
The Transform Scan Data command transforms 3D scan data by rotating, translating, scaling or
using a transformation matrix.

Why
The Transform Scan Data command is useful for:
• Transforming scan data to a specific position
• Scale scan data up or down

How to Use
How to transform 3D scan data to a specific position
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Transform Scan Data or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to 3D scan data, the target 3D scan data should not have
child entities.

2. Select point clouds or meshes.

3. Click the Next Stage button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 503

 4. Transform the scan data using the manipulator on the screen.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Target Scan Data – Selects a point cloud or mesh.

Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• Rotate And Translate
Transforms 3D scan data by rotating and translating
• Scale
Transforms 3D scan data by scaling
• By Matrix
Transforms 3D scan data by using a transformation matrix

Rotate And Translate – Transforms target 3D scan data by rotating and translating with
manipulators for the X, Y and Z coordinates.

Use Local Coordinate – Uses an existing Ref.Coordinate as a local coordinate.

Rotate – Selects rotational values for the X, Y and Z coordinates.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 504

 Translate – Selects translation values for the X, Y and Z coordinates.

Scale – Scales scan data from its center, global origin, or by a custom position.

Uniform Scale – Scales target scan data along the X, Y and Z directions concurrently.

Uniform Scale Non-uniform Scale

Unit Converter – Converts scale value using the From and To options.

Note: When the Uniform Scale is manually defined, the Unit Converter will be
changed by default. The default unit follows the Default Measure Unit defined in the
General Tab within Preferences (File > Preferences).

Scale Center – Selects a center position of scale.

Note: Global Origin, the global coordinate, Mesh Center, the center of mesh, or
Custom, the custom origin, can be defined.

By Matrix – Defines the transformational values in a transformation matrix.

Apply Matrix File – Import a transformation matrix file using the Matrix File Open button and
applies it to the current coordinates of a model.

Set – Applies an imported matrix.

Multiply – Multiplies an imported matrix.

Inverse Multiply – Inverses and multiplies an imported matrix.

Transpose – Transposes an imported matrix.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Mirror

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 505

Insert > Modeling Feature > Transform Body

7.5.1.9. Tools > Scan Tools > Average Meshes

What
The Average Meshes command averages meshes and creates a mesh or feature shape that can be
used as a master part.

Why
The Average Meshes command is useful for:
• Creating a master part model from multiple 3D scans
• Finding a master feature shape from patterned feature shapes

How to Use
A. How to create a master part model from multiple 3D scans
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Average Meshes or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to meshes, the target meshes should not have child entities.

2. Select all target meshes.

3. Click the Next Stage button. The result will be shown with its deviation color map.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command. Hide other meshes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 506

B. How to find a master feature shape from patterned feature shapes
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Average Meshes or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select all freeform regions.

3. Check the Align Patterned Targets option and then check the Circular Pattern option.

4. Click the Estimate button to define a rotation axis and its center position.

5. Check the Refine Alignment option to align selected feature shapes.

Note: Selected feature shapes will be aligned by using a defined axis, axis center, and
offset angle to average and create a master feature shape from them.

3. Click the Next Stage button. The result will be shown with its deviation color map.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command. Hide the original mesh.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 507

Stages

This command consists of 2 stages :

• Define Targets stage
Defines target meshes or feature shapes
• Check Deviation stage
Checks results using a deviation color map

Stage 1/2 – Define Targets

Target – Selects meshes or feature regions.

Reference – Defines reference entities from selected entities. Otherwise, an entity that has a
minimum deviation will be chosen as a reference entity from selected entities by default.

Note: Other selected entities will be aligned into the reference and then an averaged
entity will be created from the reference.

Max. Deviation – Specifies a maximum distance that can be deformed from a reference entity.

Weighted Average – Assigns more weight to poly-vertices that are located near the same
position among target meshes and reduces the effect of outliers.

Align Patterned Targets – Transforms targets that are pattern shaped to a position and then
calculated the averaged shape.

Circular Pattern – Specifies the parameters of a circular pattern such as: Axis, Axis Center
and Offset Angle. These parameters can be automatically calculated by clicking the
Estimate button.

Linear Pattern – Specifies the parameters of a linear pattern such as: Direction 1 and
Direction 2. These parameters can be automatically calculated by clicking the Estimate
button.

Refine Alignment – Performs a best-fit alignment to well align meshes after targets are

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 508

 internally collected on a position.

Use Selected Data Only – Defines partial areas on a reference entity. The best-fit
alignment will be performed among target entities by using the selected partial areas
only.
Stage 2/2 – Check Deviation
Target – Checks the deviations between each target entity and an averaged mesh.

Statistics – Checks the statistical results calculated among selected target entities in the Target
list. According to the Deviation Type, the statistical values and color map can be checked on a
model.

Max. Error Min. Error Avg. Error

Reference
Related Commands
Measure > Mesh Deviations

7.5.1.10. Tools > Scan Tools > Boolean

What
The Boolean command uses the Boolean operation to create a difference, intersection, or union
between two meshes.

Why
The Boolean command is useful for:
• Combining multiple scans into a single mesh model by using a Boolean operations such as Merge,
Cut, or Intersect

How to Use
A. How to merge multiple 3D scans into a single mesh

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 509

 1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Boolean or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To apply this command to meshes, the target meshes should not have child
entities.

2. Change the method to Merge. Define Tool Mesh and Target Mesh.

3. Check the Remove Original Mesh option to remove the original mesh after the operation.
Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to cut a 3D scan with another 3D scan

1. Click Tools > Scan Tools > Boolean or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Change the method to Cut. Define Tool Mesh and Target Mesh.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 510

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• Merge
Merges two meshes
• Cut
Cuts a target mesh by a tool mesh
• Intersect
Creates an intersected mesh between a tool mesh and a target mesh

Merge – Merges meshes and create a single mesh.

Cut – Cuts a target mesh by a tool mesh.

Intersect – Creates an intersected mesh between a tool mesh and a target mesh.

More Options
Remove Original Data – Removes original 3D scan data after merging.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 511

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Solid > Boolean

7.5.2. Tools > Mesh Tools

The Mesh Tools menu features various commands used to edit, heal, and generate a complete mesh
from existing 3D scan data.

Mesh Tools are divided into 4 tool groups used to:

Healing 3D Scan Data

• Find Defect
Finds defects in mesh
• Healing Wizard
Heals abnormal poly-faces and cleans defects in mesh
• Fix Normal
Corrects normal information of poly-faces in mesh
• Edit Boundaries
Edits mesh boundaries
• Sew Boundaries
Sews mesh boundaries

Optimizing 3D Scan Data

• Retriangulate
Regenerates poly-faces based on a mesh
• Global Remesh
Regenerates poly-faces with uniform poly-edge lengths on a mesh
• Optimize Mesh
Optimizes mesh based on geometric feature shapes
• Edit Poly-Edge
Edits poly-edges on a mesh
• Virtual Rescan
Rescans feature shapes and regenerates mesh
• Rewrap
Rewraps feature shapes and regenerates poly-faces on a mesh

Editing 3D Scan Data

• Fill Holes
Fills missing holes in mesh
• Defeature
Deletes feature shapes and regenerates poly-faces on a mesh
• Remove Marker
Removes scanned markers from a mesh
• Add Poly-Face
Partially adds poly-faces on a mesh
• Smooth
Smooths and reduces the roughness of a mesh
• Smart Brush
Interactively edits poly-faces by using a paint brush selection mode
• Decimate

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 512

 Merges and reduces the number of poly-faces
• Subdivide
Divides and increases the number of poly-faces
• Enhance Shape
Enhances feature shapes of a mesh

Modifying 3D Scan Data

• Refit
Refits a mesh to a reference entity
• Insert
Converts other entities and inserts into a mesh
• Split
Splits a mesh by a tool entity
• Trim
Trims poly-faces on a mesh
• Mirror
Mirrors part of a mesh
• Offset
Increases or decreases the size of a mesh by a certain distance
• Thicken
Thickens mesh
• Convert Body
Converts bodies into mesh

7.5.2.1. Tools > Mesh Tools > Find Defect

What
The Find Defect command detects four types of defects: Non-Manifold Poly-Faces, Crossing Poly-
Faces, Redundant Poly-Faces and Tangled or Reversed Poly-Faces.

Why
The Find Defect command is useful for:
• Finding defects in a mesh and deleting them
• Determining the quality of a generated mesh

How to Use
How to Find defects in a mesh and delete them

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 513

 1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Find Defect or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check that detected defects have different colors and how many defects exist in the mesh.

Note: To navigate defects, click the left or right buttons. Detected defects
can be navigated and directly deleted by using the Navigation Tool Palette.

3. Click OK to complete the command. All defective abnormal poly-faces will be selected.

4. Delete the poly-faces by pressing the Del key or go to Edit > Delete.

Options in Detail
Non-Manifold Poly-Faces – Shows the total number of detected Non-Manifold Poly-Faces and
enables the changing of their displayed colors.

Crossing Poly-Faces - Shows the total number of detected Crossing Poly-Faces and enables the
changing of their displayed color.

Redundant Poly-Faces – Shows total number of detected Redundant Poly-Faces and enables
the changing of their displayed color.

Tangled Or Reversed Poly-Faces – Shows total number of detected Tangled or Reversed Poly-
Faces and enables the changing of their displayed color.

Note: Non-manifold Poly-Faces, Redundant Poly-Faces, Crossing Poly-Faces and Tangled

Or Reversed Poly-Faces are defined as below:

Non-manifold Poly-Face – When poly-faces share three or more poly-edges, it is referred to as

non-manifold topology. In a pure mathematical term, to be a manifold topology, only two poly-
faces can constitute a poly-edge. However, a poly-edge with only one poly-face is classified as a
boundary poly-edge in the application and considered to be normal.
Non-manifold poly-faces may cause severe errors in various calculations, and even fatal errors in

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 514

other applications such as NC machining.
The right picture shows an example of the non-manifold topology, where poly-faces (V1 V2 V4),
(V2 V4 V3), and (V2 V4 V5) share poly-edges (V2 V4).

Redundant Poly-Face – A redundant poly-face is a type of abnormal poly-face from the

viewpoint of a poly-vertex. Ignoring boundaries, a poly-vertex must have an identical number of
poly-faces and connecting poly-edges.
A poly-face violating this rule is called a redundant poly-face.
The following picture shows an example of a redundant poly-face (V1 V2 V3).

Crossing Poly-Face – When poly-edges sharing a poly-vertex intersect with one another, they
are geometrically incorrect and their poly-faces are called crossing poly-faces.
The following image displays a crossing poly-face. The poly-edge (V2 V3) of poly-face (V1 V2
V3) is crossed with the poly-edge (V1 V4).
Although crossing poly-face is neither a topological definition nor a possible cause of serious
problems, it may cause errors in geometrical calculations.

Tangled Or Reversed Poly-Face – Every poly-face has normal information. If the normal
direction of poly-face is opposite to neighboring poly-face, it is a tangled or reversed poly-face.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 515

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Normal Information Manager
Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fix Normal

7.5.2.2. Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard

What
The Healing Wizard command detects abnormal poly-faces in a mesh and automatically heals them.
When 3D scan data that has been scanned in different directions by using a 3D scanner are aligned
and merged into a single mesh, some abnormal poly-faces such as folded poly-faces, dangling poly-
faces, and small noisy clusters may occur. To optimize the mesh, the defects on the mesh need to be
healed.

Why
The Healing Wizard command is useful for:
• Creating an optimal mesh model without any abnormal poly-faces
• Healing defects

How to Use
How to heal abnormal poly-faces and clean defects from a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard or click on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Abnormal poly-faces will be automatically detected in a mesh and the results will be
displayed with different colors. Check detected abnormal poly-faces and click the OK button
to heal them at all the same time.

3. Check that all detected defects are healed from the mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 516

Options in Detail
Folded Poly-Faces – Automatically checks if poly-faces have been folded in the same place on a
mesh and that the angle between poly-faces is smaller than a specified value.

Angle Is Smaller Than – Specifies angle criteria to detect folded poly-faces.

Angle Between Poly-faces

Note: When the angle criteria are changed, the number of detected folded poly-faces will be
automatically updated.

Dangling Poly-Faces – Automatically checks if 2 or 3 sided opened poly-faces exist on the

boundaries of a mesh.

2 Side Open 3 Side Open

Small Clusters – Checks if a group of connected poly-faces, known as small clusters, have less
poly-faces than a specified value exist on a mesh.

Small Clusters

Poly-Face Count In A Cluster – Specifies count criteria used to detect small clusters.

Small Poly-Faces –Checks if small poly-faces exist that have a smaller area than specified area
criteria.

Small Poly-faces

Area Is Smaller Than – Specifies area criteria used to detect small poly-faces.

Non-Manifold Poly-Faces – Checks if non-manifold poly-faces and redundant poly-faces exist on a

mesh. For more information, see Tools > Mesh Tools > Find Defect.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 517

 Crossing Poly-Faces – Checks if crossing poly-faces exist in a mesh.

Method – Contains 3 methods used to heal crossing poly-faces.

Smooth – Smooths poly-faces around crossing poly-faces.

Merge Poly-Vertices – Merges poly-vertices of crossing poly-faces.

Delete And Fill Hole – Deletes crossing poly-faces and fills the deleted area.

Small Tunnels – Detects poly-faces shaped like a tunnel or handle, known as small handles. This
option is automatically checked if small tunnels that have lesser poly-faces than the count criteria
exist on the mesh.

Tunnel Shape

Poly-Face Count In Tunnel – Specifies the count criteria used to detect small tunnels.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Normal Information Manager
Tools > Mesh Tools > Find Defect
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fix Normal

7.5.2.3. Tools > Mesh Tools > Fix Normal

What
The Fix Normal command harmonizes normal information of poly-faces in a mesh.

Why
The Fix Normal command is useful for:
• Correcting the normal information of poly-faces to create an optimal mesh
• Fixing the normal information of poly-faces in tessellated CAD mesh that has been imported from
neutral file formats such as IGES or STEP

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 518

How to Use
How to correct normal information of poly-faces in a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Fix Normal or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Automatic method and check the Propagate Topologically option. To reverse
the normal direction manually, choose the Interactive method and pick a seed poly-face on
the mesh.

3. Pick a seed poly-face on a mesh and check the results.

Options in Detail
Methods

This tool features 3 methods:

• Automatic
Automatically fixes the normal information of poly-faces in a mesh
• Interactive
Reverses the normal information of connected poly-faces
• Entire Mesh
Reverses the normal information of entire poly-faces in a mesh

Automatic – Fixes the normal information of poly-faces in a mesh by propagating topologically,

propagating geometrically, or repairing tangled poly-faces.

Propagate Topologically Propagate Geometrically Tangled Poly-Face

Propagate Topologically – Fixes the normal information of poly-faces inside of its boundary.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 519

 Note: Check the Propagate Topologically option if the mesh has no non-manifold poly-
faces and the boundaries exist in the mesh.

Propagate Geometrically – Fixes the normal information of poly-faces regardless of its

boundaries. Check the Propagate Geometrically option of a mesh that has disjoined poly-
edges and non-manifold poly-faces and boundaries that do not exist in the mesh.

Repair Tangled Poly-Faces – Repairs twisted and tangled topology and fixes the normal
information of poly-faces. The Repair Tangled Poly-Faces option is used to correct the
twisted topology that may occur when triangulating 3D scan data which has thin walls.

Interactive – Reverses the normal information of connected poly-faces.

Entire Mesh – Reverses the normal information of entire poly-faces in mesh.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Normal Information Manager
Tools > Mesh Tools > Find Defect
Tools > Mesh Tools > Healing Wizard

7.5.2.4. Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Boundaries

What
The Edit Boundaries command edits the boundaries of mesh. This command features multiple
boundary editing methods such as Smooth, Shrink, Fit, Extend, Extrude, and Fill.

Why
The Edit Boundaries command is useful for:
• Reducing the effect of noise and roughness on mesh boundaries
• Modifying the feature shapes of mesh
• Creating a CAD-like mesh

How to Use
How to edit mesh boundaries
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Boundaries or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the outer boundary of a mesh as the target Boundaries.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 520

3. Choose the Fit method and define the Fitting Shape as Rectangle.

4. Click the OK button and check the results.

5. Run the Edit Boundaries command again.

6. Choose the fitted outer boundary as the target Boundaries.

7. Choose the Extrude method and set the Distance to -10mm and then check the Cap option
to close the bottom of the mesh.

8. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 521

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Boundaries – Selects boundaries of mesh. The Split Boundary button splits a boundary at
selected positions. This button is useful for partially editing boundaries of a mesh.

Before splitting boundary After splitting boundary

Methods

This command features 6 methods:

• Smooth
Reduces the effects of roughness on a boundary
• Shrink
Removes poly-faces from boundary
• Fit
Fits a boundary to a specific feature shape
• Extend
Extends a boundary by a specific distance
• Extrude
Extrudes a boundary by a specific distance
• Fill
Fills poly-faces in a boundary

Smooth – Reduces noises and effect of roughness in boundary of mesh.

Original Boundary Smooth Boundary

Select N-Depth From Boundary – Specifies the influence range of the smoothing effect from
a target boundary. The influence range will be highlighted on a mesh interactively with this
option.

Shrink – Removes poly-faces from a boundary.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 522

 Original Boundary Shrink Boundary

Note: 3D scan data may have roughness and noise in the area near a boundary caused by
shadows or vibrations during the scanning process. These defects may adversely affect the
alignment between scan data as well as the merging process. To get better results in scan data
processing, defects in the boundaries of mesh should be cleaned.

Select N-Depth From Boundary – Specifies the influence range of the shrinking effect from
a target boundary. The influence range will be highlighted on a mesh interactively with this
option.

Fit – Fits a boundary to specific feature shapes such as Circle, Slot, Rectangle, Polygon and
Freeform.

Fitting Shape – Defines specific features for a boundary to be fit to.

Auto – Automatically recognizes a feature shape within an allowable tolerance.

Circle – Defines a boundary fitted feature shape as a circle.

Slot – Defines a boundary fitted feature shape as a slot.

Rectangle – Defines a boundary fitted feature shape as a rectangle.

Polygon – Defines a boundary fitted feature shape as a polygon.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 523

 Freeform – Defines a boundary fitted feature shape as a freeform shape.

Allowable Tolerance – Specifies allowable tolerance for extracting a feature shape from a
boundary. If any feature shape cannot be matched with a boundary a freeform shape will be
chosen.

Note: This option can be used only when the Fitting Shape option is set to Auto. Click the
Estimate button and the best tolerance will be automatically calculated based on the
shape of the selected target boundaries.

Fitting Type – Creates a best-fitted value by the least square fitting method when the Best
Fit option is selected. The least squares method is the approximate solution from distributed
data. The Min. Bound option finds the smallest radial distance value between a pair of
concentric circles, and Max. Bound finds the largest value.
The Hole method is available when the fitting type is set to Auto or Circle. This option finds
an inscribed circle from poly-vertices around a boundary.

Best Fit Min Boundary & Max Boundary Hole

Remove Outlier – Removes outlier data to achieve more accurate fitting results.
The N*Sigma method requires an N value and excludes data that is larger than N times the
standard deviation, also known as the sigma.
The Ratio method requires a ratio value and only data that falls into the selected value will be
used.
The Absolute Distance method requires a distance and the fitting will be done by excluding
any data outside of that distance.

N Sigma

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 524

 Use Only Effective Data – Uses only effective data when fitting. Effective data is the actual
data points used in fitting after sampling and outlier removal.

Rounded Corner – Fits a boundary to a specific feature shape with rounded corners and is
available when the fitting type is set to Auto, Rectangle or Polygon.

Non-Rounded Corner Rounded Corner

No. Of Edges – Decides the number of edges for a polygonal feature shape and is available
when the fitting type is set to Auto or Polygon.

Number of edges: 3 Number of edges: 5

User Defined Curves – Fits a boundary to user defined curves and is available when the
fitting type is set to Freeform.

Note: When using user-defined curves, the curves need to be prepared before the target
mesh feature in the Feature Tree. For more information, see Getting Started > Introduction
to the Interface > User Interface Overview.

Smoothness – Defines the smoothness of a boundary shape by using a value between the
Min and Max limits. It is available when the fitting type is set to Freeform and user-defined
curves are not selected.

Min. Smoothness Max. Smoothness

Extend – Adds poly-faces around a boundary and extends the shape. The extending distance of
poly-faces can be controlled using Distance under Extend Options.

Distance – Specifies an extending distance.

Refine And Smooth Extended Mesh – Refines poly-faces in an extended area by removing
crossing poly-faces that can be generated during the extension, and smooths poly-faces.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 525

 No. Of Smoothing Iterations – Specifies the number of smoothing iterations.

Extrude – Extrudes a boundary by a specified distance or up to a specified plane. The Blind, Up To

Plane, and Custom extrusion methods are available.

Method – Defines extrusion methods.

Blind – Extrudes a boundary by a specified distance.

Cap – Closes a boundary at the end of an extrusion.

Up To Plane – Extrudes a boundary up to a specified plane. Ref.Plane, 2D Sketch,

and planar face can be selected as a target plane.

Custom – Extrudes a boundary up to a specific position. The specific position can be

defined by using a manipulator for the X, Y, and Z coordinates.

Fill – Fills poly-faces in a boundary. This option is similar to the Fill Hole command. For more
information, see Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes.

Flat – Fills a boundary by using flat poly-faces.

Curvature – Fills a boundary by following the curvature flow of poly-faces around a boundary.

Merge Splitted Boundaries – Merges split boundaries into a single boundary.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 526

 ’
Original Boundary Uncheck ‘Merge Split Check ‘Merge Split
Boundary Boundary’

Smooth Boundary – Refines a boundary for better filling results.

Flatness Of Filled Holes – Adjusts the flatness of a resulting shape in a filled boundary.

Curved Flat

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Sew Boundaries
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes

7.5.2.5. Tools > Mesh Tools > Sew Boundaries

What
The Sew Boundaries command sews narrow line type holes in boundaries.

Why
The Sew Boundaries command is useful for:
• Creating an optimal mesh model without any torn boundaries
• Sewing torn boundaries in tessellated CAD mesh that have been imported from neutral file
formats such as IGES or STEP

How to Use

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 527

How to sew the boundaries of a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Sew Boundaries or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To check the boundaries of a mesh in the Model View, check the Boundary option
in the Display tab.

2. Click the Estimate button in the Sew If Gap Is Smaller Than option to calculate an
estimated distance from boundaries.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Sew If Gap Is Smaller Than – Specifies a distance for sewing gaps.

More Options
Merge Close Vertices – Merges poly-vertices in close proximity to each other under a specified
distance.

Before Merged After Merged

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 528

 Repair Spike Poly-Faces – Repairs spikey poly-faces.

Spike Poly-Faces Repaired Spike Poly-Faces

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Boundaries
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes

7.5.2.6. Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate

What
The Retriangulate command removes selected poly-faces and regenerates poly-faces by equalizing
poly-vertex balance.

Why
The Retriangulate command is useful for:
• Partially refining poly-faces on a mesh

How to Use
How to recreate poly-faces from a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select poly-faces on a mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 529

 3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edge
Tools > Mesh Tools > Virtual Rescan
Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush

7.5.2.7. Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh

What
The Global Remesh command globally regenerates poly-faces with uniform poly-edge lengths on a
mesh and improves the quality of the mesh. This command also cleans and manifolds solid mesh that
has no boundaries.

Why
The Global Remesh command is useful for:
• Optimizing mesh so that it has poly-faces globally with uniform poly-edge lengths
• Optimizing mesh to be used for creating a high quality surface body
• Reducing the effects of defects and roughness on a mesh
• Creating a high quality mesh from combined mesh that is complex and overlapped

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 530

How to Use
A. How to recreate high quality poly-faces with uniform poly-edge lengths on a
mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check the Make Clean And Manifold Solid Mesh option to create an optimal mesh without
any defects and holes.

3. Click the Preview button to check the results. If the results are not satisfactory, click Cancel
and change the values in the option and try again.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to optimize mesh from combined mesh that is complex and overlapped
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check the Make Clean And Manifold Solid Mesh option to create an optimal mesh without
any defects and holes. When that is complete check the Assume Combined Multiple Scan
Data Sets option to merge combined and complex overlapped scan sets during the
optimizing process.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 531

 3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Current Average Edge Length Edge – Shows current average edge length of poly-edges from
selected meshes.

Length Multiplier – Specifies an edge length multiplier.

Original Edge Length Edge Length Multiplier: 2

Target Average Edge Length – Defines average length of poly-edges after merging.

More Options
Make Clean And Manifold Solid Mesh – Generates a watertight mesh that has no holes or
defects.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 532

 Original Data Enable Option

Assume Combined Multiple Scan Data Sets – Merges combined and complexly
overlapped scan data sets during the optimizing process. Overlapping areas are removed
with this option.

Original Data Enable Option

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate
Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edge
Tools > Mesh Tools > Virtual Rescan
Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush

7.5.2.8. Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh

What
The Optimize Mesh command optimizes a mesh based on its feature shapes and improves the
quality of the mesh. This command also offers advanced options to control the size of poly-faces and
the effects of smoothing a model.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 533

Why
The Optimize Mesh command is useful for:
• Optimizing mesh based on its feature shapes
• Optimizing mesh to be used for creating a high quality surface body
• Creating optimized mesh to be used for Finite element analysis, also known as FEA

How to Use
A. How to optimize mesh based on its feature shapes to improve the quality
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the High Quality Mesh Conversion method and adjust options in the Size Option
panel.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to equalize poly-vertex balance in mesh

1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 534

 2. Choose the Equalize Poly-Vertex Balance method and set the Max. No. Of Iterations to
20.

3. Check the Smooth option to improve the mesh quality.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• High Quality Mesh Conversion
Optimizes mesh based on its feature shapes and improves the quality of mesh
• Improve Curvature Flow
Improves curvature flow and refine the feature shapes
• Equalize Poly-Vertex Balance
Equalizes poly-vertex balance to create poly-faces with uniform poly-edge lengths

High Quality Mesh Conversion – Optimizes mesh based on feature shapes and improves the
quality. It can also be used to control the size of poly-faces and the effects of smoothing a model.

Size Options – Choose either By Multiplier or By Length to define the target size of poly-
faces.

Note: To easily define the size of poly-faces and the criteria for regenerating poly-faces,
choose the By Multiplier size option. To manually define the size of poly-faces, choose
the By Length size option.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 535

 Current Average Edge Length – Shows the current average edge length of poly-
edges from a target mesh.

Min. Edge Length Multiplier (Length) – Limits the minimum length of poly-edges in
poly-faces.

Max. Edge Length Multiplier (Length) – Limits the maximum length of poly-edges in
poly-faces.

Allowable Deviation Multiplier (Deviation) – Limits the deformation of poly-faces

within the deviation between an original mesh and optimized mesh.

Increasing Mesh Size Rate – Determines the increasing size rate of poly-faces on a
mesh from small to large poly-faces.

Increasing Ratio: Less Increasing Ratio: More

No. Of Smoothing Iterations – Specifies the number of smoothing iterations. The smoothing
will be applied to the mesh after the optimizing process.

Regularize The Connectivity By Edge-Flipping – Regularizes the connectivity of poly-

faces by flipping poly-edges to improve the quality of mesh and equalize poly-vertex balance.

Preserve Boundary Poly-Vertices – Preserves the position of poly-vertices around

boundaries.

Do Not Modify Sharp Edges – Preserves sharp poly-edges and is useful for optimizing CAD
mesh converted from CAD data.

Disable Option Enable Option

Sharp Edge Angle Criteria – Determines the criterion to judge shape poly-edges by
angles. An edge is regarded as being sharp when the angle between two adjacent
faces is bigger than a predefined value. Small is set as 40 degrees, large as 100
degrees and the middle default value is set at 70 degrees. Moving the slider towards
small will preserve more edges as sharp edges.

Improve Curvature Flow – Improves curvature flow of poly-faces by using curvature information

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 536

 on a mesh and refines feature shapes.

Max. No. Of Iterations – Specifies the maximum number of improving iterations.

Original Data Improved Curvature Flow

Curvature Sensitivity – Determines the curvature sensitivity. When the sensitivity is set to
High, the number of switched poly-edges will increase and sharp edges will be generated.

Original Data Switched Edges

Equalize Poly-Vertex Balance – Equalizes poly-vertex balance to create poly-faces with uniform
poly-edge lengths on mesh.

Note: Equalized vertex balance is when 6 poly-vertices have been uniformly organized around a
center poly-vertex and the forces of their connectivity have been balanced.

Balanced Poly-Vertex

Max. No. Of Iterations – Specifies the maximum number of equalizing iterations.

Smooth – Applies smoothing to a mesh.

Modified Region Only – Applies smoothing to a modified area only.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate
Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edge
Tools > Mesh Tools > Virtual Rescan
Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush

7.5.2.9. Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edge

What
The Edit Poly-Edge command edits poly-edges manually by swapping, merging, subdividing,

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 537

inserting, and moving poly-vertices.

Why
The Edit Poly-Edge command is useful for:
• Manually editing poly-edges, poly-vertices, or poly-faces
• Manually improving the topology of poly-faces
• Modifying mesh shapes with a low poly-faces count

How to Use
How to edit poly-edges on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edge or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Merge method and pick a point on a mesh.

3. Choose the Move method and drag a poly-vertex on the mesh.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 538

Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• Swap
Flips poly-edges
• Merge
Merges poly-vertices
• Subdivide
Divides poly-faces
• Insert
Inserts a poly-vertex on a poly-face
• Move
Moves a poly-vertex

Swap – Flips a poly-edge. When the mouse cursor hovers over poly-edge, a preview will be
highlighted. Select a previewed poly-edge to flip it.

Before Swap After Swap

Merge – Merges poly-vertices in to a single poly-vertex. This method is useful for removing small
poly-faces.

Subdivide – Divides poly-face. This method is useful when dividing large poly-faces.

Insert – Inserts poly-vertex on poly-face. This method divides poly-faces by inserting a poly-vertex.

Move – Moves a poly-vertex by click-dragging.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 539

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate
Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Virtual Rescan
Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush

7.5.2.10. Tools > Mesh Tools > Virtual Rescan

What
The Virtual Rescan command regenerates a mesh by combining feature shapes captured in the
normal direction of each virtual plane. This command can be used to clean messy poly-faces inside of
a mesh.

Why
The Virtual Rescan command is useful for:
• Extracting exterior poly-faces from a volumetric mesh model that is mixed with inner and outer
feature shapes
• Optimizing poly-faces with uniform lengths on a mesh

How to Use
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 540
How to rescan feature shapes and recreate a mesh
1. Align a model in the Model View to define a normal direction of a virtual plane. Go to Tools >
Mesh Tools > Virtual Rescan or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check the Max. Poly-Face Angle option and set the value to 75°.
Check the Merge option to merge feature shapes captured in the normal direction of each
virtual plane.

2. Set the Grid U/V Size to 0.3mm. The Grid U Size is the size of the horizontal direction in a
grid plane. The Grid V Size is the size of the vertical direction in a grid plane.

3. Use the Add Polyhedral Position option to surround the target mesh with virtual planes.

4. Change the Type to Icosahedron (20) and click the OK button.

Check the normal direction of virtual planes surrounding the target mesh by the defined
polyhedral formation.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 541

 Note: To check the inner part of a mesh, use the View Clip command. For more
information, see View > Clip.

Options in Detail
Rescan Options
Poly-Faces – Selects target poly-faces.

Note: If poly-faces are not selected, the Virtual Rescan command will be applied to an entire
mesh.

Max. Poly-Face Angle – Specifies a maximum poly-face angle between the direction of poly-faces
and the normal direction of a virtual plane to avoid capturing slanted areas and creating abnormal
poly-faces.

Merge – Merges poly-faces captured in the normal direction of each virtual plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 542

 Note: If this option is disabled poly-faces will be combined.

Disable Merge Enable Merge

Grid Plane Options

Plane – Specifies a size for Grid U and V. To align the normal direction of a virtual plane to a view
direction, use the View > Viewpoint > Align View command or the Ctrl + Shift + A keyboard
shortcut.

Note: Click the Add button to add more grid planes in a different view direction. To remove
existing planes, change the target plane in the Plane list and click the Delete button. If the
normal direction of an added plane needs to be reversed, click the Reverse button. The Select
None button resets a selected grid plane.

Reference – Defines the normal direction of a virtual plane by referring to the normal direction of an
existing Ref.Plane, Sketch, or Face of a body.

Draw – Draws a rectangle on the screen to define a grid plane in a view direction.

Add Cylindrical Position

This option creates a cylindrical formation of virtual planes surrounding a target mesh or selected
poly-faces. Check virtual planes and their normal direction by clicking the Preview button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 543

 Axis – Specifies the direction of an axis of a cylindrical formation.

No. Of Planes – Specifies the number of virtual planes that cylindrically surround a target mesh or
selected poly-faces.

Cap – Caps a feature shape on the top or the bottom of a target mesh or selected poly-faces.

Add Polyhedral Position

Creates a polyhedral formation of virtual planes surrounding a target mesh or selected poly-faces.

Position – Specifies the center position of a polyhedral formation.

Type – Selects a polyhedral formation type.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate
Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edge

7.5.2.11. Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap

What
The Rewrap command fills missing areas on a mesh based on its geometric feature shapes. This
command also smooths and improves the quality to a mesh.

Why
The Rewrap command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 544

• Creating a watertight mesh from raw 3D scan data that has missing areas and complex holes
• Filling holes with poly-faces based on geometric feature shapes and cleaning defects from a
mesh at the same time

How to Use
How to rewrap feature shapes and recreate poly-faces on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: Check the normal information of a target mesh before applying the Rewrap
command. The target mesh should have correct normal information because the normal
of poly-faces are used during rewrapping.

2. Increase the Geometry Capture Accuracy from Loose to Tight to tightly fit geometric
feature shapes to a mesh and adjust the Overall Smoothness option.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Current Average Edge Length – Shows the current average edge length of poly-edges on a target
mesh.

Edge Length Multiplier – Specifies an edge length multiplier.

Original Edge Length Edge Length Multiplier: 2

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 545

 Note: To create a mesh with dense poly-faces, set a value smaller than 1. If the value is set
larger than 1, the results will be more sparse than the original mesh.

Edge Length Multiplier = 1 Edge Length Multiplier = 3

Target Average Edge Length – Defines the average length of poly-edges after rewrapping.

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is moved
towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is moved towards
Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Loose Tight

Overall Smoothness – Applies a smoothing effect to the overall areas of a target mesh. The weight
of the smoothness can be adjusted by moving the slider between Min. and Max.

Smooth: Min Smooth: 2 Step

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 546

 More Option
Extend Boundaries – Closes large holes by extending boundaries. The tightness or looseness of
the tension in a boundary can be adjusted by moving the slider between Min. and Max.

Original Data Uncheck Extend Boundary Check Extend Boundary

Original Data Curved Flat

Note: A volume manipulator will be displayed when the Extend Boundaries option is enabled. It
limits the extension area by a user-defined volume. This is useful when dealing with a mesh that
has boundary shapes opened toward the outside.

Before After

Mesh Density In High Curvature Region – Controls the density of poly-faces in high curvature
areas.

Uncheck Check

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 547

Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes

7.5.2.12. Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes

What
The Fill Holes command fills in missing holes with poly-faces based on feature shapes of a mesh.
This command also offers advanced editing commands to modify or remove feature shapes from
boundaries.

Why
The Fill Holes command is useful for:
• Manually filling in holes with poly-faces based on geometric feature shapes

How to Use
How to fill missing holes in mesh

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 548

 1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: The Fill Hole command can be accessed in the pop-up menu by selecting a
boundary and clicking the RMB button. When a hole is filled using the pop-up menu, the
Curvature method will be applied.

2. Select holes and choose the Curvature method.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Boundaries – Selects boundaries. To select all boundaries at one time, Go to Select > All –
Boundaries in the menu, use the pop-up menu, or use the Shift + A keyboard shortcut.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 549

Editing Tools

This command features 6 editing commands:

• Add Bridge
Adds bridges in between boundaries
• Fill Gulf
Fills poly-faces on indented boundaries
• Remove Peninsula
Removes poly-faces on indented boundaries
• Remove Island
Removes small clusters
• Smooth Boundary
Applies smoothing to boundaries
• Delete Poly-Face
Removes poly-faces

Add Bridge – Adds bridges between target boundaries by connecting two poly-edges. To add a
bridge, drag a poly-edge from one side to the other.

Note: If a hole is too large and complex to fill with poly-faces, use the Add Bridge editing
command to make the hole smaller and simpler.

Fill Gulf – Fills poly-faces on an indented boundary. To fill poly-faces on a gulf-like boundary, pick
points for a starting point and ending point.

Remove Peninsula – Removes poly-faces on an indented boundary. To remove peninsula-like

poly-faces on a boundary, draw a trimming path by picking two points.

Remove Island – Removes small clusters. To remove small clusters, pick a point in the cluster.

Smooth Boundary – Applies smoothing to a boundary.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 550

Delete Poly-Face – Removes poly-faces. To remove poly-faces, click this button and select poly-
faces, and then press the Delete key.

Note: Using the Delete Poly-Face command to delete poly-faces will not exit the Fill Holes
command.

Methods
Flat – Fills target boundaries with flat poly-faces.

Curvature – Fills poly-faces in target boundaries using the curvature flow around the boundary.

More Options
Hole Size Measure

Boundary Edge Count – Limits filling holes by the boundary edge count.

Perimeter – Limits filling holes by the length of boundaries.

Do Not Fill N-Biggest Holes – Preserves large holes. The biggest holes will be preserved in order
of size according to a specified value. If the value is set to zero, the option will be ignored.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 551

 Do Not Fill If Hole Is Bigger Than – Preserve large holes. Holes with a boundary edge count or
length of a boundary less than a specified value will not be filled.

Smooth Boundary – Applies smoothing to target boundaries. This option is useful for reducing
noise and the effect of roughness in a target boundary and allows easy filling of poly-faces in
complex boundaries.

Original Data Disable Smooth Boundary Enable Smooth Boundary

Refine Filled Holes – Refines poly-faces with uniform edge lengths in the filled area within
boundary. This option is available when using the Flat method.

Without Refine Filled Holes With Refine Filled Holes

Flatness Of Filled Holes – Adjusts the flatness of filled areas.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Boundaries
Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Rewrap

7.5.2.13. Tools > Mesh Tools > Defeature

What
The Defeature command removes feature shapes and regenerates poly-faces on a mesh. Defeature
removes selected areas first and applies the Fill Holes operation to the removed areas.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 552

Why
The Defeature command is useful for:
• Removing feature shapes from a target mesh
• Removing unnecessary feature shapes and filling in poly-faces in empty areas to smoothly
connect with adjacent feature shapes

How to Use
How to delete feature shapes and recreate poly-faces on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Defeature or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Fill method. Select poly-faces to remove feature shapes.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 553

Target Feature Shape
Fill – Removes feature shapes and fills poly-faces in the removed areas.

Bridge – Removes feature shapes on cylindrical areas and fills poly-faces in the removed areas by
connecting with bridges.

Methods
Flat – Fills removed areas using flat poly-faces.

Curvature – Fills removed areas using the curvature flow around a boundary.

More Options
Smooth Boundary Of Defeatured Area – Applies smoothing to boundaries. This option is useful
for reducing the effect of roughness around boundaries that have been manually selected and
removed, and easily fills in poly-faces in boundaries.

Disable Smooth Boundary Enable Smooth Boundary

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 554

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Delete
Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes

7.5.2.14. Tools > Mesh Tools > Remove Marker

What
When scanning an object in different directions, markers are used to recognize feature shapes of 3D
scan data and align scans accurately. After aligning and merging scans to mesh, the markers are
required to be removed for creating an optimal mesh. The Remove Marker command removes
scanned markers from a mesh.

Why

The Remove Marker command is useful for:

• Finding and removing scan markers

How to Use
How to remove scan markers from a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Remove Marker or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Manually specify the marker radius as 10 mm and then click the Find Markers button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 555

 3. Check the detected markers. If markers cannot be located by using Find Marker button
with a specified marker radius, pick the boundary of a marker on the mesh to select them
manually.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Marker Radius – Specifies the radius of a target marker. Click the Find Markers button to find
markers with the specified radius.

Markers – Shows detected markers in a list. Click the From File button to import an AICON file
(.obc) that contains center coordinates of markers. This information will be used to find markers in a
mesh.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Delete
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes
Tools > Mesh Tools > Defeature

7.5.2.15. Tools > Mesh Tools > Add Poly-Face

What
The Add Poly-Face command creates a new poly-face manually by picking poly-vertices on a mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 556

Why
The Add Poly-Face command is useful for:
• Manually adding poly-faces
• Filling poly-faces in the boundaries of mesh that has been converted from CAD data

How to Use
How to partially add poly-faces on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Add Poly-Face or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Pick the first poly-vertex.

3. Pick the second poly-vertex.

4. Pick the third poly-vertex

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 557

Options in Details
Target Entities
Poly-Vertices – Selects three poly-vertices on a mesh. To cancel all selections, click the Select
None button. The Deselect Last button is used to cancel the last selection.

New Poly-Face Count – Shows the number of newly added poly-faces.

More Options
Match Poly-Face Normal – Matches the normal direction of added poly-faces to their adjacent
poly-faces.

Note: The normal direction of created poly-faces follows the order of selection in either the
clockwise or counterclockwise directions. To match a normal direction with adjacent poly-faces
regardless of selection order, use this option.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes

7.5.2.16. Tools > Mesh Tools > Smooth

What
The Smooth command reduces the effect of noise and roughness in a mesh. It can be applied to the
entire mesh or partially selected poly-faces.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 558

Why
The Smooth command is useful for:
• Reducing the effects of noise and roughness in a target mesh or partially selected poly-faces
• Improving the quality of a mesh

How to Use
How to smooth and reduce the roughness of a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Smooth or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Adjust the Smoothness Level option to the middle and click the Next Stage button to
continue.

3. Check the results in real-time by using the Smoothness Level option.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Smoothness Level – Adjust the iteration count of smoothness by moving the slider between Min
and Max.

Min Medium Max

More Options
Allowable Deviation – Specifies an allowable deviation range for the deformation of poly-vertices
during smoothing.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 559

 Do Not Move Boundaries – Preserves the movement of poly-vertices in boundaries.

Original Data Check Option Uncheck Option

Feature Preservation – Preserves the deformation of features.

Original Data Check Option Uncheck Option

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush
Tools > Mesh Tools > Enhance Shape

7.5.2.17. Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush

What
The Smart Brush command partially optimizes a target mesh and improves the quality of the mesh.
This command uses advanced methods to interactively edit partial areas of mesh such as Smooth,
Decimate, Clean, Enhance and Deform.

Why

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 560

The Smart Brush command is useful for:
• Partially optimizing and improving the quality of mesh
• Reducing the number of poly-faces in a specify area of a mesh
• Partially deforming mesh

How to Use
A. How to interactively apply a smoothing effect to a partial area of a mesh by
using the paint brush selection tool
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Smooth method. Hold down the Alt key and drag the mouse cursor with the left
mouse button to adjust the range of the editing zone.

3. Select an area on the mesh and check the results.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to interactively equalize poly-vertex balance

1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Clean method. Hold down the Alt key and drag the mouse cursor with the left
mouse button to adjust the range of the editing zone.

3. Select an area on the mesh and check the results.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 561

 4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 5 methods:

• Smooth
Reduces the effect of noise and roughness in partial areas of mesh
• Decimate
Reduces the number of poly-faces in partial areas of mesh
• Clean
Equalizes poly-vertex balance
• Enhance
Sharpen sharp areas and smooths rounded corners
• Deform
Deforms feature shapes on a mesh

Smooth – Interactively smooths partial areas of a mesh. For more information, see Tools > Mesh
Tools > Smooth.

Strength – Adjusts the weight of smoothness by moving the slider between Min and Max.

Min Medium Max

Allowable Deviation – Specifies an allowable deviation range and limits the deformation of
poly-vertices within the allowable deviation during smoothing.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 562

 Do Not Move Boundaries – Preserve the movement of poly-vertices in boundaries.

Original Data Check Option Uncheck Option

Do Not Modify Sharp Edges – Preserve the deformation of poly-vertices in sharp edges.

Original Data Check Option Uncheck Option

Decimate – Interactively reduces the number of poly-faces in a partial area of mesh. For more
information, see Tools > Mesh Tools > Decimate.

Reduction Level – Adjusts the strength of reduction by moving the slider between Less and
More.

Do Not Move Boundaries – Preserves the movement of poly-vertices in boundaries.

Clean – Interactively equalizes poly-vertex balance by flipping poly-edges. For more information,
see Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh.

Smooth Cleaned Poly-Faces – Applies smoothing to cleaned poly-faces.

Enhance – Makes sharp areas sharper and rounded corner areas smoother. For more information,
see Tools > Mesh Tools > Enhance.

Sharpness – Adjusts the sharpness of selected poly-faces by moving the slider between Min
and Max.

Overall Smoothness - Adjusts the smoothness of selected poly-faces by moving the slider

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 563

 between Min and Max.

Deform – Deforms feature shapes in a convex or concave shape on a mesh. To create a convex
shape, select a partial area on the mesh. To create a concave shape, select a partial area on the
mesh while holding down the Ctrl key.

Weight – Adjust the weight of deformation by moving the slider between Min and Max.

Set Weight Curve – Click the Set Weight Curve button to modify weight factor in each
position of a paint brush.

Note: In the dialog box, the horizontal axis on a weight curve view represents the position
from the center to boundary of a paint brush. The vertical axis represents a user-defined
weight factor for deformation.

Smooth Deformed Poly-Faces – Applies smoothing to deformed poly-faces.

Volume of Deformed Poly-faces – Shows the volume of deformed poly-faces.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smooth
Tools > Mesh Tools > Decimate
Tools > Mesh Tools > Global Remesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Optimize Mesh
Tools > Mesh Tools > Enhance Shape

7.5.2.18. Tools > Mesh Tools > Decimate

What
The Decimate command reduces the number of poly-faces in a mesh or selected areas by merging
poly-vertices while preserving geometric feature shapes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 564

Why
The Decimate command is useful for:
• Reducing the number and size of poly-faces on a mesh
• Maintaining the original shape of large meshes in the follow-up modeling process

How to Use
How to reduce the number of poly-faces on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Scan Tools > Decimate Meshes or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check the Poly-Face Count option and set the Reduction Ratio to 70 %.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 2 methods:

• Poly-Face Count
Reduces the number of poly-faces by controlling the target poly-face count
• Allowable Deviation
Reduces the number of poly-faces within an allowable deviation

Poly-Face Count – Reduces the number of poly-faces by using parameters specified by the Target
Poly-Face Count or Reduction Ratio options.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 565

 Target Poly-Face Count – Determines a target number of poly-faces. This option can only be
used with a single mesh.

Original Face Count: 14,703 Target Face Count: 5,228

Reduction Ratio – Determines reduction ratio.

Original Data Reduction Ratio: 70% Reduction Ratio: 30%

High Curvature Area Resolution – Determines resolution in high curvature areas of a target
mesh.

Original Data

High Curvature Area Resolution: Sparse

High Curvature Area Resolution: Dense

Allowable Deviation – Reduces the number of poly-faces within an allowable deviation between an
original shape and decimated results.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 566

 More Options
Do Not Move Poly-Vertices – Preserves the original position of poly-vertices during decimation.

Do Not Modify Boundaries – Preserves the original shape of boundaries during decimation.

Original Data Check Option Uncheck Option

Regularize Poly-Face – Regenerates poly-faces with uniform poly-edge lengths.

Note: The calculation time for this command may be highly increased with this option.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush
Tools > Mesh Tools > Subdivide

7.5.2.19. Tools > Mesh Tools > Subdivide

What
The Subdivide command subdivides poly-faces to increase the number of poly-faces on a mesh or
selected areas while preserving feature shapes. This command also improves the curvature flow
between adjacent poly-faces.

Why
The Subdivide command is useful for:
• Increasing the number of poly-faces on a mesh or selected areas
• Reducing the size of poly-faces on a mesh or selected areas
• Characterizing feature shapes
• Working with mesh models that cannot be represented in detail with low poly-face count

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 567

How to Use
How to divides and increase the number of poly-faces
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Subdivide or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the 4x method.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 3 different methods:

• 4x
Divides poly-faces into quarters
• 3x
Divides poly-faces into three equal parts
• Edge Length
Regenerates poly-faces on a target mesh or selected areas by using specified parameters

4x – Divides poly-faces into quarters.

3x – Divides poly-faces into three equal parts.

Edge Length – Regenerates poly-faces on a target mesh or selected areas by using specified
parameters. This method manually controls edge lengths and is useful for refining mesh that has
been converted from CAD data.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 568

 Original Data Min: 1.0x, Max: 5.0x

Current Average Edge Length – Shows the current average edge length of poly-edges
calculated from a target mesh or selected areas.

Min. Edge Length Multiplier – Specifies a minimum edge length multiplier based on the
current average edge length.

Min. Edge Length – Specifies a minimum edge length based on the current average edge
length.

Max. Edge Length Multiplier – Specifies a maximum edge length multiplier based on the
current average edge length.

Max. Edge Length – Specifies a maximum edge length based on the current average edge
length.

Note: The size of resulting poly-faces will be determined within specified minimum and
maximum edge lengths. The edge length of poly-faces can be control by either the
Min./Max. Edge Length Multiplier or Min./Max. Edge Length options.

More Options
If Edge Length Is Longer Than – Divides poly-faces that have longest edge lengths that are longer
than a specified value and can be used when the method is set to 4x.

Restrict Target Poly-Faces – Restricts subdivision to either high or low curvature areas.

High Curvature Only – Restrict subdivision to high curvature areas.

Original Data High Curvature Only

Low Curvature Only – Restricts subdivision to low curvature areas.

Original Data Low Curvature Only

Curvature Searching Sensitivity – Specifies the sensitivity of curvature searching.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 569

 Note: When the slider is moved towards Low, curvature areas will be detected with a wide
searching range. When the slider is moved towards High, it will be detected with a narrow
searching range.

Low High

Do Not Move Poly-Vertices – Preserves the original position of poly-vertices during subdivision.

Do Not Modify Boundaries – Preserves the original shape of boundaries during subdivision.

Do Not Modify Sharp Edges – Preserves original sharp edges during subdivision.

Defeaturing Level – Adjust the level of defeaturing by moving the slider between Less and More.
Feature regions will be classified from a target mesh or selected areas and applied starting from low
curvature areas to high curvature areas.

Less Middle More

Fill Defective Holes – Refines defective holes and fills holes with poly-faces.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush
Tools > Mesh Tools > Decimate

7.5.2.20. Tools > Mesh Tools > Enhance Shape

What
The Enhance Shape command enhances feature shapes by characterizing sharp areas and
smoothing rounded corner areas.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 570

Why
The Enhance Shape command is useful for:
• Enhancing feature shapes by characterizing feature areas
• Improving the quality of a mesh by applying smoothing and sharpening at the same time

How to Use
How to enhance feature shapes in a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Enhance Shape or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Adjust the Sharpness option to Max and the Overall Smoothness option to Min.

3. Click the Next Stage button to continue.

4. Adjust the Enhance Level option. Use the Enable Realtime Preview button to check results
in real-time.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 571

 Sharpness – Adjusts the sharpness of a target mesh or selected poly-faces.

Original Data Sharpness: Min Sharpness: Max

Overall Smoothness – Adjusts the smoothness of a target mesh or selected poly-faces.

Original Data Overall Smoothness: Min Overall Smoothness: Max

Enhance Level – Adjusts the strength of enhancement.

Original Data Level: Min Level: Max

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smooth
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smart Brush

7.5.2.21. Tools > Mesh Tools > Refit

What
The Refit command regenerates a mesh using a reference entity. A mesh, a surface body or an
analytic shape such as a plane, cylinder, cone, sphere, torus or box, can be a reference entity.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 572

Why
The Refit command is useful for:
• Refitting specific areas to an analytic feature shape
• Creating an optimized mesh from irregular point clouds that are too complex to be triangulated
• Refitting a mesh that has been distorted by mesh operations to the original mesh or point cloud
• Refitting a mesh to a modeled surface body

How to Use
A. How to refit distorted mesh to an original mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Refit or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select an original mesh as a Target Entity.

3. Click the Preview button to check the results.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to refit a mesh to an original point cloud

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 573

 1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Refit or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: When a point cloud is too complex to be triangulated, the Refit command can be
used to create an optimized mesh.
When using the Refit command, prepare a base mesh by following the basic guidelines
below:
1. Clean noise from a point cloud by filling holes and refining poly-faces.
2. Filter redundant points and sample noise from an original point cloud to create a
mesh by using the Triangulate command with the Mesh Construction method.
For more information, see Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate.
3. Increase the number of poly-faces to fit to the original point cloud.
After preparing a base mesh, refit the mesh to the original point cloud.

2. Select an original point cloud as the Target Entity.

3. Set the Distance to 3mm.

4. Click the Preview button to check the results.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Note: The Tools > Mesh Tools > Smooth command can be applied to the refitted mesh
to get better results.

Options in Detail
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 574
Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• To Analytic Shape
Refits specific areas to an analytic feature shape
• To Mesh/Point Cloud
Refits a mesh to a reference mesh or point cloud
• To Surface
Refits a mesh to a reference surface body

To Analytic Shape – Refits selected poly-faces to a specified geometric feature shape.

Original Data Fitting Shape: Sphere

Poly-Faces To Be Fitted – Selects poly-faces to be fitted.

Fitting Shape – Specifies a geometric feature fitting shape.

Projection On Plane – Specifies a planar entity to be projected onto.

Note: A planar region, Ref.Plane, 2D sketch chain, curve, 3D sketch, sketch edge, loop, or
planar face can be defined as a target plane.

Fix Radius – Specifies the value of the radius of a cylinder or a sphere if it is already known.

User Defined – Specifies a radius to be fitted.

Note: A user defined radius can be specified when a circular entity is not defined.

Axis Constraint – Constrains the direction of an axis.

Use Specified Axis As Initial Guess – Defines an initial axis that can be used for
finding the direction of a fitting shape.

Use Specified Axis As It Is – Manually defines the direction of an axis by selecting an

entity that has a vector property or by manually typing the values.

To Mesh/Point Cloud – Refits a mesh to a reference mesh or point cloud.

Before Refit After Refit

Distance Criterion – Specifies the distance criteria used to define the influence range of a

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 575

 fitting.

To Surface – Refits a mesh to a reference surface body.

Before Refit After Refit

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Retriangulate
Tools > Mesh Tools > Edit Poly-Edges

7.5.2.22. Tools > Mesh Tools > Insert

What
The Insert command inserts a mesh converted from body faces, edges or curve entities.

Why
The Insert command is useful for:
• Inserting a mesh converted from modeled entities into an existing mesh

How to Use
How to convert other entities and insert into mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Insert or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a solid body for target Entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 576

 3. Click the Preview button to check the results.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Entities – Selects body faces, edges, or curves to use as target entities to insert into existing mesh.

Note: If a curve is selected, poly-vertices will be relocated closer to the curve.

Original Data Insert Curve Rearrange of poly-vertices

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Boolean
Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body

7.5.2.23. Tools > Mesh Tools > Split

What
The Split command divides a mesh into multiple parts by using various tool entities such as a
Ref.Plane, curve, face, surface Body, solid Body, or polyline.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 577

Why
The Split command is useful for:
• Splitting a mesh into multiple parts

How to Use
How to split a mesh with a tool entity
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Split or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the By Entity method and select a Ref. Plane.

3. Click the Next Stage button to continue and select a remaining area.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 578

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 3 methods:

• By Entity
Splits a mesh by using a tool entity
• By Drawing Polyline On Screen
Splits a mesh by drawing a polyline on the screen
• By User Defined Plane
Splits a mesh by a user defined plane

By Entity – Splits a mesh by using a plane, curve, or a body face.

By Drawing Poly-Line On Screen – Splits a mesh by drawing a polyline on the screen.

Note: Hold the Shift key while drawing to create a horizontal or vertical polyline.

By User Defined Plane – Splits a mesh by using user-defined virtual plane that can be
manipulated by dragging or rotating manipulator handles.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 579

 Base Plane – Splits a mesh by a selected base plane.

More Options
Cap Section Ends – Fills an open boundary to create a closed mesh.

Disable Capping Enable Capping

Result
Remaining Region – Selects remaining regions.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Trim

7.5.2.24. Tools > Mesh Tools > Trim

What
The Trim command trims poly-faces on a target mesh and cuts off trimmed inner or outer regions.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 580

Why
The Trim command is useful for:
• Trimming poly-faces out of a mesh
• Rearranging poly-edges to fit a reference curve

How to Use
A. How to trim poly-faces on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Trim or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select the By Curve method and select a predefined curve as a tool Curves.

Note: To use a curve as a tool curve it should be located in the higher level of a feature
structure in the Feature Tree.

3. Choose the Rearrange Poly-Vertices sub-method.

4. Click the Next Stage button.

5. Select the region to remain.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 581

 6. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
By Custom Path – Trims a mesh by a custom path created by picking points on a mesh.

Trim Path – Trims a path using the Undo Last Path (Ctrl + Z), Close Path, and Reset Path
buttons.

Drawing Custom Path Undo Last Path Close Path

By Curve – Trims a mesh using existing closed curves.

Rearrange Poly-Vertices – Trims a mesh by projecting nearby poly-vertices onto selected

curves.

Rearrange Poly-Faces – The trimming will be done by dividing the poly-faces at the
intersecting point between the curve and poly-edges.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 582

 Result
Remaining Region – Selects remaining regions.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Split

Tips & Tutorials

How to Get Those Pesky Meshes to Trim

7.5.2.25. Tools > Mesh Tools > Mirror

What
The Mirror command creates a new mesh by mirroring an existing mesh using a cutting plane.

Why
The Mirror command is useful for:
• Completing a mesh by mirroring one half of a mesh

How to Use
A. How to mirror a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Mirror or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 583

 2. Select a plane for a mirror plane.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Plane Options

Position – Selects an entity or an x, y and z coordinate set as a position for a mirror plane.

Normal – Specifies the normal direction of a mirror plane.

Remove Original Mesh – Removes original mesh after mirroring.

Trim And Merge – Removes overlapping areas between an original mesh and a mirrored mesh.

Disable Trim And Merge Enable Trim And Merge

Remesh Poly-Faces Around Mirror Plane – Regenerates poly-faces around a mirror plane
to smoothly connect two merged meshes.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Transform Scan Data

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 584

Tools > Mesh Tools > Split

7.5.2.26. Tools > Mesh Tools > Offset

What
The Offset command creates a new mesh that has a constant distance from an original mesh using
either the Surface or Volume method.

Why
The Offset command is useful for:
• Increasing or decreasing the size of a mesh

How to Use
A. How to increase the size of mesh by using distance
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Offset or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Set the Distance to 3 mm.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Surface – Creates a new mesh that is offset from the original mesh. Although the operation
appears to expand or contract the faces, it actually defines new offset faces at a specific distance

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 585

from the original mesh.

Original Data Surface Offset

Distance – Specifies an offset distance.

Volume – Calculates the distance from a voxel node to a poly-vertex and makes a new offset
polygon using the distance.

Original Data Volume Offset

Output Resolution Control – Determines the resolution of poly-faces after an offset by

specifying a multiplier of the current poly-edge length. This option is available for the
Volume method.

Current Average Edge Length – Shows the resolution of the current average edge
length.

Edge Length Multiplier – Multiplies the average edge length by a specified value.

Target Average Edge Length – Defines average edge length by a specified value.

More Options
Preview Offset Result – Displays an offset result as a point cloud.

Preview

Remove Crossing Region – Automatically verifies and cleans crossing regions. This option is
available for the Surface method.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 586

 Make Closed Mesh – Closes and offset an open mesh. This option is available for the Volume
method.

Original Data With Closed Mesh Option Without Closed Mesh Option

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Transform Scan Data
Tools > Mesh Tools > Thicken

7.5.2.27. Tools > Mesh Tools > Thicken

What
The Thicken command changes the volume of a mesh by giving a constant thickness to each face to
create a completely closed mesh with no boundaries.

Why
The Thicken command is useful for:
• Giving faces with no volume thickness
• Creating constant thickness parts

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 587

How to Use
A. How to create thickness
1. Go to Tools > Mesh Tools > Thicken or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Set the Thickness to 3 mm.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Surface – Defines new offset poly-faces that are a specific distance from an original mesh.

Thickness – Specifies an offset distance. To change an offset direction, use the Direction1
or Direction2 options. To offset both directions at the same time, use Both.

Direction 1 – Thickens in the default positive direction.

Direction 2 – Thickens in the opposite, negative direction from Direction1.

Both – Thickens using both Direction 1 and Direction 2 at the same time.

Volume – Calculates the distance from a voxel node to a poly-vertex and makes a new thickened
polygon using the distance.

Output Resolution Control – Determines the resolution of poly-faces after an offset by

specifying a multiplier of the current poly-edge length. This option is available for the
Volume method.

Current Average Edge Length – Shows the resolution of the current average edge
length.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 588

 Edge Length Multiplier – Multiplies the average edge length by a specified value.

Target Average Edge Length – Defines average edge length by a specified value.

More Options
Preview Thicken Result – Displays a thickened result as a point cloud.

Remove Crossing Region – Automatically verifies and cleans crossing regions. This option is
available for the Surface method.

Make Closed Mesh – This option is available when you select the Volume method. If a mesh is
not closed, the application will close and thicken a mesh.

Original Data Check the Option Uncheck the Option

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Fill Holes
Tools > Mesh Tools > Offset

7.5.2.28. Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body

What
The Convert Body command converts a selected solid or surface body to a mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 589

Why
The Convert Body command is useful for:
• Converting a solid body into mesh

How to Use
A. How to convert bodies into mesh
1. Go to Insert > Mesh or click the icon in the toolbar to create a mesh feature.

2. Click Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a body to convert.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 590

Target Entities
Bodies – Selects solid or surface bodies to convert into meshes.

Options
Quality – Determines the accuracy of a mesh. Moving the slider towards High, will produce
a more accurate mesh that contains more poly-faces.

Quality: Low Quality: Medium Quality: High

Advanced – Displays sub-options used to precisely limit the size of poly-faces.

Max. Chord Height – Specifies how accurately a mesh represents a surface by

setting the distance between the mesh and the part of the surface it represents.

Max. Edge Length – Specifies the value of the maximum edge length of a poly-face.

Min. Edge Length – Specifies the value of the minimum edge length of a poly-face.

More Options
Sew Boundary – Removes small gaps along boundaries.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 591

 Include Accuracy Analyzer Color – Generates colored mesh from bodies. This option is
available when selected bodies have Accuracy Analyzer™ information.

Note: To use this option:

1. Run Deviation in the Accuracy Analyzer panel in the Default mode.
2. Go to Insert > Mesh.
3. Execute the Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body command.
4. Select a body.
5. Check the Include Accuracy Analyzer Color option.
6. Click OK to complete the command.

Deviation Result Colored Mesh

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Convert Entities

Tips & Tutorials

Using CAD tools to edit your mesh

7.5.3. Tools > Region Tools

The Region Tools menu features various commands used to generate and edit feature regions on a
mesh. Geometry feature regions can be classified with region tools and created feature regions can
be used for creating feature shapes.

The Region Tools are divided into 3 tool groups used to:

Creating Feature Regions

• Auto Segment
Automatically segments feature regions on a mesh
• Resegment
Resegments existing feature regions by using different classification criteria

Editing Feature Regions

• Merge
Merges multiple feature regions into a single feature region
• Split
Divides feature regions into multiple parts
• Insert
Inserts a new feature region

Managing Feature Regions

• Separate
Separates a feature region into multiple feature regions

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 592

• Enlarge
Enlarges feature regions
• Shrink
Shrinks feature regions

7.5.3.1. Tools > Region Tools > Auto Segment

What
The Auto Segment command automatically classifies feature regions by recognizing 3D features
from raw scan data. Classified feature regions have geometric feature information that can be used
for creating features quickly.

Why
The Auto Segment command is useful for:
• Classify feature regions on a mesh
• Using geometric feature information for easily and quickly creating features

How to Use
How to automatically segment feature regions on a mesh
1. Go to Insert > Region Group or click the icon in the toolbar to enter Region Group mode.

2. The Auto Segment command will automatically initiate.

Note: If feature regions have been classified, manually go to Tools > Region Tools >
Auto Segment or click the icon in the toolbar to execute the Auto Segment command.

3. While the Auto Segment command is executed, specify Geometry Classification Option.
Tolerance is used to define the geometry type.
Outlier removes outlier data to achieve more accurate fitting results.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 593

 4. Click the OK button to classify the feature regions on the mesh.

Note: After classifying regions, check the geometry types on the regions by hovering the
mouse cursor over the regions and the geometry type will be displayed. To select regions
only, toggle the Filter Regions button in the Select Filter toolbar.

Options in Detail
Sensitivity – Specifies search sensitivity for feature regions.

Note: When the slider is moved towards More, search sensitivity will increase. A higher search
sensitivity may generate many particle regions if a mesh is rough.

Sensitivity: 100 Sensitivity: 20

Mesh Roughness – Adjusts the roughness of a mesh depending on the noise level. If you click the
Estimate button , the application analizes the mesh and recommends a proper value.

Rough Mesh Smooth Mesh

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 594

 Preserve Existing Region – Preserves existing regions.

Note: If feature regions have been classified, the existing regions will be preserved using this
option. This option is useful for managing the freeform and feature parts of a mesh.
Select poly-faces on freeform areas by using a selection mode and manually insert new feature
regions by going to Tools > Region Tools > Insert or click the icon in the toolbar. Apply the Auto
Segment command to the mesh and the pre-classified freeform regions will be preserved and
feature regions will be classified on feature parts only.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Resegment
Tools > Region Tools > Merge
Tools > Region Tools > Split
Tools > Region Tools > Insert
Tools > Region Tools > Separate
Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge
Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

7.5.3.2. Tools > Region Tools > Resegment

What
The Resegment command removes selected regions then classifies them again. Sometimes the
region segmentation criteria should have a different value from the size or detail of features in a model.
Generally the Resegment command applies to partial areas after Auto Segmenting, which classifies
overall areas.

Why
The Resegment command is useful for:
• Accurately classifying geometries on a region

How to Use
How to resegment feature regions on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > Region Tools > Resegment or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 595

 2. Select regions to resegment.

3. Set the Sensitivity and Mesh Roughness options. In this example, regions should be
simplified. So move the Sensitivity slider to Less.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Sensitivity – Specifies the search sensitivity of feature regions.

Note: When the slider is moved towards More, search sensitivity will be increase. Higher search
sensitivity may generate many particle regions if a mesh is rough.

Sensitivity: 100 Sensitivity: 20

Mesh Roughness – Adjusts the roughness of a mesh depending on the noise level.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 596

 Rough Mesh Smooth Mesh

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Merge
Tools > Region Tools > Split
Tools > Region Tools > Insert
Tools > Region Tools > Separate
Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge
Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

7.5.3.3. Tools > Region Tools > Merge

What
The Merge command merges multiple feature regions into a single feature region. This command
performs the opposite function of the Separate command.

Why
The Merge command is useful for:
Merging multiple feature regions into a single feature region
• Managing separated feature regions as a single feature region

How to Use
How to merge multiple feature regions into a single feature region

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 597

 1. Select two regions to merge.

Note: Poly-faces of regions can be selected and merged with regions.

2. Go to Tools > Region Tools > Merge or click the icon in the toolbar. The regions will be
merged.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Resegment
Tools > Region Tools > Split
Tools > Region Tools > Insert
Tools > Region Tools > Separate
Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge
Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

7.5.3.4. Tools > Region Tools > Split

What
The Split command divides a feature region into multiple parts.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 598

Why
The Split command is useful for:
• Manually dividing feature regions
• Separating multiple parts of feature region

How to Use
How to divide feature regions into multiple parts
1. Go to Tools > Region Tools > Split or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Pick the first point of a polyline.

Note: To exit the selection status, use the Esc key on the keyboard.

Note: When splitting regions there are two selection methods; picking and dragging. If a
point on a region a polyline is selected a polyline will be used to divide regions. However
if regions are selected by dragging, the current selection option method will be used. For
example, if the current selection method is the Paint Brush, and regions are selected by
dragging, the paint brush tool will be used.

3. Pick the second point of a polyline.

If regions can be split, the polyline color will change from yellow to violet.

4. Continue by dividing other regions.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 599

 Note: When a selected area cannot be completely divided into feature regions, the
selected area regions will be removed.

Before Split After Split

Options in Detail
Limit to Region – Splitting is applied to only a selected single region.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Resegment
Tools > Region Tools > Merge
Tools > Region Tools > Insert
Tools > Region Tools > Separate
Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge
Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

7.5.3.5. Tools > Region Tools > Insert

What
The Insert command manually adds new feature regions.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 600

Why
The Insert command is useful for:
• Manually adding new feature regions
• Making interesting areas by grouping feature regions

How to Use
How to insert a new feature region
1. Select areas by using the Paint Brush Selection Mode. Insert a new region.

2. Go to Tools > Region Tools > Insert or click the icon in the toolbar. A new feature region
will be inserted on the existing feature region.

Before Insert After Insert

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Resegment
Tools > Region Tools > Merge
Tools > Region Tools > Split
Tools > Region Tools > Separate
Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge
Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

7.5.3.6. Tools > Region Tools > Separate

What
The Separate command creates independent feature regions. This command performs the opposite
function of the Merge command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 601

Why
The Separate command is useful for:
• Separating a feature region into multiple feature regions

How to Use
How to separate a feature region into multiple feature regions
1. Select a feature region to separate. Feature regions that have been distributed in separate
areas can be a target feature region for this command.

2. Go to Tools > Region Tools > Separate or click the icon in the toolbar. The feature
regions will be individually separated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Resegment
Tools > Region Tools > Merge
Tools > Region Tools > Split
Tools > Region Tools > Insert
Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 602

Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

7.5.3.7. Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge

What
The Enlarge command expands a feature region. This command performs the opposite function of
the Shrink command.

Why
The Enlarge command is useful for:
• Expanding an existing feature region

How to Use
How to enlarge the size of feature regions
1. Select a feature region to expand.

2. Go to Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge or click the icon in the toolbar. The feature region
will be enlarged.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 603

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Resegment
Tools > Region Tools > Merge
Tools > Region Tools > Split
Tools > Region Tools > Insert
Tools > Region Tools > Separate
Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

7.5.3.8. Tools > Region Tools > Shrink

What
The Shrink command shrinks a feature region. This command performs the opposite function of the
Enlarge command.

Why
The Shrink command is useful for:
• Shrinking a feature region
• Reducing the roughness of feature regions around boundaries
• Correcting geometry properties of automatically classified feature regions

How to Use
How to shrink the size of feature regions
1. Select a feature region to shrink.

2. Go to Tools > Region Tools > Shrink or click the icon in the toolbar. The feature region will
be shrunk.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 604

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Region Tools > Resegment
Tools > Region Tools > Merge
Tools > Region Tools > Split
Tools > Region Tools > Insert
Tools > Region Tools > Separate
Tools > Region Tools > Enlarge

7.5.4. Tools > Point Cloud Tools

The Point Cloud Tools menu features various commands used to edit point clouds.

The Point Cloud Tools are divided into 2 tool groups used to:

Editing Point Clouds

• Filter Noise
Filters noisy clusters from point clouds
• Sampling
Samples point clouds
• Smooth
Reduces the effects of roughness in a point cloud
• Offset
Offsets point clouds by a certain distance

Converting Point Clouds From/To Other Entities

• Construct Mesh
Constructs poly-faces from a partial point cloud
• Convert Entities
Converts other entities into point clouds
• Separate Point Cloud
Separates point clouds from original point cloud

7.5.4.1. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Filter Noise

What
The Filter Noise command cleans noisy clusters from point clouds.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 605

Why
The Filter Noise command is useful for:
• Cleaning noisy clusters from point clouds
• Removing unnecessary clusters of points

How to Use
How to filter noisy clusters from point clouds
1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a point cloud to
enter the Point Cloud mode.

2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Filter Noise or click the icon in the toolbar. Check the
Filter Noise Clusters option and set the value to 100.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command. Small noisy clusters will be removed from
the point cloud.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 606

 Filter Outlier Regions – Defines an area of interest and removes all points outside of the defined
area.

Filter With Box Volume – Defines an area of interest by the volume of a box.

Define Box Volume After Filter Noise

Filter With Scanner Range – Defines an area of interest by the volume of a cylindrical. If this
option is used, the viewpoint will be automatically aligned to the top.

Define Scanner Range After Filter Noise

Scanner Center – Specifies the center of a cylindrical volume.

Scanner Range – Specifies the radius of a cylindrical volume.

Note: This option adjusts the radius of cylindrical volume by using the dark red-
colored manipulator circle.

Filter Noise Clusters – Specifies the maximum poly-vertices number per noisy cluster.

Max. Poly-Vertex Count Per Noisy Cluster – Specifies the maximum poly-vertices number
per noisy cluster that can be removed.

Note: Noisy clusters are determined by the average distance between poly-vertices and
will be removed when the number of poly-vertices contained in noisy clusters is smaller
than a specified value.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Sampling

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 607

7.5.4.2. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Sampling
What
The Sampling command reduces the number of poly-vertices in a model based on curvature, ratio or
distance.

Why
The Sampling command is useful for:
• Reducing the number of poly-vertices based on curvature, ratio, or distance
• Reducing the number of poly-vertices based on an allowable tolerance for dealing with large point
clouds
• Removing redundant poly-vertices from points clouds

How to Use
How to sample point clouds
1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a point cloud to enter
the Point Cloud mode.

Note: This command can be applied to the partial selected poly-vertices.

2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Sampling or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose the Uniform Ratio method and check the Consider Curvature option to sample
point cloud based on its curvature flow. Set the Sampling Ratio to 40 %.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 608

Options in Detail
Methods
Uniform Ratio – Reduces the number of poly-vertices uniformly by the ratio of poly-vertices.

Consider Curvature – Samples a point cloud based on its curvature flow. With this option,
poly-vertices in a high curvature area are sampled less than poly-vertices in a low curvature
area in order to maintain the accuracy of a curvature flow.

Target Poly-Vertex Count – Specifies a target number of poly-vertices to remain after

sampling.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all
selected data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Uniform Distance – Reduces the number of poly-vertices so that poly-vertices are uniformly
arranged by average distance. This method removes redundant poly-vertices and constructs a grid-
type point cloud.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 609

 Average Distance Between Poly-Vertices – Specifies an average distance between poly-
vertices. To estimate an average distance, click the Estimate button.
To manually set the distance or radius, use the Measure Distance or Measure Radius
buttons.
To measure distance between poly-vertices, click the Measure Distance button and pick two
poly-vertices.
To measure a radius of a hole, click the Measure Radius button and pick three poly-vertices.

Sampling Ratio – Refer to the Sampling Ratio option in the Uniform Ratio method.

More Options
Preserve Boundary – Preserves poly-vertices around boundaries.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Filter Noise

7.5.4.3. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Smooth

What
The Smooth command reduces the roughness in the outer shape of point clouds.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 610

Why
The Smooth command is useful for:
• Reducing the effects of roughness in a point cloud

How to Use
How to reduce the effects of roughness in a point cloud
1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a point cloud to
enter the Point Cloud mode.

Note: This command can be applied to partially selected poly-vertices. If 3D scan data is
scanned by a long-range 3D laser scanner using a spherical measurement type, this
information will be used for smoothing.

2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Smooth or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Adjust the Strength to Max and the Smoothness Level to middle.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Options
Strength – Adjusts the weight of smoothness by moving the slider between Min and Max.

Smoothness Level – Specifies the iteration of smoothness by moving the slider between Min and
Max.

More Options
Allowable Deviation – Specifies an allowable deviation range and limits the deformation of poly-
vertices within the allowable deviation during smoothing.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 611

 Do Not Move Boundaries – Preserves poly-vertices around boundaries.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Smooth

7.5.4.4. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Offset

What
The Offset command offsets a point cloud by a specified distance.

Why
The Offset command is useful for:
• Offsetting a point cloud by a specific distance
• Creating a new point cloud that has the same shape but a different scale from an original point
cloud
• Creating the opposite side of a point cloud from a partial scan of an object

How to Use
How to offset point clouds by a certain distance

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 612

 1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a point cloud to
enter the Point Cloud mode.

Note: This command can be applied to partial selected poly-vertices.

2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Offset or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Set the Offset Distance to 3mm.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Distance – Specifies an offset distance. To change the offset direction, click the Reverse
Direction button.
To manually set the distance or radius, use the Measure Distance or Measure Radius buttons.
To measure distance between poly-vertices, click the Measure Distance button and pick two poly-
vertices.
To measure a radius of a hole, click the Measure Radius button and pick three poly-vertices.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Offset

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 613

7.5.4.5. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Construct
Mesh
What
The Construct Mesh command generates a mesh from selected poly-vertices.

Why
The Construct Mesh command is useful for:
• Creating a mesh from partial areas of a point cloud

How to Use
How to construct poly-faces from a part of point clouds
1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a point cloud to
enter the Point Cloud mode.

2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Construct Mesh or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select poly-vertices in a point cloud.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 614

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Point Clouds – Selects point clouds or partial poly-vertices as a target entity.

Options
Geometry Capture Accuracy – Defines geometry capture accuracy. When the slider is moved
towards Loose, less poly-faces will be used to create a shape. When the slider is moved towards
Tight, more poly-faces will be used to create a shape.

Loose Tight

Scanner Accuracy – Specifies the accuracy of a scanner. Specify a value by referring to the
specification of a particular scanner. For example, if target 3D scan data is scanned by a
small/medium object scanner, the default value of 0.05 mm is suitable. If target 3D scan data
is scanned by a long-range laser scanner, increase the value based on the precision of the
scanner.

Note: In general, if scan data is clean with a low level of noise, has a regular density, and
also has satisfactory align accuracy, then using the maximum value of the 'Scanner
Accuracy' slider will preserve and use most points just as they are.
Each decreased step in the slider will decrease the creation of meshes by approximately a
half of the previous step. The result will not be a uniform reduction and high curvature
regions will be preserved, which is similar to applying a 50% decimation.
For example, the following combinations create almost the same results:
- 'Scanner Accuracy' is 0.05mm and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the 4th step
- 'Scanner Accuracy' is 0.0333mm (0.05 / 1.5) and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the
3th step'
- Scanner Accuracy' is 0.075mm (0.05 x 1.5) and 'Geometry Capture Accuracy' is at the
5th step

More Options
Remove Original Data – Removes original 3D scan data after triangulation.

Suppress Result – Suppresses results from the Feature Tree.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 615

 Note: The Suppress and Unsuppress mechanisms manage data memory by swapping
data dynamically between physical memory and a hard disk. This function is useful for
effectively managing and handling a large 3D scan data file.
Created Features can be suppressed or unsuppressed by checking the box next to the
feature name in the Feature Tree.

Unsuppressed Suppressed

Reduce Noise – Reduces noisy poly-faces.

Without Reduce Noise option With Reduce Noise option

Remove Redundant Points – Removes redundant poly-vertices by a specified distance for better
triangulation results.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Triangulate

7.5.4.6. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Convert

Entities
What
The Convert Entities command converts bodies, faces, and curve into point clouds.

Why
The Convert Entities command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 616

• Converting other entities into a point cloud

How to Use
How to convert an entity into a point cloud
1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a point cloud to
enter the Point Cloud mode.

2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Convert Entities or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a face on a body to convert it into a point cloud.

4. Click the OK to complete the command.

5. Hide the body in the Model View to see only the point cloud.

Options in Detail
Target Entities
Entities – Selects curves, 3D sketches, sketches, faces, and surface and solid bodies as target
entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 617

 Body

Face

Curve

Options
Quality – Specifies the resolution of a point cloud by moving the slider between Low and High.

Quality: Low Quality: Medium Quality: High

Advanced – Adjusts the distance between poly-vertices in detail.

Max. Chord Height – Specifies the maximum chord height of poly-faces to be converted.
To manually set the distance or radius, use the Measure Distance or Measure Radius
buttons.
To measure distance between poly-vertices, click the Measure Distance button and pick two
poly-vertices.
To measure a radius of a hole, click the Measure Radius button and pick three poly-vertices.

Note: The chord height is the distance between a mesh and a face of a target body to be
converted.

Max. Edge Length – Specifies the maximum edge length of poly-faces to be converted.

Note: This option limits the maximum edge length of poly-faces to be converted.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 618

 Min. Edge Length – Specifies the minimum edge length of poly-faces to be converted.

Note: This option limits the minimum edge length of poly-faces to be converted.

More Options
Include Accuracy Analyzer Color – Adds a deviation color map onto a converted point cloud as a
vertex color.

Note: This option is useful for creating a point cloud with a deviation color map from a modeled
solid or surface body. It is available when scan data and a modeled solid or surface bodies exist
and have been compared using Accuracy Analyzer™.
To use this option:
1. Choose the Deviation option in the Accuracy Analyzer panel in the Default mode.
2. Go to Insert > Point Cloud or click the icon in the toolbar.
3. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Convert Entities or click the icon in the toolbar.
4. Select modeled bodies.
5. Check the Include Accuracy Analyzer Color option.
6. Click the OK button.

Deviation Result Colored Point Cloud

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Convert Body

7.5.4.7. Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Separate

Point Cloud
What
The Separate Point Cloud command takes a single point cloud and divides it into several groups.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 619

Why
The Separate Point Cloud command is useful for:
• Separating areas of interest from a large point clouds
• Handling with large-sized point clouds
• Modeling with district units

How to Use
How to separate a point cloud from an original point cloud
1. Go to Insert > Point Cloud, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a point cloud to
enter the Point Cloud mode.

2. Go to Tools > Point Cloud Tools > Separate Point Cloud or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select target point clouds, then click the Next Stage button .

4. Choose the Grid method, and then draw a rectangle by dragging to define the separating areas.

5. Set the grid size by inputting the X and Y values of cells.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 620

 6. To manually adjust the distance between cells, drag the border of a cell.

7. Click the OK button to complete the command. Separated point clouds can be confirmed in
the Model tree.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Point Clouds – Selects a point cloud or multiple point clouds as target entities.

Methods
Grid – Divides a point cloud by a grid.

Draw Grid – Draws a rectangular grid by dragging on the point cloud.

No. Of Cells – Defines the number of cells in the grid. Cell size can be adjusted by dragging the
border of a cell.

Overlap Range – Defines the overlapping area between neighboring point clouds.

Ratio – Defines the overlapping area by the ratio of the cell size.

Distance – Defines the overlapping area by the distance from border of cells.

Selection – Divides a point cloud by the manual selection of points.

Groups – Includes selected points in a current group. More groups can be added using the
Add Group button .

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 621

 More Options
Remove Original Data – Removes separated point clouds from the original data after the
command is finished.

Show Target Point Could Only – Hides remaining point clouds in Stage2 if point clouds are
selected as a target from multiple point clouds in Stage1. If this option is unchecked all point clouds
will be shown.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Point Cloud

7.5.5. Tools > Texture Tools

The Texture Tools menu features various commands used to edit and manage colors and textures
on a mesh or point cloud.

The Texture Tools are divided into 3 tool groups used to:

Editing Texture
• Add Texture
Attaches texture onto a mesh
• Edit Texture
Edits texture on mesh
• Remove Texture
Removes texture mapped on a mesh
• Export Texture
Exports texture to a 2D image file format

Managing Texture And Color

• Convert Texture To Color
Converts a texture to a vertex color
• Convert Color To Texture
Converts a vertex color to a texture
• Copy Texture/Vertex Color
Copies a texture or a vertex color

Matching Colors
• Match Color
Matches colors

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 622

7.5.5.1. Tools > Texture Tools > Add Texture
What
The Add Texture command attaches 2D texture, also known as a bitmap image, onto a mesh.

Why
The Add Texture command is useful for:
• Attaching 2D textures onto a mesh
• Attaching a high quality 2D texture image onto 3D mesh model
• Creating a 3D texture-mapped model from a mesh model scanned by a 3D scanner that cannot
capture color information

How to Use
How to attach texture onto a mesh
1. Select a mesh. Go to Insert > Mesh, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click the mesh to
enter the Mesh mode.

2. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Add Texture or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 623

3. Click the Import Texture button and import an image file. The imported image will be shown
in the Texture View.

Note: When Texture View is not visible, right-click on an empty area in the toolbar and
choose Texture View in the pop-up list.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 624

 4. Pick points on the image and pick the corresponding points on the model. To get better
results, cover the entire geometric shape with corresponding points.

Note: Zooming and panning an image in Texture View is the same as manipulating a
model in the Model View.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Note: After adding a texture it can be finely adjusted by using the Smudge method in the
Edit Texture command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 625

 Method
Entire – Applies image mapping to an entire area of a mesh.

Region – Applies image mapping to the selected areas of a mesh.

Load Texture
Load Texture – Imports a texture image to be mapped on a mesh.

Add Texture Option

Brightness – Specifies the brightness of a texture image between -255 and 255, or sets the
brightness by moving the slider between Dark and Bright.

Dark Medium Bright

Flip & Rotate – Uses transformation buttons to flip or rotate an imported texture image.

Flip

Rotate

Create Corresponding Points – Picks corresponding points on an image and mesh.

Note: To reset all selections, click the Select None button. To remove only the last picked point,
click the Deselect Last button.

Delete Corresponding Points – Select the Select button and defined corresponding points to
remove them. To remove selected points, click the Delete button or press the Delete key.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Remove Texture

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 626

7.5.5.2. Tools > Texture Tools > Edit Texture
What
The Edit Texture command edits brightness, contrast, and U/V coordinate color balance of mapped
texture on mesh data. This command is available with color or texture mapped mesh and point clouds.

Why
The Edit Texture command is useful for:
• Editing textures on a mesh

How to Use
How to edit texture on mesh
1. Select a mesh. Go to Insert > Mesh, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click a mesh to
enter the Mesh mode.

2. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Edit Texture or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 627

 3. Choose the Auto Level method.

Note: The Texture View will be displayed when a target mesh has texture. The Texture
View shows all textures in mesh data and enables the interactive editing of texture.
Zooming or panning a textured image is the same as manipulating a model in the Model
View. To adjust the editing zone, drag the mouse cursor using the Left Mouse Button, or
LMB, while holding the Ctrl key.

In Texture View In Model View

4. Click the OK button to complete the command. The overall color will be brighter.

Options in Detail
Methods

This command features 8 methods:

• Brightness And Contrast
Adjusts brightness and contrast
• Curves
Edits the tonality of colors by a curve
• Balance
Edits color balance
• Auto Level
Automatically adjusts color level
• UV Coordinate
Edits U/V coordinates on a texture
• Smudge
Adds smudges onto a texture
• Dodge
Lightens a texture
• Burn
Darkens a texture

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 628

Brightness And Contrast – Adjusts Brightness and Contrast.

Brightness – Sets the brightness of a texture by specifying a value between -255 and 255 or
moving the slider between Min. and Max.

Brightness: -100 Brightness: 0 Brightness: 100

Contrast – Sets the contrast of a texture by specifying a value between -100 and 100 or
moving the slider between Min. and Max.

Contrast: -50 Contrast: 0 Contrast: 50

Curves – Edits the tonality of colors by a curve. The shape of the curve can be modified in the
Curves dialog box to adjust the tonality and color of textures.
Bowing the curve upward lightens textures, and bowing the curve downward darkens them. The
steeper sections of the curve represent portions of an image with more contrast. Conversely, flatter
sections of the curve represent areas of lower contrast in a texture. Changes can be applied to RGB
at the same time or for each value independently.
To add control points, click on a curve. To remove control points, select a point and drag it outside of
the graph area.

Balance – Edits color balance.

Select Range To Modify – Selects Shadows, Midtones, or Highlights to change its tonal
range.

Modify Selected Range’s Color Levels – Sets the color balance for a range by specifying a
value between -100 and 100 or by moving the sliders.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 629

 Balanced Emphasizing Red Color Emphasizing Blue Color

Preserve Luminosity – Preserve the luminosity values in a texture while changing its color.
This option maintains the tonal balance in a texture.

Auto Level – Automatically adjusts the color level of a texture. This method clips a portion of the
shadows and highlights in each channel and maps the lightest and darkest pixels in each color
channel to pure white (level 255) and pure black (level 0). Using Auto Levels increases the contrast
in a texture.

UV Coordinate (Texture Only) – Edits U/V coordinates on a texture by using a brush in the Texture
View. The editing zone can be adjusted by using Alt + LMB and dragging the U/V texture map in the
Texture View.

In Texture View In Model View

Smudge (Texture Only) – Adds smudging on textures by simulating the action of dragging a finger
through wet paint. The command picks up color where the stroke begins and pushes it in the
dragging direction. The editing zone can be adjusted by using Alt + LMB and dragging the U/V
texture map in the Texture View.

In Texture View In Model View

Strength – Adjusts the weight of smudging by moving the slider between Min and Max.

Dodge and Burn (Texture Only) – Lightens or darkens a texture. The Dodge and Burn methods

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 630

 are based on traditional photography techniques for regulating exposure on specific areas of a print.
The Shadows, Midtones, or Highlights options specify the tonal range to be changed.

Exposure – Specifies the strength of a light by moving the slider between Less and More.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Add Texture
Tools > Texture Tools > Remove Texture

7.5.5.3. Tools > Texture Tools > Remove Texture

What
The Remove Texture command removes textures mapped on a mesh.

Why
The Remove Texture command is useful for:
• Removing texture from a mesh

How to Use
How to remove textures from mesh
1. Select a mesh. Go to Insert > Mesh, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click the mesh
to enter the Mesh mode.

2. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Remove Texture or click the icon in the toolbar. Check the
results.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 631

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Add Texture

7.5.5.4. Tools > Texture Tools > Export Texture

What
The Export Texture command exports mapping source textures to an image file such as a jpg, bmp,
tip, tga, gif or png.

Why
The Export Texture command is useful for:
• Exporting a texture into an image file

How to Use
How to export a texture into a 2D image file format
1. Select a mesh. Go to Insert > Mesh, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click the mesh
to enter the Mesh mode.

2. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Export Texture or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. The Export Image dialog box appears. Select a file format and click the Save button.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Add Texture

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 632

7.5.5.5. Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Texture To
Color
What
The Convert Texture To Color command converts a texture to a vertex or mesh color.

Why
The Convert Texture To Color command is useful for:
• Converting a texture to a vertex or mesh color

How to Use
How to convert a texture to a vertex color
1. Select a mesh. Go to Insert > Mesh, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click the mesh to
enter the Mesh mode.

2. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Texture To Color or click the icon in the toolbar.
Check that the Has Vertex Color option in the Property panel is set to True.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Color to Texture

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 633

7.5.5.6. Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Color To
Texture
What
The Convert Color To Texture command converts a vertex or mesh color to a texture.

Why
The Convert Color To Texture command is useful for:
• Converting a vertex or mesh color to a texture

How to Use
How to convert vertex color to texture
1. Select a mesh. Go to Insert > Mesh, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click the mesh
to enter the Mesh mode.

2. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Color To Texture or click the icon in the toolbar.
Check that the Has Texture option in the Property panel is set to True.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 634

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Texture To Color

7.5.5.7. Tools > Texture Tools > Copy

Texture/Vertex Color
What
The Copy Texture/Vertex Color command copies a texture or vertex color from an existing mesh or
point cloud and pastes it into another mesh or point cloud.

Why
The Copy Texture/Vertex Color command is useful for:
• Copying a texture or vertex color from an existing mesh or point cloud and pasting it into another
mesh or point cloud

How to Use
How to copy a texture or vertex color and paste it into another mesh
1. Select a mesh. Go to Insert > Mesh, click the icon in the toolbar, or double-click the mesh
to enter the Mesh mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 635

 2. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Copy Texture/Vertex Color or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a mesh that has a texture.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command. Check that the texture is copied and pasted
into the other mesh.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Texture To Color
Tools > Texture Tools > Convert Color To Texture

7.5.5.8. Tools > Texture Tools > Match Color

What
The Match Color command synchronizes the color temperature between two meshes or point clouds.
This tool is available when point clouds or meshes have color information.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 636

Why
The Match Color command is useful for:
• Matching color temperatures between two meshes or point clouds

How to Use
How to match colors
1. Go to Tools > Texture Tools > Match Color or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Match Color Based On Reference option.

3. Select a reference and target meshes.

4. Click the Next Stage button to continue.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 637

Options in Detail
Choose Among Candidates – Automatically synchronizes the color temperatures of two meshes
or point clouds and presents candidates to choose from in the second stage.

Match Color Based On Reference – Manually defines the Reference and Targets. Targets will
be compensated based on the reference color by choosing a result from the candidates in the
second stage.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Texture Tools > Copy Texture/Vertex Color

7.5.6. Tools > Sketch Entities

The Sketch Entities menu features various commands used to make sketches such as the Line,
Rectangle, Circle, Arc commands.
Create sketch entities on a base sketch plane by using the various sketch drawing tools to create
feature shapes.

The Sketch Entities are divided into 6 tool groups used to create:

Automatic Sketching Tool

• Auto Sketch
Automatically creates sketch entities based on analyzed geometric features

Line Sketch Type

• Lines
Draws lines
• Rectangles
Draws rectangles
• Parallelograms
Draws parallelograms
• Polygons
Draws polygons
• Slots
Draws slots

Arc Sketch Type

• Circles
Draws circles by defining a center and radius
• Perimeter Circles
Draws circles by selecting 3 points
• 3 Tangent Circles
Draws inscribed circles that touch the edges of 3 other sketch entities
• Centerpoint Arcs
Draws arcs by defining a center position and radius
• Tangent Arcs
Draws arcs continually connected to another sketch entity by a tangent constraint
• 3 Point Arcs
Draws arcs by selecting 3 points

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 638

• 3 Tangent Arcs
Draws inscribed arcs that touch the edges of 3 other sketch entities

Spline Sketch Type

• Ellipses
Draws ellipses
• Partial Ellipses
Draws partial ellipses
• Parabolas
Draws parabolas
• Splines
Draws splines

Reference Sketch Type

• Centerlines
Adds centerlines as a reference for drawing other sketch entities or an axis for constructing
geometry features
• Points
Adds points as a reference for drawing other sketch entities or a reference point for constructing
geometry features
• Texts
Add text sketch entities constructed by lines, circles and splines

Useful Sketch Tools

• By Fitting Polyline
Creates circle or arc sketch entities by fitting a section polyline
• By Import
Imports 2D CAD drawing files as sketch entities onto a base sketch plane

7.5.6.1. Tools > Sketch Entities > Auto Sketch

What
The Auto Sketch command automatically creates sketch entities such as lines, circles, and arcs on
section polylines based on analyzed section polylines. This command is available in the Mesh Sketch
mode only.

Why
The Auto Sketch command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 639

• Quickly creating sketch entities based on scan sections.

How to Use
How to automatically create sketch entities on section polyline in the Mesh
Sketch mode
1. Go to Insert > Mesh Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar to enter the Mesh Sketch mode.
Create section polylines. For more information, see Insert > Mesh Sketch.

2. Show section polylines only.

3. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Auto Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar.

4. Set the resolution of section polylines by adjusting the slider in the Segment Section
Polyline dialogue box.

5. The segments of the section polylines will be classified.

6. Choose the Make All Curves option and then click the OK button to complete the
command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 640

 Note: The Enable Realtime Preview button displays results in real-time without leaving
the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Make All Curves – Creates a sketch to whole polylines.

Make Selected Only – Creates a sketch only to selected polylines. To cancel the selection, push the
Cancel button on the keyboard.

Resolution – Specifies the resolution of section segments by adjusting the slider between Min. and
Max. Adjusting the slider towards Max., will construct more segments. While adjusting the slider,
classified line and arc section segments will be updated in real-time.

Low Resolution High Resolution

Note: The Resolution option is synchronized with the value of the Resolution option in the
Segment Section Polyline tool palette. While adjusting the resolution of section polylines, the
resolution in the Segment Section Polyline tool palette will also be changed.

Geometry Capture Accuracy – Specifies geometry capture accuracy by adjusting the slider
between Loose and Tight. When moving the slider toward Tight, sketches will be extracted from
section segments with a tight tolerance.

Sewing Tolerance – Specifies a tolerance range for sewing sketches by adjusting the slider
between Min. and Max. When adjusting the slider toward Max., sketches will be joined with

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 641

 coincidence constraint with a loose tolerance.

With Tight Tolerance With Loose Tolerance

Note: When moving the slider toward Min., sketches may not be joined with coincidence
constraint because of use of tight tolerance.

Remove Small Fillet – Removes automatically generated small fillets by using a radius value.

Filleted Feature Removed Fillet

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc

7.5.6.2. Tools > Sketch Entities > Line

What
The Line command draws lines on a base sketch plane.

Why

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 642

The Line command is useful for:
• Drawing lines on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating planar features

How to Use
A. How to draw lines in Sketch mode
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Line or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a starting point and draw a line to an ending point.

4. Click the right mouse button to complete the construction of the line. Click the OK button to
complete the command.

Note: To finish drawing a line, double-click the left mouse button or single-click the right
mouse button. If more lines are needed, continually draw lines without leaving the
command. After drawing lines, the command can be finished by clicking the Cancel
button.

B. How to draw lines on section polylines in Mesh Sketch mode

1. Go to Insert > Mesh Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar to enter the Mesh Sketch mode.
Create section polylines. For more information, see Insert > Mesh Sketch.

2. Hide mesh to make only the section polylines visible.

3. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Line or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 643

 4. Check the Fit Polyline option, select section polylines, and confirm the preview line by
clicking the Accept Fitting button or double-clicking the left mouse button.

Select Segment Apply

5. Drag and select segments on the section polyline. Confirm the preview line by clicking the
Accept Fitting button or double-clicking the left mouse button.

Select Segments Apply

6. Create more lines as they are needed. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Start – Shows the starting position of a line to be generated.

End – Shows the ending position of a line to be generated.

For Construction – Creates a line for construction. The construction line can be used as a
reference for drawing other sketch entities or an axis for constructing revolving features.

Normal Line For Construction Line

Fit Polyline – Creates a line on a section polyline from a mesh or point cloud.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 644

 Note: To accept a fitting, click the Accept Fitting button or double-click the left mouse
button. To cancel a fitting, click the Cancel Fitting button . To clear a selection, click the
Clear Selection button .

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Rectangle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Parallelogram
Tools > Sketch Entities > Polygon
Tools > Sketch Entities > Slot

7.5.6.3. Tools > Sketch Entities > Rectangle

What
The Rectangle command draws rectangles on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Rectangle command is useful for:
• Drawing rectangles on a base sketch plane
• Creating 4-sided closed outline sketches constructed out of lines and direction constraints
• Creating sketch profiles to be used for creating planar features

How to Use
How to draw Rectangles
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Rectangle or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a starting point and draw a rectangle to an ending point.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 645

 4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Start – Shows the starting top-left position of a rectangle to be generated.

End – Shows the ending bottom-right position of a rectangle to be generated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Parallelogram
Tools > Sketch Entities > Polygon
Tools > Sketch Entities > Slot

7.5.6.4. Tools > Sketch Entities > Parallelogram

What
The Parallelogram command draws parallelograms on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Parallelogram command is useful for:
• Drawing parallelograms on a base sketch plane
• Creating 4-sided closed outline sketches constructed by lines
• Creating a sketch profile used for creating planar features

How to Use
How to draw parallelograms

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 646

 1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Parallelogram or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a starting point and draw a parallelogram to an ending point.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Start – Shows the starting corner position of a parallelogram to be generated.

Pass – Shows the passing corner position of a parallelogram to be generated.

End – Shows the ending corner position of a parallelogram to be generated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Rectangle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Polygon
Tools > Sketch Entities > Slot

7.5.6.5. Tools > Sketch Entities > Polygon

What
The Polygon command draws polygons on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Polygon command is useful for:
• Drawing polygons on a base sketch plane
• Creating multi-sided closed outline sketches constructed by lines

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 647

• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating planar features

How to Use
How to draw Polygons
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Polygon or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Set the Edge Count to 5.

4. Pick a center point and define a radius and an angle by picking a second point on the base
sketch plane.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of a polygon to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of a polygon to be generated.

Rotation Angle – Shows the rotation angle of a polygon with respect to the U axis of a base sketch
plane.

Edge Count – Specifies the number of edges in a polygon.

Edge Count: 7 Edge Count: 5

Circumscribed Circle – Creates a polygon using a circumscribed circle.

Circumscribed Circle Inscribed Circle

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 648

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Rectangle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Parallelogram
Tools > Sketch Entities > Slot

7.5.6.6. Tools > Sketch Entities > Slot

What
The Slot command draws slots on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Slot command is useful for:
• Drawing slots on a base sketch plane
• Creating slot sketches constructed by lines and arcs with tangent constraints
• Creating a sketch profile used for creating a slot boss or hole features

How to Use
How to draw Slots
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Slot or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a starting point. Draw a line to a passing point and finish the drawing at the ending
point.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 649

 4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Start – Shows the starting corner position of a slot to be generated.

Pass – Shows the passing corner position of a slot to be generated.

End – Shows the ending corner position of a slot to be generated.

Length – Shows the length between the center points of two arcs.

Radius – Shows the radius of an arc.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Rectangle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Parallelogram
Tools > Sketch Entities > Polygon

7.5.6.7. Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle

What
The Circle command draws circles on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Circle command is useful for:
• Drawing circles on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating circular or cylindrical features

How to Use
A. How to draw circles in Sketch mode
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 650

 2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities >Circle or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a center point.

4. Pick a point to define the radius of the circle to be generated.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to draw circles on a section polyline in Mesh Sketch mode

1. Go to Insert > Mesh Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar to enter the Mesh Sketch mode.
Create section polylines using the Mesh Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert >
Mesh Sketch.

2. Hide mesh to make only section polylines visible in the Model View.

3. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle or click the icon in the toolbar.

4. Check the Fit Polyline option. Select section polylines and confirm the preview line by
clicking the Accept Fitting button or double-clicking the left mouse button.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 651

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of a circle to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of a circle to be generated.

For Construction – Creates a circle for construction. The construction circle can be used as a
reference for drawing other sketch entities or a guide curve for constructing circular patterned
features.

Normal Circle For Construction Circle

Fit Polyline – Creates a circle by fitting to section polylines that are a section segment from a mesh
or point cloud.

Note: To accept a fitting, click the Accept Fitting button or double-click the left mouse
button. To cancel a fitting, click the Cancel Fitting button . To clear a selection, click the
Clear Selection button .

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Point Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc

7.5.6.8. Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 652
What
The Perimeter Circle command draws circles constructed by 3 points on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Perimeter Circle command is useful for:
• Drawing circles by picking 3 points on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating circular or cylindrical features

How to Use
To draw circle by constructing with picking 3 points
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar . Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities >Perimeter Circle or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a first point, a second point, and a third point to create a circle.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of a circle to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of a circle to be generated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 653

Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Point Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc

7.5.6.9. Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle

What
The 3 Tangent Circle command draws inscribed circles that touch the edges of 3 other sketch
entities on a base sketch plane.

Why
The 3 Tangent Circle command is useful for:
• Drawing inscribed circles that touch the edges of 3 other sketch entities on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating circular or cylindrical features

How to Use
To draw inscribed circles that touch the edges of 3 other sketch entities
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To use this command, three sketch entities must exist.

3. Pick a line and two arcs.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 654

 4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of a circle to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of a circle to be generated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Point Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc

7.5.6.10. Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc

What
The Centerpoint Arc command draws arcs on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Centerpoint Arc command is useful for:
• Drawing arcs on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating cylindrical features

How to Use
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 655
A. How to draw centerpoint arcs in Sketch mode
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a center point.

4. Pick a starting and ending points for an arc.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to draw centerpoint arcs on section polyline in Mesh Sketch mode

1. Go to Insert > Mesh Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar to enter the Mesh Sketch mode.
Create section polylines. For more information, see Insert > Mesh Sketch.

2. Hide the mesh to make section polylines visible only in the Model View.

3. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 656

 4. Check the Fit Polyline option. Select section polylines and confirm the preview arc by
clicking the Accept Fitting button or double-clicking the left mouse button.

Note: Arcs can be created on partial section polylines by dragging and selecting
segments with the Fit Polyline option.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of an arc to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of an arc to be generated.

Start – Shows the starting position of an arc to be generated.

End – Shows the ending position of an arc to be generated.

For Construction – Creates an arc for construction. The construction arc can be used as a
reference for drawing other sketch entities or a guide curve for constructing circular patterned
features.

Normal Arc For Construction Arc

Fit Polyline – Creates an arc by fitting to section polylines that are a section segment from a mesh
or point cloud.

Note: To accept a fitting, click the Accept Fitting button or double-click the left mouse
button. To cancel a fitting, click the Cancel Fitting button . To clear a selection, click the
Clear Selection button .

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Point Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 657

7.5.6.11. Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
What
The Tangent Arc command draws arc that can be continually connected to another sketch entity by a
tangent constraint.

Why
The Tangent Arc command is useful for:
• Drawing arcs on a base sketch plane that are continually connected with other sketch entity by a
tangent constraint
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating blended features with planar/cylindrical or
cylindrical/cylindrical feature shapes

How to Use
How to draw a tangent arc that is continually connected to another sketch
entity
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To use this command, sketch entities must exist.

3. Pick a point on another entity to set the selected point as a Starting point of an arc to be
generated.

4. Pick an ending point and click the right mouse button to complete the construction of the
arc.
Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 658

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of an arc to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of an arc to be generated.

Start – Shows the starting position of an arc to be generated.

End – Shows the ending position of an arc to be generated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Point Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc

7.5.6.12. Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Points Arc

What
The 3 Point Arc command draws arcs constructed by three points on a base sketch plane.

Why
The 3 Point Arc command is useful for:
• Drawing arcs on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for generating cylindrical features

How to Use
How to draw arcs by selecting 3 points
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Points Arc or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a starting and ending point.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 659

 4. Pick a final point to set the radius of an arc.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of an arc to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of an arc to be generated.

Start – Shows the starting position of an arc to be generated.

End – Shows the ending position of an arc to be generated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc

7.5.6.13. Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc

What
The 3 Tangent Arc command draws arcs using an inscribed circle that touches the edges of 3 other
sketch entities on a base sketch plane.

Why
The 3 Tangent Arc command is useful for:
• Drawing inscribed arcs that touch the edges of 3 other sketch entities on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for generating cylindrical features

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 660

How to Use
How to draw inscribed arcs that touch the edges of 3 other sketch entities
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Arc or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: To use this command, sketch entities must exist.

3. Pick a line and two arcs.

4. Pick a starting and ending position on the preview of the inscribed circle.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of an arc to be generated.

Radius – Shows the radius of an arc to be generated.

Start – Shows the starting position of an arc to be generated.

End – Shows the ending position of an arc to be generated.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Perimeter Circle

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 661

Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Tangent Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Point Arc

7.5.6.14. Tools > Sketch Entities > Ellipse

What
The Ellipse command draws ellipses on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Ellipse command is useful for:
• Drawing ellipses on a base sketch plane

How to Use
How to draw ellipses
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Ellipse or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a center point of an ellipse to be generated.

4. Specify the radius of a major arc by picking a Major point and then specifying the radius of
a minor arc by picking a Minor point.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 662
 Center – Shows the center position of an ellipse to be generated.

Major Point – Shows the major arc position of an ellipse to be generated.

Minor Point – Shows the minor arc position of an ellipse to be generated.

Radius – Shows the major and minor arc radius of an ellipse to be generated.

For Construction – Creates an ellipse for construction. The construction ellipse can be used as a
reference for drawing other sketch entities or a guide curve for constructing patterned features.

Normal Ellipse For Construction Ellipse

Fit Polyline – Creates an ellipse by fitting to section polylines that are a section segment from a
mesh or point cloud.

Note: To accept a fitting, click the Accept Fitting button or double-click the left mouse
button. To cancel a fitting, click the Cancel Fitting button . To clear a selection, click the
Clear Selection button .

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Partial Ellipse
Tools > Sketch Entities > Parabola
Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline

7.5.6.15. Tools > Sketch Entities > Partial Ellipse

What
The Partial Ellipse command draws a partial ellipse on a base sketch plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 663

Why
The Partial Ellipse command is useful for:
• Drawing a partial ellipses on a base sketch plane

How to Use
To draw partial ellipses
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Partial Ellipse or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a center point of an ellipse to be generated.

4. Specify the radius of a major arc by picking a Major point and then drag mouse cursor to
specify the radius of a minor arc.

5. Pick a starting position and an ending position on the preview ellipse.

6. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of an ellipse to be generated.

Major Point – Shows the major arc position of an ellipse to be generated.

Minor Point – Shows the minor arc position of an ellipse to be generated.

Radius – Shows the major and minor arc radius of an ellipse to be generated.

Start – Shows the starting position of a partial ellipse.

End – Shows the ending position of a partial ellipse.

For Construction – Creates an ellipse for construction. The construction ellipse can be used as a
reference for drawing other sketch entities or as a guide curve for constructing patterned features.

Normal Partial Ellipse For Construction Partial Ellipse

Fit Polyline – Creates a partial ellipse by fitting to section polylines that are a section segment from
a mesh or point cloud.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 664

 Note: To accept a fitting, click the Accept Fitting button or double-click the left mouse
button. To cancel a fitting, click the Cancel Fitting button . To clear a selection, click the
Clear Selection button .

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Ellipse
Tools > Sketch Entities > Parabola
Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline

7.5.6.16. Tools > Sketch Entities > Parabola

What
The Parabola command draws a parabola on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Parabola command is useful for:
• Drawing parabolas on a base sketch plane

How to Use
How to draw parabolas
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Parabola or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a center point of a parabola to be generated.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 665

 4. Pick an apex position while previewing the parabola.

5. Pick a starting position and an ending position on the preview parabola.

6. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Center – Shows the center position of a parabola to be generated.

Apex – Shows the apex position of a parabola to be generated.

Start – Shows the starting position of a parabola to be generated.

End – Shows the ending position of a parabola to be generated.

For Construction – Creates a parabola for construction. The construction parabola can be used
as a reference for drawing other sketch entities or as a guide curve for constructing patterned
features.

Normal Parabola For Construction Parabola

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Ellipse
Tools > Sketch Entities > Partial Ellipse
Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 666

7.5.6.17. Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline
What
The Spline command draws splines on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Spline command is useful for:
• Drawing splines on a base sketch plane
• Creating a sketch profile to be used for creating freeform features

How to Use
A. How to draw splines in Sketch mode
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a starting point and draw a spline by picking more points.

Note: Use the Ctrl + Z shortcut to cancel the last picked position.

4. Press the right mouse button to complete the construction of the spline. Click the OK button
to complete the command.

Note: After drawing a spline, double-click the spline to manually edit it in the Sketch
mode. Edit tangent conditions by dragging an arrow on the spline node points. The
tangent constraint can be removed by clicking the Remove Tangent Condition In the
spline edit dialog.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 667

 - To adjust the arrow direction while only changing the arrow length, or the tension of
tangent condition, drag the arrow while holding down the Shift key.

- To adjust the arrow length while only changing its direction, drag the arrow while holding
down the Ctrl key.

Remove Tangent Condition – Removes all edited tangent conditions.

Remove Current Tangent Condition – Removes selected tangent conditions.

Delete Constraint – Removes selected constraints from the list.

Fix – Fixes a spline. This option does not edit tangent conditions. When the Fix constraint
is given to a spline, the spline will get full constraints.

B. How to draw splines in Mesh Sketch mode

1. Go to Insert > Mesh Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar to enter the Mesh Sketch mode.
Create section polylines. For more information, see Insert > Mesh Sketch.

2. Hide the mesh to make only section polylines visible in the Model View.

3. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 668

 4. Check the Fit Polyline option and select section polylines.

Note: The Fit Polyline option is only available in the Mesh Sketch mode.

5. Increase No. Of Interpolation Points to 40.

6. Confirm the preview spline by clicking the Accept Fitting button or by double-clicking the
left mouse button.

7. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Fit Polyline – Creates a spline by fitting to section polylines that are a section segment from a mesh
or point cloud. This option is only available in the Mesh Sketch mode.

Note: To accept a fitting, click the Accept Fitting button or double-click the left mouse
button. To cancel a fitting, click the Cancel Fitting button . To clear a selection, click the
Clear Selection button .

Fitting Options – Specifies fitting options.

No. Of Interpolation Point – Specifies the number of interpolation points in a spline.

Note: A smaller number of interpolation points may not accurately capture the shape of a
section polyline, so an adaptable number of interpolation points can be used.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 669

 3 Points 10 Points

Smoothness – Specifies the overall smoothness level of a spline by moving the slider
between Min. and Max. Smoothness is related to the curvature of a spline.

Smoothness: Min Smoothness: Max

Merge Range – Specifies the merging range of segment polylines. To make a smooth spline
from overlapped segment polylines, set a larger value than the width of selected segment
polylines.

Merge Range: 0.5 Merge Range: 0.05

Local Smoothness – Specifies a local smoothness level of a spline by moving the slider
between Min. and Max.

Section Segment Polyline

Local Smoothness: Min Local Smoothness: Max

For Construction – Creates a spline for construction. The construction spline can be used as a
reference for drawing other sketch entities or as a guide curve for constructing loft or sweep
features. For more information, see Insert > Solid > Sweep or Insert > Solid > Loft.

Normal Spline For Construction Spline

Dynamic View Change – Traces the last selected point in the 2D Sketch View so that the last
selected position is always in the center of the screen.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Ellipse

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 670

Tools > Sketch Entities > Partial Ellipse
Tools > Sketch Entities > Parabola

7.5.6.18. Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerline

What
The Centerline command draws lines for construction.

Why
The Centerline command is useful for:
• Drawing lines for construction on a base sketch plane
• Creating construction lines that can be used as a reference for drawing other sketch entities or an
axis for constructing revolved features

How to Use
How to draw centerlines
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on the base sketch plane in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert >
Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerline or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Pick a starting and ending point to create a centerline.

4. Click the right mouse button to complete the construction.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Start – Shows the starting position of a line to be generated.

End – Shows the ending position of a line to be generated.

For Construction – Creates a line used for constructing a solid or surface body that cannot be
used for a profile. This option is checked on by default. To create a normal line, check this option off.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 671

 Centerline Normal Line

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line

7.5.6.19. Tools > Sketch Entities > Point

What
The Point command adds a point on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Point command is useful for:
• Adding points on base sketch plane
• Creating a point that can be used as a reference for drawing other sketch entities or a reference
point for constructing geometric features

How to Use
How to add points
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Point or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a point.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 672

Options in Detail
Position – Shows the position of a point to be generated

X – Shows the X coordinate of a point.

Y – Shows the Y coordinate of a point.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Point

7.5.6.20. Tools > Sketch Entities > Text

What
The Text command adds text on a base sketch plane.

Why
The Text command is useful for:
• Add text sketches on a base sketch plane
• Engraving text, symbols, or pattern shapes on features

How to Use
How to add text
1. Go to Insert > Sketch or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a base sketch plane to draw
sketches on in the Mesh Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert > Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Text or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Type text in the Text box and click Enter to see a preview.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 673

 4. Adjust the size of text by specifying the Height, Width Ratio, and Space Ratio options.

Note: The size of text can be interactively adjusted by manipulating the control points in
the Model View.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Text – Inputs text.

Size – Specifies the size of text.

Height – Specifies the height of text. The height can be adjusted by manipulating the green
control points in the Model View.

Width Ratio – Specifies the width ratio of text. The width ratio can be adjusted by
manipulating the red control points in the Model View.

Space Ratio – Specifies the ratio between each letter.

Font – Specifies a font style.

Position & Align – Specifies the position of text and aligns it to a specific axis or curve.

Position – Shows the center position of text. The center point of text can be adjusted by
dragging the text box in the Model View.

Flip Horizontal – Flips text horizontally.

Flip Vertical – Flip text vertically.

Along A Curve – Aligns text along a curve. A Ref. Vector, Curve or Edge can be selected as
a guide curve.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline

7.5.6.21. Tools > Sketch Entities > By Fitting

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 674
 Polyline
What
The By Fitting Polyline command creates lines, arcs or circles by fitting section polylines on a base
sketch plane. This command is available in the Mesh Sketch mode only.

Why
The By Fitting Polyline command is useful for:
• Creating lines, arcs or circles by simultaneously fitting them to a section polyline.

How to Use
How to create circle or arc sketch entities by fitting section polylines in the
Mesh Sketch mode
1. Go to Insert > Mesh Sketch or click on the icon in the toolbar to enter the Mesh Sketch
mode.
Create section polylines. For more information, see Insert > Mesh Sketch.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > By Fitting Polyline or click on the icon in the toolbar.

3. Choose the Circle option. Select circular section polylines and click the Accept Fitting
button to accept the preview.

4. Using the same way procedure as Step 3, complete remaining circular section polylines.

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 675

 Fitting – Fits a sketch entity to a current segment type.

Note: A segment type is divided into line and circle types. When the type of a selected segment
is detected as a circle, a sketch entity can be fitted to circle or arc.

Fit Circle Type Segment To – Choose a fitting type for circular type segments.

Circle – Defines the target fitting type as a circle.

Arc - Defines the target fitting type as an arc.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc

7.5.6.22. Tools > Sketch Entities > By Import

What
The By Import command imports 2D CAD drawing files as sketch entities onto a base sketch plane.

Why
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 676
The By Import command is useful for:
• Importing 2D CAD drawing file as sketch entities onto a base sketch plane.

How to Use
How to import 2D CAD drawing files as sketch entities onto a base sketch
plane
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > By Import in the menu.

2. Select a 2D CAD drawing file in the DXF, IGES, STEP, or VDA file formats.

3. Define size and position.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Flip Horizontally – Flips an imported sketch horizontally.

Flip Vertically – Flips an imported sketch vertically.

Anchor – Moves an imported sketch to an existing sketch entity by using anchor points. Pick two
points on an imported sketch and the existing sketch to match them. If matching points need to be
offset in the X and Y directions, specify the values in the Offset From Target option.

Before Applying an Anchor

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 677

 After Applying an Anchor

Align – Aligns an imported sketch to an existing model by matching lines. Select a line on an
imported sketch as a Moving Line and select a linear entity on the existing model as a Target Line.

Before Align

After Align

Rotation From Target – Rotates an imported sketch using a target as a rotational point. This
option is available after a Moving Line and a Target Line are defined.

Scale – Specifies a scale factor used to scale an imported sketch.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle
Tools > Sketch Entities > Centerpoint Arc

7.5.7. Tools > Sketch Tools

The Sketch Tools menu features various commands used to edit sketch entities such as Fillet,
Chamfer, Trim, for completely constructing sketch profile.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 678

The Sketch Tools menu provide 2 sets of sketch edit tools, a set of useful pattern copy tools, and a
set of converting tools used to:

Modify Sketch Entities

• Fillet
Modifies sketch entities by adding a tangent arc in between the sketch entities
• Chamfer
Modifies sketch entities by adding an angled line in between the sketch entities
• Offset
Offsets sketch entities by a specified distance
• Convert Entities
Converts other entities into sketch entities
• Silhouette
Converts outer boundaries of features into sketch entities

Edit Sketch Entities

• Trim
Trims sketch entities
• Extend
Extends sketch entities
• Split
Splits a sketch entity into multiple parts
• Mirror
Mirrors a part of a sketch entity
• Resize
Resizes a sketch entity
• Merge
Merges sketch entities into a single sketch entity

Adding Patterned Sketch Entities

• Linear Pattern
Creates linear patterns from sketch entities
• Circular Pattern
Creates circular patterns from sketch entities

Converting Sketch Entities

• Fit To Spline
Converts sketch entities into splines
• Text To Splines
Converts text sketch entities into splines
• Insert Polyline
Inserts a Ref.Polyline onto a base sketch plane as a section polyline

7.5.7.1. Tools > Sketch Tools > Fillet

What
The Fillet command modifies sketch entities by adding a tangent arc in between sketch entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 679

Why
The Fillet command is useful for:
• Modifying sketch entities by adding a tangent arc in between the sketch entities
• Constructing a sketch profile for adding rounded features when creating a surface or solid body

How to Use
How to modify sketch entities by adding a tangent arc in between the sketch
entities
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Fillet or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check the Specify Value option and specify 10mm as the fillet value.

3. Select sketch entities to add a fillet between by a specified radius.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Specify Value – Adds a fillet radius between selected sketch entities. To fillet between splines a
specified fillet radius is required.

Note: The Fillet command interactively adds fillets by dragging a tangent arc to be generated.
Select a first sketch entity and select a second sketch entity while holding the left mouse button
and drag the tangent arc to interactively add fillet.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 680

 Add Dimension – Adds dimensions after filleting.

Without Add Dimension With Add Dimension

Note: Once placed, dimensions can be removed if necessary.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Tangent Arc
Tools > Sketch Tools > Chamfer

7.5.7.2. Tools > Sketch Tools > Chamfer

What
The Chamfer command modifies sketch entities by adding an angled line between the sketch entities.

Why
The Chamfer command is useful for:
• Modifying sketch entities by adding an angled line between the sketch entities

How to Use
How to modify sketch entities by adding angled line in between the sketch

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 681

entities
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Chamfer or click on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose Distance-Distance as the chamfer type.

3. Select sketch entities to add chamfer to between the sketch entities.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Distance-Distance – Adds chamfer by using distances.

Distance-Angle – Adds chamfer by angle and distance.

Specify Value – Specifies the position values for a chamfer to be placed. When this option is
disabled, the chamfer will be placed at the position of selected sketch entities.

Distance1 – Specifies the distance of a chamfer from the first selected sketch entity.

Distance2 – Specifies the distance of a chamfer from the second selected sketch entity.

Angle – Specifies an angle of a chamfer from the first selected sketch entity.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities > Line
Tools > Sketch Tools > Fillet

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 682

7.5.7.3. Tools > Sketch Tools > Offset
What
The Offset command offsets sketch entities by a specified distance.

Why
The Offset command is useful for:
• Offsetting sketch entities by a specified distance
• Constructing sketch profiles for creating solid bodies with constant thickness

How to Use
How to offset sketch entities by a specified distance
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Offset or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select sketch entities as target Profiles.

3. Specify 5mm as the Offset Distance and choose the Direction 1 option.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Profiles – Select sketch entities. When sketch entities are connected by a coincidence constraint,
those sketches will be offset as a sketch loop.

Note: The offset command is unavailable for splines, ellipses and parabola sketch entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 683

 Options
Distance – Specifies an offset distance.

Direction – Specifies an offset direction.

Direction 1 – Selects the default positive direction to offset.

Direction 2 – Selects the opposite, negative direction from Direction1.

Both Side – Offsets sketch entities in both two directions.

Cap Ends – Closes the top and bottom sides of an offset using lines or arcs. This option is available
when the Both Side option is used.

Cap Ends: Arcs Cap Ends: Lines

More Options
Remove Original Sketch – Removes original sketch entities after offsetting.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend

7.5.7.4. Tools > Sketch Tools > Convert Entities

What
The Convert Entities command converts entities into sketch entities by projecting them onto a base
sketch plane.

Why
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 684
The Convert Entities command is useful for:
• Converting other entities into sketch entities using a base sketch plane

How to Use
How to convert other entities into sketch entities
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Convert Entities or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select an edge of a body as a target Entities.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command. Check that the selected edges are
converted into sketch entities on the base sketch plane.

Options in Detail
Entities – Selects entities that are needed to be converted into sketch entities. Curve points,
Ref.Points, Ref.Vectors, Curves, Vertices, and Edges can be target entities.

Note: The Convert Entities command can be directly used in the pop-up menu. Select other
entities, click the right mouse button and choose the Covert Entities option in the pop-up menu
to convert selected entities into sketch entities.

Note: Sketch entities converted by the Convert Entities command are fixed and cannot be
modified directly. To edit the converted sketch entities, double-click them after converting entities
into sketch entities and deleting the Converted constraints by using the Delete Constraint

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 685

 button.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Silhouette

7.5.7.5. Tools > Sketch Tools > Silhouette

What
The Silhouette command converts outer boundaries of features into sketch entities on a base sketch
plane.

Why
The Silhouette command is useful for:
• Converting outer boundaries of features into sketch entities on a base sketch plane.

How to Use
How to convert outer boundary of features into sketch entities
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Silhouette in the menu.

2. Select a body. Check the preview sketches.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 686

 3. Click the OK button to complete the command. Check that the outer boundary of the
selected body is converted into sketch entities on the base sketch plane.

Options in Detail
Entities – Selects faces or solid/surface bodies as target Entities.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Convert Entities

7.5.7.6. Tools > Sketch Tools > Trim

What
The Trim command trims sketch entities.

Why
The Trim command is useful for:
• Trimming sketch entities and removing unnecessary parts of sketch entities

How to Use
A. How to trim sketch entities by using the Power Trim method

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 687

 1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools >Trim in the menu.

2. Choose the Power Trim method and click-drag the left mouse button over sketch entities to
remove unnecessary parts.

3. Check that the sketch entities are trimmed. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to trim sketch entities by using the Corner Trim method

1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools >Trim or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Choose the Corner Trim method and select the upper horizontal and vertical lines to extend
those lines at their intersection point. The result will be highlighted when selecting a second
line.

Note: The Corner Trim method can also be used by click-dragging.

3. Check the results.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 688

 4. Select the lower horizontal and vertical line to extend those lines at their intersection point.
The result will be highlighted when selecting a second line depending on where the mouse
cursor is placed.

5. Check the results. The results assume that the second line was selected when the mouse
cursor was placed in the right side of the vertical line.

Options in Detail
Power Trim – Trims multiple and adjacent sketch entities by click-dragging the left mouse button
across sketch entities.

Before Power Trim After Power Trim

Corner Trim – Extends sketch entities so that they can be intersected with each other and trims
sketch entities.

Before Corner Trim After Corner Trim

Reference
Related Commands

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 689

Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend
Tools > Sketch Tools > Split

7.5.7.7. Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend

What
The Extend command extends a sketch entity until it meets another sketch entity.

Why
The Extend command is useful for:
• Extending a sketch entity until it meets another sketch entity

How to Use
How to extend a sketch entity
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Hover the mouse cursor over a sketch entity and check the preview.

3. Click on the highlighted sketch entity to extend it.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 690

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Resize

7.5.7.8. Tools > Sketch Tools > Split

What
The Split command splits a sketch entity into multiple parts.

Why
The Split command is useful for:
• Splitting a sketch entity into multiple parts

How to Use
How to split a sketch entity into multiple parts
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Split or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Hover the mouse cursor over a sketch entity and check the position to be split.

3. Click a specific position on the highlighted sketch entity and check the results.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 691

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Trim

7.5.7.9. Tools > Sketch Tools > Mirror

What
The Mirror command mirrors a part of a sketch entity.

Why
The Mirror command is useful for:
• Mirroring a part of a sketch entity
• Copying sketch entities symmetrically

How to Use
How to mirror a part of a sketch entity
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Mirror or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a line as a Symmetry Line and target entities to be mirrored as Entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 692

 3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Symmetry Line – Selects a symmetry line to use during mirroring.

Entities – Selects sketch entities to be mirrored.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Mirror

7.5.7.10. Tools > Sketch Tools > Resize

What
The Resize command resizes a sketch entity.

Why
The Resize command is useful for:
• Resizing the length of a sketch entity while maintaining its direction

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 693

How to Use
How to resize a sketch entity
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Resize or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a starting or an ending point of a sketch entity and click-drag it to resize its length.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend

7.5.7.11. Tools > Sketch Tools > Merge

What
The Merge command merges multiple sketch entities into a single sketch entity.

Why

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 694

The Merge command is useful for:
• Merging separated sketch entities into a single sketch entity
• Joining split sketch entities created by the Auto Sketch command

How to Use
How to merges multiple sketch entities into a single sketch entity
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Merge or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select split sketch entities.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Entities – Selects split sketch entities to merge them into a single sketch entity.

Note: When select entities are split and connected, they will be merged and the points at the split
position will be removed. When a set of separated sketch entities are selected as target entities,
an averaged sketch entities will be created from them.
This command merges separated sketch entities into a single sketch entity when the results of
using the Auto Sketch command are messy and complex.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 695

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Merge

7.5.7.12. Tools > Sketch Tools > Linear Pattern

What
The Linear Pattern command creates linear patterns from sketch entities.

Why
The Linear Pattern command is useful for:
• Creating multiple instances of sketch entities with uniform distances along one or two linear paths

How to Use
How to create linear patterns from sketch entities
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Linear Pattern or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a sketch entity to be patterned.

3. Specify the No. of Instances and the Spacing under Direction 1.

4. Specify the No. of Instances and the Spacing under Direction 2.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 696

 5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Entities – Selects sketch entities to be patterned.
Options
Direction1 – Specifies parameters that can be used for creating patterned instances along
Direction1.

Note: The U axis of a base sketch plane is used as Direction 1 by default.

No. of Instances – Specifies the number of instances to be patterned.

No. of Instances: 3 No. of Instances: 5

Spacing – Specifies the distance between instances.

Angle – Specifies the angle between Direction 1 and the U axis of a base sketch plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 697

 Note: The value can be set by manually measuring the angle with the Measure Angle
button .
To measure the angle between sketch entities, click the Measure Angle button and
select two sketch entities.

Direction2 – Specifies parameters that can be used for creating patterned instances along
Direction2.

Note: The V axis of a base sketch plane is used as Direction 2 by default.

No. of Instances – Refer to the sub-option in the Direction 1.

Spacing – Refer to the sub-option in the Direction 1.

Angle – Refer to the sub-option in the Direction 1.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Circular Pattern

7.5.7.13. Tools > Sketch Tools > Circular Pattern

What
The Circular Pattern command creates circular patterns from sketch entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 698

Why
The Circular Pattern command is useful for:
• Creating multiple instances of sketch entities with uniform spacing along a circular angle from an
anchor point

How to Use
How to create circular patterns from sketch entities
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Circular Pattern or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select sketch entities to be patterned.

3. Specify the offset distance for Base X and Base Y. Base X and Base Y determines the
origin position of a circular pattern.

4. Specify the No. of Instances and the Total Angle.

Pattern created with Angle 180 Pattern created with Angle 360

5. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities
Entities – Selects sketch entities to be patterned.

Options
Base X – Specifies the offset distance from the origin position of a base sketch plane along the U
axis.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 699

Base Y – Specifies the offset distance from the origin position of a base sketch plane along the V
axis.

No. Of Instances – Specifies the number of instances to be patterned.

No. of Instances: 5 No of Instances: 7

Total Angle – Specifies the total angle in which a pattern should be created. To reverse the angle
direction, click the Reverse button .

Total Angle: 360 No of Instances: 180

Note: The value can be set by manually measuring the angle with the Measure Angle button
.
To measure the angle between sketch entities, click the Measure Angle button and select
two sketch entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 700

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Linear Pattern

7.5.7.14. Tools > Sketch Tools > Fit To Spline

What
The Fit To Spline command converts sketch entities into splines.

Why
The Fit To Spline command is useful for:
• Converting sketch entities into splines
• Removing edges from a modeled feature based on sketch entities

How to Use
How to convert sketch entities into splines
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Fit To Spline or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select sketch entities and check the Remove Original Entities option to remove original
target sketch entities.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 701

 Note: When an extrude feature is generated by using sketch entities the Fit To Spline
command converts the sketch entities into splines removes the edges that occurs when
an extruded feature is generated. For more information, see Insert > Solid > Extrude or
Insert > Surface > Extrude.

Extrusion from sketch entities consisted of arcs Extrusion from spline

and lines

Options in Detail
Fit Tolerance – Specifies the maximum deviation that is allowed when an original sketch entities is
converted to spline.

Remove Original Entities – Removes original sketch entities.

Entities – Selects sketch entities.

Note: Disjoined entities can also be converted into a spline by adding lines between the original
sketch entities.

Original Entities Selecting Entities Fit Spline Result

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Text To Spline

7.5.7.15. Tools > Sketch Tools > Text To Splines

What
The Text To Splines command converts text sketch entities into splines.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 702

Why
The Text To Splines command is useful for:
• Converting text sketch entities into splines
• Manually modifying the shape of text

How to Use
How to convert text sketch entities into splines
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Tools > Text To Splines or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a text sketch entity.

3. Click the OK button to complete the command. Check that the text is converted into splines.

Options in Detail
Texts – Selects texts to convert into splines.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Fit To Spline

7.5.7.16. Tools > Sketch Tools > Insert Polyline

What
The Insert Polyline command inserts a Ref.Polyline onto a base sketch plane as a section polyline.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 703

Why
The Insert Polyline command is useful for:
• Inserting a Ref.Polyline onto a base sketch plane as a section polyline
• Converting design intent such as a bead line, silhouette, etc into a section polyline and drawing
sketch entities based on the converted section polyline

How to Use
How to Insert a Ref.Polyline onto a base sketch plane as a section polyline
1. Go to Insert > Mesh Sketch or click on the icon in the toolbar to enter the Mesh Sketch
mode and select a base sketch plane. For more information, see Insert > Mesh Sketch.

2. Click the OK button.

3. Go to Tools> Sketch Tools > Insert Polyline or click the icon in the toolbar. Select a
Ref.Polyline.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command. Check that the Ref.Polyline is converted into
a section polyline.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 704

Options in Detail
Ref.Polyline – Selects a Ref.Polyline to insert onto a current base sketch plane as a section
polyline.

Note: To select a Ref.Polyline as a target entity, the Ref.Polyline needs to be prepared before
inserting into a section polyline. Create a Ref.Polyline by using Insert > Ref.Geometry >
Polyline command before entering the Mesh Sketch mode. For more information, see Insert >
Ref.Geometry > Polyline.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Ref.Geometry > Polyline

7.5.8. Tools > Sketch Options

The Sketch Options menu features various commands used to draw sketch entities on a base sketch
plane are provided in Sketch Options menu. The options can be toggled on or off while drawing
sketch entities.

7.5.8.1. Tools > Sketch Options > Snap On Entities

What
The Snap On Entities option snaps sketch entities being created onto other sketch entities with
constraints.

Why
The Snap On Entities command is useful for:
• Snapping sketch entities being created onto other sketch entities

How to Use Snap

How to snap sketch entities to other sketch entities when drawing

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 705

1. Go to Tools > Sketch Options > Snap On Entity or toggle the icon on in the menu. This
functionality is enabled by default.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Line or click the icon in the toolbar. Move the mouse
cursor over a line to find the middle position.

Note: The icon indicates the middle position of a line

3. Pick an end point where a perpendicular and horizontal constraints icon is shown.

Note: The icon indicates that a created sketch entity can be set with perpendicular
and horizontal constraints.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Note: Clicking the right mouse button on a blank area in the 2D Sketch View will directly
access the Snap On Entities command in the pop-up menu.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 706

7.5.8.2. Tools > Sketch Options > Snap On
Polylines
What
The Snap On Polylines option snaps 2D entities being created onto section polylines.

Why
The Snap On Polylines command is useful for:
• To snap sketch entities on section polylines.

How to Use
How to draw sketch entities snapped to a section polyline
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Options > Snap On Polylines or toggle the icon on in the toolbar.
This functionality is enabled by default.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > 3 Point Arc or click the icon in the toolbar to create an arc.
Move the mouse cursor until the snap to polyline icon is displayed. Pick a point on the
section polyline.

Note: The icon indicates that a created sketch entity can be snapped to a polyline.

3. Pick a second point on the section polyline.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 707

 4. Pick a third and final point to complete the arc. Click the OK button to finish the command.

Note: Clicking the right mouse button on a blank area in the 2D Sketch View will directly
access the Snap On Polylines command in the pop-up menu.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Options > Smartsnap

7.5.8.3. Tools > Sketch Options > Smartsnap

What
The Smartsnap option snaps 2D entities onto section polylines.

Why
The Smartsnap command is useful for:
• Roughly and quickly draw 2D entities onto section polylines.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 708

How to Use
How to draw sketch entities using Smartsnap
1. Go to Tools > Sketch Options > Smartsnap or toggle the icon on in the toolbar.

2. Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Line and pick a starting point. Fitting target polylines will
be displayed in yellow during the creation of a line.

Note: The Smartsnap function can also be used by pressing the Shift key while drawing
sketches without toggling the Smartsnap sketch option.

3. Pick the ending point to complete a line. The line will be attached to the polyline.

4. Using the same method, create the remaining lines.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Options > Snap On Polylines

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 709

7.5.9. Tools > Smart Dimension
What
The Smart Dimension command sets dimensions such as Distance, Angle, and Radius on sketch
entities.

Why
The Smart Dimension command is useful for:
• Setting dimensions on sketch entities

How to Use
How to set dimensions on sketch entities
1. Go to Tools > Smart Dimension or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Click a line of a sketch entity to create a distance measurement for it and drag the
measurement to a desired location.

3. Click two lines on the side to measure the angle between them and drag the measurement
to a desired location.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 710

 4. Click an arc to measure the radius and drag the measurement to a desired location.

5. Click the center of an arc and a bottom line to measure the distance between them and
drag the measurement to a desired location.

6. Double-click a dimension and directly edit the value to change the value of sketch entities
by a specific amount.

Options in Detail
Value – Specifies the value of a dimension.

Note: A distance can be measured with different results according to the location of the
annotation.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 711

7.5.10. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities
The 3D Sketch Entities menu features various commands used to draw various 3D sketch entities
such as Line, Pencil, Section, and Boundary.

The 3D Sketch Entities menu provides 3 sets of sketch edit tools used to:

Create 3D Sketch Entities

• Spline
Creates 3D curves on mesh or in free 3D space
• Pencil
Manually draw splines on 3D mesh
• Section
Creates section curves on mesh and solid surface bodies
• Intersection
Creates intersection splines between bodies
• Boundary
Extracts curves from the boundary of a mesh

Create 3D Sketch Entities Using Other Objects

• Surface UV Curves
Creates 3D curves on a face along its U and V directions
• Fit From Points
Creates 3D curves from points or region boundaries by fitting to them

Create Curves From Mesh Features

• Trace Feature Line
Automatically extracts character lines from mesh
• Extract Feature Curves
Detects and extracts 3D lines from areas of high curvature
• Create Curve Network
Generates a 3D curve network on a mesh

7.5.10.1. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Spline

What
The Spline command is used to create a 3D curve on mesh or in free 3D space. This command is
available in both 3D Sketch mode and 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 712

 Example of Splines on mesh Example of a spline in 3D space

Why
The Spline command is useful for:
• Creating a curve network for a boundary fitted surface
• Creating a path for a swept or lofted body
• Creating an original user-designed shape from scratch instead of copying the shape of an existing
object
• Working with highly curved 3D features such as a corkscrew feature
• Working with freeform shapes that require more manual control than an automated tool can
provide
• Splitting a section made out of lines and splines to create new enclosed sections

How to Use
A. How to create a Spline and alter it in 3D Mesh Sketch Mode
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Spline, or click the icon in 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

2. Select a point on a mesh to place a spline. Create extra nodes to further define the shape
by adding a node with a left mouse click.

3. To finish a spline you can either right-click, double left-click, or press the Enter button on
the keyboard. Click OK when the spline has been completed.

4. When the mouse cursor is hovered over a node the selection area will be shown in a red

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 713

 circle. Hold down the Alt key on the keyboard and move the mouse from left to right to
change the size of the selection area.

5. If further altering of the spline is desired, select a node by left-clicking on it and dragging it
to a desired located then release the mouse button.

6. When more or less interpolation points are desired for the spline use the Rebuild command
found in the toolbar. In this example the number of interpolation points has been set to 30.

B. How to create a Spline in 3D space in 3D Sketch Mode

1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Spline, or click icon in the 3D Sketch mode.

2. Select a base plane. For this example use the Top base plane.

3. Left-click to begin drawing a spline. The first click will create the first node of the spline.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 714

4. Without clicking anywhere else in the model view, click the Base Plane option again and
select a perpendicular base plane, in this case, the Front base plane.

5. Click again to place another node of the spline on the perpendicular plane. Doing this
allows the spline to first be aligned to the Top plane and then aligned to the Front plane
mid-spline.

6. Finish the spline by switching back to the Top base plane and double-left click, right click,
or press the Enter key on the keyboard to finish the spline. The spline will curve based on
where the nodes were placed. Click OK to finish the command.

Note: When a spline is drawn on a mesh in 3D Sketch mode the snap function will
automatically be enabled. If snapping to mesh is not desired, use the Alt key while

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 715

 creating the spline.

Options in Detail
Base Plane – Select base planes.

Generate Intermediate Points – Automatically creates intermediate points between picked points
to reduce deviation.

Enable Option Disable Option

Join At Intersection Points – Automatically creates intersection points between intersecting

curves. The Tolerance range can be set to determine if curves intersect or not.

Enable Option Disable Option

Tolerance – Sets the tolerance range.

Refit To Feature Lines – Searches for feature lines around picked points to use to create a spline
and refits the spline to those features.

Enable Option Disable Option

Snap On Curvature Flow – Snaps a spline to a feature curvature while drawing the spline.

Snap On Assistance Vector – Automatically creates intersection points between intersecting

curves. The Tolerance range can be set to determine if curves intersect or not.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Pencil

Tips & Tutorials

Creating a Thickened Surface on a Complex 3D Model

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 716

7.5.10.2. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Pencil
What
The Pencil command is used to manually draw splines on 3D mesh. It can only be used in 3D Mesh
Sketch mode.

Why
The Pencil command is useful for:
• Sketching on models that have irregular features or areas that require precise manual control

How to Use
How to draw a line on mesh
1. Click Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Pencil in the 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

2. Draw lines using the pencil.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 717

Options in Detail
Smoothness – Defines the smoothness of a curve. The option slider can be set between Min and
Max.

Interpolation Pts. Sampling Distance – Specifies the distance between node points of a spline.

Sampling Distance: 1mm Sampling Distance: 5mm

Merge Strokes – Merges drawn strokes.

Sampling Distance: 1mm Sampling Distance: 5mm

Refit To Feature Lines – Tries to find and fit feature lines when drawing with the pencil tool.

Sampling Distance: 1mm Sampling Distance: 5mm

Search Radius – Changes the radius distance for searching for feature lines around a drawn
stroke.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Spline

7.5.10.3. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Section

What
The Section command is used to create section curves on mesh and solid surface bodies. This
command is available in both 3D Sketch mode and 3D Mesh Sketch Mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 718

Why
The Section command is useful for:
• Creating a curve network for a boundary fitted surface
• Creating a path for a swept or lofted body
• Making a profile of a model to simplify in making a lofted body

How to Use
How to create a model profile in 3D Sketch mode
1. Enter 3D Sketch mode and go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Section, or click on the
icon in the toolbar.

2. Click on the mesh to select the entire model as the Target Entity. This will select all entities
available. Click the Next Stage button to proceed.

3. Go to the N-Division Between Planes method and select the Right plane as the
reference plane for the Base Plane input box. Set the No. Of Sections option to 7 and
click OK.

4. The model will be sectioned into seven sections of equal length.

5. Exit the 3D Sketch mode and hide the mesh to see the created sections.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 719

Options in Detail
Methods

The following methods are available:

• Draw Line On Screen
Creates sections from a line.
• Select Plane
Creates sections from an intersecting plane.
• N-Division Between Planes
Creates sections based on a chosen base plane.
• N-Division Along Curve
Creates sections based on a chosen curve.

• Radial
Creates sections based radial segments.
• Cylindrical
Creates sections based on cylindrical segments.
• Conical
Creates sections based on conical segments.

Draw Line On Screen – Creates sectional curves by drawing lines on the screen.

Cutting Line Resulting Section Spline

Note: The Shift key can be used to draw horizontal or vertical lines. Multiple cutting lines
can be created at one time by using the Draw Line On Screen method. The Undo
command or Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut will delete the last created cutting line.

N-Division Between Planes – Creates a specified number of sections based on chosen base
planes.

N-Division Resulting Section Spline

Distance Between Sections – Sets the distance between sections.

No. of Sections – Sets the total number of sections.

Equal Spacing – Creates an equal amount of space between all sections.

No. of Sections – Sets the total number of sections to be created which includes the
two base planes selected for the option.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 720

 Show Section Base Geometry – Shows the base geometry of the section.

N-Division Along Curve – Creates the specified number of sections with respect to the curve.

Uniform – Creates multiple sections by either a total number of sections or by equal

distances.

No. of Sections – Uses a set number of sections as the criteria.

Equal Spacing – Uses equal spacing as the criteria.

Show Section Base Geometry – Shows the base geometry of the section.

Curvature – Creates more sections in areas of higher curvature.

No. of Sections – Uses a set number of sections as the criteria.

Show Section Base Geometry – Shows the base geometry of the section.

Pick Points – Creates sections manually by picking points on a curve. To cancel the last
picked point the Undo keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Z can be used.

Show Section Base Geometry – Shows the base geometry of the section.

Radial – Creates virtual radial sections and generates section curves from them.

Axis – Chooses an axis.

Base Plane – Chooses a base plane.

Flip Start Plane – Flips the starting plane the opposite direction.

No. of Sections – Sets the number of sections.

Total Angle – Sets the total angle value of a radial section.

Equal Spacing – Sets equal spacing between sections.

Show Section Base Geometry – Shows the base geometry of a section.

Cylindrical – Creates cylindrical sections and generates section curves.

Axis – Chooses an axis.

Base Plane – Chooses a base plane.

Flip Start Plane – Flips the starting plane the opposite direction.

No. of Sections – Sets a number of sections.

Total Angle – Sets a total angle value.

Radius Interval – Sets the distance between sections.

Base Radius – Sets the base radius of a starting section.

Height – Sets the height of a cylindrical area.

Section Inside – Sets the creation direction from the base radius.

Show Section Base Geometry – Shows the base geometry of the section.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 721

 Conical – Creates conical sections and generates section curves from them.

Axis – Chooses an axis.

Base Plane – Chooses a base plane.

Base Position – Specifies X, Y, or Z as a base position.

Flip Start Plane – Flips the starting plane the opposite direction.

No. of Sections – Sets the number of sections.

Total Angle – Sets a total angle value.

Radius Interval – Sets a radius interval.

Bottom Radius – Sets a value for a bottom radius.

Top Radius – Sets a value for a top radius.

Apex Angle – Sets a value for a slope.

Height – Sets a value for height.

Section Inside – Sets the value for a creation direction.

Show Section Base Geometry – Shows section cylinders.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Intersection

7.5.10.4. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Intersection

What
The Intersection command is used to create intersection splines between bodies. It can only be used
in 3D Sketch mode.

Why
The Intersection command is useful for:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 722

• Finding the boundaries where two entities meet

How to Use
How to find an intersection for two entities
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Intersection, or click on the icon in 3D Sketch mode.

2. Select target Tool Bodies and Target Bodies. The Tool Bodies will be the bodies that are
used as the base bodies and the Target Bodies will be the bodies that the intersections
using the Tool Bodies are found on.

3. Click OK to complete the command. The intersection between the bodies will be created.

Options in Detail
Tool Bodies – Select tool bodies.

Target Bodies – Select target bodies.

7.5.10.5. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Boundary

What
The Boundary command is used to extract curves from the boundary of a mesh. This command is
available in both 3D Sketch mode and 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 723

Why
The Boundary command is useful for:
• Creating a path for a swept or lofted body
• Finding the boundary of a model that is irregularly shaped

How to Use
How to find boundary for an entity
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Boundary, or click on the icon in 3D Mesh Sketch or
3D Sketch mode.

2. Select the Curves From Boundaries option and choose an outside boundary on the model
for the Boundaries input box.

3. Click OK to extract the selected boundary as a spline. If only a part of the boundary is
desired to be extracted then the Interactively Split Curve Segments From a Single
Boundary option can be used to manually pick the starting and ending points of the
boundary.

Boundary as a spline Split curve segment from a boundary

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 724

Options in Detail
Curves From Boundaries – Creates 3D spline curves on selected mesh boundaries.

Interactively Split Curve Segments From a Single Boundary – Creates a partial boundary curve
by picking a starting and ending point on a boundary.

Boundaries – Selects boundaries on a mesh.

Smoothness – Defines the smoothness of a boundary curve by using a value between a Min and
Max limits.

Min. Smoothness Max. Smoothness

Offset – Creates an offset curve from a boundary.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Fit From Points
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Create Curve Network

7.5.10.6. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Surface UV

Curves
What
The Surface UV Curves command is used to create 3D curves on a face along its U and V directions.
This command is available only in 3D Sketch mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 725

Why
The Surface UV Curves command is useful for:
• Creating 3D curve networks on curved faces that are relatively uniform and follow the U and V
directions

How to Use
How to find set a UV Curves
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Surface UV Curve or click on the icon in the 3D
Sketch Mode.

2. Select a position on a face.

3. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Parameter Direction – Chooses the U, V, or both the U and V directions for creating curves.

Make Curve Editable – Created curves will have node points that are editable.

Make Node At UV Curves Intersection – Creates intersection nodes at the intersection

point of the U and V curves.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 726

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Spline
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Section

7.5.10.7. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Fit From

Points
What
The Fit From Points command is used to create 3D curves from points or region boundaries by fitting
to them. This command is available in both 3D Sketch mode and 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

Why
The Fit From Points command is useful for:
• Generating analytic curves such as circles, slots and rectangles from point data
• Generating freeform curves from point data
• Generation of curves on region boundaries and character lines of a model

How to Use
How to extract feature shapes using the Fit From Points command
1. Enter Mesh mode to extract boundary vertices from a mesh.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 727

 2. Go to Select > Boundary Entities and change the Type To Select option to Poly-Vertices
and select all boundaries. Click OK.

3. Go to Edit > Copy to copy selected boundary vertices. Exit the Mesh mode.

4. Go to Edit > Paste. A new mesh will be created.

5. Select the new mesh and enter the 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

6. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Fit From Points and select points.

7. Click OK to complete the command. Curves will be extracted from the slot and circle
shapes.

Options in Detail
Target – Select poly-vertices or region boundaries for fitting curves.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 728

 Fitting curve from points

Fitting curve from region boundaries

Split Target – Splits a fitting curve. Click the button and pick the starting and ending points for the
splitting position on the preview curve and a split point will be added.

Fitting Options
Fitting Shape – Generates a fitting curves from several shapes: Auto, Circle, Slot, Rectangle
Polygon, Line and Freeform.

Fitting Shape – Chooses the type of shape for the fitting curve.

Auto

Circle

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 729

 Slot

Rectangle

Polygon

Freeform

Allowable Tolerance – Fits a curve to a shape within a given value. The Auto Estimate button
computes the value automatically.

More Options
Fitting Type – Creates a best-fitted value by the least square fitting method when the Best Fit
option is selected. The least squares method is the approximate solution from distributed data. The
Min. Bound option finds the smallest radial distance value between a pair of concentric circles and
Max. Bound finds the largest value.

Least Square Method Best Fit Min / Max Boundary

from Minimum Separation

Remove Outlier – Removes outlier data from the fitting type using the N*Sigma, Ratio (%), or
Absolute Distance algorithms.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 730

 Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all selected
data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Use Only Effective Data – Uses only effective data when fitting. Effective data is the actual data
points used in fitting after sampling and outlier removal.

Rounded Corner – Rounds corners of rectangular shapes.

No. Of Edges – Sets the number of edges created.

Smoothness – Controls the smoothness of extracted curves.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Boundary
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Create Curve Network

7.5.10.8. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Trace Feature

Line
What
The Trace Feature Line command is used to automatically extract character lines from mesh. This
command is only available in 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

Why
The Trace Feature Line command is useful for:
• Automatically extracting a line from a model that might be difficult to do manually

How to Use
How to extract a feature line from mesh
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Trace Feature Line, or click the icon in 3D Mesh
Sketch mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 731

 2. Select a poly-vertex to extract a feature line.

3. A preview curve will be generated.

4. Clicking OK will extract the feature curve as a spline. If only a part of the feature line is
desired to be extracted then the starting and ending points can be selected.

5. Click OK or double click on the curve to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Seed Poly-Vertex – Picks a poly-vertex on the mesh to extract a feature line.

Search Depth – Adjusts the depth of the feature line. A value between 1 and 5 can be inputted or
selected with a slider bar. The larger the depth, the more character lines can be found, but a larger
depth may include noisy character lines.

Smoothness – Specifies the smoothness of a feature line. A value between Min and Max. can be
specified. When a high smoothness value is chosen, the resulting curve will be smoother but may
lose accuracy.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 732

 Min. Smoothness Max. Smoothness

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Extract Feature Curves
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Create Curve Network

7.5.10.9. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Extract

Feature Curves
What
The Extract Feature Curve command is used to detect and extract 3D lines from areas of high
curvature. This command is only available in 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

Why
The Extract Feature Curve command is useful for:
• Extracting feature lines from areas that have high degrees of variable curvature

Note: It is more efficient to use a mesh that has had the Decimate command applied to it rather
than a dense mesh for the Extract Feature Curve tool.

How to Use
How to extract a feature curve from mesh
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Extract Feature Curves, or click the icon in 3D Mesh
Sketch mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 733

 2. Adjust the Detection Sensitivity and Loop Size Level options and click the Next Stage
button.

3. Adjust the Smoothness option and click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Stages

This command consists of the following stages:

• Set Properties
Sets the Detection Sensitivity and Loop Size Level options.
• Preview
Sets the Smoothness and previews the feature curve.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 734

 Stage 1/2 – Set Properties
Set Properties – Sets the Detection Sensitivity and Loop Size Level options for the command.

Detection Sensitivity – Determines the sensitivity used to extract feature curves. For low
curvature models, set the Sensitivity to high and for high curvature model set the Sensitivity
to low.

0 Detection Sensitivity 10 Detection Sensitivity

Loop Size Level – Removes noisy curves. If the application unexpectedly creates many
small loops, increase the value of the Loop Size Level option.

0 Loop Size Level 10 Loop Size Level

Stage 2/2 – Preview

Smoothness – Specifies the smoothness of a feature line. A value between Min and Max. can be
specified. If a high smoothness value is chosen, the resulting curve will be smoother but may lose
accuracy.

Min. Smoothness Max. Smoothness

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Fit From Points
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Trace Feature Line
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Create Curve Network

7.5.10.10. Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Create Curve

Network
What
The Create Curve Network command is used to generate a 3D curve network on a mesh. This

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 735

command is only available in 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

Why
The Create Curve Network command is useful for:
• Quickly creating a 3D curve network that follows character features to enclose a mesh
• Generating a 3D curve network to use with the Boundary Fit Surface command

How to Use
How to create a curve network from mesh
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Create Curve Network, or click the icon in the toolbar
in 3D Mesh Sketch mode.

2. Adjust the slider of the Feature Detection Level option to search for high curvature area.

3. Click the Next Stage button. A preview of the curve network will be displayed.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 736

 4. The Deform command can be used to adjust a curve if it needs to be smoothed.

Note: The editing zone can be resized by using the Alt key while dragging the mouse left
or right.

5. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Stages

This command consists of the following stages:

• Feature Detection
Used to detect features for creating a curve network
• Curve Network Editing
Edit a created curve network

Stage 1/2 – Feature Detection

Feature Detection Level – Detects features on the mesh with the yellow preview areas showing
the level of feature detection will increase or decrease based on the position of the slider for this
option.

Lower Detection Level Higher Detection Level

Optimize Patch Network – Optimizes the patch shape for a created curve network.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 737

Stage 2/2 – Curve Network Editing
Deform – Deforms a curve by selecting and dragging nodes.

Before Deform After Deform

Merge – Merges patches in the network with green patches highlighted as being able to be
merged.

Before Merge After Merge

Remove – Removes a curve

Before Remove After Remove

Split – Splits a patch to generate more patches by picking a point on a curve and picking a second
point on another curve displayed in green.

Before Split After Split

Detach And Move – Detaches a point of a curve and moves it to another curve.

Before Detach And Move After Detach And Move

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 738

 Apply Stiffening Around Crossing Vertices – Smooths intersecting curves after deforming.

Without Option With Option

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Boundary
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Fit From Points
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Trace Feature Line
Tools > 3D Sketch Entities > Extract Feature Curves

7.5.11. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools

The 3D Sketch Tools menu features various commands used to edit 3D sketch entities such as
Offset, Project, Smooth, and Trim.

The 3D Sketch Tools menu provides 3 sets of sketch edit tools used to:

Modify 3D Sketch Entities

• Offset
Modifies sketch entities by adding a tangent arc in between the sketch entities
• Project
Modifies sketch entities by adding an angled line in between the sketch entities
• Mirror
Offsets sketch entities by a specified distance
• Convert Entities
Converts other entities into sketch entities

Edit 3D Sketch Entities

• Smooth
Trims sketch entities
• Trim
Extends sketch entities
• Extend
Extends sketch entities
• Split
Splits a sketch entity into multiple parts
• Match
Mirrors a part of a sketch entity
• Merge
Merges sketch entities into a single sketch entity

Adding Patterned 3D Sketch Entities

• Insert Node

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 739

 Creates linear patterns from sketch entities
• Remove Node
Creates circular patterns from sketch entities
• Remove Constraint
Creates circular patterns from sketch entities

7.5.11.1. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Offset

What
The Offset command is used to offset existing curves or lines.

Why
The Offset command is useful for:
• Offsetting a line or a curve to create lines or curves with the same properties and shape.

How to Use
How to offset a curve on a mesh
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Offset, or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a curve to offset.

3. Specify the distance desired for the offset curve. Direction1 creates a curve in a direction
from the existing curve. Direction2 creates a curve in the other direction. Both Directions
creates both curves.

Offset curve in Direction1 Offset curve in Both Directions

Options in Detail
Base Entity – Selects base entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 740

 Curves – Selects curves to offset.

Distance – Sets the distance of the offset.

Direction1 – Creates a curve in a first direction from the original curve.

Direction2 – Creates a curve in a second direction from the original curve.

Both Directions – Creates two curves in both directions from the original curve.

More Options
Remove Original Curves – Removes the original curve after the offset is completed.

Offset Curve Deviation – Connects curves within a given deviation value.

Tolerance: 0.01 Tolerance: 0.1

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Offset

7.5.11.2. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Project

What
The Project command is used to project curves or nodes onto a selected entity.

Why
The Project command is useful for:
• Creating a copy of a line onto an entity

How to Use
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 741
How to project a curve onto a surface
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Project or click the icon in the toolbar. This command
can only be used in 3D Sketch Mode.

2. Select a target curve and a body as the target entity.

3. Change the Projection Method option to Along Vector and select a reference plane.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Curves / Nodes – Selects curves or nodes to project.

Target Entity – Selects target entity to project the target curve onto.

Project Duplicated Curve – Retains an original curve.

Projection Method
Min. Distance – Projects a curve to a minimum distance.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 742

 Along Vector – Projects a curve in a selected direction. A ref. plane, vector, curve or edge can be
used.

Tangent – Selects an entity to use.

Allowable Deviation – Sets a deviation value between a projected curve and a target entity.

7.5.11.3. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Mirror

What
The Mirror command is used to mirror 3D curves.

Why
The Mirror command is useful for:
• Creating a mirrored copy of a 3D curve

Note: A curve mirrored in 3D Mesh Sketch mode will be projected onto the mesh.

How to Use

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 743

How to mirror a curve
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Mirror, or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a Symmetry Plane and Curves as the entities that will be mirrored.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Symmetry Plane – Selects a ref. plane or planar face as a Symmetry Plane.

Curves – Select curves to mirror.

Remove Original Curves – Removes original curves after mirroring.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Mirror

7.5.11.4. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Convert Entities

What
The Convert Entities command is used to convert entities such as sketches, edges, and polylines
into 3D curves.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 744

Why
The Convert Entities command is useful for:
• Creating a 3D curve out of a 2D entity

Note: The Convert Entities tool available in 3D Mesh Sketch mode has a few differences from
the Convert Entities tool found in the 3D Sketch Tools menu. The differences are:
- There are no relationships between the target entity and converted curves in this mode
- A converted curve will be projected onto a mesh and registered as a Mesh 3D curve

How to Use
How to convert an entity
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Convert Entities, or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select edges to convert.

3. Click OK to complete the command. A 3D curve will be generated.

Options in Detail

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 745

 Entities – Selects entities to convert. Entities can be polylines, curves on a 2D Sketch or edges.
Curves converted from polylines in the Sketch mode have constraints so that if changes are made,
the converted curves will also change.

Note: A spline that is black contains constraints. To remove constraints use the Remove
Constraints command.

Fitting Accuracy – Sets the percentage of fitting accuracy when converting polylines.

Accuracy: Loose Accuracy: Tight

Note: The Smooth command regenerates intersection points between curves. The parameters
for intersection points can be set in the Join tool palette.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Convert Entities

7.5.11.5. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Smooth

What
The Smooth command is used to smooth curves.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 746

Why
The Smooth command is useful for:
• Smoothing irregular curves
• Smoothing a portion of a curve
• Saving time over smoothing curves manually

How to Use
How to smooth a curve
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools> Smooth or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a curve and adjust the Smoothness setting. Click OK to complete the command.

Before Smoothing After Smoothing

Options in Detail
Methods
All Range – Applies smoothing to a selected curve.

Partial Range – Determines the strength of the smoothing procedure.

Sub Options
Curves – Selects curves to smooth.

Smoothness – Sets a level of smoothness from Min. to Max.

7.5.11.6. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Trim

What
The Trim command is used to trim curves.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 747

Why
The Trim command is useful for:
• Trimming away unwanted sections of a curve
• Combining curves

How to Use
How to trim curves
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Trim, or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select curves. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Pick Curve Portion To Trim – Trims selected curves.

Trim Short Portion Of Curves – Trims the short portions from selected curves.

Curves – Selects curves to trim.

Portion Rate – Sets the ratio of short curves compared to an original curve length.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 748

 Intersection Tolerance – Determines whether curves intersect or not by setting the tolerance for
gaps between curves.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Trim

7.5.11.7. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Extend

What
The Extend command is used to extend 3D curves and lines.

Why
The Extend tool is useful for:
• Extending a 3D curve or line

Note: Extending a curve in 3D Mesh Sketch mode will follow mesh data. To extend a curve in a
tangential direction without following the mesh, copy the curve in the 3D Mesh Sketch mode into
the 3D Sketch mode and then apply the Extend command.

How to Use
How to extend a curve
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Extend or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a curve to extend and click-drag the arrow on the screen. To extend a curve in both
directions click on the curve itself, or to extend in only one direction click on the end of the
curve in the desired direction.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 749

 3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Curves – Selects curves to extend

Options
Shape – Selects the shape of an extension.

Tangent – Extends a curve in a tangential direction from a starting position.

Curvature – Extends a curve in a curvature direction from a starting position.

Reflective – Extends a curve as a reflection of the original shape.

Distance – Sets a distance to extend.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Extend

7.5.11.8. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Split

What
The Split command is used to divide a curve.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 750

Why
The Split command useful for:
• Dividing a curve by creating a node if one does not exist

How to Use
How to use the Split command to create nodes on a curve
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Split or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Pick points on the curve to split and click OK. The curve will now have nodes where the
split command was used.

Note: The Split command can move the seam position of a closed curve. A split position
on a closed curved will become the new seam point.

Original Seam Point Changed Seam Point

Options in Detail
Pick Points – Splits a curve at a picked point.

Curves At Intersection Points – Splits a curve at an intersecting point.

Plane Or Face Intersection Points – Splits a curve on intersecting positions with other planes or
faces.

Curves – Selects curves to split.

Intersection Tolerance – Sets the tolerance for splitting curves at an intersection point.

Tool Entity – Selects tool entity.

Reference

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 751

Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Split

7.5.11.9. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Match

What
The Match command is used to match tangencies and curvatures between a curve and another entity.

Why
The Match command is useful for:
• Creating areas that a scanner might not be able to get data for

How to Use
How to extract a curve from two solid faces
1. Click the 3D Sketch mode icon.

2. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Match or click the icon in the toolbar.

3. Select a Curve to match and a body edge as the Target Entity.

4. Click OK to match the selected curves.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 752

 5. Apply the matching process in steps 2-4 again on the other side of the model to complete
the match.

Options in Detail
Tangent – Makes a tangency (G1) connection to the target entity.

Curvature – Makes a curvature (C2) connection to the target entity.

Orthogonal – Makes an orthogonal connection to the target entity. Only reference planes and faces
can be used for this method.

Curve – Selects a curve to match.

Target Entity – Selects an entity to use as a matching reference. The target entity can be a ref.
vector, ref. plane, curve, edge, or face.

Curve to Ref. Vector Curve to Ref. Plane

Curve to Curve Curve to Edge

Curve to Face

Average – Modifies a target curve to create a smooth connection.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 753

 Disable Average Enable Average

Note: A matched constraint will be shown with blue arrows. To remove constraints, click the
Remove Contraint button on the toolbar and select the constraints in the list box.

7.5.11.10. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Merge

What
The Merge command is used to merge separate curves to form a single curve.

Why
The Merge command is useful for:
• Merging separate lines into one line

How to Use
How to merge curves
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Merge or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select curves to merge.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 754

 3. Click OK to complete the command and merge the selected curves.

Options in Detail
Methods
2 Curve Ends – Connects the ends of two curves.

Average Multiple Curves – Combines neighboring curves to generate a single averaged curve.
More Options
Curves – Selects curves to merge.

Fix Shape – Preserves the original shape of curves. This option can be used to preserve a sharp
edge after merging and is available only in 3D Sketch mode.

Original Curves Disable Option Enable Option

Smoothness – Sets the smoothness when averaging multiple curves.

Merge Range – Merges the values between curves.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Tools > Merge

7.5.11.11. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Insert Node

What
The Insert Node command is used to insert a node onto a curve or line.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 755

Why
The Insert Node command is useful for:
• Creating a break in a line
• Creating a node to connect another line to

How to Use
How to insert a node
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Insert Node or click on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Click on a curve to insert nodes. Click OK to finish the command.

Note: A node can be added onto a line or curve by dragging an existing node while
holding down the Ctrl key on the keyboard.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Remove Node

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 756

7.5.11.12. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Remove Node
What
The Remove Node command is used to remove a node from a curve or line.

Why
The Remove Node command is useful for:
• Removing nodes in a line

How to use
How to remove a node
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Remove Node or click on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select nodes to remove.

Before Node Removal After Node Removal

Note: A node can be removed by pressing the Delete key on the keyboard.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Insert Node

7.5.11.13. Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Remove

Constraint
What
The Remove Constraint command is used to remove existing constraints on curves and nodes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 757

Why
The Remove Constraint command is useful for:
• Removing constraints on curves and nodes
• Removing temporary created constraints to make modeling easier

How to Use
How to remove constraints on a curve
1. Go to Tools > 3D Sketch Tools > Remove Constraint or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a curve and all constraints on the curve will be displayed.

3. Select constraints to be removed and click OK to complete the command. Constraints will
be removed and the converted curve will be displayed in blue.

Options in Detail
Curve / Nodes – Selects curves or nodes to remove constraints.

Constraints To Remove – Shows a list of constraints that can be removed by selecting the
constraint in the list box and clicking the Delete button on the keyboard.

Note: Constraints can also be removed by using the Trash Can icon that will appear next to a
constraint when selected.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 758

 No. Of Interpolation Points – Sets the number of interpolation points and regenerates the curve
when removing constraints from an imported curve.

7.5.12. Tools > Body Tools

The Body Tools menu features methods to deal with surfaces.

7.5.12.1. Tools > Body Tools > Find Defect

What
The Find Defect command is used to detect defects on solid and surface bodies.

Why
The Find Defect command is useful for:
• Detecting defects that are too small to see manually
• Finding the location of defects
• Finding self-intersected or discontinuous faces

How to Use
How to find defects on a solid body
1. Go to Tools > Body Tools > Find Defect or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a body and check the Self Intersection Test and Face Continuity Test options to
set the defect detection parameters. Click the Next Stage button to continue to the next
step.

3. Defective faces that self-intersect or have continuity issues will be displayed on the model
in a different color.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 759

Options in Detail
Bodies – Selects bodies to inspect.

Self Intersection Test – Detects self-intersecting faces.

Face Continuity Test – Detect discontinuous faces.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Body Tools > Find Defect

7.5.13. Tools > Align

The Align Tools menu features methods to align mesh data to global or user defined coordinates or
original CAD data.

The Align Tools menu provides 3 sets of alignment tools used to:

Align by Wizards
• Wizard
Aligns a mesh to a desired set of coordinates
• Interactive Alignment
Interactively aligns a mesh using one of several available methods

Align by Fitting
• Quick Fit
Roughly aligns a mesh to a solid body by matching principal axis
• Best Fit
Registers a scan to a body as accurately as possible by utilizing the overlapping regions between
them

Align by Datums
• Datum Match
Registers a scan to a body by using datums

7.5.13.1. Tools > Align > Wizard

What
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 760
The Align Wizard command is used to align a mesh to a desired set of coordinates.

Why
The Align Wizard command is useful for:
• Finding and choosing suitable candidate alignments
• Extracting alignments from mesh features

How to Use
How to find and select a coordinate candidate
1. Go to Tools > Align > Wizard or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: A mesh needs regions before executing the Align Wizard command. Regions can
be created by using the Auto Segment command in the Region Group mode.

2. Select a mesh and click the Next Step icon. The application will show candidate
coordinates for the mesh.

3. Select Coordinate 1 and click the OK button to align to that coordinate and finish the
command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 761

Options in Detail
Stages

This command consists of the following stages:

• Moving Mesh
Select a mesh or point cloud to align
• Candidate
Chooses a candidate coordinate. The ideal coordinate is listed at the top of the list box.

Stage 1/2 – Moving Mesh

Moving Mesh – Selects a mesh or point cloud to align.

Stage 2/2 – Candidate

Candidate – Chooses a candidate coordinate.

Max. Num Of Candidate – Controls the maximum number of candidate coordinates.

Max. Number of Candidates Min. Number of Candidates

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Align > Interactive Alignment
Tools > Align > Quick Fit
Tools > Align > Best Fit
Tools > Align > Datum Match

7.5.13.2. Tools > Align > Interactive Alignment

What
The Interactive Alignment command is used to interactively align a mesh using one of several
available methods.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 762

Why
The Interactive Alignment command is useful for:
• Manually aligning a model using one of two different alignment types

How to Use
How to use the X-Y-Z interactive alignment method
1. Go to Tools > Align > Interactive Alignment or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: A mesh needs regions before executing the Interactive Alignment command.
Regions can be created by using the Auto Segment command in the Region Group
mode.

2. Select a mesh and click the Next Stage button to divide the Model View vertically into two
views. The left view is the Source and the right view is the Reference. Choose the X-Y-Z
method.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 763

3. Click the Plane button and select the bottom planar region.

4. Click the Vector button and select a side region that perpendicular to the previously
selected region.

5. Click the Position button and select the side region perpendicular to the previously
selected region.

6. Click OK. Each perpendicular face is now aligned to the reference planes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 764

Options in Detail
Stages

This tool consists of the following stages:

• Moving Entities
Select a mesh or point cloud to align
• Moving
3-2-1 and X-Y-Z are the available alignment methods in this step. The Target can be set to
either Coordinate or X-Y-Z.

Stage 1/2 – Choosing Moving Entities

This stage is for choosing the Moving Entities to align. The chosen entities can be aligned to the
global origin.

Moving Entities – Selects meshes or point clouds to align.

Pre-align With Global Origin – Transforms mesh to the global origin. The application will find the
minimal bounding box of the mesh and set the longest and the shortest direction to the X-axis and Z-
axis respectively, aligning to the global coordinate.

Stage 2/2 – Moving Alignment Method

The 3-2-1 and X-Y-Z alignment methods are available in this step as well as the ability to set the
Position, Axis X, Axis Y and Axis Z parameters for the alignment.

Note: Scans can be manually aligned using the manipulators in the Model view. The scans can
be transformed by dragging the X, Y, and Z directional arrows, or rotated by dragging the
appropriate circle. Entities selected as a Plane or a Vector will have constraint directions and
axes dimmed in grey.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 765

 Moving
3-2-1 – Alignment using entities on the mesh as a moving plane, moving vector, and moving position.
The Flip button reverses the direction of the selection.

Plane – Sets an entity as the moving plane.

Vector – Sets an entity as the moving vector.

Position – Sets an entity as the moving position.

X-Y-Z – Alignment using entities as moving points and axes. The Flip button reverses the
direction of the selection.

Position – Sets an entity as the moving position.

Axis X – Sets an entity as the moving X axis.

Axis Y – Sets an entity as the moving Y axis.

Axis Z – Sets an entity as the moving Z axis.

X-Y-Z
Coordinate – Alignment using target coordinates.

To – Sets the coordinate to align to.

X-Y-Z – Alignment using entities as points and axes. The Flip button reverses the direction of the
selection.

Position – Sets an entity as the target position.

Axis X – Sets an entity as the target X axis.

Axis Y – Sets an entity as the target Y axis.

Axis Z – Sets an entity as the target Z axis.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Align > Wizard
Tools > Align > Quick Fit
Tools > Align > Best Fit
Tools > Align > Datum Match

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 766

7.5.13.3. Tools > Align > Quick Fit
What
The Quick Fit command is used to roughly align a mesh to a solid body by matching principal axis.

Why
The Quick Fit command is useful for:
• Comparing an original scan to a CAD model

How to Use
How to use the Quick Fit command to align a mesh to a solid body
1. Go to Tools > Align > Quick Fit or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a mesh as the Moving Entities and a body as the Target Body.

3. The Best Fit Alignment command will automatically execute after the Quick Fit command.
Use the default setting and click the OK button to finish the command. The mesh will now
be aligned to the solid body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 767

Options in Detail
Moving Entities – Selects a mesh or point cloud to align.

Target Body – Selects a body to align.

More Options
Run Best Fit Alignment – Automatically applies Best Fit alignment.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Align > Wizard
Tools > Align > Interactive Alignment
Tools > Align > Best Fit
Tools > Align > Datum Match

7.5.13.4. Tools > Align > Best Fit

What
The Best Fit command registers a scan to a body as accurately as possible by utilizing the
overlapping regions between them.

Why
The Best Fit command is useful for:
• Comparing an original scan to a CAD model

How to Use
How to use the Best Fit command to align a mesh to a solid body
1. Go to Tools > Align > Best Fit or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 768

 2. Select a mesh as the Moving Entities and a body as the Target Body.

3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Method
Global – Applies the Best Fit alignment command to an entire mesh.

Partial – Aligns features of scan data with a body. Faces on the body can be used as Reference
targets.

Before Alignment After Partial Alignment

Selection
Moving Entities – Selects a mesh or point cloud.

Target Body – Selects a solid or surface body.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 769

 Best Fit Options
Max. Distance – Sets the maximum distance between alignment entities.

Sampling Ratio – Samples data points by a specified value. When the ratio is 100%, all selected
data will be used. When the ratio is 50%, half of the selected data will be used.

Max. Iteration Count – Limits the number of times a registration can reiterate.

Max. Average Deviation – Sets deviation criteria to determine if registration results are acceptable
and can be manually input, automatically calculated, or intelligently decided by the application
wizard.

Compensate Offset – Compensates for the deviation from an offset between the design data and
the scan data.

Before Alignment Compensate Offset: 2

Constraint Options
Anchor Type – Defines the reference position for constraints of translation or rotation. Selects the
type of anchor used in the command. If the Scan Data Center option is selected, the center of the
bounding box for selected scan data is shown and used as the anchor point. If the Model Center
option is selected, the center of the target model will be used as an anchor point. If Local
Coordinate is selected, you can define custom coordinate as the anchor point. If the Global Origin
option is selected, the origin point in the global coordinate will be used as the anchor point.

Lock Translation/Rotation – Limits movement and rotation in each direction while scan data is
aligned.

More Options
Ignore Outlier – Ignores irregular data during alignment.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Align > Wizard
Tools > Align > Interactive Alignment
Tools > Align > Quick Fit
Tools > Align > Datum Match

7.5.13.5. Tools > Align > Datum Match

What
The Datum Match command registers a scan to a body by using datums.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 770

Why
The Datum Match command is useful for:
• Comparing an original scan to a CAD model
• Aligning a scan coordinate system to the global coordinate system or another specific coordinate
system

How to Use
How to use the Datum Match command to align a mesh to a solid body
1. Go to Tools > Align > Datum Match or click the icon in the toolbar.

Note: A mesh needs regions before executing the Datum Match command. Regions can
be created by using the Auto Segment command in the Region Group mode.

2. Select a mesh and click the Next Stage button.

3. Select the large cylindrical region on the mesh and select the matching region in the design
data and click the Flip button.

Cylinder on Mesh Data Cylinder on Design Data

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 771

 4. The cylinders will be matched to one another.

Cylinder on Mesh Data

5. Select the planar region on the mesh and design data.

Plane on Mesh Data Plane on Design Data

6. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Stages

This tool consists of 2 stages:

• Moving Entities
Selects a mesh or point cloud to align
• Datum Pairs
Selects pairs of datums from a mesh and body to align

Stage 1/2 – Moving Entities

Moving Mesh – Selects a mesh or point cloud to align.

Stage 2/2 – Datum Pairs

Datum Pairs – Selects datum pairs to match and align.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Align > Wizard

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 772

Tools > Align > Interactive Alignment
Tools > Align > Quick Fit
Tools > Align > Best Fit

7.6. Measure
The Measure menu features functions to measure a distance between plane-plane, plane-line, plane-
point, line-line, line-point and point-point.
It also provides methods to measure an angle between plane-plane, plane-line, plane-point-point,
line-line, line-point-point and point-point-point. The radius of an entity can be measured as well.

The Measure menu provides tools used to:

Measure
• Distance
Measure the distance between entities
• Angle
Measure the angle between two edges or three picked points
• Radius
Measure the radius of an edge or three picked points
• Section
Temporarily create sections on a mesh and body to measure the deviation between them
• Mesh Deviations
Show the deviation between point clouds and meshes using a defined color map

7.6.1. Measure > Distance

What
The Distance command measures the distance between entities.

Why
The Distance command is useful for:
• Comparing distances between plane-plane
• Comparing distances between plane-line
• Comparing distances between plane-point
• Comparing distances between line-line
• Comparing distances between line-point

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 773

• Comparing distances between point-point

Note: Plane-plane, line-line and plane-line measurements should be parallel.

How to Use
How to find the distance between two edges
1. Go to Measure > Distance or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. To measure the distance between two cylinders, click the cylinder edges. When doing a
mouse-over a measurement the measured entities will be shown.

Note: To pick a position on a line or a plane, hold down the Ctrl button on the keyboard
while clicking.

Options in Detail
Methods
Linear – Measures distances between entities with the Auto method automatically assessing entity
types.

Along Faces – Measures distance along the surface of a model between two points.

Axis Align
No Align – Calculates the direct distance between entities.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 774

 X Axis Align – Calculates the distance in the X direction.

Y Axis Align – Calculates the distance in the Y direction.

Z Axis Align – Calculates the distance in the Z direction.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities

7.6.2. Measure > Angle

What
The Angle command measures the angle between two edges or three picked points.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 775

Why
The Angle command is useful for:
• Comparing angles between plane-plane
• Comparing angles between plane-line
• Comparing angles between plane-point
• Comparing angles between line-line
• Comparing angles between line-point-point
• Comparing angles between point-point-point

Note: Angles between parallel entities cannot be measured.

How to Use
How to find the angle between two edges
1. Go to Measure > Angle or click on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select two edges to measure the angle. Click OK to finish the command. When doing a
mouse-over a measurement the measured entities will be shown.

Note: To pick a position on a line or a plane, hold down the Ctrl button on the keyboard
while clicking.

Reference

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 776

Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities

7.6.3. Measure > Radius

What
The Radius command measures the radius of an edge or three picked points.

Why
The Radius command is useful for:
• Finding the radius of a circle
• Comparing angles between point-point-point

How to Use
How to find the radius of an edge
1. Go to Measure > Radius or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select an edge to measure a radius from. Click OK to finish the command. When doing a
mouse-over a measurement the measured entities will be shown.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 777

Options in Detail
Methods
Auto – Automatically finds a radius based on a feature shape

3 Points – Finds a radius based on three selected points.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities

7.6.4. Measure > Section

What
The Section command temporarily creates sections on a mesh and body to measure the deviation
between them.

Why
The Section command is useful for:
• Checking the deviation between reverse engineered models and original mesh

How to Use
How to find sectional differences between a body and a mesh
1. Go to Measure > Section or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select a mesh and a solid body as the Target Entity and click the Next Stage button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 778

 3. Choose the Select Plane option and select a base plane.

4. Choose the Min Distance option under Measure Method to find the minimum distance
between the body and mesh. Select a point on the body section and then pick the scan
section to get the distance.

5. Click OK to finish the command.

Options in Detail
Select Entities

This tool consists of 2 stages :

• Target Entity
Selects an entity to section
• Section Type
Chooses a candidate coordinate

Stage 1/2 – Target Entity

Target Entity – Selects a target entity to measure.

Stage 2/2 – Section Type

Draw Line On Screen – Draws a line on the screen that creates a virtual cutting line used to
measure a section.

Select Plane – Selects a plane to use as a cutting plane for measuring a section.

Base Planes – Selects a base plane.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 779

N-Division Between Planes – Uses N-Divisions between planes to measure a section.

Base Plane – Selects a base plane.

N-Division Along Curve – Uses N-Division along a curve to measure a section.

Path Curve – Selects a path curve.

Radial – Uses a radius to measure a section.

Axis – Selects an axis.

Base Plane – Selects a base plane.

Cylindrical – Uses a cylinder to measure a section.

Axis – Selects an axis.

Base Plane – Selects a base plane.

Conical – Uses a cone to measure a section.

Axis – Selects an axis.

Base Plane – Selects a base plane.

Sub Methods
Uniform – Creates uniform sections based on set distance between sections or set number of
sections.

Curvature – Creates a higher concentration of sections in higher curvature areas.

Pick Points – Creates sections based on manually picked points.

Options
Flip Start Plane – Flips the direction of the starting plane.

No. Of Sections – Sets the number of sections.

Distance Between Sections – Sets the distance between sections.

Equal Spacing – Sets the spacing between sections at an equal amount.

Total Angle – Sets the total angle of a cylindrical and conical section.

Show Section Base Geometry – Shows the base geometry for sections.

Radius Interval – Sets the total radius interval of a cylindrical and conical section.

Bottom Radius – Sets the total bottom radius of a conical section.

Top Radius – Sets the total top radius of a conical section.

Apex Angle – Sets the angle of the apex for a conical section.

Base Radius – Sets the base radius for a cylindrical section.

Height – Sets the total height for a cylindrical and conical section.

Section Inside – Sets sections inside the base geometry

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 780

 Note: If the option is unchecked, the sections will be set outside of the base geometry.

Base Position – Sets the base position for a conical section

Top – Sets the base position to the Top.

Center – Sets the base position to the Center.

Bottom – Sets the base position to the Bottom.

Position – Sets the X, Y, and Z position for a conical section.

X – Sets the X position.

Y – Sets the Y position.

Z – Sets the Z position.

Measure Method
Distance By Picking – Measures the distance between two selected points.

Min. Distance – Measures the minimum distance from a selected point to a section. The two
selected entities should be on the same plane.

Normal Distance – Measures the distance from the normal direction from selected point to a
section. The two selected entities should be on the same plane.

Section Property – Shows the properties of a selected section. Only a scan section can be
selected.

Create Ref. Plane

Planar Sections – Selects planar sections for the creation of a Ref. Plane at the position of a
sectional plane that will remain after exiting the Section command.

Create Ref. Polyline

Sections – Selects sections for the creation of a Ref. Polyline at the position of a sectional plane
that will remain after exiting the Section command.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Sketch Entities

7.6.5. Measure > Mesh Deviations

What
The Mesh Deviations command shows the deviation between point clouds and meshes using a
defined color map.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 781

Why
The Mesh Deviations command is useful for:
• Checking the deviation between many meshes and point clouds

How to Use
How to find deviation between meshes
1. After pre-aligning mesh using the Align Between Scan Data command, go to Measure >
Mesh Deviations or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select all meshes as Target Entities. Click the Next Stage button.

Note: Histogram and Entity Thumbnails View

windows will automatically open. Check the results in
the windows.

The results will be recorded in the Console window.

If needed, copy the results and paste it into other
applications. For more information, see Console
page.

3. In the Accuracy Analyzer(TM) panel check the Avg. Deviation option and uncheck the
Hide Allowable Tolerance option.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 782

 4. Click Cancel to exit the command.

Options in Detail
Stages

This tool consists of 2 stages :

• Target Entities and References
Selects an entities and References for deviation analysis
• Deviation Analysis
Chooses a candidate coordinate. The ideal coordinate is listed at the top of the list box.

Stage 1/2 – Target Entities and References

Target Entities – Chooses target entities.

References – Chooses reference entities.

Stage 2/2 – Deviation Analysis

There are no options for this stage. However, deviations between target entities and target entities,
and target entities and references can be analyzed by using the Accuracy Analyzer™ panel.

Accuracy Analyzer ™ Panel

Type – Creates a color map will be calculated with Max. Deviation, Min. Deviation or Avg. Deviation
when comparing three or more meshes.

None – No deviation will be analyzed.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 783

 Max. Deviation – Maximum allowed deviation will be analyzed.

Min. Deviation – Minimum allowed deviation will be analyzed.

Avg. Deviation – Averages of the max. and min. deviation will be analyzed.

Deviation Option – Sets options for deviation analysis.

Max. Dev. – Sets the Max. Dev. limit in mm.

Signed – Shows the deviation color map as positive and negative distances.

Unsigned – Shows the deviation color map as an absolute distance.

Allowable Tolerance – Sets the range of allowable deviation.

Low – Sets the minimum allowable deviation.

High – Sets the maximum allowable deviation.

Color – Sets the color bar range for deviations.

Hide Allowable Tolerance – Hides deviation that does not exceed the minimum or maximum
allowable deviation.

Auto Adjust Color Bar Range – Sets the color bar range automatically.

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Accuracy Analyzer

7.7. View
The View menu features commands to change how a model is displayed, change and split viewpoints,
as well as other viewing related functions.

The View menu provides tools used to:

Manage Visibility
• Visibility
Select different entity types to display or hide

Zoom
• Zoom
Zoom an area of interest, fit a model to a screen, or use the picture-in-picture (PIP) function

Manage Mesh Display Mode

• Mesh Display Mode
Set how meshes are displayed in the model view

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 784

Manage Body Display Mode
• Body Display Mode
Set how solid surfaces and bodies are displayed in the model view

Manage Viewpoints
• Viewpoint
Sets how a model is displayed in the model view

Manage Viewports
• Viewports
Set the number of viewing windows and how they are displayed

Manage Light Properties

• Light Properties
Set the global lighting properties such as color and point of origin within the model view

Clip a View
• View Clip
Cut away a part of a model using cutting planes or a box to view inside of it

Walk Through a Model

• Walk-through
Set the view to a first-person camera view to “walk-through” a model

7.7.1. View > Visibility

The Visibility menu features methods to show or hide entities in the Model View.

Global Control
• Show Selected Only
Display only selected entities
• Show All
Show all entities
• Hide All
Hide all entities

Individual Control
• Meshes
Show or hide meshes
• Regions
Show or hide regions
• Point Clouds
Show or hide point clouds

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 785

• Surface Bodies
Show or hide surface bodies
• Sketches
Show or hide sketches
• 3D Sketches
Show or hide 3D sketches
• Ref. Points
Show or hide reference points
• Ref. Vector
Show or hide reference vectors
• Ref. Planes
Show or hide reference planes
• Ref. Polylines
Show or hide reference polylines
• Ref. Coordinates
Show or hide reference coordinates

7.7.1.1. View > Visibility > Show Selected Only

What
The Show Selected Only command displays only selected entities in the Model View.

Why
The Show Selected Only command is useful for:
• Focusing on only specific entities

Note: This command will be unavailable and dimmed if no entities have been selected.

How to Use
How to show or hide selected entities
1. Select entities. Go to View > Visibility > Show Selected Only or click the icon in the
toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 786

View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All

7.7.1.2. View > Visibility > Show All

What
The Show All command shows all entities in the Model View.

Why
The Show All command is useful for:
• Quickly showing all hidden entities

How to Use
How to show all entities
1. Go to View > Visibility > Show All or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Hide All

7.7.1.3. View > Visibility > Hide All

What
The Hide All command hides all entities in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 787

Why
The Hide All command is useful for:
• Quickly hiding all visible entities

How to Use
How to hide all entities
1. Go to View > Visibility > Hide All or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All

7.7.1.4. View > Visibility > Meshes

What
The View Meshes command displays or hides all meshes in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 788

Why
The View Meshes command is useful for:
• Viewing all meshes at one time
• Hiding all meshes at one time

How to Use
How to show or hide all meshes
1. Go to View > Visibility > Meshes or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Regions
View > Visibility > Point Clouds
View > Visibility > Surface Bodies
View > Visibility > Solid Bodies
View > Visibility > Sketches
View > Visibility > 3D Sketches

7.7.1.5. View > Visibility > Regions

What
The View > Visibility > Regions command displays or hides all regions in the Model view.

Why
The View Regions command is useful for:
• Viewing all regions at one time
• Hiding all regions at one time

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 789

How to Use
How to show or hide all regions
1. Go to View > Visibility > Regions or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Meshes
View > Visibility > Point Clouds
View > Visibility > Surface Bodies
View > Visibility > Solid Bodies
View > Visibility > Sketches
View > Visibility > 3D Sketches

7.7.1.6. View > Visibility > Point Clouds

What
The View Point Clouds command displays or hides all point clouds in the Model View.

Why
The View Point Clouds command is useful for:
• Viewing all point clouds at one time
• Hiding all point clouds at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all point clouds
1. Go to View > Visibility > Point Clouds or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 790

Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Meshes
View > Visibility > Regions
View > Visibility > Surface Bodies
View > Visibility > Solid Bodies
View > Visibility > Sketches
View > Visibility > 3D Sketches

7.7.1.7. View > Visibility > Surface Bodies

What
The View Surface Bodies command displays or hides all Surface Bodies in the Model View.

Why
The View Surface Bodies command is useful for:
• Viewing all Surface Bodies clouds at one time
• Hiding all Surface Bodies at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all surface bodies
1. Go to View > Visibility > Surface Bodies or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Meshes
View > Visibility > Regions
View > Visibility > Point Clouds
View > Visibility > Solid Bodies
View > Visibility > Sketches

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 791

View > Visibility > 3D Sketches

7.7.1.8. View > Visibility > Solid Bodies

What
The View Solid Bodies command displays or hides all Solid Bodies in the Model View.

Why
The View Solid Bodies command is useful for:
• Viewing all Solid Bodies at one time
• Hiding all Solid Bodies at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all solid bodies
1. Go to View > Visibility > Solid Bodies or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Meshes
View > Visibility > Regions
View > Visibility > Point Clouds
View > Visibility > Surface Bodies
View > Visibility > Sketches
View > Visibility > 3D Sketches

7.7.1.9. View > Visibility > Sketches

What

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 792

The View Sketches command displays or hides all Sketches in the Model View.

Why
The View Sketches command is useful for:
• Viewing all Sketches at one time
• Hiding all Sketches at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all sketches
1. Go to View > Visibility > Sketches or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Meshes
View > Visibility > Regions
View > Visibility > Point Clouds
View > Visibility > Surface Bodies
View > Visibility > Solid Bodies
View > Visibility > 3D Sketches

7.7.1.10. View > Visibility > 3D Sketches

What
The View 3D Sketches command displays or hides all 3D Sketches in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 793

Why
The View 3D Sketches command is useful for:
• Viewing all 3D Sketches at one time
• Hiding all 3D Sketches at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all 3D sketches
1. Go to View > Visibility > 3D Sketches or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Meshes
View > Visibility > Regions
View > Visibility > Point Clouds
View > Visibility > Surface Bodies
View > Visibility > Solid Bodies
View > Visibility > Sketches

7.7.1.11. View > Visibility > Ref. Points

What
The View Ref. Points command displays or hides all Ref. Points in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 794

Why
The View Ref. Points command is useful for:
• Viewing all Ref. Points at one time
• Hiding all Ref. Points at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all ref. points
1. Go to View > Visibility > Ref. Points or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Ref.Vector
View > Visibility > Ref.Planes
View > Visibility > Ref.Polylines
View > Visibility > Ref.Coordinates

7.7.1.12. View > Visibility > Ref. Vector

What
The View Ref. Vector command displays or hides all Ref. Vectors in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 795

Why
The View Ref. Vector command is useful for:
• Viewing all Ref. Vectors at one time
• Hiding all Ref. Vectors at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all ref. vectors
1. Go to View > Visibility > Ref. Vector or click on the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Ref.Points
View > Visibility > Ref.Planes
View > Visibility > Ref.Polylines
View > Visibility > Ref.Coordinates

7.7.1.13. View > Visibility > Ref. Planes

What
The View Ref. Planes command displays or hides all Ref. Planes in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 796

Why
The View Ref. Planes command is useful for:
• Viewing all Ref. Planes at one time
• Hiding all Ref. Planes at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all ref. planes
1. Go to View > Visibility > Ref. Planes or click on the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Ref.Points
View > Visibility > Ref.Vector
View > Visibility > Ref.Polylines
View > Visibility > Ref.Coordinates

7.7.1.14. View > Visibility > Ref. Polylines

What
The View Ref. Polylines command displays or hides all Ref. Polylines in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 797

Why
The View Ref. Polylines command is useful for:
• Viewing all Ref. Polylines at one time
• Hiding all Ref. Polylines at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all ref. polylines
1. Go to View > Visibility > Ref. Polyline or click on the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Ref.Points
View > Visibility > Ref.Vector
View > Visibility > Ref.Planes
View > Visibility > Ref.Coordinates

7.7.1.15. View > Visibility > Ref. Coordinates

What
The View Ref. Coordinates command displays or hides all Ref. Coordinates in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 798

Why
The View Ref. Coordinates command is useful for:
• Viewing all Ref. Coordinates at one time
• Hiding all Ref. Coordinates at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all ref. coordinates
1. Go to View > Visibility > Ref. Coordinates or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Ref.Points
View > Visibility > Ref.Vector
View > Visibility > Ref.Planes
View > Visibility > Ref.Polylines

7.7.1.16. View > Visibility > Measurements

What
The Measurements command displays or hides all measurement entities in the Model View.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 799

Why
The Measurements command is useful for:
• Viewing all measurement entities at one time
• Hiding all measurement entities at one time

How to Use
How show or hide all measurements
1. Go to View > Visibility > Measurements or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Ref.Points
View > Visibility > Ref.Vector
View > Visibility > Ref.Planes
View > Visibility > Ref.Polylines

7.7.1.17. View > Visibility > Smart Visibility

What
The Smart Visibility command intelligently offers a proper visibility method according to various
modeling situations.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 800

Within Mode
Smart Visibility will control the visibility of following entity types within each mode:
• Scan Data (Mesh / Point Cloud)
• Body (Solid / Surface)
• 2D Sketch
• 3D Sketch
Mode Visibility Remark
Default Mode 4 States:
Current State / Scan Only / Scan Data +
Body / Body Only
Mesh Mode 3 States: If poly-face does not exist in
Current State / Current Mesh Only / All current mesh, Current Mesh
Meshes Only state will be skipped.
Point Cloud Mode 2 States:
Current State / Point Cloud Only
Mesh Sketch Mode 4 States: Body for using Convert
Current State / 2D Sketch Only / Mesh + Entity command
2D Sketch / Body + 2D Sketch
2D Sketch Mode 4 States: Body for using Convert
Current State / 2D Sketch Only / Body + Entity command
2D Sketch / Mesh + 2D Sketch
3D Mesh Sketch Mode 2 States:
Current State / Current Mesh + 3D Sketch
3D Sketch Mode 4 States:
Current State / Body + 3D Sketch / Mesh
+ Body + 3D Sketch / Mesh + 3D Sketch

Note: Region, Ref.Geometry, and Measurement entity types are excluded from this control, but
Ref.Plane, Ref.Polyline, Ref.Coordinate and Measurement entity types can be controlled once by
Smart Visibility in Mesh Sketch mode and 2D Sketch mode.
If you manually change the visibility as a specific entity type by using the Visibility tools other than
using the Smart Visibility tool, then the Current State will be updated as the modified state and
the visibility circulation will be restarted by the Smart Visibility tool. Plus, if the Current State is
identical with any pre-defined state, the Current State will be skipped. This rule will also be
applied within modeling command and Modeling Wizard.

Within Modeling Command and Modeling Wizard

Smart Visibility will control the visibility of following entity types within each Modeling command and
Modeling Wizard:
• Scan Data (Mesh / Point Cloud)
• Region (including Mesh Visibility)
• Body (Solid / Surface)
• 2D Sketch
• 3D Sketch

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 801

 Mode Visibility Remark
Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, 4 States:
Loft Current State / Preview Only / Scan Data
+ Preview / Body + Preview
Primitives 2 States: Primitives only work with
Current State / Region Only or (In Preview Regions.
stage) Region + Preview / Preview Only
Modeling Wizards 3 States (In 1st Stage):
Current State / Region Only / Body +
Region
3 States (In 2nd Stage):
Region + Preview / Region + Body +
Preview / Body + Preview

Note: The other commands not described in above will follow the behavior of Default Mode.

Why
The Smart Visibility command is useful for:
• Quickly hide other multiple entities
• Quickly show only desired entities in current modeling status

How to Use
How to use Smart Visibility
1. Go to View > Visibility > Smart Visibility or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Check changes.

3. Go to View > Visibility > Smart Visibility or click the icon in the toolbar again to change
the visibility.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Visibility > Show Selected Only
View > Visibility > Show All
View > Visibility > Hide All
View > Visibility > Ref.Points
View > Visibility > Ref.Vector
View > Visibility > Ref.Planes
View > Visibility > Ref.Polylines

7.7.2. View > Zoom

The Zoom menu features methods to control zooming entities on Model View.

The Zoom menu is divided into 2 tool groups used to:

Zoom View
• Area

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 802

 Zoom in on a specific area
• Previous Area
Display the previous area
• Fit
Fit all entities into the model view

Create Picture-In-Picture
• PIP
Create a zoomed view within the model view

7.7.2.1. View > Zoom > Area

What
The Zoom Area command zooms into a manually selected rectangular area.

Why
The Zoom Area command is useful for:
• Zooming in on specific areas of a model

How to Use
How to zoom in on an area
1. Go to View > Zoom > Area or use the Shift+Z keyboard shortcut.

2. Drag-select a rectangular region over the model.

Note: The Zoom Area command is active until another command runs or the command
is ran again. To go back to a previous viewing area use the View > Zoom > Previous
Area command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 803

Reference
Related Commands
View > Zoom > Previous Area
View > Zoom > Fit
View > Zoom > PIP

7.7.2.2. View > Zoom > Previous Area

What
The Zoom Previous Area command restores the viewing window to the previous view.

Why
The Zoom Previous Area command is useful for:
• Zooming to a previous view

How to Use
How to zoom to a previous area
1. Go to View > Zoom > Previous Area or click the icon in the toolbar. The Shift + X
keyboard shortcut can also be used.

Note: The history of the Zoom Previous Area command is stacked when the Zoom

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 804

 Area command is executed: however it is unavailable until the Zoom Area command
has been executed first.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Zoom > Area
View > Zoom > Fit
View > Zoom > PIP

7.7.2.3. View > Zoom > Fit

What
The Zoom Fit command fits a model into the viewing window.

Why
The Zoom Fit command is useful for:
• Zooming a model to fit to the viewing window

How to Use
How to fit a model to the model view
1. Go to View > Zoom > Fit or click the icon in the toolbar. The Ctrl + F keyboard shortcut can
also be used.

Note: The history of the Zoom Previous Area command is stacked when the Zoom
Area command is executed: however it is unavailable until the Zoom Area command
has been executed first.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Zoom > Area
View > Zoom > Previous Area

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 805

View > Zoom > PIP

7.7.2.4. View > Zoom > PIP

What
The Zoom PIP command creates a pop-up window that zooms onto a specific position.

Event Short Cut / Action

Window Toggle Ctrl + W

Close Window Esc

Move Ctrl + Left Mouse Button

Window Size Ctrl + Mouse Wheel

Magnification Mouse Wheel

Fix Center of Window

Compensate Center (Click and drag the position that you want to set the center of
the window)

Close Window

Edit Window Size

Why
The Zoom Fit command is useful for:
• Zooming into precise areas without zooming the entire entity

How to Use
How to zoom using the PIP function
1. Go to View > Zoom > PIP or click the icon in the toolbar. The Ctrl + W keyboard shortcut

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 806

 can also be used.

Reference
Related Commands
View > Zoom > Area
View > Zoom > Previous Area
View > Zoom > Fit

7.7.3. View > Mesh Display Mode

What
The Mesh Display Mode sets the display mode of a mesh by utilizing the following mode types:
• Point Set – Draws only poly vertices
• Wireframe – Draws only the edges of faces
• Shaded – Draws shaded faces
• Shaded With Edges – Draws shaded faces with edges
• Texture – Draws textures
• Curvature – Draws curvature flow on the mesh
• Region – Draws regions
• Geometry Type – Draws each geometry type (such as extrudes, revolutions, freeforms, etc) in
the same color
• Transparent – Draws transparent mesh

Point Set: F5 Wireframe: F6

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 807

 Shaded: F7 Shaded With Edges: F8

Texture Curvature

Region: F9 Geometry Type

Transparent

Why
The Mesh Display Mode is useful for:
• Displaying mesh using one of the available display filters

How to Use
How to select a mesh display mode
1. Go to View > Mesh Display Mode > Point Set / Wireframe / Shaded / Shaded With
Edge or click the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 808

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Display

7.7.4. View > Body Display Mode

What
The Body Display Mode sets the display mode of a surface or solid body by utilizing the following
mode types:
• Wireframe – Draws only the edges of bodies
• Hidden Line – Draws all hidden lines on a body as dotted lines
• Shaded – Draws all shaded faces
• Shaded With Edges – Draws shaded faces with edges
• Transparent – Draws transparent bodies

Wireframe Hidden Line

Shaded Shaded With Edges

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 809

 Transparent

Why
The Body Display Mode is useful for:
• Displaying bodies using one of the available display filters

How to Use
How to select a body display mode
1. Go to View > Body Display Mode > Wireframe / Hidden Line / Shaded / Shaded With
Edge or click the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Display

7.7.5. View > Viewpoint

What
The Viewpoint commands set the view direction as one of seven pre-defined views and can also be
used to rotate, flip and align a model’s view.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 810

 Front Back

Left Right

Top Bottom

Isometric Bottom

Rotate CCW

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 811

 Rotate CW

Flip

Align View
Sets the view direction in the Model View by selecting an entity and aligning to it.

After Align View

Before Align View

Note: The Align View function can be reversed by holding the Ctrl button on the
keyboard while using the function.

Why
The Viewpoint command is useful for:
• Setting the viewpoint of a model in the model view

How to Use
How to select a viewpoint
1. Go to View > Viewpoint > Front / Back / Left / Right / Top / Bottom / Isometric or click
the icon in the toolbar.

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Display

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 812

7.7.6. View > Viewport
What
The Viewport commands set the viewing window a pre-set view layout, each having its own
properties.

1 View – Displays one view.

2 Vertical Views – Displays the view into two vertical panes.

2 Horizontal Views – Displays the view into two horizontal panes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 813

3 Left – Horizontal Views – Displays the view into three panes: two split panes on the left
side and one full horizontal pane on the right side.

3 Right – Horizontal Views – Displays the view into three panes: two split panes on the right
side and one full horizontal pane on the left side.

3 Top–Vertical Views – Displays the view into three panes: two split panes on the top half
and one full horizontal pane on the bottom half.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 814

 3 Bottom–Vertical Views – Displays the view into three panes: two split panes on the
bottom half and one full horizontal pane on the top half.

4 Views - Displays the view into four equal sized panes.

Why
The Viewport command is useful for:
• Setting the viewport window mode in the model view

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 815

How to Use
How to select a viewport
1. Go to View > Viewport > 1 View / 2 Vertical Views / 2 Horizontal Views / 3 Left –
Horizontal Views / 3 Right – Horizontal Views / 3 Top – Vertical Views / 3 Bottom –
Vertical Views / 4 Views or click the icon in the toolbar.

7.7.7. View > Light Properties

What
The Light Properties command enables changing of the direction or the color of a light source.

Why
The Light Properties command is useful for:
• Customizing the lighting conditions of the viewing area

How to Use
How to set light properties
1. Go to View > Light Properties or click on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Drag light sources to desired positions in the model view. The shadow will change while the
light source is altered.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 816

 3. Click OK to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
Light – Sets the color of each light source.

Light 1 – Sets the color of light 1.

Light 2 – Sets the color of light 2.

Light 3 – Sets the color of light 3.

Light 4 – Sets the color of light 4.

Reset – Resets all light settings back to default.

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Display

7.7.8. View > View Clip

What
The View Clip command enables viewing of a model by clipping away a part of it.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 817

Why
The View Clip command is useful for:
• Clipping away an area of a model to inspect it

How to Use
How to clip a view
1. Go to View > View Clip or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select the Inside Box option and a bounding box used to select the clipping area will
appear.

3. The dimensions of the box can be adjusted by dragging the blue arrows or the green
points.

4. Click OK to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 818

Options in Detail
Methods
Use View Clip – Toggles the view clip on or off.

Below Plane – Defines a cutting plane and clips all model data above it. The Position and Normal
Direction options of the plane can be defined unless the View Align option is used, in which case
the normal of the plane aligns to the screen direction.

Between Two Planes – Defines two cutting planes and clips all model data outside of the two
planes. The Position or Normal Direction options of the plane can be defined unless the View
Align option is used, in which case the normal of the plane aligns to the screen direction. The Depth
option can be used to set the distance between two preview planes.

Inside Box – Defines a cutting box and clips all model data outside of the box. The box can be
resized in the Model View.

Reset – Resets view clipping to default.

Plane Options
Position – Sets the position of the view clip plane.

X – Sets the X position.

Y – Sets the Y position.

Z – Sets the Z position.

Normal Direction – Sets the direction of the normal.

X – Sets the X position.

Y – Sets the Y position.

Z – Sets the Z position.

View Align – Aligns the normal direction to the global coordinates.

Reference
Related Commands
Docking Bars > Display

7.7.9. View > Walk Through

What
The Walk-through command enables the free movement of the viewpoint inside a model.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 819

Why
The Walk-through command is useful for:
• Moving a virtual camera through a model
• Viewing the inside of a complex model like a scan of a building

How to Use
How to walk-through a model
1.
Note: The Walk-through command will be dimmed if the current viewpoint is at the top
or the bottom of a model. To enable the function the model must be rotated to a side
view.

Upon executing the Walk-through command the Projection Method setting in the Display
tab will automatically be changed to Perspective.

The Point Shader option can be set to the Depth method which hides points away from
the viewpoint.

2. Controlling the camera is identical to controlling the Pan function in the default viewing
mode and can be activated by using the Ctrl + right mouse button (or left and right mouse
button together) in the selection mode . Alternatively, the Ctrl + Left, Right, Up, Down
shortcut keys can be used.

3. Controlling the shift is identical to controlling the Zoom function in the default viewing mode
and can be activated by using Shift + right mouse button in the selection mode .
Alternatively, the Shift + Up, Down shortcut keys can be used.

4. Rotating the camera is identical to the Rotate function in the default viewing mode and can
be activated by using the right mouse button in the selection mode . Alternatively, the
Left, Right, Up, and Down keys on the keyboard can be used.

7.8. Add-Ins
The Add-Ins menu has various functions that are used to handle point clouds and polygons to
generate complete polygon data.

The Add-Ins menu is divided into 2 tool groups used to:

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 820

Import and Register Scan Data
• Import and Split
Split scan data by the number of vertices or number of meshes while importing ASC, STL, OBJ,
and PLY file formats
• IGES Point Importer
Import point cloud data formatted in the IGES file format
• Register Target
Align target scan data files automatically using alignment spheres

Modify Scan Data

• Delete Poly-Faces
Quickly remove poly-faces without entering the Mesh mode
• Trim Mesh
Cut off regions surrounded by reference curves on a mesh or align poly-edges along reference
curves
• Flatten/Deform
Flatten and deform mesh to generate a new mesh in a desired shape

7.8.1. Add-Ins > Import & Split

What
The Import & Split command splits scan data by the number of vertices or number of meshes while
importing ASC, STL, OBJ, and PLY file formats. If data files are too large to import at one time this
command features the Suppress option in the Import dialog box which separates the file and loads
them onto the hard disk drive one at a time.

Why
The Import & Split command is useful for:
• Importing large scan files

Options in Detail
Methods
Split By Number Of Vertices – Splits a file based on number of vertices.

Split By Number Of Meshes (or Point Clouds) – Splits a file based on number of meshes or point
clouds.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 821

 Overlap Ratio Among Meshes (or Point Clouds) (%) – Sets the overlap ratio between meshes or
point clouds.

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Import

7.8.2. Add-Ins > IGES Point Importer

What
The IGES Point Importer command imports point data formatted in the IGES file format.

Why
The IGES Point Importer command is useful for:
• Importing IGES files
• Importing large IGES files instead of using the Insert > Import command

Reference
Related Commands
Insert > Import

7.8.3. Add-Ins > Register Target

What
The Register Target command roughly aligns meshes by matching target alignment spheres.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 822

Why
The Register Target command is useful for:
• Combining multiple scans that are too large for one scan
• Combining multiple scans that require the use of target alignment spheres

How to Use
How to align multiple scans by matching target alignment spheres
1. Go to Add-Ins > Register Target or click on the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select all meshes as Meshes targets.

3. Click the Magic Wand button to automatically get the ball size. When scan data is rough,
the tolerance value can be increased. When scan data is smooth, the tolerance value can
be decrease to help accurately find spheres.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 823

Options in Detail
Methods
Find Target Automatically – Automatically finds targets spheres on scan data. This option is
available only for meshes.

Set Target Manually – Directly defines targets by picking a seed point on a spherical area and
registering each scan shot by matching extracted targets.

Selection Methods
Scan Data – Select meshes or point clouds.

Shared Scan Folder – Selects a folder to align files from.

Select Share Folder – Chooses a designated shared scan folder.

Ball Radius
Acceptable Tolerance – Specifies the allowable tolerance for the radius of target spheres.

Min. Size Of Cluster – Specifies the minimum number of poly-faces/vertices of a target sphere.

Max. Size Of Cluster – Specifies the maximum number of poly-faces/vertices of a target sphere.

More Options
Ignore Spike Faces – Ignores spiky faces on targets.

Use Curvature – Separates regions by curvature.

Note: Target spheres must be disconnected from the rest of the scan to be found automatically, or
manually located.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Scan Tools > Align Between Scan Data

7.8.4. Add-Ins > Delete Poly-Faces

What
The Delete Poly-Faces command quickly removes poly-faces without entering the Mesh mode.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 824

Why
The Delete Poly-Faces command is useful for:
• Deleting individual irregular poly-faces from multiple meshes at a time
• Deleting extraneous poly-faces from scan data

How to Use
How to delete poly-faces from scan data
1. Go to Add-Ins > Delete Poly-Faces or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select poly-faces to remove.

3. Click the Delete Selected Entities button or press the Delete key.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 825

Options in Detail
Deleting
Select Poly-Faces – Selects poly-faces to delete.

Reference
Related Commands
Edit > Delete

7.8.5. Add-Ins > Trim Mesh

What
The Trim Mesh command cuts off regions surrounded by reference curves on a mesh or aligns poly-
edges along reference curves. This function functions similarly as the Tools > Mesh Tools > Trim
command, but can trim a mesh without entering the Mesh mode.

Why
The Trim Mesh command is useful for:
• Deleting unwanted areas of mesh
• Deleting extraneous mesh from scan data
• Using child curve features to cut the mesh

How to Use
A. How to trim meshes from scan data using the By Curve method
1. Go to Add-Ins > Trim Mesh or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select the By Curve method. Choose a Mesh and Curves. Set the Method to Split Poly-
Faces.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 826

 .

3. Click the Next Stage button.

4. Click the OK button to complete the command.

B. How to trim meshes from scan data using the By Custom Path method
1. Go to Add-Ins > Trim Mesh or click the icon in the toolbar.

2. Select the By Custom Path method. Created the desired path.

3. Click the Next Stage button.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 827

 4. Select the remaining Region and click the OK button to complete the command.

Options in Detail
Methods
By Custom Path – Trims a mesh using a custom path.

Drawing Custom Path Undo Path Close Path

By Curve – You can trim a mesh with existing close curves.

Trim Path – Undo, close and discard paths.

Curve Options
Mesh – Selects mesh.

Curves – Selects Curves.

Method – Selects the method.

Rearrange Poly-Vertices – Trims by projecting nearby poly-vertices onto selected curves.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 828

 Split Poly-Faces – Trims by dividing poly-faces with selected curves at intersecting position
between poly-edges and curves.

Max. Curve To Poly-Vertex Distance – Sets the maximum allowable distance from a
curve to a poly vertex.

Max. Edge Splitting Ratio – Sets the maximum allowable splitting ratio of edges.

Remaining Region
Remaining Region – Selects what regions will remain.

Reference
Related Commands
Tools > Mesh Tools > Trim

7.8.6. Add-Ins > Flatten / Deform

What
The Flatten / Deform command flattens and deforms mesh to generate a new mesh in a desired
shape.

Why
The Flatten / Deform command is useful for:
• Flattening damaged mesh
• Flattening high curvature areas
• Flattening a bent shape
• Flattening to preserve a shape
• Deforming to create a desired shape

How to Use
How to flatten a mesh
1. Go to Add-Ins > Flatten And Deform or click on the icon in the toolbar.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 829

 2. Choose the Flatten method and select a mesh as the Input Mesh.

ISO View Side View

3. Choose the Select Seed Poly Faces option under Driving Surface.

4. Click the Select Poly-Faces button and select a point on an area of curvature on the mesh.

5. Click the Extend button to automatically select the entire bent area.

6. Set the flatten direction. For this example the XY direction is used.

7. Click OK to complete the command.

Before After

Options in Detail
Methods
Flatten – Flattens a bent area while preserving features.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 830

Deform – Deforms a flat area to a desired shape while preserving features.

Flexible Registration – First flattens then deforms a target area while preserving features.

Input Mesh
Select Mesh – Selects a mesh

Driving Surface
Select Initial Template – Chooses the Select Initial Template driving surface method.

Select Initial Template – Selects initial template to use.

Select Seed Poly-Faces – Chooses the Select Seed Poly-Faces driving surface method.

Angle – Sets the angle of selected seed poly-faces

Select Poly-Faces – Selects poly-faces for a driving surface.

Direction
Select Plane – Selects a plane to use as a directional plane

XY – Sets the direction as XY.

YZ – Sets the direction as YZ.

ZX – Sets the direction as ZX.

Offset – Offsets the directional plane by a set distance.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 831

 Target Template
Select Target Template – Selects a target template.

7.9. Help
Help > Context
The Help > Context menu loads the contents and index table of the help file into the Help window.
When a specific item is double-clicked, the context will appear in the Help tab of the working window.
To access documentation on a specific operation while a dialog tree is floating, press the F1 key while
in that operation.

Help > Quick Start Guide

Going to Help > Quick Start Guide loads the quick start guide into the Help window. The purpose of
the quick start guide is to give a “quick start” understanding of the modeling processes in the
application. By working through the tutorial procedures, the fundamentals of the application can be
learned.

Help > Tutorial

Going to Help > Tutorial loads the Tutorial that is installed with software.

Help > Release Note

Going to Help > Release Note loads the release note for that version of the application that shows
the new and enhanced functions and fixed bugs in the current version and previous versions.

Help > Check For Update

Going to Help > Check For Update checks the version of the application installed on your machine
and downloads the latest patch files if any exist.

Note: There are two methods to update the application:

1. Letting the application automatically check when it is started.
2. Manually using the Help > Check For Update command.

Help > License Information

Going to Help > License Information displays the current license information, like license type and
expiry date.

Help > Activate License

The Help > Activate License command activates a current license. Follow the on screen instructions
to complete the activation.

Help > Activate Maintenance

The Help > Activate License command activates a maintenance license.

Help > Deactivate License

The Help > Deactivate License command can be used to deactivate your current license. Follow the
on screen instructions to complete the deactivation.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Menu 832

Help > Launch Performance Profiler
Going to Help > Launch Performance Profiler runs a utility which analyzes the graphic driver,
memory, processor speed, etc. of a PC and sets the best values in the Hardware tab in the
Preferences. After performing the Performance Profiler the resulting file will be saved as an .htm
document in the installation folder with the name of the PC. This document contains the hardware
specifications of your system.

Note:
The Performance Profiler can also be found in the Windows’ Start menu, but this
command doesn’t save the results as an .htm file and its calculation speed is quicker
than in the version found in the Help menu. If a system setting, for example a new
graphic card has been installed, use the Performance Profiler in the Windows’ Start
menu to get the system information and register changed settings to the application.

When running the Performance Profiler, it is better to close all other applications for
accurate results. The profiler takes about 2 or 3 minutes to complete the performance
evaluation.

Help > Support

Going to Help > Support loads the Support tab which connects to the solution center. The Online
Support Page in the Support tab can be searched for information. The support tab provides helpful
information such as the latest tutorials, FAQs, and technical tips. As well, feedback for Rapidform
products can be sent.
The Online Support Page can be accessed by going to:
https://rapidform.zendesk.com/home

Help > About

The Help > About menu displays a window including information about the application, such as the
version of the product, the product ID and copyright information. Click the window to close it.

8. Glossary
This chapter explains the definition of terms used in Rapidform XOR. The following sections define
many of the basic terms and concepts you should know in order to use Rapidform effectively.

A
ASME Y14.5M-1994
The national standard for dimensioning and tolerancing in the United States. ASME stands for The
American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The Y14.5 is the standard number. "M" is to indicate the
measurement standard is metric, and 1994 is the date the standard was officially approved.

Aspect Ratio
Ratio of width to height.

Axis
A straight virtual line that creates a basis for rotation. It can be used to create revolving features or
patterns. An axis can be made in various ways. It can be created by drawing a line, extracting from a
cylindrical feature, and by intersecting two planes.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 833

B
Basic Dimension
A numerical value used to describe a theoretically exact size, true profile, orientation, or location of a
feature or datum target.

Bitmap
A Bitmap is a pixel by pixel image.

Boundary
A series of poly-edges that form the borders of a model or an internal hole

Bounding Box
A bounding box is a rectangular box that fully encloses mesh data. It is oriented to the world
coordinate system.

Boundary Edge
A boundary edge is a poly-edge of a polygon that is not shared with another polygon.

Base
The first solid feature of a part. Additional features are usually built from here.

Body
A 3D object. It is composed of one or more components. When a body contains more than one
component, it is a disjointed body.

Boolean
A Boolean is operations that are used to combine bodies by uniting, subtracting and intersecting to
create new bodies.

C
CAD
Computer Aided Design.

Control Points
A set of points that parameterize and control the shape of a NURBS curve or surface.

Curvature
This is a mathematically-defined term which refers to the amount of roundness located at a point on a
curve or surface. If a curve is flat, then its curvature is zero. As the curve becomes more rounded, the
radius of curvature goes down and the curvature goes up. Curvature 'k' = 1 / rho, where rho is defined
as the radius of curvature. These two values ('k' and 'rho') are inversely related.

Curve
A curve is a mathematical function that describes the path of a point moving through space. In the
application, curves are displayed by sampling the mathematical description of the curve at specified
intervals, then drawing line segments between these sample points.

Centerline
A centerline marks an axis of symmetry in a sketch or drawing in a phantom font.

Chamfer
Related to a blend. Instead of modifying an edge by smoothing it over, the edge is shaved with a flat
cutter, creating two new sharp edges and an extra face, the surface of which is a plane, cone or B-
surface.

Closed profile

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 834

A closed profile is a sketch or sketch entity with no exposed endpoints. It can be a circle, a polygon, or
shape composed by lines and arcs.

Cut
To remove a part from a body or from scan data, surface bodies, planes, or lines can be used to trim
off a target feature.

Continuity
The continuity between the patches of a B-surface or segments of a B-surface can be of various
levels:

‘C' Continuity for curves and surfaces:

C0 means that the positions are continuous in both magnitude and direction
C1 means that the positions and first derivatives are continuous in both magnitude and direction
C2 means that the positions and first and second derivatives are continuous in both magnitude and
direction

'G' Continuity for curves:

G0 means that the positions are continuous in direction but not necessarily in magnitude
G1 means that the positions and first derivatives are continuous in direction but not necessarily in
magnitude
G2 means that the positions and first and second derivatives are continuous in direction but not
necessarily in magnitude

'G' Continuity for surfaces:

G0 means that the positions are continuous in direction but not necessarily in magnitude
G1 means that the positions and surface normals are continuous in direction but not necessarily in
magnitude
G2 means that the positions, surface normals, and curvatures are continuous in direction but not
necessarily in magnitude

D
Datum
A theoretical exact point, axis, or plane derived from the true geometric counterpart of a specified
datum feature. A datum is the origin from which the location or geometric characteristics of the
features of a part are established.
Situation features are used to define the position and/or orientation of a tolerance zone, or to define
the position and/or orientation of the virtual conditions (in the case of complementary requirements,
e.g. maximum material requirement).

Datum Feature
A feature of a part that is used to establish a datum.

Datum Reference Frame

A datum system is an ordered list of at least one datums and at most three datums, which may be
single or common datums. They are a set of symbols and rules that communicate to the user who is
drawing on how dimensional measurements are to be made.

Datum Target
A specified point, line, or area on a part used to establish a datum. It can also be a portion of an
integral feature (surface) which can be a point, a line or an area.

Decimation
An operation that reduces the number of entities in an object. It attempts to preserve the object's
overall shape and sharp features while simplifying it.

Derived Feature
A derived feature is the center point, median line or median surface from one or more integral features.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 835

Dimension
A numerical value expressed in appropriate units of measurement and used to define the size,
location, orientation, form, or other geometric characteristics of a part.

Drag-select
The selection of entities by moving the mouse while holding down the left mouse button.

Draft
Draft is incorporated into the wall of a mold so that the opening of the cavity is wider than its base.
Draft allows for easier ejection of the part from the mold.

E
Extrude
An extrude is the shape created by moving a profile along a path that is line.

Entity
An entity is an item in the model which can be accessed by the application.

F
Features
A general term applied to a physical portion of a part, such as a surface, pin, tab, hole or slot.

Fillet
A fillet is an operation that rounds a corner of a profile or an edge of a solid / surface to a specified
radius.

G
Guide curve
A guide curve is either a 2D or 3D curve. It is used to generate the outer shape of a sweep or loft
feature.

Geometries
Geometries are the points, curves and surfaces which specify the shape and position of an element.

Healing
A series of functions whose purpose is to correct geometric abnormalities contained within a model.
Common functions may include: surface simplification (mapping spline surfaces to analytic shapes
such as planes, cylinders, cones, etc.), poly-face stitching, and poly-edge gap repair. More advanced
functions may include the ability to merge coincident vertices, repair self-intersections, and reduce
and/or redeploy curve and surface control nodes. Programs typically perform healing on geometry
that you import through neutral formats such as IGES, STEP, and SAT with problems caused by
conditions ranging from imprecise geometric definitions to poor entity mapping to poorly written
translator code.

I
IGES
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, a standard for exchanging geometric information

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 836

Interpolation
The process of defining a curve (or surface) that passes through a set of points.

Iso-Lines
An isoline is a curve parameterized by one of the surface parameters (u,v) while the other surface
parameter is fixed. Isolines provide a simple means to display a surface. By fixing the ‘u’ parameter of
surface, the iso-u lines of the form c(v) = s(u0,v) are produced, and by fixing the v parameter, the iso-v
lines of the form c(u) = s(u,v0) are produced.

L
Light
A source used to illuminate a model. In the application, there are 4 lights you can use. They are used
to display mesh data with Shaded or Transparent rendering modes. The position of each light source
is shown in the following picture.

LMB
Left Mouse Button

Loop
A fundamental item of topology representing one boundary of a face as a closed and connected set of
edges.

Loft
The loft command connects several sectional profiles and then generates a smooth feature.

M
Mouse Drag
Moving the mouse while pressing and holding a mouse button.

Mirror
The mirror command generates symmetric features across a plane or planar face. In the sketch mode,
a line is used instead of a plane.

N
Noise
Noise is erroneous data resulting from the scanning process, is usually represented as unnecessary
points in 3D point cloud.

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 837

Normal
A surface normal at a point on a surface is a vector which is locally perpendicular to the surface.
Normal describes a unit vector.

NURBS
Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline. This is a type of spline where curves pass close to, but not through
control points or knots and is used in spline-based modeling. Also commonly used to describe
NURBS surfaces; which are surfaces comprised of a number of splines in two directions (U and V).

P
Parallel Projection view
Parallel Projection view shows a model without any parallax.

Parallelism
Parallelism is the condition that results when a surface, axis or center plane is exactly parallel to a
datum.

Path
A path is an element composed of lines or curves used to generate a sweep or loft feature.

Pattern
A pattern is a series of features from a selected seed feature. If the seed entity is changed, the other
instances in the pattern update.

Plane
A plane is a flat construction geometry which can be used as the basis of 2D sketches, mirror planes,
cutting a model, etc.

Point
A point is a single point construction geometry, which can be used to create other objects.

Poly-edge
A line connecting two adjacent vertices on a polygon.

Polygonal model
A model composed of polygonal faces.

Poly-face
A poly-face is a flat N-sided face composed of N vertices. The application only allows 3-sided faces
which are three poly-edges connected by vertices.

Polyline
A collection of line segments, connected end to end.

Poly-Vertex
A point at which two or more lines or poly-edges intersect. Vertices can be selected for sketching,
dimensioning, and many other operations.

Primitives
Pre-defined basic objects, either 2D or 3D, i.e., circle, square, arc, plane or sphere, cube, cylinder,
cone, torus, and various polyhedrons.

Profile
A sketch entity or a group of edges on a body that is used to create a loft body, an extrude body and
so on.

R
Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 838
Region Groups
Region groups are user-defined geometric feature areas on a mesh. They can be used to extract
design intent from a scanned object and to helps users create surface or solid bodies based on
geometric information from a target mesh.

RMB
Right Mouse Button.

Reference Geometry
Basic geometrical elements, such as planes, axes, and coordinate systems. Reference geometry is
not a body but used to assist in creating features.

Revolve
A feature can be generated by revolving sketched profiles around a centerline.

Rollback
Enables a model to be returned to a previous point in a construction history. Changes made to a
feature are reflected in subsequent features once Rolled Forward. This command is commonly used
to change the parameters of previous features.

S
SAT
A file format for 3D solid geometry that is native for any ACIS modeling software developed by Spatial
Technology Corp.

STL
Stereo Lithography file format. Contains polygonal mesh data defined by vertex, and connections
between them. Can be written in ASCII (text) or binary.

Surface
A surface is used to describe the skin of a 3D geometric element.

Sweep
A feature is generated by moving a profile (section) along a path.

Spline
A 2D or 3D curve consisting of several control points.

Sketch
A group of sketch entities (lines, arcs, splines, etc) drawn on a plane or planar face. A 3D sketch is a
non-planar entity and can be used as a path for a sweep or loft feature.

T
Tessellation
Tessellation is the process of subdividing a surface into smaller shapes. Tessellation is used to
convert a Solid, Surface, or Reference object into a polygonal mesh. To create object surface patterns,
tessellation breaks down the surface of an object into manageable polygons. Triangles are frequently
used in drawing graphical objects because computer hardware can easily manipulate and calculate
them.

3-2-1 Rule
A rule that defines the minimum number of points of contact required for a part datum feature with its
primary, secondary, and tertiary datum planes.

Toggle

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 839

To switch from one setting to another. The term toggle implies that there are only two possible settings
and that you are switching from the current setting to the other setting.

Tolerance
The value that features of a part are permitted to vary from the specified dimension.

Toolbar
Movable palette of tools that performs operations

Tangent arc
An arc that is tangent to another entity, such as a line and an arc.

U
UV
Instead of X and Y coordinates, the U and V coordinates are used as a base coordinate system for
representing a 2D-based work space or entity.

V
Viewports
Windows that display 3D views of models.

W
Wireframe
One of the display methods for solid and surface bodies. In this mode only the body edges are
displayed and the faces are hidden.

World Coordinates
In 3D space, World Coordinates are a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system used to define the
location of models, lights, cameras, etc. It is independent of viewpoint and display. The origin of the
world coordinate system is (0, 0, 0).

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Glossary 840

9. Index
Chamfer .............................................................. 373, 672
Changing Units .............................................................. 34
3 Circle ........................................................................... 641
Circular Pattern ........................................................... 383
3 Points Arc ................................................................. 649 Color Bar ....................................................................... 99
3 Tangent Arc .............................................................. 651 Combine ...................................................................... 489
3 Tangent Circle........................................................... 644 Console ................................................................. 40, 104
3D Digital Scanner ....................................................... 460 Construct Mesh ........................................................... 605
3D Mesh Sketch .......................................................... 427 Convert Body............................................................... 581
3D Mouse.................................................................... 115 Convert Color To Texture ............................................. 625
3D Sketch .................................................................... 428 Convert Current Selection ........................................... 195
3D Sketches ................................................................. 783 Convert Entities ................................................... 675, 735
Convert Texture To Color ............................................. 624
Coordinate .................................................................. 242
Copy ............................................................................ 204
A Copy Texture/Vertex Color .......................................... 626
Creaform Handyscan 3D.............................................. 445
Accuracy Analyzer ......................................................... 92 Create Curve Network ................................................. 726
Accuracy Analyzer™ ...................................................... 69 Curve Pattern .............................................................. 386
Add Poly-Face ............................................................. 549 Custom Region ............................................................ 189
Add-Ins ........................................................................ 810 Cut....................................................................... 204, 280
Align ............................................................................ 750
Align Between Scan Data ............................................ 480
Align Wizard™ ............................................................... 64
All 187
D
Angle ........................................................................... 765
Application Field of 3D Scan Data ................................. 43 Data Processing ............................................................. 34
Area ............................................................................ 793 Datum Match .............................................................. 760
Auto Segment ............................................................. 585 Decimate ..................................................................... 557
Auto Sketch ................................................................... 66 Decimate Meshes........................................................ 491
Auto Surfacing....................................................... 63, 298 Defeature .................................................................... 545
AutoCAD ..................................................................... 159 Delete .......................................................................... 205
Average Meshes .......................................................... 499 Delete Face ................................................................. 400
Delete Poly-Faces ........................................................ 814
Design ......................................................................... 165
Dialog Tree ............................................................ 27, 107
B Display ........................................................................... 83
Distance ...................................................................... 763
Basic Entity Terminology ............................................... 16 Docking Bar Convention ................................................ 30
Basic Reverse Design Workflow .................................... 39 Docking Bars.................................................................. 78
Basic Scan Data Processing Workflow ........................... 38 Draft ............................................................................ 375
Batch Process .............................................................. 164 Duplicate Body ............................................................ 411
Best Fit ........................................................................ 758
Body Display Mode ..................................................... 799
Body Tools ................................................................... 749
Boolean ............................................................... 282, 502
E
Boundary .................................................................... 714
Boundary Entities........................................................ 190 Edit .............................................................................. 201
Breuckmann ................................................................ 454 Edit Boundaries ........................................................... 513
By Color....................................................................... 199 Edit Poly-Edge ............................................................. 530
By Criteria ................................................................... 197 Edit Texture ......................................................... 614, 618
By Import .................................................................... 667 Ellipse .......................................................................... 652
Emboss ........................................................................ 378
Enhance Shape ............................................................ 563
Enlarge ................................................................ 192, 594
C Entities Around Edges/Faces ....................................... 191
Error List ...................................................................... 104
CAD Correct ................................................................ 413 Esc Key ........................................................................ 110
CAD-Ready File .............................................................. 44 Exit .............................................................................. 182
Capture Screen............................................................ 130 Export.......................................................................... 121
Category of 3D Scan Data ............................................. 46 Export Texture ............................................................. 623
Centerline ................................................................... 662 Exporting a Model ......................................................... 41
Centerpoint Arc ........................................................... 646 Extend ......................................................... 327, 681, 739

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Index 841

Exterior Poly-Face ....................................................... 200
Extract Feature Curves ................................................ 724
K
Extrude ............................................................... 259, 306
Extrusion Wizard ......................................................... 347 Key Themes of Rapidform XOR ....................................... 3
KODEN OCM-A ............................................................ 457
Konica Minolta VIVID .................................................. 450
F
Feature ........................................................................ 209
L
Feature of Rapidform XOR .............................................. 6
File .............................................................................. 118 Light Properties ........................................................... 806
Fill Face ....................................................................... 323 Line.............................................................................. 633
Fill Holes...................................................................... 541 Linear Pattern...................................................... 381, 687
Fillet .................................................................... 366, 670 liveScan(TM) ............................................................... 430
Filter Noise .................................................................. 597 liveTransfer™ ............................................................... 134
Find Defect .......................................................... 506, 749 LiveTransfer™ ................................................................ 70
Fit 795 Loft ...................................................................... 271, 315
Fit From Points ............................................................ 718 Loft Wizard .................................................................. 358
Fit Polyline .................................................................. 666
Fitting Surface Modeling ............................................... 60
Fix Normal ................................................................... 511 M
Flatten And Deform .................................................... 819
Match .......................................................................... 742
Match Color ................................................................ 627
G Measure ...................................................................... 762
Measurements ............................................................ 789
Getting Help .......................................................... 10, 71 Menu .......................................................................... 118
Global Remesh ............................................................ 523 Menu Bar ...................................................................... 73
Glossary .................................................................... 823 Merge .......................................................... 485, 589, 744
Mesh ........................................................................... 219
Mesh Buildup Wizard .................................................. 464
Mesh Buildup Wizard™ ................................................. 62
H Mesh Deviations ......................................................... 771
Mesh Display Mode .................................................... 797
Healing Wizard ............................................................ 509 Mesh Fit ...................................................................... 285
Helix ............................................................................ 391 Mesh Modeling ............................................................. 56
Help....................................................................... 96, 821 Mesh Sketch ................................................................ 418
Hide All........................................................................ 777 Mesh Tools .................................................................. 505
Hollow ......................................................................... 279 Mesh vs. Point Cloud ..................................................... 52
Hybrid Modeling ........................................................... 61 Meshes ........................................................................ 778
Mirror .................................................. 388, 575, 683, 733
Mode..................................................................... 74, 184
I Mode Convention ......................................................... 30
Modeling Feature ................................................ 340, 365
ICF ............................................................................... 127 Monitoring .................................................................. 109
IGES Point Importer .................................................... 812 Mouse Control ............................................................ 110
Image Folder ............................................................... 103 Move Face ................................................................... 398
Import ......................................................................... 211
Import & Split ............................................................. 811
Import Polyline ........................................................... 694 N
Importing Scan Data ..................................................... 36
Index .......................................................................... 831 Navigating Entities ........................................................ 31
Insert ........................................................... 209, 568, 592 New ............................................................................. 118
Insert Node ................................................................. 746 None ........................................................................... 187
Installation .................................................................... 13 Normal Information Manager ..................................... 494
Interactive Alignment ................................................. 753
Intersection ................................................................. 713
Introduction ................................................................... 1
Introduction to the Interface ........................................ 22
O
Inventor ...................................................................... 161
Inverse ........................................................................ 188 Offset .................................. 276, 321, 577, 604, 673, 730
Open ........................................................................... 119
Optimize Mesh ............................................................ 526

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Index 842

 Remove Marker........................................................... 547
P Remove Node.............................................................. 747
Remove Texture .......................................................... 622
Parabola ...................................................................... 656 Repeat Last Command ................................................ 203
Parallelogram .............................................................. 637 Replace Face ............................................................... 402
Parametric Feature Modeling ....................................... 58 Resegment .................................................................. 587
Partial Ellipse............................................................... 654 Retriangulate............................................................... 522
Paste ........................................................................... 205 Reverse Modeling Strategy ........................................... 55
Pencil .......................................................................... 708 Reverse Normal ........................................................... 339
Perimeter Circle .......................................................... 643 Revolution Wizard ....................................................... 351
PIP ............................................................................... 796 Revolve................................................................ 264, 309
Pipe Wizard ................................................................. 360 Rewrap ........................................................................ 537
Plane ........................................................................... 225 Roll Forward ................................................................ 207
Point ............................................................................ 252 Roll To End................................................................... 207
Point ............................................................................ 663 Rollback ....................................................................... 206
Point Cloud.................................................................. 222 Run .............................................................................. 168
Point Cloud Tools ........................................................ 597
Point Clouds ................................................................ 780
Point Stream ............................................................... 123
Polygon ....................................................................... 638
S
Polyline ....................................................................... 245
Pop-up Menus............................................................. 113 Sampling ..................................................................... 599
Power of 3D Scan Data .................................................. 42 Save ............................................................................. 120
Powerful Tools for Reverse Modeling ........................... 62 Save As ........................................................................ 121
Preferences ................................................................. 170 Save As CATIA V4 ......................................................... 162
Previous Area .............................................................. 794 Save As CATIA V5 ......................................................... 163
Primitives ............................................................ 341, 344 Scan Tools.................................................................... 463
Print ............................................................................ 132 Scanner Direct Control ................................................ 430
Print Preview ............................................................... 133 Section ................................................................ 709, 767
Print Setup .................................................................. 133 Select .......................................................................... 183
Pro/E Wildfire ............................................................. 157 Selection ....................................................................... 28
Profile View ......................................................... 105, 109 Separate ...................................................................... 593
Project......................................................................... 731 Separate Point Cloud ................................................... 611
Properties ..................................................................... 98 Sew.............................................................................. 335
Publish ........................................................................ 123 Sew Boundaries .......................................................... 520
Shining Tech ................................................................ 461
Shortcut Keys .............................................................. 111
Show All ...................................................................... 776
Q Show Selected Only..................................................... 775
Shrink .................................................................. 194, 595
Quick Fit ...................................................................... 757 Siemens NX ................................................................. 156
Quick Modeling ........................................................... 116 Silhouette .................................................................... 677
Sketch .......................................................................... 425
Sketch Entities ..................................................... 628, 703
R Sketch Options ............................................................ 696
Sketch Tools......................................................... 669, 729
Radius ......................................................................... 766 Sketches ...................................................................... 782
RANGE5/RANGE 7 ....................................................... 459 Slot .............................................................................. 639
Rebuild ........................................................................ 206 Smart Brush ................................................................ 552
Recent Files ................................................................. 181 Smart Dimension......................................................... 700
Rectangle .................................................................... 635 Smart Visibility ............................................................ 790
Redesign Assistant™...................................................... 65 Smartsnap ................................................................... 699
Redo ............................................................................ 203 Smooth........................................................ 550, 602, 737
Ref. Coordinates .......................................................... 788 Snap On Entities .......................................................... 696
Ref. Geometry ............................................................. 224 Snap On Polylines ........................................................ 697
Ref. Planes ................................................................... 786 Solid ............................................................................ 258
Ref. Points ................................................................... 784 Solid Bodies ................................................................. 781
Ref. Polylines ............................................................... 787 SolidWorks .................................................................. 152
Ref. Vector ................................................................... 785 Spiral ........................................................................... 395
Refit..................................................................... 413, 565 Spline .................................................................. 657, 703
Region Group .............................................................. 221 Split ..................................................... 569, 590, 682, 741
Region Tools ................................................................ 584 Split Face ..................................................................... 404
Regions ....................................................................... 779 Subdivide .................................................................... 559
Register Target ............................................................ 812 Summary Info .............................................................. 181
Remove Body .............................................................. 412 Support ....................................................................... 102
Remove Constraint...................................................... 748 Suppress ...................................................................... 208

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Index 843

Surface ........................................................................ 284 Understanding User Interface Philosophy..................... 26
Surface Bodies ............................................................ 780 Undo ........................................................................... 202
Surface UV Curves ....................................................... 716 Unsuppress ................................................................. 208
Surface> Boundary Fit ................................................. 291 Untrim ......................................................................... 332
Sweep ................................................................. 267, 312 User Interface ............................................................. 72
Sweep Wizard ............................................................. 354 User Interface Overview ............................................... 22
System Requirement ..................................................... 10

V
T
Various Modeling Wizard™ ........................................... 67
Tangent Arc ................................................................. 648 Vector .......................................................................... 234
Text ............................................................................. 664 View .................................................................... 774, 775
Text To Splines ............................................................. 693 View Clip ..................................................................... 807
Texture Tools ............................................................... 613 Viewing Window ......................................................... 106
Thicken ................................................................ 277, 579 Viewpoint .............................................................. 97, 800
Title Bar......................................................................... 73 Viewport ..................................................................... 803
Toolbar .......................................................................... 75 Virtual Rescan ............................................................. 533
Tools ............................................................................ 462
Trace Feature Line ....................................................... 722
Transform Body ........................................................... 407 W
Transform Scan Data ................................................... 495
Tree ............................................................................... 80 Walk Through .............................................................. 809
Triangulate .................................................................. 474 Welcome to Rapidform XOR ........................................... 2
Trim ..................................................... 329, 572, 678, 737 What Can XOR Do?........................................................ 15
Trim & Merge .............................................................. 334 What is Reverse Design? ............................................... 54
Trim Mesh ................................................................... 816 Why 3D Scanning? ........................................................ 42
Wizard ......................................................................... 751

U
Z
Understanding Mesh .................................................... 49
Understanding Point Clouds ......................................... 46 Z Corporation ZScanner 700 ........................................ 447
Understanding Reverse Design ............................... 54 Zoom ........................................................................... 792
Understanding Scan Data ......................................... 42

Rapidform XOR3 SP1 | Index 844