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Reference manual

Trademark & Copyright Notice


Program copyright 2006, e frontier America, Inc. and e frontier, Inc. All rights reserved. e frontier
America, Inc. and e frontier are trademarks and Amapi, Amapi Pro, Shade designer LE, Shade standard
and Shade professional are registered trademarks of e frontier America, Inc. and e frontier, Inc. All other
trademarks or registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. All other product names
mentioned in the manual and other documentation are used for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Registered and unregistered
trademarks used herein are the exclusive property of their respective owners. e frontier, Inc. makes no
claim to any such marks, nor willingly or knowingly misused or misapplied such marks.
This manual as well as the software described herein is furnished under license and may only be used or
copied in accordance with the terms of such license. Program copyright 2006 e frontier America, Inc. and
e frontier, Inc., including the look and feel of the product. Amapi Pro User Guide copyright 2006 by e
frontier America, Inc. and e frontier, Inc. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form or by
any means without prior written permission of e frontier America, Inc. or e frontier, Inc.

5615 Scotts Valley Drive


Suite 210
Scotts Valley, CA 95066,
USA
Phone; 831.480.2000
Fax: 831.480.2010
www.e-frontier.com

Contribution
The Amapi Pro documentation was written by Sylvie Gateuil
The Amapi Pro documentation add-on was written by Thomas Roussel and Pascal Doux
The translation has been made by Blaise Zapparata, Laurent Billy and Pascal Doux.

Amapi Pro development team:


Pascal Doux, Xavier Durand, Mickael Gasrel, Maxime Rouca, Thomas Roussel.
Thanks to those who have participated to the Amapi Pro development:
Laurent Billy, Emmanuel Rmia, Thierry Duvignac, Olivier Gardinetti, Fabrice Sadaune.

Thanks
This manual would not have existed without the help and support of Philip Staiger and Blaise Zapparata.
We would like to express our gratitude for the active involvement that Pierre Bretagnolle and
Richard Enjalbert gave us in the formal and functional specifications of the program and for the graphical
user interface graphic design.
Pierre and Richard took part in the program validation phase and the design of the 3D objects supplied
with Amapi Pro.
Many thanks to Emmanuel Rmia who created the model for the cover.
Many thanks to Valrie Berth, Lori Izabelle and Matthew Schultz
for the validation of the English translation of this manual.
Thanks also to all the beta-testers who helped us enthusiastically during the program validation phase
and particularly to Olivier Drion!

Table of Contents

Introduction
Ch 1

Welcome..............................................................................................................................3

Ch 2

How to use the Reference Manual? ..................................................5

Ch 3

Installation ........................................................................................................................7
PC..................................................................................................................................................7

Minimum system requirements ...................................................................................7


Recommended system requirements .......................................................................7
Installation .............................................................................................................................8
Macintosh .................................................................................................................................9

Minimum system requirements ...................................................................................9


Recommended system requirements .......................................................................9
Installation ............................................................................................................................9

Amapi ProT M

Getting started
Ch 4

Quick Tour

...................................................................................................................... 13

Ergonomics ............................................................................................................................. 13
Screen Layout ....................................................................................................................... 18
Rooms ........................................................................................................................................ 19
3D window, views and navigation ............................................................................ 20
Objects and 3D entities ................................................................................................... 22
Selections ................................................................................................................................ 24
Working plane and ruler ................................................................................................. 24
Using tools ............................................................................................................................... 26
Scene management .......................................................................................................... 27
Dynamic Geometry (DG)................................................................................................ 28
Entering values ..................................................................................................................... 29
Modeling room tools palette ......................................................................................... 29

Ch 5

Modeling tools description.......................................................................... 31


Toolkit ......................................................................................................................................... 32
Construction palette .......................................................................................................... 33
Modeling palette .................................................................................................................. 34
Assembly Palette ................................................................................................................ 35

Ch 6

Tutorials .............................................................................................................................. 37
A sphere, a 3D tube and a parallelepiped........................................................... 38
Creating an ashtray ........................................................................................................... 50
Creating a bottle .................................................................................................................. 59
Modeling a mouse .............................................................................................................. 68

Rooms common principles


Ch 7

The Rooms, Palettes and Tools............................................................. 77


The Rooms.............................................................................................................................. 77
The Tools palettes .............................................................................................................. 78

Three Tools palettes and a Basic toolkit .............................................................. 78

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Reference Manual

Two interfaces

....................................................................................................................79

Using tools ...............................................................................................................................80

Ch 8

The tools options and accessories ...................................................83


The tool options ....................................................................................................................84

What is a tool option? ......................................................................................................84


Selecting an option ...........................................................................................................85
Tool accessories ..................................................................................................................85

Ch 9

The graphic environment ...............................................................................87


The orthonormal base ......................................................................................................88

The origin ..............................................................................................................................88


The gradations ...................................................................................................................88
The constraints ...................................................................................................................88
The coordinates .................................................................................................................89

The working plane...............................................................................................................89


The orthogonal planes .....................................................................................................90

Ch 10 The objects ......................................................................................................................91


The Types of objects .........................................................................................................91

Curves ....................................................................................................................................91
Surfaces / Volumes ...........................................................................................................92
Object names .........................................................................................................................92

Default name .......................................................................................................................92


Changing the object name ............................................................................................92
Open / closed objects .......................................................................................................94
Entity ............................................................................................................................................94
Displaying the objects.......................................................................................................95
Polygonal or NURBS Models.......................................................................................96

Change the construction mode ...................................................................................96


The Polyhedral models ....................................................................................................97
The NURBS models ..........................................................................................................98
The objects with a grid-structure (Quad mesh) ................................................106
The clones ...............................................................................................................................107

Ch 11 Dynamic Geometry (DG) .................................................................................109


The concept ............................................................................................................................109
The DG Tree ...........................................................................................................................111

The shapes hierarchy ......................................................................................................111


The notion of path and current shape ......................................................................112

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iii

Manipulating DG .................................................................................................................. 115

The DG palette .................................................................................................................. 115


Browsing the palette ........................................................................................................ 116
Selecting the working level ........................................................................................... 116
Renaming a shape ........................................................................................................... 116
Showing/Hiding a level ................................................................................................... 117
Collapsing the DG ............................................................................................................ 118
Editing a DG level .............................................................................................................. 123
Deleting the highest DG level ...................................................................................... 125
Displaying the result in interactive / delayed mode ............................................. 125
The different levels of completion ............................................................................... 126
Behavior of the tools regarding the DG ................................................................... 128

Ch 12 The Navigation ............................................................................................................ 135


The Navigation Palette .................................................................................................... 136

Viewpoint ............................................................................................................................... 137


View All ................................................................................................................................. 139
View Detail ........................................................................................................................... 140
Zoom In / Out ..................................................................................................................... 140
Pan the scene .................................................................................................................... 141
Rotate around the scene ............................................................................................... 141

The keyboard navigation ................................................................................................ 142

Make a direct viewpoint change ................................................................................. 142


Progressive viewpoint tuning ........................................................................................ 143

Ch 13 Selection............................................................................................................................. 147
The concept of selection ................................................................................................ 147
The selection accessories ............................................................................................. 148

The selectable entities ..................................................................................................... 149


The selection methods .................................................................................................... 150
Default selection mode ................................................................................................... 157
Memo-Select .......................................................................................................................... 158
The selection cursors ....................................................................................................... 159

Ch 14 The Parameters .......................................................................................................... 161


To check the parameters ............................................................................................... 161
Editing the parameters .................................................................................................... 162

From the graphic workspace ....................................................................................... 162


In the parameter palette ................................................................................................. 163

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Reference Manual

Ch 15 The Control panel ....................................................................................................167


Manage the optional palettes display .....................................................................168
Working in the view plane ..............................................................................................169
Scene / orthonormal base toggling ..........................................................................171

Restore the conventional orthonormal base ...........................................................172


Toggle the orthonormal base ........................................................................................172
Toggle the scene and the orthonormal base ..........................................................172
Orthonormal base origin .................................................................................................173
Snapping ...................................................................................................................................174
Alignment Guides ................................................................................................................175
Perspective ..............................................................................................................................176
Simplified display ...............................................................................................................177
Simple-view / Multi-view ..................................................................................................178
Enable/Disable the backface display ......................................................................179
Objects display ......................................................................................................................180

The display modes ...........................................................................................................180


Transparency of the selected object .........................................................................181
Polygonal / NURBS ............................................................................................................182
Working with or without Dynamic Geometry ......................................................183
Hide, Show ..............................................................................................................................184

Hide .........................................................................................................................................184
Show .......................................................................................................................................184
Isolate .........................................................................................................................................185
Group, Ungroup ....................................................................................................................186

Group .....................................................................................................................................186
Ungroup ................................................................................................................................186
Information ...............................................................................................................................187

Information ...........................................................................................................................187
Functions ..............................................................................................................................188
Dynamic Geometry tree...................................................................................................189

Ch 16 The constraints...........................................................................................................191
Snapping ...................................................................................................................................192

Snapping on ruler gradation .........................................................................................192


Snapping on particular points ......................................................................................192
Axis toggling ...........................................................................................................................193
Advanced constraints .......................................................................................................194
Alignment guides .................................................................................................................196

Amapi ProT M

Ch 17 Scene management .............................................................................................. 197


The Layers .............................................................................................................................. 198

Select the receiving layer .............................................................................................. 199


Add a layer .......................................................................................................................... 199
Delete a layer of its contents ....................................................................................... 199
Merge two layers .............................................................................................................. 199
Show / Hide a layer .......................................................................................................... 199
Lock / Unlock a layer ....................................................................................................... 200
Move one object to another layer .............................................................................. 200

The Scene graph................................................................................................................. 201

Browse the scene graph ................................................................................................ 201


Selection using the scene graph ................................................................................ 202
Operations on the scene graph selection ............................................................... 202
Change the group, layer or material ......................................................................... 204

Ch 18 The Help .............................................................................................................................. 205


The assistant palette......................................................................................................... 206
The contextual help ........................................................................................................... 207
The tooltips.............................................................................................................................. 208
The cursor................................................................................................................................ 208

Ch 19 The Menus ........................................................................................................................ 209


File ................................................................................................................................................ 210

Opening/ Closing .............................................................................................................. 210


Saving files .......................................................................................................................... 211
Import-Export ...................................................................................................................... 212
Printing .................................................................................................................................. 212
Opening recent files ......................................................................................................... 213
Leaving the program ....................................................................................................... 213

Edit ............................................................................................................................................... 214

Basic commands .............................................................................................................. 214


Copy ....................................................................................................................................... 215
Deletion ................................................................................................................................. 216
Selection ............................................................................................................................... 216
The editing windows ........................................................................................................ 216

Scene.......................................................................................................................................... 218

vi

Graphic display .................................................................................................................. 218


The objects .......................................................................................................................... 219
Rulers, working plane ..................................................................................................... 220
Constraints .......................................................................................................................... 221
Construction mode ........................................................................................................... 222

Reference Manual

Views ...........................................................................................................................................223
Tools ............................................................................................................................................225

Advanced tools ...................................................................................................................225


Peripherals ..........................................................................................................................226
Window ......................................................................................................................................227
Rooms ........................................................................................................................................228

Ch 20 Import / Export .............................................................................................................229


Import ..........................................................................................................................................229
Export ..........................................................................................................................................231

Ch 21 3D Digitizing ...................................................................................................................233
MicroScribe .............................................................................................................................233
Calibration ................................................................................................................................234
The tools which allow you to digitize .......................................................................234
AutoPlot Mode and Scaling factor ............................................................................235

Modeling room
Ch 22 Basic toolkit

..................................................................................................................241

Move ............................................................................................................................................242

The move tool .....................................................................................................................242


Moving when no tool is selected ..................................................................................243
Additional information ......................................................................................................243
Rotate .........................................................................................................................................244

Methods of rotation ...........................................................................................................244


Rotation axis orientation .................................................................................................245
Rotation reference point repositioning .....................................................................245
Global / Local options ......................................................................................................246
Tuning the gradation accuracy ....................................................................................246
Magnetizing the rotation circle gradations ..............................................................246
Additional information ......................................................................................................247

Scale ............................................................................................................................................248

Center / base reference point........................................................................................249


Customizing the reference point .................................................................................249
The constraints ....................................................................................................................250
Global / Local options ......................................................................................................250

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vii

Additional information

..................................................................................................... 251

Stretch ...................................................................................................................................... 252

The selection ...................................................................................................................... 252


Movement modes options .............................................................................................. 253
Stretch NURBS objects .................................................................................................. 254
Stretch an object having a Deformer control box ................................................ 255
Control of the depth of a cut ......................................................................................... 255
Editing the tangents of the NURBS curves ............................................................ 255
Additional information ..................................................................................................... 256

Ch 23 Construction Palette ............................................................................................ 257


Surface and volume primitives ................................................................................... 258

Cube ........................................................................................................................................ 260


Sphere .................................................................................................................................... 263
Cone ........................................................................................................................................ 266
Cylinder .................................................................................................................................. 267
Tetrahedron .......................................................................................................................... 268
Octahedron .......................................................................................................................... 268
Icosahedron ........................................................................................................................ 268
Dodecahedron ..................................................................................................................... 269
Height-Fields ........................................................................................................................ 272
Grid .......................................................................................................................................... 273
Text .......................................................................................................................................... 274

Line drawing ........................................................................................................................... 277

Rectangle / Square ........................................................................................................... 279


Circle ....................................................................................................................................... 281
Arc ............................................................................................................................................ 284
Polyline ................................................................................................................................... 286
Interpolated curve .............................................................................................................. 289
Curve ....................................................................................................................................... 292
Helix ......................................................................................................................................... 295
Symmetry .............................................................................................................................. 298
Reverse curve points ...................................................................................................... 299

Extract Lines .......................................................................................................................... 300

Creation methods ............................................................................................................. 300


Generation of NURBS or Polygonal lines .............................................................. 302
Additional information ..................................................................................................... 303
Extract Facets ....................................................................................................................... 304

Creation methods ............................................................................................................. 304


NURBS or Polyhedral facets generation ................................................................ 306
Additional information ..................................................................................................... 306
Sweep ........................................................................................................................................ 307

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Section and Profile ...........................................................................................................308


Sweeping with the profile already drawn ................................................................311
Freehand sweeping ........................................................................................................314
Progressive scaling of the sections ...........................................................................317
Close the openings ...........................................................................................................318
Simplified display ...............................................................................................................318
Display the graduated axis ............................................................................................318
Sweep by Block .................................................................................................................318
Sweeping from an edge of a NURBS surface ......................................................319
Additional information ......................................................................................................320

Double-Sweep .......................................................................................................................321

Use ..........................................................................................................................................322
Base orientation options .................................................................................................322
Additional information ......................................................................................................323
Ruled Surface ........................................................................................................................324

Creating Ruled Surface ...............................................................................................325


Tangential connection .....................................................................................................326
Closing the surface on itself .........................................................................................330
Curve Inversion ..................................................................................................................330
Align the first border points ...........................................................................................330
Additional information ......................................................................................................330

Coons Surface .......................................................................................................................331

Surface creation .................................................................................................................332


Tangential connection .....................................................................................................333
Additional information ......................................................................................................333
Gordon surface .....................................................................................................................334

Surface creation .................................................................................................................334


Additional information .......................................................................................................335
Manifold .....................................................................................................................................336

Ch 24 Modeling palette ........................................................................................................339


Smooth .......................................................................................................................................340

Smoothing options .............................................................................................................341


Tension control ...................................................................................................................343
Break control .......................................................................................................................344
Partial smoothing ...............................................................................................................345
Making convex surfaces .................................................................................................345
Additional information ......................................................................................................346

Chamfer .....................................................................................................................................347

Chamfer a volume ............................................................................................................347


Chamfer a polygonal line ...............................................................................................348
Radius Global setting ......................................................................................................348

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ix

Radius local setting on polyhedral objects ............................................................. 349


Range global setting on polyhedral objects ........................................................... 349
Shape of the chamfer for NURBS edges ............................................................... 350
Apply to all ........................................................................................................................... 350
Additional Information ..................................................................................................... 350

Thickness/Offset .................................................................................................................. 351

Thickness/Offset options ............................................................................................ 351


Changing the position of the thickness .................................................................... 352
Surface options .................................................................................................................. 353
Additional information ..................................................................................................... 353

Cut ................................................................................................................................................ 354

Cutting methods ................................................................................................................. 355


Additional information....................................................................................................... 363
Delete ......................................................................................................................................... 364

The current selection is a curve ................................................................................... 365


The current selection is a surface ............................................................................... 366
Additional information ..................................................................................................... 366
Tesselate .................................................................................................................................. 367

Tesselate a polygonal volume or surface ............................................................... 367


Tesselate a polygonal curve ........................................................................................ 369
Tesselate a NURBS object ............................................................................................ 370
Deform ....................................................................................................................................... 374

The options ........................................................................................................................... 375


The meshed control box editing accessories ....................................................... 376
Action orientation options .............................................................................................. 377
Additional information ..................................................................................................... 378

Bend ............................................................................................................................................ 379

Bending along an existing profile ............................................................................... 379


Bending along a profile drawn with the tool ........................................................... 379
Additional information .................................................................................................... 380
Mold ............................................................................................................................................. 382

Selection to pull ................................................................................................................. 382


Influence area .................................................................................................................... 383
Inertia ...................................................................................................................................... 384
Additional information ..................................................................................................... 384

Bump/Soften .......................................................................................................................... 385

Bump ....................................................................................................................................... 385


Soften-Stress Relax method ...................................................................................... 385
Soften-Stress Mid-mid method ................................................................................. 385

Ch 25 Assembly palette ..................................................................................................... 387


Duplicate................................................................................................................................... 388

Reference Manual

The methods .......................................................................................................................388


Additional information ......................................................................................................397
Symmetry .................................................................................................................................398

Symmetry from an orthogonal plane .........................................................................398


From an orthogonal plane passing by a point to be selected .........................398
Clone the generated objects ........................................................................................399
Additional information ......................................................................................................399

Close ...........................................................................................................................................400

Close a polygonal surface .............................................................................................400


Edit the polylines closings .............................................................................................400
Edit the joint and opening of a grid-structure object ...........................................401
Additional information ....................................................................................................402

Weld .............................................................................................................................................403

The options .........................................................................................................................403


Weld objects .........................................................................................................................403
Weld points onto an object .............................................................................................403
Weld points close to each other ...................................................................................403
Weld points of distant objects .......................................................................................404
Point selection when using weld points ...................................................................404
Weld NURBS objects ......................................................................................................404
Additional information ......................................................................................................405

Snap/Align ................................................................................................................................406

Use ..........................................................................................................................................406
Align ........................................................................................................................................406
Some illustrated examples ............................................................................................407
Additional information ......................................................................................................407

Lay on .........................................................................................................................................408
Unfold ..........................................................................................................................................409

Select the cutting edges .................................................................................................410


Select the starting facet ..................................................................................................411
Unfold .....................................................................................................................................412
Additional Information .....................................................................................................412

Wrap ............................................................................................................................................413

Options ..................................................................................................................................413
Spread management .......................................................................................................414
The Threshold accessory ..............................................................................................414
Additional information ......................................................................................................414

Measurements.......................................................................................................................415

The measurement tools ...................................................................................................416


The dimensions-manipulating accessories ............................................................418
Additional information ......................................................................................................419
Decimate ...................................................................................................................................420

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xi

Rendering Room
Ch 26 Previewing and rendering............................................................................. 425
The rendering commands ............................................................................................. 426
Additional functions ........................................................................................................... 426

Ch 27

Materials............................................................................................................................ 427
Material catalog .................................................................................................................... 428

Open a directory ................................................................................................................ 429


Browsing the pages of the catalog ............................................................................ 429
Deleting a file from the catalog ................................................................................... 429
Applying a material .......................................................................................................... 430
Saving a new material in the catalog ....................................................................... 430
Organizing the catalog ................................................................................................... 430
Managing the favorites directory ................................................................................ 431

Material editor........................................................................................................................ 432

The editable material ....................................................................................................... 432


Editing ..................................................................................................................................... 433

Ch 28 Lighting ................................................................................................................................ 435


The different light sources ............................................................................................. 436

Sun ......................................................................................................................................... 436


Bulb ........................................................................................................................................ 436
Spot ........................................................................................................................................ 436
Create a light source......................................................................................................... 436
Select a light source .......................................................................................................... 437
Set a light source ................................................................................................................ 437

Diffuse color ........................................................................................................................ 437


Shadow ................................................................................................................................. 437
Cut-off .................................................................................................................................... 438
Attenuation (dimming) .................................................................................................... 438
Repositioning ...................................................................................................................... 438
Orientation ........................................................................................................................... 438

Delete a light source ......................................................................................................... 438

Ch 29 Rendering parameters....................................................................................... 439


Anti-aliasing ............................................................................................................................ 439
Shadows ................................................................................................................................... 439
Background............................................................................................................................. 439

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Environment ............................................................................................................................440
Fog ................................................................................................................................................440
Image format ..........................................................................................................................440

Catalog room
Ch 30 The Catalog .....................................................................................................................443
Open a directory...................................................................................................................444
Browsing the pages of the catalog ...........................................................................444
Edit the information of a file ..........................................................................................445
Deleting a file from the catalog ...................................................................................445
Deleting the entire scene ................................................................................................445
Importing a file from the catalog into the scene ...............................................446
Saving the scene in the catalog .................................................................................446
Organizing the catalog .....................................................................................................446
Managing the favorites directory ...............................................................................447
Rebuilding the catalog ......................................................................................................448
Import ..........................................................................................................................................448
Export ..........................................................................................................................................448

Preferences
Ch 31

Preferences....................................................................................................................451
Preferences editor...............................................................................................................451

User interface .......................................................................................................................452


Graphic environment.........................................................................................................459
Scene display .......................................................................................................................465
Printing preferences ..........................................................................................................474
Import / Export ....................................................................................................................474
Units ........................................................................................................................................474
NURBS preferences ..........................................................................................................476

Shortcuts Editor ....................................................................................................................478

Amapi ProT M xiii

Appendix
Ch 32 Glossary.............................................................................................................................. 481
Ch 33 Index ........................................................................................................................................ 489

xiv

Reference Manual

Introduction

1
Welcome

Amapi Pro is the creative tool par excellence for the design and realization of models and
3D scenes for Product Design, Architecture and the creation of advanced 3D models. Integrating all the technologies of NURBS surface modeling, complete with an interface entirely
dedicated to creation yet preserving the legendary creativity of the Amapi product,
Amapi Pro is the first software package that offers such a high level of functionality, making
it a complete and unique tool in its category.
Amapi Pro is a complete modeler at the leading edge of current performances, offering
advanced functions such as the construction and editing of NURBS surfaces and volumes
(multiple profiles, constrained volumes, cutting, boolean operators, surface joints, chamfers,
thicknesses, etc.), and a full tools palette for polygonal modeling.
The second variation in the New Generation of the Amapi products, Amapi Pro is based on
the concepts and structures already implemented in Amapi Designer. Its resolutely creative
approach and exceptional ergonomics give it an unequalled short training time and flexibility of use. The perfect tool for Creative Designers, it is well suited for free-form research and
ideal for the precise execution and the finalization of projects.
All modeling can be realized with NURBS surfaces, the models created with Amapi Pro are
precise and directly manufacturable. Amapi Pro communicates easily with all CAD/CAM
tools, through native imports/exports such as DWG (AutoCAD), IGES and STL.
All other standard interchange formats are also supported: DXF, OBJ, VRML, EPS, etc.
You will be able to communicate directly with other tools for the creation of images and 3D
animations, such as Shade, as well as with all the other high-level rendering and animation
software.

Amapi ProT M

Previous Amapi users will reach an unequalled working capacity with Amapi Pro.
What is more, all your models can now be flawlessly exported to dedicated manufacturing
solutions.
If you are new to Amapi Pro, this powerful modeling product will let you discover how to
create exact high-end models while remaining highly intuitive and flexible, in short, a genuine tool for creation.
For all of the above reasons, you can be pleased with your choice and Amapi Pro wishes you
a warm welcome into the world of creative modeling in 3 Dimensions.
Do not forget to register, by filling out and sending the Registration card included with this
manual, or by filling out our on-line registration form at the http://www.e-frontier.com/go/
support/registration Registration section.
Lastly, do not hesitate to contact us for any suggestions you may have or to forward us
images of your achievements!

Reference Manual

2
How to use the Reference Manual?

It will not take you more than a few hours of training to become acquainted with the philosophy of this new software and only a few days for you to become a proficient user.
Initially, it is recommended to consult the first chapters of the manual for a quick and efficient start. You will find:

The chapter #3 gives you detailed information to install and start the program (see
details on page 7).

In chapter #4, an Amapi Pro quicktour is designed for a better understanding of the
spirit and the power of the software (see details on page 13).

The chapter #5 presents a table summarizing the different modeling tools (see details
on page 31).

The chapter #6 offers several exercises designed for progressive learning (see details on
page 37).

Once used to the program, you will be able to create your own models.
The following chapters will give you full details about each program function. The sequential reading of this manual will appear superfluous if the suggested training has been
respected. Indeed, you will already know what you can do with Amapi Designer and will
only have to refer to the reference manual corresponding to what you are trying to do.

Amapi ProT M

Each note is symbolized by a pictograph which allows you to quickly understand the kind of
information.
Additional information

Tips and tricks

Warning note

Restrictions

Note

Reminder

This documentation refers to the PC keyboard only.


Macintosh users need to replace each instance of Control (Ctrl) with Command.

Reference Manual

3
Installation

3.1

PC

Amapi Pro works on any PC-compatible computer with at least the following configuration:

3.1.1

Pentium III or Celeron 500 MHz or latest computer with a minimum of 128 MB RAM.
Microsoft Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP.
65 MB hard drive space.
3D Graphics Accelerator card supporting OpenGL.
CD-ROM drive.

3.1.2

Minimum system requirements

Recommended system requirements

Pentium III 1 GHz or latest computer with a minimum of 256 MB RAM (more
recommended).
Microsoft Windows XP.
65 MB hard drive space.
3D Graphics Accelerator card supporting OpenGL.
CD-ROM drive.

Amapi ProT M

3.1.3

Installation

When inserting the Amapi Pro CD-ROM into any PC running Windows, an Autorun
window automatically appears. You can choose to install your Amapi Pro software or to
explore the other files on the CD-ROM.
Alternatively, you can install Amapi Pro without using Autorun. Choose Start menu >
Control Panels. Then double-click Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel and
follow the instructions.
To install Amapi Pro:

1) Start Windows.
2) No other application should be running during installation.
3) Insert the Amapi Pro CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive and click the Install button.
Windows locates the Amapi Pro installation program on the CD-ROM

4) Follow the instructions on the screen. Click Next to confirm each option and to move to
the next screen.
You have the option to run a Typical, Compact, or Custom installation. Typical will
install your software in a standard configuration appropriate for most users. Compact
installs a minimum configuration.
Choose Custom if you want to select individual files for installation.
The installer proposes an installation directory and Program Folder.

5) Once youve made these selections youll be able to confirm your installation settings.
Then click Start to install.

6) Once Amapi Pro has finished installing, click Finish.


Follow the instructions on screen for electronic registration.

Reference Manual

3.2

Macintosh

Amapi Pro works on any Power Macintosh with at least the following configuration.

3.2.1

G3 or G4 400 MHz or compatible model running system X.


Microscribe support does not allow the use of the program with OS 9.2.
128 Mb of Physical RAM.
65 MB hard drive space.
3D Graphics Accelerator card supporting OpenGL.
CD-ROM drive.
To use your Amapi Pro software with Type, you must have TrueType fonts.

3.2.2

Minimum system requirements

Recommended system requirements

G4 1-GHz or compatible model running system X.


256 Mb (or more) of Physical RAM.
65 MB hard drive space.
3D Graphics Accelerator card supporting OpenGL.
CD-ROM drive.
To use Amapi Pro with Type, you must have TrueType fonts.

3.2.3

Installation

1) Turn off any virus protection and compression programs and close any other applications
currently open.

2) Insert the Amapi Pro CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive.


3) Double-click the Installer icon from the CD-ROM and follow the instructions on the
screen. The installer gives you the option of performing an Easy or Custom installation.
Easy Install will install your software in a standard configuration appropriate for most
users. Choose Custom if you want to select individual files for installation.

4) Choose the Install Location for the Amapi Pro folder and click Install.
5) Once Amapi Pro has finished installing, click Quit to quit the Installer.
6) Follow the instructions on the screen for electronic registration.
This documentation refers to the PC keyboard only.
Macintosh users must read Command each time Control (Ctrl) is called upon.

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Getting started

4
Quick Tour

4.1

Ergonomics

Amapi Pro is a 3D NURBS and POLYHEDRAL modeling package. This tool allows you to
draw, build, and assemble scenes in 3 dimensions.
The ergonomics of Amapi Designer have been designed and tuned to give you the best
comfort and productivity while working on your projects.
The understanding of volumes in space, the manipulation of 3D graphic objects, the tools
options and accessory accessibility have been designed to reduce as much as possible the
number of manipulations and to maintain the consistency of the application.
You, undoubtedly, are accustomed to using many applications other than Amapi Pro and
you acquire specific ways of using these applications: window positions, keyboard
shortcuts, and user interface colors.
To allow you to integrate Amapi Pro into your working environment without having to
change your practices, we offer you an completely configurable environment.
You can easily choose the position of the palettes, the color of each element, the function of
a key, all the way through the applications operating mode. But, if you so desire, you can
also use Amapi Pro in the traditional Amapi mode - the one that has created the products
reputation since its very first version.: an immersive framework where the tools palettes
change by means of sweeping the cursor out of edge of the principal window and back.
The configurations of the interfaces are accessible in the Amapi Pro preferences. You can
also use interface themes presets such as the "Pro" theme selected with first startup or the
"With color gradient" theme which is Amapi Designers default theme or the "Immersive"
theme which again uses specifics from the previous versions of Amapi.
These themes represent sets of preset preferences. You can easily modify the adjustments by
changing your desired preferences.

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(See Preferences editor on page 451).

The Pro theme proposes an


interface in which all the
tools are visible in fixed
palettes located on the right
hand side of the screen
(tool box interface). The
palettes on the left hand side
can be hidden or moved.
The colors were studied to
cohabit as well as possible
with other applications.

Pro interface theme

The Classic theme places


the 3D window in the center
of a fixed frame, with the
graphic accesses to the
functions and the working
tools. This theme is closer
to interfaces that you will
find in other creative
graphic software. This interface remains of the tool
box type.

Classic interface theme

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The Gradient theme is


similar to the Classic theme
but displays the icons on a
color gradient background.

Gradient interface theme

The Immersive theme


gives a maximum of space
to the working window. The
background is black by
default, but you will be
able, at any moment to
change its color. All the palettes are floating.
The interface remains of the
tool box type.

Immersive interface theme

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The Classic with tools palettes theme is the theme


which is closest to the wellknown and appreciated-by
former-users interface.
Like
the
Immersive
theme, this theme gives a
maximum of space to the
working window but displays only one tools palette
at once (tool box interface). Switching from one
palette to another is done by
sweeping the cursor out
to the right hand side of the
window and back.
(See Two interfaces on Classic with tools palettes interface theme
page 79).

The various possible presentations for the tools and accessories make it possible to adapt
the use of Amapi Pro to your practices.
For example, Amapi Pro proposes two possible interfaces to display the tools of the
modeling room :
With the tool box type interface, you will easily find the tool that you need in one of the
four tools palettes but you will need make sure to click on the correct icon because of their
small size.
With the tools palette type interface, the tool icons are larger and only one of the three
palettes is displayed (the fourth, corresponding to the basic toolkit, is always visible). You
will pick up tools without losing sight of your 3D models. This mode is particularly
appropriate to users working with matter as a sculptor would.
You will quickly be able to customize your own working environment by moving or closing
the different panels.

For instance, the help windows or the viewing tools are generally used only during the
learning steps. When beginning, you will make the Viewing manipulations by using the
navigation palette. Then, you will prefer to use shortcuts (the keyboard arrow keys and
number pad keys).

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The keyboard is an essential component that gives direct access to the most commonly used
functions. It helps to save time and allows you to work more efficiently.
Amapi Pro uses (as much as possible) the most accessible keys: Space bar, Escape,
Enter, +/-, arrow keys, numerical pad, Shift, Control, Alt. Keyboard shortcuts can
be set for most tools to accelerate their launching when they are often used. You are
probably already familiar with other software products that have standard shortcuts on
common features like Cut, Paste, Undo and Open. Amapi Pro is set up by default to accept
these standard shortcuts.

Finally, you are also able to


work in single view or in
multi-view mode.

Immersive theme with 4 views

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4.2

Screen Layout
Assistant palette

Menu bar

Optional
palettes

Current tool icon


Graphic workspace

Access to
Rooms

Options and Tool


accessories

Tools palettes

Control panel

One view interface, default theme

We have seen that Amapi Pro proposes several different interface themes corresponding to
different user profiles. Testing and adopting one of them will save you invaluable time
through using the interface the most suited to your work.
It will always be possible to manually modify all the preferences by means of the
preferences editor.
The 3D graphic workspace appears in a large window. It can be split into two, three or four
views of the same scene. The different panels are located around this area.
The control panel is located under this graphic workspace. It contains some generic tools
and accessories that can be useful during the modeling steps. (see details on page 167). The
control panel can be hidden to have a larger workspace area.

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The tools palette window appears on the right-hand side of the screen. There are two
possible interfaces (See The Tools palettes on page 78).
On the left-hand side of the screen, a set of optional panels are displayed. There, you can
find the help panel, the viewing panel, Dynamic Geometry panel, the parameter panel and
the selection panel. A set of small icons located in the left-hand side of the control panel
allow you to show or hide these panels.
If you have selected the Pro or immersive Interface theme, these panels are floating panels.
They are displayed on top of the graphic workspace. If you have selected the Classic theme,
these panels are located in a window on the left-hand side of the graphic workspace. You
can choose to hide this window from the preference dialog in order to increase the size of the
graphic workspace (See Preferences editor on page 451).
When launching the application, the area located just above the graphic workspace. is
empty. When a tool is being used, this area will contain the current tool options (on the
right) and the current tool accessories (on the left) (see details on page 83).
The user can, on request, choose to display these options with a floating, mobile and
removable palette (See Preferences editor on page 451).
The Room icons are located at the top right-hand corner of the screen.
As in many other applications, the menu bar is located on the top left-hand side of the
screen.

4.3

Rooms
Amapi Pro splits the features into three rooms. This splitting helps to
reduce the number of tool icons displayed and to organize your

working process.
Click on the room icon to enter the room:
The Modeling room allows you to build, model, and assemble your objects (See
Modeling room on page 237).
The Rendering room contains the tools to set up your materials and to render objects
(See Rendering Room on page 421).
The Catalog room is useful to organize your files and save objects (See The
Catalog on page 443).
All rooms are built to the same layout but some areas are not displayed in all rooms. For
instance, some rooms have several tools palettes, but others have no tools palette at all.

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4.4

3D window, views and navigation

The graphic workspace displays the current scene. A scene is made up of objects created in
the same working space. Inside each view, the ground is symbolized by a grid. A small
trihedron displays the current orientation. The grid and the trihedron are useful for
localizing the objects in the 3D space. However, they can be turned off (See The graphic
environment on page 87).
Two additional grids can be added to
visualize the main planes of the 3D
space. On each plane, you can display
an image that can be used as a support
for modeling.
The 3D space dimensions are set in
the preferences. The dimension, scale
factor and units can be selected there.

Building an object from an image projected onto the grid


planes.

The 3D window can contain up to four views of the same scene. A control panel icon allows
you to select one of the view layouts. When in multi-view mode, a view is activated by
clicking on it. Every action takes place in the active view.

Single view

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3 views

4 views

The navigation palette contains several icons allowing


you to manipulate the active view. Some predefined views
lock the navigation in the active view, allowing you to
stay in the left view for instance. (See The Navigation
on page 135)

Amapi Pro displays the objects in perspective projection by default. This type of projection
simulates human sight. It is possible to switch to orthographic projection by clicking on
one of the control panel icon. This type of projection does not deform objects far from the
point of view. (See Perspective on page 176).

Even in perspective mode, the screen of your


computer does not give you the stereoscopic
view our eyes give us. Thus it is more difficult
to understand the object shape on the screen
than in the real life. To limit this drawback, it
is very important to be able to move around
the objects at any time, even during the
creation steps or while holding a mouse
button for stretching a point on a surface.
To do that, Amapi Pro uses the keyboard
arrow keys to move around the point of view
and the number pad keys to zoom in/out, etc.
without stopping the action in progress.
For a better understanding of the object
shapes, moving from one singular viewpoint
to another is made in animation mode. This
improves the feeling of moving smoothly
while viewing the object.
Amapi Pro allows you to record up to ten
custom viewpoints. You can then choose to
look at the scene from these viewpoints. (See
The Navigation on page 135)

. : Zoom out
0: View All
1: View Detail
2: Front view
3: Zoom in
4: Left view
5: Top view
6: Right view
7: Viewpoint customizing
8: Rear view
9: Bottom view
Use the right, left, up, and down
arrow keys to turn around the
scene.

To have a panoramic
view of the scene,
press and hold the
Control key and press
on an arrow key.

If the shift key is held


down when using the
arrow keys, the
viewpoint will be
successively switched
to each main viewpoint,
in the direction
indicated by the arrow.

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4.5

Objects and 3D entities

Amapi Pro is a 3D NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline) and polygonal modeler. This
implies that according to the mode you working in or according to the tool you use, you will
handle NURBS types or polyhedral entities. By default, Amapi Pro works in NURBS mode,
the mode best adapted to object design.
While modeling in polyhedral mode or when importing 3D object files, you will manipulate
basic entities that do not exist in real objects: the points, edges, lines, and facets. Amapi Pro
is a surface modeler. Every object is made up of a set of facets. This set can be opened or
closed. Each facet defines a planar surface delimited by a set of edges, each edge having one
3D point at each end.

Object

Facets

Edges

Points

Creating objects consists of creating points, lines and facets in the 3D space to define the
outlines of the final polyhedron.
It is also possible to create parametric surfaces called NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational BSpline) and to assemble them to obtain exact surfaces useful for advanced design projects.
NURBS are displayed as lines or surfaces, however their editable construction points are not
located on the surface but are a kind of magnet that attract the resulting surface.

Simple curve

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Simple Surface

NURBS curve
and its control shape

NURBS Surface
and its control shape

Displaying 3D objects consists of selecting the combination of point, edge and facet entities
to be visualized as well as the specific parameters allowing to obtain a more or less realistic
visual effect.
The object display mode can be changed at any time
from the control panel. The wireframe mode allows
perfect manipulation of edges and points. The solid
facetted mode gives a more realistic aspect. Edges can
be added to this mode. Finally, the smoothed mode is
the mode that gives the most realistic effect. Switching
from one mode to another allows the user to model in
wireframe mode and then to select the solid mode to
see the final result.

The Wireframe mode


The Lit Wireframe mode
The Flat Solid mode
The WireShade Flat Solid mode
The Smooth Solid mode
The WireShade Smooth Solid mode

NURBS lines and surfaces are not displayed the same


way as polyhedral lines and surfaces. The points on NURBS lines are not displayed and the
edges on surfaces are limited to singular edges.
(See The objects on page 91).

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4.6

Selections

Amapi Pro allows you to precisely select the entities


you want to work on. The current selection mode lets
you work on points, edges, facets or objects. A set of
selection tools are available to make the selection
process easier. You can select entities one by one or
you can use the lasso or selection rectangle tool. You
can select according to an angular criteria and extend
the selection to neighboring entities. The current
selection can be saved to be used again later. The Shift
and Alt keys are used to add and suppress entities to/from the current selection. When
entities are selected, most tools restrict their action to that selection. You will then be able to
manipulate sub-selections of objects with tools like Rotate or Stretch.
It is also possible to change the current selection from within a tool without leaving that tool.
(see details on page 147).

4.7

Working plane and ruler

During most of the actions in the 3D space, you will see a plane made up of two ruler axis
taken from the trihedron axis: X (red), Y (green) and Z (blue). Each plane represents one of
the three orthogonal planes.
These planes are used to simplify the 3D input operations. To enter 3D points, you usually
have a 2D device: the mouse. As setting three values with this type of device is impossible,
it is better to limit the input to predefined planes. By default, modeling is made in one of
these planes. (See The graphic environment on page 87).
Amapi Pro selects the orthogonal plane which is the most perpendicular to the current point
of view to be used as working plane.

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While using a tool, you will be able


to change the working plane by
turning around your model.

It is sometimes necessary to model in


a plane that is different from the
orthogonal planes. The control panel
contains an icon allowing to select a
new working plane. (See Scene /
orthonormal base toggling on
page 171).
Finally, it may be useful to model in
the projection plane of the current
view. Although this method is less
accurate, it gives much versatility to
some complex positioning operations.
(See Working in the view plane on
page 169).

working plane

x
z

working plane

The origin of the rulers can be set


z
using a control panel tool. (See
Orthonormal base origin on
x
page 173).
The ruler axis displayed in the
working plane allows you to
accurately align points and to set simple constraints. The ruler accuracy can be tuned using
the +/- keys. It is also possible to control the snap to the ruler grid from the control panel.
Finally the space bar allows you to constrain the mouse movements along the currently
displayed axis.

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4.8

Using tools

Tools are operators allowing you create, manipulate, assemble, objects but also to manage
views, import files,...etc. Although they are very different, they are all built to the same
common architecture. A tool is made up of a sequence of operations called steps.
Each step requires setting up one or several parameters (3D position, angle,...) in the
parameter palette or directly in the 3D window.
A set of current options and accessories can be viewed in a panel located just under the
menu bar. An option is, for example, the construction method for a sphere (From the base or
from the center). An accessory lets you perform a particular operation in the current tool
such as changing the rotation point of an object when using rotate tool. At each step, a help
message is displayed in the help window.
Current tool icon

Tool options
Tool accessory

Selection
accessory
palette

Navigation
palette

Help
palette

Parameters
palette
Graphic workspace

Useful elements when manipulating a tool

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The tool operation stops at the end of the last step or/and when the user clicks on the
assistant palette validation icon or/and presses the Enter key. The selection of another tool
will validate the current tool before initializing the new tool. It is always possible to stop a
tool execution by pressing on the cancel button in the assistant palette or by pressing the
Escape key.
Some accessories are in fact real tools. They contain several steps and achieve complex
operations but when they have completed, they restore the parent tool to the state it was
before launching the accessory. For instance, to punch a hole in a surface, one can use the
Cut tool and create a circle from within the Cut tool as an accessory. Once the circle is
created, the Cut tool automatically starts the cut action.
(See Using tools on page 80)

4.9

Scene management

Amapi Pro has several scene management tools.


The Layers allow you to group a set of objects by family, to lock them so that they cannot
be changed or to hide them completely. A layer is a very appropriate way to manage large
lists of objects.
The hide and show tools allow you to make objects visible or invisible.
(See The Layers on page 198)
The scene tree view represents the current scene as a tree. Objects can be selected in the tree
and moved into layers. A contextual menu makes it possible to carry out all possible basic
operations on objects such as hiding, showing, blocking, renaming or grouping...
The object information panel displays the object characteristics: type, name, number of
points, size... but can also perform cleaning operations such as suppressing coplanar faces or
removing overlapping points.
(See The Scene graph on page 202)
The Catalog, is a native file manager allowing you to preview objects as thumbnails. It can
also read, write, delete or rename files. Folders of favorites can be created. The catalog is a
room than can be accessible from the room icons located at the top right-hand side of the
screen.
(See The Catalog on page 443)

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4.10

Dynamic Geometry (DG)

Dynamic geometry is a concept that allows Amapi Pro to memorize the construction steps of
objects.
For instance, a curve extruded along a profile will create an object made up of two curves
and will have the extruded surface as the resulting shape.
Such objects can be edited afterwards. Manipulating their entities (points, edges or facets)
means manipulating the basic shapes they contain (called the control shapes). The resulting
shapes are automatically updated.
Stretched
Point

Profile
Section

Step #1:
Step #2:
Draw two construction Extrude the section
curves.
along the profile.
Amapi Pro keeps the
construction curves.

Step #3:
Smooth the object.
Amapi Pro keeps the
extruded object.

Step #4:
If the result is not satisfying,
modify the shape of the profile
curve. This modification
automatically and interactively
updates the extrusion and the
smoothing.

This concept allows a quick modification of the basic shapes without having to repeat the
intermediate construction steps. One will be able to create several versions of a same object
by modifying a single construction point.
The Dynamic Geometry palette helps to manage
Dynamic Geometry, to select and to suppress levels.
Its simplified presentation gives you a quick
preview of the current selection as an object list.

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweep 1
1. Polyline 2

Most tools handle the dynamic geometry. However,


when using a tool that converts a model to
polygons, the dynamic geometry is not able to retain
the construction history of the model.
A global switch located in the control panel let you turn off dynamic geometry completely.
Work without dynamic geometry
Work with dynamic geometry
(see details on page 135)

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4.11

Entering values

At each step of object construction, it is important to be able


to enter exact values. Amapi Pro allows you to edit
numerical values by clicking on the parameter palette or by
hitting the Tab key.
(see details on page 161)

4.12

Parameter palette

Modeling room tools palette

The modeling room contains three tools palettes and a Basic toolkit.
Amapi Pro gives you the choice between two tools palette representations (See Toolbox
on page 456).
The Tool box interface displays the four palettes in one.
The Tools palette interface displays the Basic toolkit and only one tools palette. To
toggle from one palette to another, just hit the right-hand side of the graphic workspace with
the mouse cursor.
The basic toolkit
This palette
is always
visible. It
contains the
Move,
Rotate,
Scale and
Stretch
tools.

The construction
palette
This palette
contains
basic line
and surface
drawing
tools as well
as advanced
surface
creation
tools.

The modeling
palette
This palette
contains
modification
tools that can
edit existing
objects.

The assembly
palette
This palette
contains
tools to carry
out complex
assemblies
and a few
generic tools

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5
Modeling tools description

In the modeling room, Amapi Pro displays only the tools likely to be necessary to
each step of modeling.
That is why they are divided in palettes:

The Basic toolkit (see details on page 32)

The Construction palette (see details on page 33)

The Modeling palette (see details on page 34)

The Assembly Palette (see details on page 35)

Each tool is described in the following paragraphs. For detailed information, see the
Reference Manual.

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5.1

Toolkit

Above each main tools palette, a Toolkit is displayed. It contains tools which are always
available even while using a tool from the main palettes.

Icon

Tool name

Description

Move

Use this tool to change the position of the current object.

page 242

Rotate

Use this tool to rotate the current object.

page 244

Scale

This tool changes the size of the current object, either


keeping its original proportions, or distorting it vertically or
horizontally.

page 248

Stretch

The Stretch tool is used to move the current selection


(facets, edges and/or points). The selected objects will be
deformed according to the cursor movement.

page 252

(See Basic toolkit on page 241)

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Reference Manual

5.2

Construction palette

This tools palette contains the tools used to draw the shapes that will be the basis for your
models.
Icon

Tool name

Description

See

This tool displays a sub-tools palette to quickly draw numerous 3D

Surface and volume shapes.


primitives

Line drawing

page 258

This tool displays a sub-tools palette to quickly draw numerous 2D or 3D


lines.

page 277

Extract Lines

This tool creates curve(s) from points selected on the current object or
existing objects of the scene.

page 300

Extract Facets

This tool creates an object made up of several facets.

page 304

Sweep

The basic use of this tool is to create sweeped shapes from curves.
However, it can also extrude facets, edges or points

page 307

Double-Sweep

This tool creates a surface from a section and two profiles.

page 321

Ruled Surface

This tool lets you create a skin tightened between two or more 2D or
3D curves.

page 324

Coons Surface

This tool generates a surface from connected curves drawing a closed


perimeter.

page 331

Gordon surface

This tool creates a surface using a network of 3D curves. The surface is


generated along the longitudinal and latitudinal curves

page 334

Manifold

This tool creates a volume from NURBS surfaces which will define the
future volume

page 336

(See Construction Palette on page 257)

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Modeling palette

5.3

This tools palette contains the tools used to model the objects.
Icon

Tool name

Description

See

Smooth

This tool is used to control the number of facets defining a surface and the
number of points defining a curve and to give them a smoother aspect.

page 340

Chamfer

This tool allows you to create internal or external bevels, depending on


the orientation of the model edges

page 347

Thickness/Offset

This tool offers two different options:


- Creates a clone object parallel to the current object.
- Gives a thickness to a curve, a surface or a volume

page 351

Cut

Proposes several methods to cut one or several objects at the same time.

page 354

Delete

This tool allows you to delete one or several elements (facet, edge or
point) from the selected objects.

page 364

Tesselate

This tool subdivides the segments of a curve or the facets of a surface or a


volume.

page 367

Deform

This tool lets you apply several kinds of deformations to the current
selection proposed as options.

page 374

Bend

This tool deforms the selection along a profile curve.

page 379

Mold

This tool allows you to pull on the current selection so that to the points
located in the influence area are moved with an inertia effect.

page 382

Bump/Soften

This tool allows you to work on the surface bump of the current selection.

page 385

(See Modeling palette on page 339)

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5.4

Assembly Palette

This tools palette contains the tools used to place and orient objects:
Icon

Tool name

Description

See

Duplicate

Allows you to create one or several copies of the current selection.


Amapi Pro proposes several methods of duplication.

page 388

Symmetry

Creates a mirror image of the current selection.

page 398

Close

Lets you close the current selection, such as a curve or an opened surface.

page 400

Weld

This tool proposes several options to weld objects or points. If these


options generate overlapping points, Amapi Pro keeps only one of them
(other points are deleted).

page 403

Snap/Align

This tool is used to apply a translation to the current selection along a


vector, the ends of which are defined by the user.

page 406

Lay on

Use this tool to lay a facet of the selected object onto a facet of another
object (center on center).

page 408

Unfold

Use this tool to create a 2D flat unfolded version of a 3D model.

page 409

Wrap

Allows you the deformation of an object by mapping it onto a surface


(grid, cylinder or sphere).

page 413

Measurements

Displays the dimensions of an object. Amapi Pro allows you to display


three types of dimensions: length, angle and volume/surface/
circumference.

page 415

Decimate

Allows a reduction in the complexity of an object.

page 420

(See Assembly palette on page 387)

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6
Tutorials

These tutorials have been designed to quickly introduce the user to most of the navigation
and manipulation principles that apply to Amapi Pro. It is advised to do these exercises in
their chronological order.
Once familiar with the software, the user will be able to create his own models and will only
occasionally need to refer to the Reference Manual. This chapter explains in detail how each
tool operates.
Of course, these exercises represent only some of the main functions of Amapi. You will
find detailed illustrations of modeling techniques and case studies on the www.efrontier.com web site.

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6.1

A sphere, a 3D
tube and a
parallelepiped

Here you are, comfortably seated in front of the


screen. You are going to begin by familiarizing
yourself with the program interface. Lets start by
building a sphere, a 3D tube and a parallelepiped.
These shapes will be often used as the basis for
future creations.
At the end of this exercise, you will know how to:
Select a display mode,
Change the construction mode (Polyhedral or
NURBS),
Navigate in the scene,
Change the working plane,
Toggle from one Room to another,
Change palettes,
Pick up and release a tool,
Edit a parameter in the graphic workspace and
in the parameter palette,
Control the precision of an action,
Apply a constraint to the cursor movement,
Use the Sphere, Cube, Polyline and
Thickness/Offset tools.

The graphic workspace


Entering the program:
The software is now launched. The organization
of the screen has been explained in the Quick
Tour chapter (see details on page 13).
The graphic workspace is still empty. Only a grid
showing the ground is displayed.

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Building a sphere
Select the room:
In order to reduce the number of tools visible at
the same time on the screen, Amapi Pro splits the
main functions into three groups called Rooms.
These are represented by a group of icons at the
top right of the screen. To toggle from one to the
other, click on the icon showing the desired room.
As a general rule, you will usually start working
in the modeling room. To start this exercise,
make sure you are in the modeling room
.

Modeling
Room

File Manager Room


(The Catalog)

Rendering
Room

Basic toolkit

Select the palette:


The modeling tools are divided in palettes;

Construction
Palette

Basic toolkit
Construction Palette,
Modeling palette,

Modeling
palette

Assembly palette
They are displayed on the right side of the screen.
You will chose the tools from one of these
palettes.
Select the Polyhedral or NURBS construction
mode:
Amapi Pro works indifferently in polyhedral
mode or in NURBS mode. An icon of the control
panel displays the current mode. The NURBS
mode is the default mode.
We will start this exercise by using the polyhedral
mode. We will use the NURBS mode in the next
step.
Click on the icon
(in the control panel) to
work in polyhedral construction mode

Assembly
palette

Control panel extract

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39

Select the Surface and volume primitives in


the Construction Palette :
Click on the icon showing the Surface and
volume primitives tool in the Construction
Palette
.

Construction
Palette

Select the Sphere tool in the Surface and


volume primitives palette:
The primitives construction palette is displayed;
click on the Sphere tool
.
Select the construction method:
Amapi Pro proposes two Sphere. construction
methods.
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired
From the center option
or press both the
Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one
option to the other.
The gradated axis:
The gradated axis X (red) and Y (green) of the
orthonormal base are displayed. To increase or
decrease the gradation steps, click on the
icons of the assistant palette (help palette for
beginners). This palette appears centered at the
top of the graphic workspace. Most users usually
prefer using the keyboard shortcuts: instead of
clicking on the
icons, use the +/- keys.

Surface and volume primitives


palette

Sphere sub-tool
options

Assistant Palette

Setting the spheres center:

1) Move the cursor in the graphic workspace.


The cursor position is interactively displayed
in the parameter palette at the bottom left
hand side of the screen.

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Parameter palette

2) Click on the

icon located in the control


panel at the bottom of the screen. This will set
the cursor free from snapping to the grid
gradations.

3) Move the cursor again, the parameter palette


displays the cursor position with an accuracy
of 1/1000.

Control panel extract


Free cursor movement.
Cursor snapped to grid

4) Click as soon as the position is suitable.


Setting the radius:
Move the cursor again. This time, the parameter
palette displays the value of the sphere radius
while it is being constructed.
Click as soon as the value is suitable.
Determine the number of points defining the
sphere:
This (optional) step consists of modifying the
number of sections defining the sphere. The
Tuner
indicates that a quick modification is
possible by clicking on the
pressing on the +/- keys.

icons or
# of Points =7

# of Points=8

# of Points=9

Validate the operation:


The beginner will validate the sphere creation by
clicking on the
validation icon of the assistant
palette (help palette for beginners).
The user will probably quickly prefer to press the
Enter key or to use an efficient feature of
Amapi Pro interface: the tool will be released by
sweeping (moving) the cursor out the right side of
the screen. The user will be able to continue his
work with another tool in the Surface and
volume primitives palette.

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Release the Surface and volume primitives


tool:
The tool will be released by moving the cursor
out the right side of the screen. Work can then be
continued with another selection and/or another
tool.

The display mode


When modeling, different entities can be handled,
including points, edges, facets or objects.
Amapi Pro has several display modes for the
objects in a scene in order highlight more or less
these entities.
Depending on the kind of manipulation to be
done, a specific display mode will be more
appropriate to identify the entities you are
working on. It is possible to change the display
mode at any time.
The control panel (at the bottom of the screen)
displays the icon showing the current display
mode. Click on it to display the entire list of the
proposed modes, then click on the suitable one.
Try all of them, then choose the WireShade Flat
Solid mode
.

Control panel extract

The Wireframe mode


The Lit Wireframe mode
The Flat Solid mode
The WireShade Flat Solid mode
The Smooth Solid mode
The WireShade Smooth Solid mode

Navigation
The navigation palette:
Amapi Pro allows you to work on a model from
any viewpoint. The user will appreciate how easy
it is to move around, towards or away from a
viewpoint.
Amapi Pro proposes several kinds of interfaces to
access the navigational functions:
The Navigation Palette
The keyboard or the mouse-keyboard
navigation (the quickest)

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Navigation palette

For your first creations, it is probably better to


use the navigation palette icons.
To continue this exercise, use the keyboard
shortcuts in order to see just how efficient they
are.
The main viewpoints
Press the 0 key to see the entire scene.
Press the 5 key to view the scene from the top.
Press the 4 key to view the scene from the left
side.
Zoom In / Out:
Press the . key to zoom out of the scene, then
on the 3 key to zoom in.
Rotate around the scene:
Use the right, left, up, and down arrow keys to
move around the scene.
Pan the scene:
To have a panoramic view of the scene, press and
hold the Control key and press on an arrow key.

. : Zoom out
0: View All
1: View Detail
2: Front view
3: Zoom in
4: Left view
5: Top view
6: Right view
7: Viewpoint customizing
8: Rear view
9: Bottom view

Use the right, left, up, and down


arrow keys to move around the
scene.

To have a panoramic
view of the scene,
press and hold the
Control key and press
on an arrow key.

View a detail of the scene:

1) Click on the View detail

icon (or press

the 1 key).

2) Move the cursor to the center of the area of


interest, then click.

3) Move the cursor and click as soon as the area


of interest is surrounded.
Note: If the mouse has a wheel, you can use this
wheel to zoom in/out of the scene.
Front view all:
Press the 2 key, then on the 0 key to see the
entire scene from the front view.

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Drawing a 3D tube
With Amapi Pro, the construction of a tube is
done in two steps. We will first create the profile
of the tube and then add a thickness to it.
In this exercise, we will use the NURBS
construction mode. It allows you to draw exact
parametric surfaces ideal for exchanging data
with CAO/CFOAO software.
Select the NURBS construction mode:
Click on the icon

in the control panel to go

into the NURBS construction mode

.
Control panel extract

Positioning in the scene:


Zoom out (. key) and move the view toward the
right side of the screen (Ctrl+ right arrow
keys) so that the sphere is on the left side of the
screen, and the right side is free to draw the
profile of the tube.

Select the Line drawing tool in the


Construction Palette:
Click on the Line drawing tool icon
Construction Palette.

in the

Construction
palette

Select the Curve sub-tool in the Line


drawing palette:
A construction primitives sub-tools palette is
displayed, click on the Curve
. sub-tool.
This tool will be used to create the tube profile.

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Line drawing
palette

Begin drawing the first segment of the profile:

1) Move the cursor; its position is interactively


displayed in the parameter palette.

2) Click when the position is suitable.


3) Move the cursor to draw the curves first
segment.
Changing the working plane when drawing:
Because the mouse movement is restricted to a
single plane, working in three dimensions will be
easier if changing the working plane is fast and
intuitive. For this reason, Amapi Pro uses the
concept of a Working plane which evolves
according to the active plane you are working in.
To fully make use of the all the capabilities of
your software, it is fundamental to understand
how this works.
The working plane is the plane the cursor is
moving in. Thus it changes with the observers
position in the scene. The current working plane
is the orthogonal plane which orientation is the
closest from the current view plane (the screen
plane).
So now, if the current view plane is the front
view, the (x,y) plane is the orthogonal plane the
closest from the screen plane. That will be the
working plane. The x axis is red and the y axis is
green.

1) Move the cursor; its position is interactively


displayed in the parameter palette. Only the x
and y coordinates are modified because the
cursor doesnt move in z.

2) Click when the cursor position is suitable, the


first segment is now drawn in the (x,y) plane.

3) Move the cursor to draw the second segment


in the same plane.

4) Press on the up arrow several times to move


progressively to a top view. Stop as the axis

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45

turns to blue: now the x axis (red) and the z


axis (blue) are displayed. This indicates that
the working plane has changed.

5) Move the cursor; its position is interactively


displayed in the parameter palette. Only the x
and z coordinates are modified because the
cursor doesnt move in y.

6) Click when the cursor position is suitable. The


second segment is now drawn in the (x,z)
plane.

7) Move to a side view (6 key) to work on the


(y,z) plane. Now, only the y and z coordinates
are modified because the cursor doesnt move
in x.

8) Click when the cursor position is suitable The


third segment is now drawn in the (y,z) plane.

9) Now, press the 2 key to see the entire scene


in the front view.
Constraining the cursor movement:
The cursor moves again on the (x,y) plane.
To draw a perfectly horizontal segment:

1) Click on the

icon located in the assistant


palette (beginners help palette). It forces the
cursor movement to the horizontal axis.
Check this by moving the cursor in the
graphic workspace.

2) Click to validate this fourth segment.


3) To draw a perfectly vertical segment: Click
on the
icon located in the assistant palette.
It forces the cursor movement to the vertical
axis. Check this by moving the cursor in the
graphic workspace.

4) Click to validate this fifth segment.


5) Click on the

icon to free the cursor


movement on the working plane.

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6) Click to validate this sixth segment.


Instead of clicking on one of these three
constraint
icons, it is faster to use the
Space-Bar shortcut to toggle from one
movement constraint to another. Press the
Space-Bar several times and move the cursor to
see the constrained movement.
Validate the polyline drawing:
Amapi Pro proposes drawing a seventh curve
segment. But since we only want six points,
validate the drawing by pressing the Enter key.
Navigate to view the 3D line:
Use the navigation keys to circulate around the
scene and see that the profile has been drawn in
three dimensions.
Release the Curve tool:
The tool will be released by sweeping the right
side of the screen with the cursor. The user will
be able to continue his work with another
selection and/or another tool.
Give a thickness to the tube:

1) Click on the icon showing the Thickness/


Offset

tool in the Modeling palette.


Modeling
palette

2) This tool has several options. Click on the


Give a thickness
option.
The curve is transformed into a tube.

Thickness/Offset
tool options

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47

3) The tuner

indicates that the + or - keys


can be used to quickly set the Thickness
parameter corresponding to the tube diameter.

4) Validate the operation and release the tool by


pressing on the Enter key.
Navigate to view the 3D tube:
Use the navigation keys to circulate around the
scene and view the tube that has been drawn in
three dimensions.

Building a parallelepiped
Select the Surface and volume primitives
tool in the Construction Palette:
Click on the Surface and volume primitives
icon

in the Construction Palette.

Select the Cube subtool in the Construction


Palette:
Click on the Cube

tool.

Move to a front view:


Press the 2 key to go to the front view.

Select the construction method:


Just like with the sphere, Amapi Pro offers two
Cube construction methods.
Click on the icon corresponding to the From the
center option
.

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Reference Manual

Construction
Palette

Surface and volume primitives


palette

Set the center of the cube:

1) Move the cursor in the graphic workspace.


The cursor position is interactively displayed
in the parameter palette at the bottom left side
of the screen. This time, the coordinates will
be entered from the keyboard.

2) Press the Tab key to activate the parameters


edit mode.

3) Enter a value for x, y and z (use the arrow


keys to move from one field to another).

4) Validate the operation by pressing the Enter


key.
Set the size of the parallelepiped:

1) Move the cursor again. The parameter palette


displays the same value for x, y and z for the
cube currently in construction.

2) Press the Space-Bar once (shortcut to


toggle from one movement constraint to
another). This forces the cursor movement
onto the horizontal axis. The cube is
transformed into a parallelepiped and the
cursor movement controls the width (radius
x). The parameter palette now displays three
values (x,y and z).

3) Press the Space-Bar once again. This now


forces the cursor movement onto the vertical
axis. The cursor movement now controls the
height (y) of the parallelepiped. The
parameter palette still displays three
dimensions (x,y and z).

4) Enter three values, directly in the parameter


palette, as for the center setting.

5) Validate the dimensions by pressing the


Enter key. This will automatically release
the Cube tool.

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6.2

Creating an
ashtray

In this exercise, we will see that with only a few


clicks, everyday objects such as a ashtray can be
created.
This tutorial is designed to learn how to quickly
work with Amapi Pro and to demonstrate its
versatility. It is therefore possible to work in
single-view or multi-view.
We consider here that the previous exercise have
already been done. Basic explanations will
therefore be skipped.
At the end of this exercise, the user will know
how to:
Work in single-view or multi-view.
Use the Cube, Chamfer, Cut, Rotate,
Move tools.
Save the current scene in the catalog.

Preparing the scene


Check the default application modes:
the operating mode is already set to NURBS
(Control panel)

snap to grid is on

(Control panel)

Make sure the scene is empty:


If there are any objects in the scene, delete all of
them by pressing the Ctrl-Del keys.

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Disable Dynamic Geometry :


Dynamic Geometry is a fundamental concept we
will see in the next exercise, but in this one we
will switch Dynamic Geometry off. Click on the
toggle-icon located in the control panel to toggle
from one working mode to the other. The icon
must show that Dynamic Geometry is
disabled

Control panel extract

Work without Dynamic Geometry


Work with Dynamic Geometry

Setting a strategy:
There are always several methods available to
make the same model when working with
Amapi Pro. Determine a strategy before
beginning the model. Some methods will be more
appropriate, depending on the work method or
the application domain. Very quickly, you will be
able to use your own experience to define a
strategy
The first modeling step generally consists of
drawing curves or volumes as a construction
basis.
When looking at an ashtray, we can see that the
shape is based on a parallelepiped. So, lets start
by building a parallelepiped.

Building a parallelepiped
Select the Cube tool:

1) Select

the
primitives

Surface
and
volume
in the construction palette.

2) Click on the Cube tool

Select the construction method:


Amapi Pro uses the last selected tool option for
the tool. Click on the icon corresponding to the
From the base option
.

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51

Set the base of the cube:

1) Move the cursor to set the base of the cube.


Enter the x, y, z values as (0,1,0).
Set the size of the parallelepiped:

1) Move the cursor again. The parameter palette


displays the same value for x, y and z for the
cube currently in construction.

2) Press the Space-Bar once (shortcut to


toggle from one movement constraint to
another).

3) Enter three values directly in the parameter


palette (x=20 ; y=5 ; z=20).

4) Validate the dimensions by pressing the


Enter key. This automatically releases the
Cube tool.

Creating the hole in the


center of the ashtray
We will create a sphere and cut the cube with this
sphere to create the hole.
Creation and placement of a sphere:

1) Click on the Sphere tool icon in the


Surface and volume primitives palette.

2) Make sure that the From the base


option is selected.

3) Move the cursor to set the base of the sphere


inside the cube just above the center of the top
face (x=0 ; y=2 ; z=0).

4) Click to validate the position of the base.


Set the sphere size:

1) Move the cursor vertically to define the


diameter of the sphere at 14 cm.

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Reference Manual

2) Click to validate the size.


3) The tuner

indicates that you can refine the


visual appearance of the sphere (see the
preceding
exercise).
Since
we
are
manipulating NURBS objects, we dont need
to be concerned with that step, since the result
of the cut operation will be perfectly smooth.
You can use, if you like, the + and -
keys to smooth the sphere.

4) Validate the operation by pressing the Enter


key.
Cut the cube with the sphere to create the
hole :
We will now cut the cube by removing the sphere
volume from it with the Cut tool.

Boolean option

1) Check that the sphere is the current object. (it


must have the section color).

2) Select the Cut tool

in the modeling

palette.

3) Select the Boolean

option.

4) Click on the cube to start the cut operation.


5) Once done, the Boolean operation option
palette appears. This allows you to select
which type of operation you want to perform
among several choices (union, difference,
intersection,...).
In this case, we will use the first option which
gives us the desired result.
Validate the operation and release the tool by
pressing the Enter key.

Current option

Creating the grooves


We will use this same method for creating the
four grooves. First, we will build a cylinder and
then cut the ashtray with this cylinder.

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Switch to 4 views:

1) Click on the single view icon

in the
control panel. The view palette appears.

2) Select the 4 views icon

.
Note: only one view is a perspective view.
The others are planar views.

3) Click on the top view to activate it.


4) Use the keyboard numerical keys . or , to
zoom out a bit.
First groove

1) Click on the Cylinder tool

in the
Surface and volume primitives palette.

2) Move the cursor to set the center of the base


of the cylinder near the front face of the
ashtray and click or enter the values directly
in the parameters palette (x=0 ; y=0 ; z=13) .

3) Click in order to place the base of the cylinder


and to begin construction.

4) Move the cursor to the right. A small cylinder


appears. The mouse position defines its
diameter.

5) When the diameter is close to 1 cm, click, or


hit Tab and enter 1 in the parameter palette
and hit return to validate.

6) Now that the diameter is defined, moving the


cursor sets the height of the cylinder. Move
the cursor upward. The cylinder grows.

7) Stretch the cylinder so that it completely


crosses the ashtray body and appears on the
other side. The height should be about 26 cm.
Click to validate. .

8) As soon as the height is set, the tuner


appears and the two sides of the cylinder are
highlighted. Since we want to close the

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Reference Manual

cylinder, simply click on the


close the two sides.

accessory to

9) Put aside the tool.


Positioning the groove cylinder
You can see that for now the cylinder is
completely inside the ashtray body. We will
move it to the correct position.

1) Click on the front view.


2) In the Basic toolkit palette, choose the
Move tool

3) Hit the Space-Bar once: this will limit the


action of several tools (Move, Scale,
Stretch,...) to a single axis. The first time you
hit the Space-Bar, the red and green axis
turns to a single horizontal red axis.

4) As we want to move the cylinder upward, hit


the Space-Bar again. The green vertical axis
appears and the movement is constrained
vertically.

5) Click on the cylinder and move the cursor


upward. The cylinder follows the cursor.

6) Move the cursor so that it appears partly


outside the ashtray body. The translation is
(x=0 ; y=4 ; z=0). You can either
Move the cylinder until seeing the correct
value in the parameter palette, then
clicking to validate.
or hit the Tab key twice (the first edits the
x, the second for y). Type 4 and hit Enter.
Create the second cylinder
We will now create another cylinder
perpendicular to the first one to create the
horizontal grooves. To do that, we will create a
rotated copy of the first cylinder.

1) Switch to an top view by clicking on it.

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55

2) Press and hold the Ctrl key while clicking


on the Rotate tool
in the Basic toolkit
palette. A gradated circle appears around the
cylinder.
Remark: Holding the Ctrl key while
selecting one of the basic tools lets you, on
tools that accept this kind of operation, create
a copy of the selected object before applying
the tools action.

3) Click on the highest gradation on the circle.


4) Move the cursor to the right most gradation.
The new cylinder rotates as you move the
cursor.
Click again when on the right most
gradation. (The new cylinder is
perpendicular to the original one)
Or
If you prefer, hit Tab and enter 90. Then
hit Enter to validate
Hit enter again to leave the tool.
Switch to single-view :

1) Click on the four-view icon

to open the

view palette.

2) Click on the single-view icon

Group the cylinders:


We shall group the two cylinders to get only one
object.

1) Click on the Group tool icon

2) Click on each cylinder.


3) Put aside the tool.
Cutting the grooves
We will now create the cylinder holes by using
the same method as for the center hole. This is
done using the Cut tool.

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1) Click on the Cut tool

in the modeling

palette.
The cylinders must be the selected object.

2) Click on the ashtray to perform the cut


between the current object and the ashtray.

3) Check that the current cut option is

in the
option palette: the resulting object is the
ashtray body minus the cylinders.

4) Validate by hitting the enter key.

Chamfering the edges


1) Pick up the Chamfer tool

from the

modeling tools palette.

2) Click on the edges you want to chamfer. Note


that the edges appear highlighted when close
to the cursor. This allows you to perfectly see
what the editable entities are and to be sure to
select the correct one.

3) The tuner

indicates that you can use the +


or - keyboard keys to quickly tune the radius
parameter (select 0,5).

4) Validate by hitting the enter key.


5) The ashtray is finished. You can turn it
around and look at it from different
viewpoints by using the keyboard arrow keys
or the view icons of the view palette.

Rendered display
Set the viewpoint:

1) Use the navigation keys to see the ashtray


from any angle.

2) Find the best viewpoint.

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Rendering:
Press the Enter key to display the rendered
object.

Save the file


Now, save the file in Amapi Pros file manager,
called The Catalog which quickly and easily
allows you to store and retrieve Amapi Pro
documents just like in a library.

1) Click on Catalog room icon


2) Click on the Catalog icon

.
Open a

directory.

3) Select the directory. Amapi Pro displays the


selected directory. Each file can be identified
by a thumbnail which depicts the scene by its
name.

4) Browse the pages of the catalog, using the +/


- keys, until finding an Empty location.

5) Click on an empty location. Amapi Pro saves


the file. A thumbnail depicting the scene is
displayed in this location.

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Modeling
Room

Rendering
Room

File Manager Room


(The Catalog)

6.3

Creating a bottle

This new exercise is primarily intended to


familiarize you with the manipulation of objects
using dynamic geometry. Dynamic geometry is
one of the points which contribute to the power
and flexibility of your program.
It works according to the following principles:
Each object of the scene keeps a trace of all the
steps of its construction. You can therefore ask to
rectify a curve or a volume resulting from a
previous step. Amapi Pro will reflect this
modification in all the steps separating it from the
finished model. Here, we will create a profile of
an extrusion and then manipulate this profile after
the surface creation. Each manipulation will be
reflected immediately on the result, thus enabling
us to precisely set the aspect of the bottle.
At the end of this exercise you will know how to:
Use the gradated axis and the alignment
guides
Use the selection accessories
Use the dynamic geometry properties,
Use the Circle, Curve, Scale, Sweep,
Stretch, Tesselate tools.

Preparing the scene


Make sure the scene is empty:
If you have just carried out the preceding
exercise, objects remain displayed in the graphic
window. Press on the key combination Ctrl
Del to remove all of them.

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Work with dynamic geometry:


In this exercise, we will work with Dynamic
Geometry.
Click on the toggle-icon integrated into the
control panel which enables you to switch from
one working method to another. The icon must
show that you are working with Dynamic
Geometry
.
Defining a strategy:
Note that a bottle consists of concentric circular
sections more or less dilated. We thus will create
a profile and a circle to use as a section. Then, we
will use the Sweep tool to create the surface.

Gradated axis and Alignment


guides
You already used the gradated axis in the
preceding exercises to precisely enter points.
Here we will use alignment guides. These guides
are in fact straight lines passing through the last
point created and forming a preset angle with the
horizontal one. The cursor is automatically
magnetized to these lines. It is possible to add
reference points in order to create intersections
between these alignment guides. We will begin
by setting the values of the angles used for the
alignment guides. Open the Preferences editor
from the Edit menu or use the Alt-P
keyboard shortcut. In the Graphic environment
tab, click on Alignment guides. Check that the
Alignment Guide mode is enabled and select 30
to 45 in the list of suggested angles. The eight
possible angles are assigned to the corresponding
values. You can also activate the alignment
guides from the Control panel.
Validate.

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To work without Dynamic Geometry

To work with Dynamic Geometry

Drawing the bottle profile


Changing the Viewpoint:
Remember that the default working plane is the
orthogonal plane to which the orientation is
closest to the plane of the screen. You will
therefore need to go to a face view to be able to
draw the profile (press on the key 2).

Line drawing palette

Drawing the Profile:

1) Select the Line drawing

tool in the

construction palette.

2) Select the Curve,

tool in the Line

drawing palette.

3) Enter the first point. Then slowly move the

Alignment guide at
45 degrees

Last point created

cursor around this point. You will then see the


alignment guides appear when the position of
the cursor corresponds to one of the selected
angles. The last point entered is surrounded
by a green rectangle.

4) Place the cursor on the horizontal axis going


through the point. The cursor is then guided
by a line of 0 degrees. It becomes very easy to
follow this line. Move the cursor 1 cm to the
left of the first point and click.

5) Move the cursor 1 cm to the left and 1/2 cm


down. You will see a guide appear at 30
degrees. Click on this position.

6) Add a point 1/2 cm on the left.


7) Then go up vertically 8 cm.
8) Create a new point 1 cm above this.
9) Create a point 2 cm up and 1.5 cm to the right.
10)Create a last point 5 cm vertically above the
previous one.

11) The profile is finished. Validate.

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Draw the base of the circle


Changing the Viewpoint:
Remember that the default working plane is the
orthogonal plane to which the orientation is
closest to the plane of the screen. You will
therefore need to go to a top view in order to
draw the circle on the ground plane (press the key
5). The circle will be automatically located on
the plane where you created the last point, that is
to say on the top of the bottle. So that the circle
positions correctly compared to the profile, press
the left arrow key several times. The profile
can then be seen as a vertical line.
Drawing the Base circle:

1) Select the Line drawing

tool in the

construction palette.

2) Select the Circle

tool in the Line

drawing palette.

3) Select the from the base

option.
Position the center of the circle by clicking at
the center of the gradated axis in the graphic
window or by entering a value of (0,0,0) in
the parameters window.

4) Move the cursor and see the circle being


formed. It must be created along the vertical
axis.

5) Click to validate the radius when it is at 0.75


or enter this value directly in the numeric
window.

6) The tuner-cursor

shows that you can press


on the + or - keys of the keyboard to proceed
to set the number of points. As we are
working in NURBS mode, the number of
points is used for visualization only. Leave
the default value. Press Enter to validate.

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Line drawing palette

7) End by putting down Line drawing tool.


8) Go to a face view (press on the key 2).
Position the circle with the Snap/Align tool:
It can be necessary to reposition the circle if it
was not created exactly at the right place. To do
this, use the Snap/Align
tool.

1) Select the circle


2) Select the Snap/Align

tool

3) Click on a point of the circle nearest to the


profile.

4) Click on the highest point of the profile. The


circle is now placed correctly.

5) Release the tool.

Extruding the bottle


From the profile and the section, you can now
generate the bottles surface.

1) Select the circle by simply clicking on it.


2) Select

the Sweep
construction palette.

tool

in

the

3) This tool offers two options; choose the


Extruded sweep

option.

4) Click on the profile. The surface is created.


5) Two white circles appear at the two ends of
the surface. If you click on them, you can
close each opening independently.
Click on the bottom circle to close the bottom
of the bottle.

6) Validate by pressing Enter twice. Your


surface is created.

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Retouching the bottles shape


The Dynamic Geometry palette:
Since we are working with the Dynamic
Geometry (DG), Amapi Pro has kept a track of all
the steps of the modeling. You will observe this
by consulting the DG palette located on the left of
the screen:
Level 1 corresponds to the polylines of
control for the circle and for the NURBS
profile.
Level 2 corresponds to the NURBS circle and
to the NURBS profile.
Level 3 corresponds to the sweeping.

1) Click on the icon

of the DG palette to
display the polylines of control associated to
this dynamic geometry level. See right.

2) Click on the icon

of the DG palette to
display the NURBS curves of the profile and
the circle.

3) Click on the icon

of the DG palette to

display the sweeping.


Rectification of the profile:
Let us suppose that you are not completely
satisfied with the results obtained. We can
therefore rectify the profile.

1) Select the Stretch

tool (on the right-

hand side of the screen).

2) The tool proposes to you to work on the first


DG level by default.
A red frame indicates that this is the
Working level. In the graphic window,
Amapi Pro highlights the control shapes (the
circle and the sweeping profile).

3) Click on one of the points defining the


extrusion profile and move the cursor to

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deform it. You can see that Amapi Pro


reflects in real time the effects of this
deformation on the extruded final shape.

4) Click again to validate the new drawing.


5) Repeat these two last steps until you are
satisfied with the results obtained.

6) Release the Stretch tool.

Retouching the bottle neck


The aspect of the bottles neck is not quite
satisfactory. We would therefore like to modify
its shape but we did not define enough points on
the profile for that. We can therefore add control
points to the profile with the Tesselate tool.
Add points to the profile:

1) Click on the icon

of the DG palette to
display the NURBS profile and the NURBS
circle.

2) Click on the visibility icon on the line


corresponding to the extrusion in the dynamic
geometry palette
. This lets you hide the
surface to better see the control curves. This
icon appears only next to levels above the
selected level.

3) Click on the curve profile in the 3D space to


select it. It becomes the active object.

4) Select the Tesselate

tool in the modeling


palette. This tool, when it is applied to
NURBS objects makes it possible to add
control points or to set the tesselation
parameters. Red and yellow squares appear on
the profile.

5) Click on the profile four times to add


regularly spaced points to make the neck.

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6) Release the Tesselate tool. The profile now


has enough points to be able to modify the
bottles neck.

7) Release the tool.


8) Click on the visibility icon on the line
corresponding to the extrusion in the dynamic
geometry palette
. This lets you show the
surface.
Modeling the neck:

1) Select the Stretch

tool

2) While holding the Shift key down, click on


the first point and the third point which you
have just added to the base of the top of the
profile. The two points are displayed in red.
Only these two points will therefore be
affected by the action of the Stretch tool.

3) Release the Shift key.


4) Press the space bar to force the movement to
the horizontal axis. Click to begin the
modification, the profile becomes deformed
and this deformation is reproduced on the
bottle.

5) Click again when the shape is appropriate for


you.

6) Release the Stretch tool. The bottle is


finished!

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The selection accessories :


In the preceding action we did a multiple
selection by means of the Shift key in order to
select several of points. This action could have
been done differently by using one of the
selection accessories of the selection palette.
Select consists of pointing out the element(s)
concerned by the action you want to undertake.
These elements can be objects, facets, edges or
points.
The Amapi Pro tools act on all of the selected
elements (this is called the current selection).
The first line of icons in the selection palette lets
you to indicate the entity you want to select
(object, facet, edge or point).
The second line of icons allows you to indicate
the way in which you want to select: object by
object, with the assistance of the lasso or a
rectangle, 1 on N, by proximity or by angle.
To select the two points in the preceding exercise,
we could have used the object by object selection
accessory, in point mode, validating when the
selection was finished before stretching the points
thus selected.

Display in rendering mode


and save the file
1) Press the Enter key to display the object in
rendering mode.

2) To save your new creation, you will use the


catalog

, as in the previous exercise.

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6.4

Modeling a
mouse

This exercise shows the power and the speed


when modeling complex models with Amapi Pro.
This mouse will be made only with NURBS
surfaces, with the assistance of NURBS curves
and the Sweep, Manifold, Cut and
Chamfer tools.
This exercise supposes that you are accustomed
to doing basic manipulations with Amapi Pro
such as moving, scaling up or down, or rotating.
At the end of this exercise you will know how to:
Sweep,
Manifold,
Cut,
Chamfer

Preparing the scene


Make sure the scene is empty:
If you just carried out the preceding exercise,
objects remain displayed in the graphic window.
Press on the key combination Ctrl and Del to
remove them all.
Check that you are in NURBS mode:
Check, in the Control panel that the working
mode is set with NURBS
.

Drawing the construction


curves
1) First of all, you will draw the curves which
Curve 2

will help you build your mouse.

2) Go to a top view (press on the key 5) Click


on the Line drawing

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tool.

Curve 1

3) Click on the Curve

tool.

4) Draw the two first curves, and be careful that

Curve 4

they cross close to their ends.

5) Go to a face view (press on the key 2).

Curve 3

6) Draw the curve 3.


7) Go to a side view (press on the key 6).

Curve 2

8) Draw the curve 4.


Curve 1

Creating the construction


surfaces
Construction of the side surface
1) Click on the first curve to select it.

2) Then, click on the Sweep tool in the


modeling palette.

3) Click again on the selected curve to start the


dynamic sweep.

4) Your surface begins to be created, and follows


the cursors movement.

5) By briefly pressing the Space-Bar once, you


can force your extrusion to one axis or
another. Here, by pressing the Space-Bar
once, you will force the extrusion to the axis
y, that is to say the vertical axis.

6) Click to validate the extrusion.


7) Validate by pressing the Enter key three
times.

8) Create the second curve in the same way.


Construction of the upper surface
You now will define the surface of the top of the
mouse, using the two remaining curves.

1) Click curve 3 to select it.

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2) Then click on the Sweep tool


3) Click on the Swept tubing

.
option.

4) Click on the curve 4: your surface is


automatically generated. You should obtain a
result similar to the in our illustration.

5) Validate by pressing the Enter key twice.


Construction of the base surface

1) Select the Surface and volume primitives


tools palette, and select Grid.

2) Go to a top view (press on the key 5).


3) Draw the grid.
4) Go to a face view (press on the key 2).
5) Move the grid by using the Move tool

.
You should obtain a result similar to the in
our illustration.

Setting up the volume


You might have to move some surfaces. In order
for the Manifold tool to work, it is imperative
that the volume enclosed by your surfaces is well
closed. You should therefore obtain something
similar to the illustration on the right.

1) Select the Manifold tool.


2) Click on surfaces one after the other. They
will be progressively selected.

3) Validate with the Enter key: your volume is


created!

Rectification
1) Your mouses edges are a little sharp. We will
now soften them.

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2) Select the Chamfer tool

3) Click on all the edges of your mouse, which


then appear highlighted in red. You also can
use the
accessory which applies the
chamfer to all the edges.

4) With the + and - keys of the numeric keypad,


you can modify the radius of your chamfer.

5) When you are satisfied with the general


appearance of your mouse, validate with the
Enter key.

Adding a wheel
The wheel cavity

1) Select the Surface and volume primitives,


tool and create a little sphere.

2) Go to a face view (press on the key 2).


3) With the Scale tool, flatten the sphere on
the x axe.

4) Go to a side view (press on the key 4).


5) With the Scale tool, flatten the sphere on
the y axe.

6) With the Rotate tool, apply a light rotation


to it.

7) Place the flattened sphere on your mouse, so


that it intersects with the upper surface.

8) Click on the sphere to select it, then choose


the Cut (Boolean) tool.

9) Then click on the mouse, the sphere will


perforate the surface of the mouse.

10)With the assistance of the + and - keys, you


can alternatively review all the possible
operations between the two surfaces.

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11)When you get a result similar to the figure to


the right, validate with the Enter key.

12)Select the Sweep tool.


13)Click on the ellipse cut out in the surface of
the mouse: this is an edge, it appears in
yellow. In NURBS mode, the extrusion tool
can detect an edge and extrude it directly.
This is what we will do. As soon as you click
on this yellow ellipse, the surface is created.

Close up
view of the
wheel
cavity

Making the wheel


You then will add the wheel, by means of a
simple sphere.

1) Select the Surface and volume primitives,


palette, then Sphere.

2) With the Scale and Move tools, you will


flatten this sphere and place it in the correct
place.

Close up
view of the
wheel
during
construction

Creating the wire connection


Now, you will create the mouses wire
connection.

1) Select the Surface and volume primitives.


2) Select the Cylinder.
3) Create a small cylinder.
4) After having defined the shape of the
cylinder, Amapi Pro highlights the top and
bottom ends of the cylinder. Amapi Pro asks
you if you want an opened or a closed
cylinder. If you click on the ends, you will
close them, and this is what you will do here.
With the Rotate and Scale tools, place
this cylinder in the correct place.

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Close up
view of the
wire
connection

5) With this cylinder selected, pick up the Cut


(Boolean) tool and click on the body of the
mouse. You will get a cut out as on the right.

6) As you have previously done for the wheel


cavity, pick up the Sweep tool and click on
the yellow cercle which appears at the edge of
this hole to create a small surface which goes
towards the interior of the mouse. Validate by
pressing the Enter key.

Close up
view of the
wire
connection

Creating the wire


1) Now, select the Line drawing tool.
2) Draw a Curve which will be the path for
your wire.

3) Then use the Thickness/Offset,

tool and
simply determine the thickness of your wire
by pressing on the + and - keys.

Creating the ball cavity


1) You now will create the cavity for the mouse
ball. Pick up the Surface and volume
primitives tool again, and create a sphere.
Then place it so that it cuts into the lower part
of the mouse.

2) With the sphere selected, pick up the Cut


(Boolean) tool and click on the body of the
mouse: the cut-out is made immediately.

3) Just like for the other cavities which we used


on this mouse, pick up the Sweep tool and

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create this part with seven small mouse clicks.


NURBS curves having a natural tendency to
be curved, to obtain sharper edges on this
part, you will need to click twice as many
points that are closer together.

4) The new piece is now in place.


5) A simple sphere is added to make the mouse
ball

Adding feet
To improve this mouse, you may add four little
feet and a spot to stick on the brand.
To do this, 4 small closed and stretched cylinders
will be placed on the mouse body.
This is not necessary to create 4 feet, but only one
and then copy it with the Duplicate tool.

1) Now you know how to do this part: drill the


holes of the four feet one by one and the hole
for the brand.

2) In the selection palette click on the edges


selection accessory icon.

3) Select the four yellow edges corresponding to


the holes for the feet.

4) Then pick up the Sweep tool and validate


with the enter key. You have created all 4 feet
at the same time.

5) Do the same for the cavity for the brand.


6) Your mouse is finished!

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Rooms common principles

7
The Rooms, Palettes and Tools

7.1

The Rooms
In order to reduce the number of tools visible at the same time on the
screen, Amapi Pro divides the main functions into three groups called

Rooms.
To toggle from one to the other, click on the icon showing the desired room:
The Modeling room which allows you to build, model and assemble the objects (See
Modeling room on page 237).

The Rendering room to set the materials and the lights (See Rendering Room on
page 421).
The Catalog room where you can record the objects or the scenes (See The
Catalog on page 443).

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7.2

The Tools palettes

7.2.1

Three Tools palettes and a Basic toolkit

Each room offers different functions called Tools.


The tools of the modeling room have been dispatched in
specialized groups of tools called Tools palettes.
Amapi Pro will display only the tools needed for each
step of work. This is why they have been divided into
three different groups. Each group, called Palette,
corresponds to a modeling step:

Construction
palette

The Basic toolkit


The Construction palette
The Modeling palette
The Assembly palette

Modeling
palette

Assembly
palette

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7.2.2

Two interfaces

Amapi Pro proposes two possible interfaces to display the modeling room tools:
The Toolbox interface has
the advantage of being familiar
as it permanently displays all
the tools.
Amapi Pro displays four palettes corresponding to the three
tools palettes and the basic
toolkit.

The Tools palette interface is particularly suited for 3D modeling as it closely


mirrors the natural movement of the
designer in front of his table or of the model
maker in front of his workbench.
Amapi Pro will display only one tools
palette at a time, placing at your disposal
only the group of tools likely to be useful.
The Basic toolkit will be displayed
permanently.
You will have two methods to switch from
a tools palette to the other:
by simply sweeping the cursor to the right
hand side of the screen out of the window
and then moving it back towards the center
of the screen.
by clicking on the number sequence of the
tools palette.
Construction Palette
Modeling palette
Assembly palette

You will be able to change this preference in the Preferences editor> User interface>
Palettes display> Toolbox (see details on page 456).
By default, Amapi Pro displays the tools palettes on the right side of the screen. Its also possible
to display them on the left side.
Preferences editor> User interface> Miscellaneous> Right-handed palettes display (see
details on page 456).

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7.3

Using tools

When to pick up a tool?


A tool works on the current selection or on the selected objects (See The concept of
selection on page 147). It is often better to make the selection before picking the tool,
although it is possible to change the selection while using the tool.
To pick up a tool, just click once on the icon which depicts the tool.
You will be able to pick up a tool from a tools palette only if there is not another tool in use.
If a tool is in use, you will have to release this tool (see details on page 80) in order to be
allowed to pick up a new tool.
If you choose the Toolbox interface (See Two interfaces on page 79):
All the tools of the workshop are permanently at the disposal of the user, you will therefore
be able to pick up a new tool from any one of the four palettes (the three tools palettes and
the basic toolkit) at any moment.
If you choose the Tools palette interface (See Two interfaces on page 79):
You might have to change the tools palette before picking up a tool.
On the other hand, you will be able to pick up a tool from the basic toolkit at any moment. In
this case, the selection of a tool from the kit will automatically validate the tool in progress.

How to pick up a tool?


Click on the icon showing the tool in the palette.

How to use a tool?

A tool is organized into a sequence of steps.


At each step, it is possible to tune some parameters (See The Parameters on
page 161). After validation, the tool switches to the next step.
Some tools offer several working methods. They are called tool options (See The tools
options and accessories on page 83).
Accessories are compliments to tools. They allow you specific -but not essentialoperations (See The tools options and accessories on page 83).
Amapi Pro can display a detailed help message explaining how to use the tool (See The
Help on page 205).

How to end a tool action?


By validating the action (Enter key)
Press the Enter key to validate an action. The tool will be automatically released and the
user will be able to continue his work with another selection and another tool.

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By releasing the tool


The tool will be released by hitting the right side of the screen with the cursor. The user will
be able to continue his work with another selection and another tool.

By selecting another tool


When selecting another tool, the current tool action is automatically validated.

By cancelling (Escape key)


It is possible to press the Escape key at anytime while using a tool. This action releases the
tool and cancels the tool action. The scene will remain the same as before picking up this
tool.

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8
The tools options and accessories

When a tool is selected, Amapi Pro proposes, in a reserved area, a series of icons showing
the available options and accessories.
These are:

The tool options (see details on page 84).

The tools options and accessories (see details on page 83).

Current
tool icon

Group of
options

Accessory

These options and accessories are proposed to the


user as a palette which can be repositioned. The
first icon of this palette depicts the current tool.

This options and accessories area can be hidden to free up more space for the graphic
workspace.
SeePreferences editor> User interface> Palettes display> Tools options and accessories
display support area (see details on page 455).

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8.1

The tool options

8.1.1

What is a tool option?

Tools are organized as a sequence of steps. Some of these steps allow you to select between
several working methods or computing options. These methods or options are displayed on
the top right of the graphic workspace.
Some options can change the behavior and/or the number of steps:

From the base:


At the first step of this method, the tool asks you to enter the
base point of the sphere, the diameter will then be set at the second
step.

Diameter

In the following example, passing from one method-option to the other modifies the
behavior of the tool. The Sphere tool proposes two building methods:

From the center:


At the first step of this method, the tool asks you to enter the
center point of the sphere, the radius will then be set at the second
step.

Radius

base

Center

Other options do not change the behavior or the number of steps.


Let's pick up the Sphere tool example again:

Pole sphere
(default option)

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Geodesic sphere
based on a cube

Geodesic sphere
based on
an icosahedron

Geodesic sphere
based on
an octahedron

8.1.2

Selecting an option

For each tool step, there is always a default option. There are several methods for selecting
another option:

By clicking on the icon showing the desired option.


This operation can be done at any step while using the tool

It is possible to toggle quickly from one option to the other by pressing both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys. This operation can be made only when the options group is
highlighted as the current options group.

8.2

Tool accessories

Accessories are not essential to the tools but are useful add-ons. They let you perform
particular operations, such as:
Set a reference point
Several tools use a reference point. The rotation center, the reference point in the
scale tool or for a symmetry axis are examples of reference points. Amapi Pro sets
them to a default position. The reference point accessory allows the user to set it.
Apply to all
Several tools have an Apply to all accessory to apply the current operation to all
elements. You can therefore automatically generate an action to close all facets,
group all displayed entities or apply a chamfer to an entire current object in just one
operation. The shortcut is the A key.
Modify a particular parameter
Some tools offer parameter setting accessories, such as the spread accessory in the
Wrap tool which allows you to spread the projected surface in or out.
Turn off an action
Some tools have accessories that turn off a particular action.

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9
The graphic environment

The user will work on the orthonormal base visualized as three gradated axis (see details
on page 88).
The working plane, on which the modeling will be done, (see details on page 89) is defined
by the two axis the most parallels to the current view plane (see details on page 137).
To create points in 3D, the user only has the use of a 2D mouse (or equivalent). He or she
will therefore have to change the viewpoint to change the working plane (See The
Navigation on page 135).

The orthogonal planes visualization will help for the orientation in the 3D graphic
workspace (See The orthogonal planes on page 90).

Working plane

Working plane

z
x
z

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9.1

The orthonormal base

Only the two axis of the orthonormal base defining the current working plane are displayed
while using the tools. They let you make precise alignments and simple constraints.
Their color code is as follows: X (red), Y (green) and Z (blue).

9.1.1

The origin

It is possible to move the origin of the orthonormal base at any time during modeling.
This can be done by using the
tool Orthonormal base origin (see details on page 173)
located in the Control panel.

9.1.2

The gradations

Intervals can be set on the gradated axis of the orthonormal base.


The interval can be increased or decreased by clicking on the
(keyboard shortcut: +/-) keys.

assistant palette icons

The interval of the gradation can be customized in the preferences menu:


The interval on the half axis length display (Preferences editor> Graphic
environment> Rulers> Quarter axis (half-axis) (see details on page 461).
Amapi Pro proposes two kinds of axis gradation: the complete or the limited axis
gradation (Preferences editor> Graphic environment> Rulers> Quarter axis
gradation (see details on page 461).
The trihedron is a miniature representation of the orthonormal base to have a better
understanding of the 3D space. A preference allows you to select:
The location where it will be displayed (Preferences editor> Graphic environment>
Rulers> Axis (Trihedron) size (see details on page 462).
The trihedron size (Preferences editor> Graphic environment> Rulers> Display
2D axis (2D Trihedron).or Display 3D axis (3D Trihedron) (see details on page 461)

9.1.3

The constraints

It is possible to choose to snap or not to snap the cursor on the nodes of the virtual grid of
the axis gradation (See Snapping on page 192). The toggling is set by clicking on the
icon in the Control Panel.

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While editing, Amapi Pro allows you to set movement constraints along one axis. A
constrained movement allows you to restrict the action of the current tool on one of the two
axis or set the action direction (See Axis toggling on page 193).
The toggling is set by clicking on one of the
icon in the assistant palette (keyboard
shortcut: Space-Bar).
Amapi Pro proposes a series of Advanced constraints in a palette that the user can
choose to display or not by clicking on the toggle-icon integrated in the control panel.
(See Advanced constraints on page 194)
The Alignment guides tool allows you to create temporary alignment guides to
constrain the cursor while building 3D points. These guides are straight lines making
a singular angle (45 degrees, 90 degrees...) with the horizontal plane or a predefined
direction. These guides can be accumulated to allow singular line intersections. They can
also be oriented toward a specified axis. The control of these guides is entirely made with
the mouse. The guides disappear after each point created. The Alignment guides are
enabled by clicking on a toggle-icon in The Control panel. (See Alignment guides on
page 196)

9.1.4

The coordinates

The user can select to work in absolute mode, or in relative mode. (Preferences editor>
Units> Relative coordinates (see details on page 474).
Amapi Pro proposes to display or not to display the cursor coordinates along the axis
(Preferences editor> Graphic environment> Rulers> Local gradation (see details on
page 461).
The current parameter value can follow the cursor movement if selected (Preferences
editor> Graphic environment Cursor> Cursor-parameter display (see details on
page 463).

9.2

The working plane

The two axis the most parallel to the current view plane define the working plane, where
the modeling will be done. The target is to create points in 3D with a 2D mouse (or
equivalent). The user will have to change the viewpoint to change the working plane (See
The Navigation on page 135).

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Sometimes, it could be necessary to work in a plane other than the standard planes. To do
this, click on the
icon in the Control Panel to select a new working plane (See Scene /
orthonormal base toggling on page 171).
In some cases, it can be interesting to work on the projection plane of the current view. This
method might make it easier to arrange objects in complex operations. To reach this, click on
the
icon in the Control Panel (See Working in the view plane on page 169).

9.3

The orthogonal planes

The orthogonal planes displaying (xy), (xz) and (yz) can be useful for a better orientation in
the 3D graphic workspace. Specific preferences allow you to customize the display.
It is also possible to map images in these planes to:

Make a support for drawing construction curves


It is possible to map an image of the object to be modelled on each plane, taken from two
different angles. Then, one would use the drawing tools to draw the object outlines on
each of the three planes. These curves can then be used to build the object in 3D.

Place scenery to make an environment for the current scene.

(Preferences editor> Graphic environment> Orthogonal planes).

Construction of an object from its image projected onto the orthogonal planes.

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10
The objects

10.1

The Types of objects

There are two kinds of objects: Curves and Surfaces / Volumes.


Each object created in Amapi Pro is represented graphically by curves or surfaces. This
representation is slightly different whether the object is a polyhedron or a NURBS so that
only the editable elements of the object are shown.

10.1.1

Curves

A curve is an object made up of one or several lines. There are several kinds of lines.
Generally, they are defined by a set of points. But some of them may include one or several
parameters. Lines can be drawn in two or three dimensions. Circles, arcs, rectangles,
polylines, NURBS or interpolated curves are examples of lines (See Line drawing on
page 277).
Simple curve: Object made up of only one unique line.
Connected curves: Connected curves are several curves, where a curve has one end exactly
superimposed with one end of another curve.
Composite curve: A composite curve is an object made up of a series of several lines with a
connection linking the ending points.

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10.1.2

Surfaces / Volumes

A surface is made up of a set of facets. They can be drawn in two or three dimensions. Tubes
and grids are examples of surfaces. Volumes are closed surfaces. Spheres and cubes are
examples of volumes.

10.2

Object names

Amapi Pro gives a default name to each object created by the user. The user can then change
this name at any time.

10.2.1

Default name

The object default name is given by the tool it was built from followed by a creation order
number (See The different levels of completion on page 126).
See the following example:

Step #1:
Step #2:
Step #3:
Step #4:
Draw a circle to be used Now, draw a path.
The section is extruded Then, the object is
as the section.
following the path.
smoothed.
The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name
is Polyline 1
is Polyline 2
is Sweeping 1
is Smoothing 1

10.2.2

Changing the object name

The user can change the name at anytime during modeling. The name change is done in the
parameter palette when no tool is being used (See Editing the parameters on page 162).

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Two cases can be defined:


The user works on the renamed object with a multi-operations tool. Some tools work on
several objects (i.e: Sweep, Cut...).
The generated object gets a default name.
See the following example:

Step #1:
Step #2:
Step #3:
Step #4:
Draw a circle to be used Now, draw a path.
The section is extruded Then, the object is
as the section.
following the path.
smoothed.
The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name
is Polyline 1.
is Polyline 2.
is Sweeping 1
is Smoothing 1
It is renamed Section It is renamed Profile by
by the user.
the user.

The user works on the renamed object with a one operand tool (except with dynamic
geometry). This is a tool works on only one object at a time (i.e: Smooth, Chamfer...):
The renamed object transfers its name to the generated object.
See the following example:

Step #1:
Step #2:
Step #3:
The user draws a circle to Now, he or she draws a The section is extruded
be used as the section. path.
following the path.
The objects default name The objects default name The objects default name
is Polyline 1
is Polyline 2
is Sweeping 1
It is renamed Vase by
the user.

Step #4:
Then, the object is
smoothed.
The objects keeps its
name Vase.

With Dynamic Geometry, the renamed objects will not transmit their name to the generated
object.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

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10.3

Open / closed objects

The difference between open objects and closed objects:

Open curve

Closed curve

Open volume: an open volume may have


one or several openings

Closed volume

10.4

Entity

Amapi Pro can works on the following entities:

object

facets

edges

points

The notion of group notion can be added to the


first four notions.
A group is an element made up of 1 to n objects.
A selected group has the same behavior as a
selection of several objects.
In this example there is:
- the small-cube object
- the Cylinder-cube group made up of two objects
(Cylinder and cube)
(See Group, Ungroup on page 186)

It is possible to customize the display of the entities:


Preferences editor> Scene display> Entities display (see details on page 465).

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10.5

Displaying the objects

Several display modes can be selected from the control panel.


The Wireframe mode
The Lit Wireframe mode
The Flat Solid mode
The WireShade Flat Solid mode
The Smooth Solid mode
The WireShade Smooth Solid mode

Display with transparency effect


Display without transparency
For more details, see Objects display (see details on page 180).
The display mode of NURBS is different whether the application NURBS mode is set to
polyhedral or NURBS. Polygonal or NURBS Models (see details on page 96):
When NURBS mode is on, points and edges cannot be edited, thus they are not
displayed.
A NURBS curve will be represented as a continuous curve.
Isoparametric curves, contours and trimming curves will appear on NURBS surfaces.
When NURBS mode is off, points and edges are displayed on NURBS curves and
surfaces. They can be used as reference points or edges for building new objects.
However, they are not fully editable.
(See The NURBS models on page 98)

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10.6

Polygonal or NURBS Models

Amapi Pro allows you to build curves, surfaces or volumes with either a polygonal or a
NURBS method.
It is important to understand the fundamental difference between these two kinds of models
in order to select the construction mode which best fits the project.
Polygonal modeling is fast and well adapted to modeling low resolution organic shapes used
for illustration, video games, architecture.
NURBS modeling allows you to create mathematically exact curves or surfaces independent
of resolution. Although NURBS surfaces are more difficult to manipulate than polyhedral
shapes, NURBS provide the accuracy necessary to the CAD or even CAM process.
Most of Amapi Pros tools work in both modes almost transparently.
The Polyhedral models (see details on page 97).
The NURBS models (see details on page 98).
Amapi Pro allows you to transform models NURBS to Polygons and inversely (see details
on page 105).

10.6.1

Change the construction mode

The construction mode defines:


The type of model to build (Polygonal or NURBS Models).
The display mode (see details on page 95)
The entity selection mode (See Selection on page 147)
The default working mode is the global construction mode (for all objects and tools).
The user can change the construction mode while using a tool. This will be a local construction mode.
Local switching will be done by clicking on the toggle-icon displayed in the tool option
panel of the tool that propose this option.
Global switching can be done:
By clicking on the construction mode icon in the control panel. Polygonal or
NURBS Models (see details on page 96).
From the Tools menu.
By using the Crtl-B shortcut.
A global switch while using a tool also forces the switch of the local mode.
Some tools create objects from existing objects. The result of such tools will be a NURBS only if
the original objects are NURBS and if the construction mode is NURBS.

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10.6.2
10.6.2.1

The Polyhedral models


What is a polyhedral model?

A Polyhedral model is defined by a set of editable points, depicting the object topology.
A polygonal curve is defined by a set of points connected by edges.
A polyhedral surface is a set of adjacent planar polygonal facets. Each facet is delimited by
its edges. Each edge is defined by its two points.
An edge cannot belong to more than two facets. In such a case, the object is called
degenerated.
Each entity (point, edge or facet) can be edited directly. They can be moved, removed or
split (edges and facets).

Polygonal curve

10.6.2.2

Polygonal Surface

Create a polygonal model

The user will select the polygonal mode when starting to draw curves or to build
surfaces or volumes (See Change the construction mode on page 96).
The tool will generate only one Dynamic Geometry level (See Dynamic Geometry (DG)
on page 109).

10.6.2.3

Edit a polygonal model

In edit mode, the user will work directly on the points, edges or facets describing the object.

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10.6.3
10.6.3.1

The NURBS models


What is a NURBS model?

A NURBS (Non Uniform Rational B-Spline) model is a parametric curve or surface defined
by control points, a nodal sequence and a degree. The curve or surface is automatically
tesselated to give a smoothed shape. This shape is not editable. While moving the points of
the control shape, the smoothed curve or surface aspect will change. This kind of model is
very often used in CAD/CAM because it allows you to create exact surfaces.
The tesselation is an operation consisting in creating a polygonal or polyhedral
representation of the theoretical NURBS model. This operation is performed automatically
in two cases: during display (because graphic languages are not able to display NURBS) and
during export to file formats which do not support NURBS. A tesselation occurs also when a
NURBS model is converted to a polyhedral model by hand.

NURBS curve and its control line

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NURBS surface and its control grid

10.6.3.2

NURBS Curve

A NURBS curve is defined by its control points, a degree and a nodal sequence.
Control points are a set of 3D points created
by the curve creation tool. They act like magnets on the curve, but the curve does not pass
though these points (except for the first and
last points and when the degree is 1). The
curves shape can be changed by moving the
control points.

The degree of a NURBS curve is linked to


the number of control points having an effect
on the curve at a given position. It defines the
number of nodal points. A degree of 1 gives a
broken line going through the control points.
A degree of 3 gives a smoother curve moving
slightly away from each control point. The
higher the degree, the lower the influence of
each control point. The curve will therefore be
smoother as it moves away from the control
points.

Control points (user defined)


control polyline
NURBS curve

Control points (user defined)


NURBS curve of degree 1
NURBS of degree2
NURBS of degree 3

The nodal sequence defines the influence of each control point on the curve. During the
curve creation, all points have the same influence except the first and last points. By adding
a nodal point to the sequence, the curve can be adjusted locally or breaks can be added. Adding nodal points can be done using the Polygonal or NURBS Models (see details on
page 96) tool..
Control points
Curve with 4 nodal knots
Deformed Curve with 4 nodal knots

Control points
Curve with 5 nodal knots
Deformed Curve with 5 nodal knots

Stretched
control
point

Stretched
control
point

Stretching the same NURBS curve with different nodal knots gives different result.

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The NURBS curve display mode depends on the global operating mode Polygonal or
NURBS Models (see details on page 96).
When the global operating mode is
NURBS, a NURBS curve is represented by a
smoothed line. As opposed to polygonal lines,
points are not displayed on NURBS curves. In
fact, the NURBS curve can be evaluated by
every point of its curve.

When the global operating mode is Polyhedral, points are displayed on NURBS curves.
Nodal points
These points can be used as construction
Intermediate points
points for other operations but cannot be
edited directly. The number of points displayed depends on the range parameter
defined during the curve creation. The range
is the number of edges displayed between two
nodes (see details on page 293). The
Smooth tool can be used to change the
range of the curve and thus to change the
number of points displayed.
(See Tesselation parameters of NURBS objects on page 104).
The range is used only for :
Transforming a NURBS curve into a polygonal curve.
Displaying the curve.
Exporting the curve to polygonal formats.
Collapsing dynamic geometry.

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10.6.3.3

NURBS Surface

A NURBS surface is defined similarly to a NURBS curve by its control points, a degree and
a nodal sequence.
A NURBS surface is always defined by a
rectangular control point grid. This grid is
deformed to fit the desired shape. Control
points act like magnets on the NURBS surface. By moving control points, the NURBS
surface can be deformed but the surface does
not pass through the control points (except for
extremities and when the degree is 1).
Obviously a grid cannot represent every type
of surface. Contours and holes are created by
projecting curves on the NURBS surface.
These curves are called trimming curves.
Amapi Pros cut tools are used to manually
create these trimming curves. Several tools
will automatically create the contours and
trimming curves on a surface.

Control points grid

NURBS Surface

Trimming hole

The degrees of a NURBS surface are linked


to the number of control points that have an
effect on the NURBS surface for any given point. There are two degrees: one for the U
direction of the control point grid, the other for the V direction of the control point grid. This
defines the number of nodal points. A degree of 1 gives a broken line going through the control points. A degree of 3 gives a smoother curve moving slightly away from each control
point. The higher the degree, the lower the influence of each control point and thus the curve
will be smoother as it moves away from the control points.
The Nodal sequence defines the influence of each control point on the surface. There are
two knot vectors: one for the U direction of the control point grid and one for the V direction
of the control point grid. At creation time, all the points have the same influence on the surface except border points. By adding a nodal point to the sequence, the curve can be adjusted
locally or breaks can be added.

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The NURBS surface display mode depends on the global operating mode Polygonal or
NURBS Models (see details on page 96).
When the global operating mode is
NURBS, a NURBS surface is represented by
a smoothed surface delimited by contour lines
and two central isoparametric curves, allowing you to best view the surface shape. Only
the contours can be edited. Isoparametric
curves cannot be edited. As opposed to polyhedral surfaces, tesselation points and edges
are not displayed on NURBS surfaces.

Isoparametric curves

When the global operating mode is Polyhedral, points and edges are displayed on
NURBS surface. These points and edges can
be used as construction entities for other operations but cannot be directly edited.
The number of points and edges displayed
depends on the range parameter defined during the curve creation. The range is the number of edges displayed between two nodes
(see details on page 293). The Smooth tool
can be used to change the range of the surface and thus to change the number of points displayed.
(See Tesselation parameters of NURBS objects on page 104).

The range is used only for :


Transforming a NURBS curve into a polygonal curve.
Displaying the curve.
Exporting the curve to polygonal formats.
Collapsing dynamic geometry.

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10.6.3.4

BREP: watertight surfaces and volumes

A BREP (Boundary Representation) is an object made up of one or several NURBS surfaces


and topological links corresponding to the borders and intersections of these surfaces. A
BREP can be open or closed.
BREPs are useful for representing contiguous surfaces defining watertight or crack-free
assemblies. This property allows you to export objects to CAD/CAM systems. Several
Amapi Pro tools can create BREPs.
In fact, every NURBS surface in Amapi Pro is contained in a BREP.

Example of BREP.
The BREP display is not crack free. Holes may appear near the intersection of NURBS
surfaces of a BREP. Representing a crack-free BREP requires adapting the tesselation to the
current view. This action is time consuming and will significantly impact overall display
performance.
BREPs with more than one face cannot be edited like simple NURBS surfaces. In fact,
editing the control points of the contained NURBS surfaces would require recomputing the
topological links. This process is very time consuming, so it cannot be made in real time. Editing
the control points of a BREP requires dissociating its faces first.

10.6.3.5

Create a NURBS model

The user will select the NURBS mode when starting to draw curves or to build
surfaces or volumes (See Change the construction mode on page 96).
The tool will generate two Dynamic Geometry levels corresponding to the object and its
control shape (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

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10.6.3.6

Edit a NURBS model

A NURBS is controlled by a control shape which is a polyline for a curve or a grid for a
volume.
This control shape level is just under the NURBS level in Dynamic Geometry hierarchy (see
details on page 109). This level will be used to edit a NURBS object.
The object deformation will follow the control shape modifications.
The difference with the polygonal editing is that in NURBS mode the user doesnt work on
the object itself, but on its control shape.

Stretch a point
on a polygonal object

Stretch a point on the control shape


of a NURBS object
(in NURBS mode)

Nodal knots can be inserted, degrees can be changed and breaks can be created using the
tesselation tool..
BREPs with more than one face cannot be edited like simple NURBS surfaces. Actually,
editing the control points of the contained NURBS surfaces would require recomputing the
topological links. This process is very time consuming, so it cannot be made in real time. Editing
the control points of a BREP requires dissociating its faces first.

10.6.3.7

Tesselation parameters of NURBS objects

NURBS objects have several tesselation parameters used for display, transformation to
polygonal objects and export to polygonal files formats. Two tesselation modes are available
for the surfaces:
Standard NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 370) with constant subdivisions
which creates regular polygons which are independent of the surface curvature. This
method is fast but does not keep the connection between adjacent surfaces. We say that it
is not crack-free. We set a range in U and V which corresponds to the number of created
points between two nodal values. This is the default mode.
Adaptive NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 371) (crack-free) which creates
more polygons with strong curvatures and respects criteria for precise tolerance. This
method is slower than the preceding one but of better quality and the resulting surfaces
are crack-free. You can set several parameters such as the maximum chord distance

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between the theoretical surface and generated surface in order to guarantee a good surface approximation. You will also be able to specify geometric conditions defining the
general shape of the polygons created in order to obtain the most regular meshes possible.
You can set the default tesselation and its parameters to create objects in Amapi Pro (See
Preferences editor on page 451). You will also be able to configure tesselation parameters
for independent export. This will allow you to adapt the precision of the tesselation to the
export type. The tesselation of each object can be individually set with the Tesselate (see
details on page 367) tool.

10.6.3.8

Transform a Polyhedral model into a NURBS model /


a NURBS model into a Polygonal model

Transform a NURBS model into a Polyhedral model


It is possible to transform a NURBS model into a polygonal model by collapsing its
Dynamic Geometry (See Collapsing a model built from NURBS on page 120). This
tesselates the NURBS to create a polyhedral model by using the tesselation range.

Transform a Polyhedral model into a NURBS model


It is possible to transform a NURBS model into a polyhedral model by creating, for each
facet of the object, a NURBS surface while keeping the topological connections facet/edges
of the original surface. The resulting object is a BREP that can be used as input for complex
NURBS operations.
This action can be accessed from the object information dialog (See Information
on page 187)
If the object is a curve, Amapi Pro adds a Dynamic Geometry level corresponding to a 1
degree NURBS curve above the original curve.
If the object is a surface, the resulting object will be a BREP (see details on page 103) which
can then be used for any complex operation on NURBS.
When working in NURBS mode, all the basic primitives (cube, tetrahedron...) are all built
on this model.
This operation can be applied on DG operations such as boolean operations (See Cut on
page 354).
The tool and the Dynamic Geometry (DG) :
This tool adds a DG level to the object.
The "Convert to NURBS" function adds a DG level labeled "Converted".
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
When applied to objects with many facets, this action can be very slow and create objects that
are difficult to manage.

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10.7

The objects with a grid-structure


(Quad mesh)

An object with a grid-structure (Quad mesh) has been built from a deformed grid. This grid
can be open or closed.
A Grid structure object may be closed or not in U and/or in V:

Grid structure
not closed

Grid structure
closed in U
(Cylinder)

Grid structure
closed in V

Grid structure
closed in U and in V
(Torus)

The different kinds of closure can be:


The curves are closed in U or in V (such as Cylinder).
The curves are closed in U and in V (such as Torus).
The tools which generate grid-structure objects:
Cone (see details on page 266)
Cylinder (see details on page 267)
Bump/Soften (see details on page 385)
Sweep with Section and profile from curves (see details on page 310).

The tools which generate grid-structure objects create a first DG level labeled
Structure. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Grid

The Close tool allows you to edit the connections and closures of the grid-structure
objects (see details on page 401).
The editor tools, which modify the object topology, destroy its grid-structure (See Behavior
of the tools regarding the DG on page 128).

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10.8

The clones

In some tools (Duplicate and Symmetry...) Amapi Pro gives you the opportunity to
generate cloned objects.
Clones are strictly identical objects which refer to one and only one unique geometry.
Editing one of them automatically edits all of its clones.
The difference between cloned or non-cloned objects will be fundamental as you begin a
modeling operation.

Do not clone
Option
description

The tool generates independent


objects. Each object has its own
geometry (even if they are identical).

Clone
The tool generates objects which refer
to the same geometry.

Illustration

Non-cloned objects

Deforming a non-cloned object.


The other objects are not modified

Cloned objects

Deforming a cloned object.


All the clones will have the same warping

To extract a cloned object from a group of clones:


Cut the cloned object (Ctrl+X)
Paste the object (Ctrl+V) (This kind of copy never generates clones)

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11
Dynamic Geometry (DG)

11.1

The concept

Dynamic Geometry is a concept that increases the power and the flexibility of Amapi Pro.
Each step in the object's creation is saved. The user is able to edit any curve or surface it is
made up of. Amapi Pro will automatically reflect these changes up to the finished model.
These curves or surfaces can be viewed as control shapes.
Dynamic Geometry with a simple example:
Stretched
Point

Profile
Section

Step #1:
Step #2:
Draw two construction Extrude the section
curves.
along the profile.
Amapi Pro keeps the
construction curves.

Step #3:
Then smooth the
object.
Amapi Pro keeps the
extruded object.

Step #4:
If the result is not satisfying
enough, modify the shape of
the profile curve. This
modification automatically and
interactively updates the
extrusion and the smoothing.

A toggle-icon from the Control Panel allows you to choose to work with or without
Dynamic Geometry:
Work without Dynamic Geometry
Work with Dynamic Geometry

Amapi ProT M 109

If the user chooses not to work with Dynamic Geometry, he or she will be able to edit a
curve or a construction surface only after having cancelled all the modeling steps he or she
has performed since the creation of construction curves. He or she will have to resume his
work of modeling starting from this step.

Same example as above but, this time, without working with Dynamic Geometry:

Profile
Section

Step #1:
Draw two construction
curves

Step #2:
Extrude the section
along the profile.

Step #3:
Then smooth the
object.

Step #4:
If the result is not
satisfying enough,
modify the shape of the
profile curve. Cancel
the action of the two
last steps (Undo twice)
to find the construction
curves.

Stretched
Point

Step #5:
Modify the shape of the profile
curve.

Step #6:
Extrude the section along the
profile

Step #7:
Then smooth the object.

This short example shows how much DG can help to save time and improve quality and
efficiency, when applied to much more complex models.

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11.2

The DG Tree

11.2.1

The shapes hierarchy

When working with DG, Amapi Pro will record the modeling steps.
Dynamic Geometry can be represented as a tree where each node corresponds to an action
and each branch is an intermediate state of the final object (see details on page 126).

The root of this tree is the finished object.


All the branches correspond to the intermediate states.
The leaves are the control shapes.
The DG level indicates the height in this tree, the highest level being the root of the tree.

Example of the DG levels for the vase:


Tools used

Smooth

Level #3

Smoothing (finished object)

Sweep

Level #2

Sweeping (intermediate shape)

Polyline

Level #1

Polyline 1 (control shape)

Polyline 2 (control shape)

The default name of a shape depends directly on the tools it has been built with. It
corresponds to the name of its intermediate state followed by a number sequence. (See The
different levels of completion on page 126). Obviously the user will be able to rename
every shape (See Renaming a shape on page 116).

Amapi ProT M 111

In our example Amapi Pro named the shapes by default:


the first line (the section)

Polyline 1

the second line (the profile)


the shape resulting from
sweeping
the shape resulting from
smoothing

11.2.2

Polyline 2
the
the

Sweeping 1
Smoothing 1

The notion of path and current shape

The complexity of this tree representing the DG of an object will depend on the complexity
of the object. We will continue the example of the vase by adding a handle.

Step #1:
Draw a circle.

Step #2:
Add thickness.

Step #3:
Smooth the object.

In our example Amapi Pro names the shapes as follows:


the circle

Polyline 3

the thick shape

Thickness 1

the smoothed shape

Smoothing 2

the cut shape

Cut 1

(See The different levels of completion on page 126)

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Step #4:
Use of the Cut tool to
make a Boolean
operation on the two
objects (vase and
handle).

Here is the tree corresponding to Dynamic Geometry of the new object:

Level #4

Cut 1

Cut 1

Level #3

Level #2

Level #1

Smoothing
2
Smoothing 1

Smoothing 2

Sweeping 1

Thickness 1

Thickness
1

Current
selection

Polyline 3

Polyline 1

Polyline 2

Polyline 3

Current path
Other paths
In order to simplify the DG palette, Amapi Pro displays only the path of the tree passing
through the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147). It is called the
Current Path.
The shapes belonging to this path are called the Current Shapes.
In the above example, the current shape of level #2 is Thickness 1.

Amapi ProT M 113

For each level, the DG palette will display:

The sequence level number.


A graphic label allowing the user to recognize the state
of completion of the shape. (See The different levels of
completion on page 126)
The shape name of the current level.
In the preceding example the current selection is
"Polyline 3" (the circle controlling the construction of the
handle) The DG palette will display the corresponding path.

Label

Number sequence of
the level

Name of the shape

4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 2
2. Thickness 1
1. Polyline 3

If the current selection contains several objects belonging to


different paths, Amapi Pro will be unable to choose a
complete "Current Path". In such a case the DG palette will
display "Multi-Selection" instead of the name of the
current shape.
To illustrate this, we will suppose that, in the preceding
example, the shapes "Polyline 2" and "Polyline 3" are both
selected. Then the DG palette displays the corresponding
information.

4. Cut 1
3. Multi-Selection
2. Multi-Selection
1. Multi-Selection

The user can view the complete tree by opening the object information window by pressing on
the
icon from the control panel (See Dynamic Geometry tree on page 189).

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11.3

Manipulating DG

11.3.1

The DG palette

We saw that Dynamic Geometry is a tree where the root is the finished object and the leaves
are the control shapes (See The shapes hierarchy on page 111).
We also saw that in order to simplify the display, the DG palette represents only the path of
the tree passing through the current selection (See The notion of path and current shape on
page 112).
Label of
completion

Number sequence of
the level

Visible
Hidden

Name of the shape


Icons allowing to collapse the DG

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
Interactive display of the result.
Delayed display of the result.

Current level

Deletes the highest


level of DG

The DG palette corresponding to the vase example on page 111.

Available actions are;

Browsing the palette (see details on page 116)


Selecting the working level (see details on page 116)
Renaming a shape (see details on page 116)
Showing/Hiding a level (see details on page 117)
Collapsing the DG (see details on page 118)
Editing a DG level (see details on page 123)
Deleting the highest DG level (see details on page 125)
Displaying the result in interactive / delayed mode (see details on page 125)
The display of Dynamic Geometry palette can be controlled from this icon located in
the Control Panel (See Manage the optional palettes display on page 168).

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11.3.2

Browsing the palette

Amapi Pro does not limit the number of DG


levels but it displays only five levels at the same
time. In majority of cases this will be enough.
In rare cases when the user will have generated
generated more than five levels, the palette will
always display:
the first and the last levels (in the example the
1st and 7th)
and three intermediate levels (in the example
3rd, 4th and 5th).
A scroller allows you to go up or down in the
hierarchy.

11.3.3

7. Smoothing

5. Cut
4. Twist
3. Sweeping

1. Polyline

Selecting the working level

The working level, highlighted by a red frame, corresponds to the level the user is working
on. Available actions are:
Editing a DG level (see details on page 123).
Collapsing the DG (see details on page 118).
Renaming a shape (see details on page 116).
Amapi Pro always sets a default working level. The user will be able to select another level
by clicking on the label corresponding to the selected level.

11.3.4

Renaming a shape

The shape default name depends on the tools it was built with. It corresponds to the
finishing state followed by a number sequence (See The different levels of completion on
page 126).
The user will be able to change the name of the object during any step of modeling.
Editing the name is done in the parameter palette (See The Parameters on page 161).
Notice that the parameter palette displays the name of the shape at the current working level.

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To rename a shape, make sure that:

The shape to rename is the current shape


(See The notion of path and current shape
on page 112).
The working level is set at the level of the
shape to rename (See Selecting the working
level on page 116).

Editing the name is done in the parameters palette


(See Editing the parameters on page 162).

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
In this example the user can rename the
shape named by default Sweeping 1.
Name editing is done in the parameter
palette
Sweeping 1

11.3.5

Showing/Hiding a level

Amapi Pro displays by default, in the graphic workspace, the finished shape and the control
shape only (See Selecting the working level on page 116).
However, the user will be able to choose to hide or show intermediate shapes.
A toggle-icon allows you to switch on/off the visibility.
Visible level
Hidden level
If a real time display is selected, it should be noted that the fact of hiding one or more DG
levels can accelerate the display significantly.
If, for particularly complex objects, the user considers that the display time is still too long
he or she can change the display up to the tool validation stage (See Displaying the result in
interactive / delayed mode on page 125).

Amapi ProT M 117

Once more, let us take the example of the vase as seen on page 111:

The working (current) level is


the level #1 (it is highlighted).
Amapi Pro displays the first
and the last DG levels by
default.

It will often be interesting to


display
all
the
shapes
corresponding to the three
levels of DG.

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2

3.Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2

In some cases it could be


clearer to hide a level to
simplify the display. The user
chooses to hide the level #3 of
DG.

In this last example, the user


chooses to hide the levels #2
and #3 of DG in order to see
only the control shapes.

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2

11.3.6

Collapsing the DG

The user will be able to choose to collapse the DG on a portion of the current path. The
purpose of this operation is to make one of the intermediate shapes editable.
It removes the DG levels under the selected shape. The shape corresponding to this level
will simultaneously lose its dynamic characteristics and will become an editable control
shape (See The first level of finishing (control shapes) on page 126).
The user will indicate the level to collapse by clicking on the

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icon facing it.

11.3.6.1

Collapsing a Polygonal model

once more, let us take the example of the vase as seen on page 111:

1) All

the
objects
corresponding to the
three levels of DG are
displayed.
Only the curves of
level #1 are editable

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2

2) A DG collapse from
level #2 (Sweeping)
has been requested.
Level #1 (Polyline) is
removed.
The shape corresponding to Sweeping loses
its dynamic characteristics and becomes an
editable control shape
(Structure of a grid) of
level #1.

3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2
Clic

2. Smoothing 1
1. Sweeping 1

3) The DG has been collapsed from level #2


(Smoothing).
Level #1 (Structure of a
grid) is removed.
The shape corresponding to Smoothing loses
its dynamic characteristics and then becomes
an editable object
(polyhedral Volume).

2. Smoothing 1
1. Grid structure
Clic

1. Smoothing 1

Amapi ProT M 119

11.3.6.2

Collapsing a model built from NURBS

The shapes generated with NURBS tools have a particularity explained in the example
below.
We will use the example of a vase again. But this time, it will be made starting from a
section and a NURBS profile.
Note that, in this case, the control shapes of the NURBS curves are editable.

Sweeping 1

Level #3

Sweeping 1
(finished object)

NURBS
Curve 2

Level #2

NURBS curve 1
(intermediate shape)

NURBSNURBS curve 2
(intermediate shape)

Current
selection

Polyline 2

Level #1

Polyline 1
(control shape)

Current path
Other paths

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Polyline 2
(control shape)

Amapi Pro creates, for this type of object, a NURBS control polygon.
This NURBS control polygon does not appear in the DG tree.
The tree below represents the finished object (Sweeping 1) controlled by the control polygon
computed by Amapi Pro.

NURBS Volume 1 Level #2

Sweeping 1
(finished object)

Grid Structure 1

Level #1

Grid Structure 1
(control shape)

The only way to control the object with the control polygon is to collapse the DG. The
icon shows this possibility.

Amapi ProT M 121

We will illustrate this process with the preceding example:

1) All

the
objects
corresponding to the
three levels of DG are
displayed.
Only the curves of
level #1 are editable.

3. Sweeping 1
2. NURBS Curve 2
1. Polyline 2

2) A DG collapse from
level NURBS#3 has
been requested. Levels
#1 and #2 are removed
and replaced by a
NURBS surface. This
is the control shape of
the final object.

3. Sweeping 1
2. NURBS Curve 2
1. Polyline 2
Click

2. Sweeping 1
1. Grid-structure

3) Now, it is possible to
collapse the NURBS
surface by clicking on
the level corresponding
to NURBS surface
(level #2).
Amapi Pro
removes
level #1 and the
NURBS Surface is
transformed into a
polyhedral
Surface
(editable
finished
object).
This second collapsing
deletes the NURBS
properties of the object.

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2. Sweeping 1
1. Grid-structure
Click

1. Sweeping 1

11.3.7

Editing a DG level

It is very important to understand that only the lowest level of DG (level #1) is completely
editable by the editing tools. The higher levels carry out topological modifications. Their
effects will be reflected in all the higher levels and to the clones (See The clones on
page 107). The Stretch, Mold, Weld, Rotate, Scale and Delete tools are
examples of editing-tools. (See Behavior of the tools regarding the DG on page 128).
To edit another level, the user will have to collapse the DG. The shape corresponding to this
level will simultaneously lose its dynamic attributes and will become an editable control
shape (See Collapsing the DG on page 118).

1) Only the curves of


level #1 are editable. In
the example, polyline 3
(construction circle of
the handle) is scaled.
The effects of the
editing is automatically
applied to the finished
objects.

2) A DG collapse from
level #4 (Cutting) has
been requested. The
level #1, #2 and #3 are
removed. The shape
corresponding
to
Smoothing loses its
dynamic attributes and
then
becomes
an
editable finished object
(polyhedral Volume).

4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 2
2. Thickness 1
1. Polyline 3

Editing of the circle with


the Scale tool

4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 2
2. Thickness 1
1. Polyline 3
Click

1. polyhedral Vol

Editing of the finished object with


the Mold tool

Amapi ProT M 123

The Snap/Align, Rotate, Scale and Move tools can edit a shape at any level of
DG.
Once more we will use the example of the vase. This time we will consider that the "current
selection" is the shape Polyline 1. The DG palette will thus display a different "current path"
(see below).

3) Only the curves of


level #1 are editable.
The user clicks on the
DG level #2 so that it
becomes
"current
level".
The shape Sweeping 1
becomes thus editable.
It is automatically
made visible.

4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 1
Click

4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 1

4) The user then asks to


scale
the
shape
Sweeping 1 vertically.
The
Scale
tool
applies a scaling to the
entire
Sweeping 1
shape.
The effect of the
scaling is automatically
applied up to the
finished object.

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4. Cut 1
3. Smoothing 1
2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 1

Editing of level 2 of DG
with the Scale tool

11.3.8

Deleting the highest DG level

This icon in the


lower right corner of
the DG palette removes the
highest level of DG.

3. Smoothing 1
3. Lissage 1
2. Sweeping 1
2. Tubage 1
1. Polyline 2
1. Polyligne 2

Clic

2. Sweeping 1
1. Polyline 2

11.3.9

Displaying the result in interactive / delayed


mode

When a shape is being edited by a tool such as the Stretch tool, Amapi Pro updates all
the levels of DG for any mouse event. For complex objects, this real time update may
become too slow. The following toggle-icon delays the updating until the first mouse release
event:
Interactive display of the result
Delayed display of the result

Interactive
display of the

Before
transformation

While
transforming

After validation
of the transformation

Delayed display
of the result

Before
transformation

While
transforming

After validation
of the transformation

Amapi ProT M 125

11.3.10 The different levels of completion


The levels of completion informs the user of the type of object it is handling. It depends
directly on the tools that object was built with. It is identified by a graphic "label" and the
"name".
The default name of an object depends directly on its state of completion (See Object names
on page 92).

11.3.10.1

The first level of finishing (control shapes)

Labels and wordings

Types of objects

Polyline

Rectangle / Square
Circle
Polyline
Helicoid
Extract Lines

Polyhedral Volume

Sphere
Cube
Tetrahedron
Octahedron
Icosahedron
Dodecahedron

(See The Polyhedral models on page 97)


Grid structure
(See The objects with a gridstructure (Quad mesh) on
page 106)

126

Cone
Cylinder
Bump/Soften
Grid

Text

Text

Deformation box

The objects being deformed with the Bend, Twist or Taper options
proposed in the Deform tool replace the DG of the object by a
Dynamic Geometry level corresponding to The meshed control box
editing accessories (see details on page 376)

Parameter(s)

Editable parameters.

Reference Manual

11.3.10.2

The intermediate levels of finishing

Labels and wordings

Types of objects

NURBS curve

Curve controlled by a polyline

Interpolated curve

Interpolated curve

Composite curve

Curves them by composite connections:


(See Composite (curve) on page 482)(See Close on page 400)

Arc

Arc

Sweeping

Object being extruded using the Sweep tool (Extrusion or Sweeping


option).

Double Sweep

Shapes obtained with the Double Sweep tool starting from a basic
section and two profiles.

Ruled Surfaces

Ruled Surface

Coons Surfaces

Coons Surface

Gordon Surfaces

Gordon surface

Manifold Volume

Object obtained with the Manifold tool, starting from NURBS surfaces
which delimits the future volume.

Deformation

Objects being deformed with the Deform tool.

Smoothing

Objects being smoothed with the Smooth tool.

Chamfer

Result of one of the chamfers proposed by the Chamfer tool.

Bending

Object bent with the Bend tool.

Thickness

Object thickened with the Thickness/Offset tool and the Give a


thickness option.

Cut

Object changed by an operation of cutting with the Cut tool.

Height field

Object transformed with the Bump/Soften tool.

Group

Objects grouped with the Group tool located in the Control panel.
A group will always be at the highest level of DG.

NURBS Volume

NURBS shape obtained by DG collapse of a shape built starting from


NURBS curves.

Poly-NURBS

NURBS shape which can be manipulated like a polyhedron.


The platonic NURBS (Tetrahedron, Dodecahedron, Octahedron
and Icosahedron) and the polyhedral objects transformed in NURBS
(see details on page 105) generate a Poly-NURBS DG level.

Multi-Selection

If there are two selections not belonging to the same path, Amapi Pro is
not able to choose a complete "current path". In such a case the DG
palette will display "Multi-Selection" labels.

Amapi ProT M 127

11.3.11 Behavior of the tools regarding the DG


Overview of the behavior of the tools regarding Dynamic Geometry for each palette.

There are five categories of tools:

The tools that add a DG level.


For example all the tools of the construction palette add a DG level.
Some tools can insert a DG level between two existing levels.
The Smooth, Chamfer, Bump/Soften tools add a DG level.

The tools that transmit the DG to the generated object.


Duplicate, Symmetry are examples of tools which transmit the DG.

The tools which edit the 1st DG level.


The edit-tools carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at the
higher levels and to the clones.
Snap/Align, Delete, Mold, Weld, Rotate, Close, Scale and Stretch tools
are examples of edit-tools.
Snap/Align, Rotate and Scale tools edit the entire shape at any level of DG.
(See Editing a DG level on page 123).

The tools which preserve the DG.


Move and Lay on tools modify only the position of the shape, they thus do not make
any topological modifications. They can be applied to any DG level. Their effects will be
reflected at the higher levels.

The rare tools which collapse the DG (See Collapsing the DG on page 118).
Decimate and some functions proposed by the Information tool are DG collapsers.

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11.3.11.1

The tools of the construction palette


Tools

Generates a DG level
Labels and wording

Other behaviors

Surface and volume primitives


Polyhedral Cube
Polyhedral Cube

polyhedral volume

NURBS Cube

Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume

NURBS Pole-Cube

NURBS Volume
Grid structure

Sphere
Polyhedral pole-sphere

polyhedral volume

NURBS pole-sphere

NURBS volume
polyhedral volume

NURBS geodesic Sphere

not available

Cone
Polyhedral Cone

polyhedral volume

NURBS Cone

NURBS volume
Grid structure

Cylinder
Polyhedral Cylinder

polyhedral volume

NURBS Cylinder

NURBS volume
Grid structure

Tetrahedron
Polyhedral Tetrahedron

polyhedral volume

NURBS Tetrahedron

Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume

Octahedron
Polyhedral Octahedron

polyhedral volume

Amapi ProT M 129

NURBS Octahedron

Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume

Icosahedron
Polyhedral Icosahedron

polyhedral volume

NURBS Icosahedron

Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume

Dodecahedron
Polyhedral Dodecahedron

polyhedral volume

NURBS Dodecahedron

Poly-NURBS
polyhedral volume

Bump/Soften

Grid structure

Grid
Grid polyhedral

Grid structure

Grid NURBS

NURBS volume
Grid structure

Text

Text

Line drawing
Rectangle / Square
Polyhedral Rectangle / Square

Polyline

NURBS Rectangle / Square

NURBS curve
Polyline

Circle
Polyhedral Circle

Polyline

NURBS Circle

NURBS curve
Polyline

Arc

Arc
Parameter(s)

Polyline

Polyline

Polyhedral Polyline

Polyline

NURBS Polyline

NURBS curve
Polyline (of control)

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Curve

NURBS curve
Polyline (of control)

Interpolated curve

Interpolated curve
Polyline (of control))

Helix

Polyline

Polyhedral Helix

Polyline

NURBS Helix
Connexion composite

Not available
Composite curve

Extract Lines
Polyhedral Extract Lines
NURBS Extract Lines

Polyligne
NURBS curve
Polyline (of control)

Extract Facets
Polyhedral Extract Facets

polyhedral volume

NURBS Extract Facets

NURBS Volume
Grid structure

Sweep

Sweeping

Double-Sweep

Double sweeping

Ruled Surface

Ruled surfaces

Coons Surface

Coons surfaces

Gordon surface

Gordon surfaces

Manifold

Controlled volume

11.3.11.2

The tools of the modeling palette


Tools

Generates a DG level
Labels and wording

Other behaviors

Deform
Stretch

Edits the 1st level of DG

Bend

Deformation

Twist

Deformation box

Replaces the DG of the


object

Taper

Amapi ProT M 131

Spherize

Deformation

Smooth

Smoothing*

Chamfer

Chamfer*

Replaces the DG of the


object

Thickness/Offset
Give a thickness

Thickness*

Create an offset copy


Cut

Transmits the DG
Cut

Tesselate

Edits the 1st level of DG

Delete
Bump/Soften

Height field*

Bend

Bending

Mold

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Edits the 1st level of DG

11.3.11.3

The tools of the assembly palette


Tools

Generates a DG level
Labels and wording

Other behaviors

Duplicate

Transmits the DG

Symmetry

Transmits the DG

Close

Edits the 1st level of DG

Weld
Weld objects

Edits partially the DG

Weld points onto an object


Edits the 1st level of DG
Weld points close to each other
Snap/Align

Edits the 1st level of DG


Can be applied on all the
levels.
Preserves the DG

Lay on

Can be applied on all the


levels.
Preserves the DG

Wrap

Projection

Unfold

Collapses the DG

Decimate

Collapses the DG

11.3.11.4

The tools of the basic toolset


Tools

Generates a DG level
Labels and wording

Other behaviors

Move

Can be applied to all the


levels.
Preserves the DG

Rotate

Edits the 1st level of DG


(Can be applied to all the
levels on the entirety of a
shape)

Scale

Edits the 1st level of DG


(Can act on all the levels
on the entirety of a shape)

Stretch

Edits the 1st level of DG

Amapi ProT M 133

11.3.11.5

The tools of the control panel


Tools

Generates a DG level
Labels and wording

Group, Ungroup

Group

Information : Convert to NURBS

Poly-NURBS

Other behaviors
A group will always be at
the highest level of DG

11.3.12 Error messages


11.3.13 The colour of the text labels
The colour of the text labels in the dynamic geometry panel
indicates warnings and errors on the corresponding shapes.
Error: The shape contains build errors and is not valid.
Warning: The shape contains some build warnings.
OK: The shape is correct

11.3.13.1

If Amapi Pro cannot build the geometry

When an error occurs, if


Amapi Pro cannot build the
geometry, an error symbol
and an error message are
displayed
as
in
the
following example:

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12
The Navigation

Amapi Pro allows you to work on a model from any viewpoint at any time. The user will
appreciate how easy it is to move around the scene: rotating around objects, zooming in and
out on specific details.
Amapi Pro offers several interfaces giving access to different navigational functions
The Navigation Palette (see details on page 136)
The keyboard navigation (see details on page 142) (keyboard only or keyboard+mouse
combination).
Some navigation functions are not available in both interfaces!
See the following table for details
The
Navigation
Palette
(see details on page 136)

The
keyboard
navigation
(see details on page 142)

Viewpoint

(see details on page 137)

View All

(see details on page 139)

(see details on page 142)

View Detail

(see details on page 140)

(see details on page 142)

View Selection

(see details on page 142)

Zoom In / Out

(see details on page 140)

(see details on page 145)

Rotate around the scene

(see details on page 141)

(see details on page 143)

Pan the scene

(see details on page 141)

(see details on page 144)

Make a direct viewpoint change

(see details on page 142)

Amapi ProT M 135

12.1

The Navigation Palette

The Navigation Palette will allow you to see the scene from any viewpoint.
This palette allows you to:
Set a viewpoint (see details on page 138)
Record the current viewpoint (see details on page 138)
Recall a viewpoint (see details on page 139)
Delete a viewpoint (see details on page 139)
View All (see details on page 139)
View Detail (see details on page 140)
Zoom In / Out (see details on page 140)
Rotate around the scene (see details on page 141)
Pan the scene (see details on page 141)

With a little experience the user will probably prefer using the keyboards shortcuts to
navigate with (See The keyboard navigation on page 142). This will also let you
free up space in the graphic workspace (See Manage the optional palettes display on
page 168). This icon allows you to hide the navigation palette.

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12.1.1

Viewpoint

The Viewpoint is what the user can see. It is defined by the users eye position, the
target position and the orientation in 3D space.

The eye position is the point that the scene is viewed from.

The target point is the point the eye looks at. The Target Point is also the center of
rotation of the scene (when rotating the scene to change the viewpoint). It is also the
center point for zooming the scene in and out of the scene.
The Viewpoint tool allows you to set, record and recall a viewpoint.

The view plane is perpendicular to the eye - target point axis.


The view plane of the current view is projected onto the screen.
Field of de
view vision
Champ

View plane

observers
ileye
de
lobservateur

Object in scene
Out
of the field of view
Objet
composant
la
scne
Situ hors du champ
de vision

Objects of the scene


In the
field of view
Objets
composant
la
scne
Situs dans le champ
de vision
Target Point

P i t

Viewpoint definition

View seen from the above viewpoint

Amapi ProT M 137

12.1.1.1

Set a viewpoint

Setting the current viewpoint consists of positioning the eye and the target point. These
parameters can be set through the Eye and Target point options. Toggling from one to
the other option can be done through both the Alt and Space-Bar keys shortcut or by
simply clicking on the icon showing the desired option.

Parameters editable in the


graphic area
and parameter palette

Target point

Eye

x
y
z

x
y
z

The setting of the viewpoint is a tool to position the eye and the target point. This is different
from navigating (see details on page 142) which moves them.
Keyboard shortcut: key 7.

12.1.1.2

Record the current viewpoint

If a viewpoint is often used, it is possible to record it and to recall it when needed. Proceed
as follows:

1) Set the current viewpoint as desired. To do this use either The Navigation Palette (see
details on page 136), or The keyboard navigation (see details on page 142), or use the
Viewpoint tool for more precision (See Set a viewpoint on page 138)

2) When ready, set the cursor on the Viewpoint icon in the control panel.
Click on the right mouse button.

3) Click on Save to record the current viewpoint. Amapi Pro saves the viewpoints with
the name view followed by a number.
Keyboard shortcut: validate with Ctrl Enter.

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12.1.1.3

Recall a viewpoint

To recall a saved viewpoint (See Record the current viewpoint on page 138):

1) Set the cursor on the Viewpoint icon in the control panel.


Click on the right mouse button.
The list of the saved viewpoints will be displayed.

2) Slide the cursor over the name of the viewpoint to be recalled and click. Amapi Pro will
automatically display the scene from this viewpoint.
Keyboard shortcut: keyboard shortcuts are automatically created to access each viewpoint:
Ctrl+0 to see the scene from the first viewpoint in the list.
Ctrl+1 to see the scene from the second viewpoint in the list.
and so on

12.1.1.4

Delete a viewpoint

Viewpoints can be deleted as follows:

1) The viewpoint to be deleted must be the current one (see details on page 139).
2) Set the cursor on the Viewpoint icon in the control panel.
Click on the right mouse button.

3) Click on: delete to eliminate this viewpoint.

12.1.2

View All

This function recalculates the scene view, so that all objects are visible.

Before View all

After View all

View all automatically sets the target point position (See Viewpoint on page 137) at the
geometrical center of the scene.
Keyboard shortcut: key 0.

Amapi ProT M 139

12.1.3

View Detail

Use this function to zoom in a detail of the scene.


.

Before View Detail

1) Click on the

After View Detail

icon in the navigation palette, or click in the 1 key.

2) A rectangle is drawn around the cursor. Position it in the center of the area of interest,
then click.

3) Move the cursor to surround the intended area, then click.


View detail sets the target point position (See Viewpoint on page 137) at the geometrical
center of the detail.
Keyboard shortcut: key 1.

12.1.4

Zoom In / Out

This navigation icon zooms in on the scene. Click and hold down the left mouse
button on the icon. When moving the cursor upward, you will zoom in toward the
default target point located in the center of the scene, and if the cursor is moved downward,
you will zoom out of the scene from the target point. When the correct view is displayed,
release the mouse button.

Zoom In
Keyboard shortcut: keys 3 and . or mouse wheel.

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Zoom Out

12.1.5

Pan the scene

This navigation icon pans the scene. Click and hold down the left mouse button on
the icon. Moving the cursor upward scrolls the scene upward, moving the cursor
downward scrolls the scene downward and moving sideways scrolls the scene sideways.
When the correct view is displayed, release the mouse button.

Sideway movement
toward the left...

...followed by
an upward movement

The Target point (See Viewpoint on page 137) is scrolled with the scene.

Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl-Arrow or mouse central button.

12.1.6

Rotate around the scene

This navigation icon rotates around the scene. Click and hold down the left mouse
button on the icon. Move the cursor upward or downward, and the scene will rotate
step by step around the viewpoint of the scene. When the correct view is displayed, release
the mouse button.

Turn toward the right...

....then turn upward

Keyboard shortcut: Arrow keys.

Amapi ProT M 141

12.2

The keyboard navigation

The keyboard navigation has the following advantage:


allows you to hide the navigation palette
makes manipulations easier
allows you to navigate the scene without stopping the current modeling action.

12.2.1

Make a direct viewpoint change


0
1

View All (see details on page 139)


View Detail (see details on page 140)

.
3

Zoom Out (see details on page 140)


Zoom In (see details on page 140)

2
4
5
6
8
9

Front View
Left View
Top View
Right View
Rear View
Bottom View

Viewpoint (see details on page 138)

The
main
viewpoints

Cycling around the main viewpoints: If the shift key is


held down when using the arrow keys, the viewpoint will be
successively switched to each main viewpoint, in the
direction indicated by the arrow.
View selection: When pressing simultaneously the Ctrl
+ . keys, Amapi Pro will center the view on the current
selection.

Current selection: two edges from the


cube and one facet of the prism

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The view after View selection

12.2.2
12.2.2.1

Progressive viewpoint tuning


To rotate around the scene

Turn toward the right...

....then turn upward

Using the arrows:


Use the right, left, up and down keyboard arrows to rotate
around the scene.
The rotation will be made step by step around a target
point which by default is the center of the scene.
Of course, the Left arrow key moves the viewpoint toward
the left, the Up arrow key moves the viewpoint upward,
etc.
Using the keyboard and the mouse:

1) Simultaneously press the Ctrl key and the left mouse button.
2) Move the cursor to move the observers eye around the scene. The rotation will be made
step by step around the viewpoint.

3) When the correct view is displayed, release the keyboard and mouse buttons.
To change the position of the target point, please refer to the Section 12.1.1.1 Set a viewpoint
on page 138.

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12.2.2.2

Panoramic view of the scene

Sideway movement
toward the left....

...followed by
an upward movement

Using the arrows:


To have a panoramic view of the scene (that is to say
scrolling around the scene from side to side), press and
hold the Control key and use an arrow key as previously
indicated.
Using the keyboard and the mouse:

1) Simultaneously press the Ctrl+Alt key and click on the left mouse button.
2) The scene scrolls around from side to side. Moving the cursor upward scrolls the scene
upward, moving the cursor downward scrolls the scene downward and moving sideways
scrolls the scene sideways

3) When the correct view is displayed, release the keyboard and the mouse buttons.
Using the mouse:

1) Click on the central mouse button.


2) The scene scrolls around from side to side. Moving the cursor upward scrolls the scene
upward, moving the cursor downward scrolls the scene downward and moving sideways
scrolls the scene sideways

3) When the correct view is displayed, release the mouse button.

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12.2.2.3

Zoom In / Out

Zoom In

Zoom Out

Using the numeric pad keys:


3

Progressive Zoom In:


Press the 3 key to zoom in.

Progressive Zoom Out:


Press the . key to zoom out.

Using the mouse wheel:


Rotate the wheel up to zoom in, down to zoom out.

Amapi ProT M 145

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13
Selection

13.1

The concept of selection

Selection consists of marking a set of items before


applying an action to them (See Entity on page 94).
All tools have an effect on every selected element (we
call this the current selection), except for the Line
drawing and Surface and volume primitives tools.
It is recommended that you proceed to the selection
before picking up the tool. However, the selection can be
modified while using the tool.
A selected object is an object that has at least one of its elements marked as selected.
You will proceed to a selection by using:

The selection accessories (see details on page 148).


They allow you to graphically mark the elements to be selected.

Memo-Select (see details on page 158).


It allows you to save a selection and recall it later.

The Scene graph (Alt-T) (see details on page 202).

Searching for objects (Alt+F) palette (see details on page 217)

Amapi ProT M 147

13.2

The selection accessories

Amapi Pro contains two kinds of selection accessories:

The selectable entities: object, facet, edge or point.


(See The selectable entities on page 149).

The selection methods (See The selection methods on page 150).

The cursor shape will show the selectable entity type and the current selection accessory.
The selection feedback color can be customized from the Preferences editor(Alt-P)>
Entities display> Color of the selected object (see details on page 467).
You will be able to personalize the display of the entities detected when you roll over them
with the cursor:
Preferences editor> Scene display> Entity highlight display (facet, edge or point) (see
details on page 469).
When a selection can be made?: a selection can be made before picking up a tool or from
inside the tool.
Selection applies only on visible elements. In other words, it works in a transparent or
wireframe display mode, the elements located on the back side of the object can be selected but
this will not be possible when using a solid display mode. (See Objects display on page 180).

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13.2.1

The selectable entities

Selectable entities are: objects, facets, edges or points (See Entity on page 94).
Select an entity by clicking on one of the selection accessories.
The shape of the cursor will show the selectable entity.
Entities

Objects

Facets

Edges

Points

Selection
accessories
icons
Cursors

Default selectable entity:


By default, that is before selecting a tool and a selection accessory:
the default selectable entity is object and two selection modes are available at this step (See
Default selection mode on page 157)
clicking on a selection accessory will automatically switch to Point.

Some tools force the selectable entity:


the selectable entity is switched to Point when entering into some tools such as (Stretch,...).
switched to selectable entity Facet when entering in certain tools such as (Tesselate,...).

Default selection accessory:


When no selection accessory is selected and no tool used, click on one of the selectable entities
Facet Edge or Point to be automatically switched to the Single object selection
selection accessory (see details on page 151).

Selecting a group of objects behaves in the same way as selecting several objects (See
Group, Ungroup on page 186).

Amapi ProT M 149

13.2.2

The selection methods

A selection accessory corresponds to a selection method. You will have the choice among
several selection accessories:

Single object
selection

The
Personalized
Lasso
Selection

The
Rectangular
Lasso
Selection

Select 1
over n

Extend/
Restrict the
selection

Select by
angle

Deselect all

(see details
on page 151)

(see details
on page 153)

(see details
on page 153)

(see details
on page 155)

(see details
on page 155)

(see details
on page 156)

(see details on
page 157)

Default selection accessory:


When no selection accessory is selected and no tool used, click on one of the selectable entities
Facet Edge or Point to be automatically switched to the Single object selection (see
details on page 151) selection accessory.

In NURBS mode, (see details on page 98), the selection of points is only possible by using the
Single object selection method. Other selection methods do not apply.
In fact, all the points of a NURBS curve or surface are defined and a point of a NURBS object
can be evaluated anywhere. When the user wants to select a point on an object of this type,
this point will be computed at the time of selection (and not taken among the ones computed
for the display). It is not possible to search all the points of a curve or of a surface in a given
space (as made by the lasso or rectangular selection accessories) because they are at infinity.
For the same reason, search by proximity does not exists in NURBS mode.
In polyhedral mode, search by proximity allows you to click close to the point to be selected and
the tool will search and select the point of the object which is the nearest to the cursor. In this
way, the user is sure to select the point he wanted in one click.
In NURBS mode, the selected point will be exactly the one aimed at by the cursor.
The selection must be made precisely on the curve or on the surface to take effect. If this
condition is not respected, no point will be selected.
(See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)
Reducing the selection palette:
Amapi Pro has numerous keyboard or mouse shortcuts which allow you to switch quickly from
one selection method to another (see the paragraph dedicated to a method for a shortcuts list).
Once familiar with the shortcuts, the user might choose to hide the icons showing the methods
accessories to free graphic workspace.
Reduce the palette
Open the palette

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A shortcut launches the lasso and rectangle selection accessories.


From the Single object selection method the shortcut will switch to the The Personalized Lasso
Selection accessory.

The transition will be obtained by clicking on the right mouse button.


From all the other accessories, you will be switched to the Single object selection method.

The transition will be obtained by clicking on the mouse right button.


From the The Personalized Lasso Selection method the shortcut will switch to the The Rectangular
Lasso Selection method
Click and hold to obtain the transition.

When there are no selection accessory selected and no tool used, there are two selection
modes available (See Default selection mode on page 157).

13.2.2.1

Single object selection

With this method, Amapi Pro detects and highlights the element of the current
object that is closest to the cursor and matches the selectable entity (facets, edges or
points). The user can select or deny the detected element by using one of the following
methods:
The reverse selection:

add a new element to the current


selection (click on a not selected
element).

remove an element already selected from


the current selection (click on a selected
element).

The add selection: adds an element to


the current selection. Just hold the Shift
key during the selection.

Click

Click

Shift Click

Amapi ProT M 151

The subtract selection: removes an


element from the current selection. Just hold
the Alt key before clicking on the element
to be deselected.

The substitute selection: replaces the


current selection by an element. Just hold the
Shift and Alt keys simultaneously while
selecting the new element.

Atl Click

Shift Alt Click

.
Select by turns: when several elements fill up the screen, it may be difficult to precisely select
one of them. In this case, when no tools are in use, use the + and - keys from the numeric
keypad. Each key press will select one entity according to their order of creation. Stop when you
have selected the element you want.
Shortcuts to other selection methods:
Switch to The Personalized Lasso Selection: Click right mouse button.
(see details on page 153)
Switch to Extend/Restrict the selection: Keys Page-up and Page-down. (see details on
page 155)
Switch to Select 1 over n method: + or - keys.
(see details on page 155)

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13.2.2.2

The Personalized Lasso Selection

This selection lets you define a


personalized zone to add or
substract elements (objects, facets, edges or
points) from the current selection.
We call lasso the closed polyline used to
define the selection area. It is drawn by
successive clicks and is ended by pressing
the Enter key.
The personalized lasso selection works
exactly on the same principle as the The
Rectangular Lasso Selection (see details on
page 153) and has the same selection and
options modes.

Entry
Click
Click
Click
Click
Points selection

Edges selection

For lasso selection, validation only takes into account the points that are clicked; Amapi Pro
does not take into account the cursor position at the moment of validation.
Shortcuts to other selection methods:
Switch to Single object selection method: Click right mouse button.
(see details on page 151)
Switch to The Rectangular Lasso Selection method: Click and hold.
(see details on page 153).
Switch to Select 1 over n method: + or - keys.
(see details on page 155)

13.2.2.3

The Rectangular Lasso Selection

This selection accessory lets you define a rectangular selection zone to add or
substract elements (objects, facets, edges or points) from the current selection.
It is defined by two points representing two opposite corners of the rectangle. There are two
ways of defining these points:
Click-Click
Click and hold - Drag the cursor - Release mouse button

Amapi ProT M 153

The selection modes


The reverse selection:
(see details on page 151)

Click

Click

The add selection:


(see details on page 151)

Shift
Click

Shift Click

The subtract selection:


(see details on page 151)

Alt Click

Alt Click

The substitute selection:


(see details on page 151)

Shift
Alt
Click

Shift
Alt
Click

Options of the lasso selection


Amapi Pro has two selection options:
The lasso selection selects the elements which are completely within its limits only.
The lasso selection selects the elements which are completely or partially within its
limits.
Shortcuts to other selection methods:
Switch to Single object selection method: Click right mouse button (see details on page 151).
Switch to The Rectangular Lasso Selection method: Click and hold (see details on page 153).
Switch to Select 1 over n method: + or - keys. (see details on page 155).

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13.2.2.4

Select 1 over n

The selection accessory Select 1 over n easily selects one element (object, facet,
edge or point) over n selectable elements. n is the offset value of the selection. A
null offset will give no selection. The cursor
shows that the offset setting can be set
using the + or - keys of the numeric keypad, but a numeric value can be entered directly
in the parameters area.
If, for example, with this selection method the
setting is points selection and the parameter
value is set to 5, Amapi Pro will select
automatically one point over 5 on each of the
selected objects.
Shortcut for other selection methods:
For the Single object selection method: Click the right mouse button.
(see details on page 151)

The 1 over n selection deselects all the previous selections on the current object.
However, you may add new selections after a 1 over n has been used
There are several setting methods for the active parameter:
From the graphic workspace with the + or - keys on the numeric keypad.
By entering a value in the Parameter palette (see details on page 163)

13.2.2.5

Extend/Restrict the selection

This selection accessory allows you to extend or restrict the current selection to the
elements close to the current one (closed topology). The cursor
shows that the
offset setting can be set using the + or - keys of the numeric keypad, but a numeric value
can be entered directly in the parameters area.
There is no possible extension if the current selected items do not match the selectable
entity (See The selectable entities on page 149).
Shortcut for other selection methods:
For the Single object selection method: Click the right mouse button.
(see details on page 151)

Amapi ProT M 155

13.2.2.6

Select by angle

Selects, within the current selected object, the edges (if the object is a surface) or the
points (if the object is a curve) corresponding to a selection by angle criterion. The
user would choose among two selection by angle options. You will toggle from the one to
the other by pressing both the Alt and Space-Bar keys.
The cursor
will point out that the offset setting will be made easily with the + or -
keys of the numeric keypad, but you can also enter a numeric value in the parameters area.
The selected object is a curve:

Option description

Select the angles less than or equal


to the limit
Selects all the points whose adjacent
edges make a non oriented angle
inferior or equal to the limit set by the
user.

Select the angles strictly higher than


the limit
Selects all the points whose adjacent
edges make a non oriented angle
strictly higher than the limit set by the
user.

Limit (Maximum angle)

Limit (Minimum Angle)

Illustration
Limit = 90

Editable parameter

The selected object is a surface:

Option description

Select the angles less than or equal


to the limit
Selects all the edges whose adjacent
facets make a non oriented angle
inferior or equal to the limit set by the
user.

Select the angles strictly higher than


the limit
Selects all the edges whose adjacent
facets make a non oriented angle strictly
higher than the limit set by the user.

Limit (Maximum angle)

Limit (Minimum Angle)

Illustration
Limit = 90

Editable parameter

Shortcuts to other selection methods:


Switch to Single object selection method: Click right mouse button. (see details on page 151)

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13.2.2.7

Deselect all

This accessory allows you to deselect all the entity selections (facet, edge or point).
Then, continue the modeling.

13.2.3

Default selection mode

When there is no selection accessory activated and when there is no tool open, the current
item for the selection is the object.
In this context you can select among several selection methods:
The replace selection (Click)
This selection mode (default) allows you to replace the current selection. Just click on the
object to select.
The add selection (Shift-Click)
In this mode you can add an object to the current selection by holding the shift key while
clicking on other objects to add them to the current selection.
The reverse selection (Alt-Shift-Click)
This mode allows you to :
add a new object to the current selection like in the add mode (Alt-Shift-Click on an
unselected object).
unselect an already selected object (Alt-Shift-Click on a selected object).
The substract selection (Alt-Click)
Use this mode to unselect an already selected object . Hold the Alt key while clicking on
the object to unselect it.

Amapi ProT M 157

13.3

Memo-Select

Memo-Select memorizes a named selection in order to


reuse it later without having to do a new selection.
Memo-Select is very useful in the case of meticulous
selections.
The Memo-select panel contains several memory slots where selections can be stored. There
are three settings:
Memo-select free: Empty circle, memory empty
Memo-select not free: A selection is memorized
Current Memo-select: A selection is memorized and it was the latest used selection. Its
name is displayed in the editable area located just above.
To Record the current selection, just click on an empty circle (which indicates it is
free).The icon changes too, so as to be found easily afterwards.
To Recall a previously saved selection, click its corresponding circle. It is marked as the
current selection and its name is displayed just above.
To Delete a saved selection, click its corresponding circle and click on the Delete
icon

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13.4

The selection cursors

The shape of the cursor gives some information about:

The current selectable entity (see details on page 149)

The selection mode corresponding to the current selection accessory (see details on
page 148).

Basic selection
Entity:

Object

Facet

Edge

Point

Object

Facet

Edge

Point

Selection:
Basic

Reverse

Add

Subtract

Substitute

Lasso selection
Entity:
Selection:
Reverse

Add

Subtract

Substitute

Amapi ProT M 159

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14
The Parameters

14.1

To check the parameters

Amapi Pro displays


parameters.
A parameter may be:
a name
a coordinate
an angle value
a distance
a coefficient
a quantity
a range

the

values

of

the

current

Parameters panel

There are two ways to check parameters:


The parameter palette:
This palette is displayed at the left side of the graphic workspace.
You can edit it (See Editing the parameters on page 162).
You can hide it (See Manage the optional palettes display on page 168).
The cursor-parameters:
The current parameters are displayed in the 3D space near the cursor. This type of
display cannot be edited. The cursor-parameter can be hidden See chapter Preferences
editor> Graphic environment> Cursor-parameter display (see details on page 463).

Amapi ProT M 161

14.2

Editing the parameters

To modify the parameters displayed in the palette, you can use several methods:

From the graphic workspace (see details on page 162)


Using the mouse (see details on page 162)
Using the Remote Control (see details on page 162)
In the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

14.2.1

From the graphic workspace

14.2.1.1

Using the mouse

This method is available from most of the modeling tools; you will appreciate it for its
versatility and its efficiency.
Most modeling actions will be performed using the mouse.
How it works:

1) The mouse movement changes the displayed value(s) in the parameter palette.
2) Left click on the mouse button to validate the parameterss values.
The cursor movement is done on the most perpendicular plane to the current point of
view.
When setting three dimensions, the mouse movement will modify only two values instead of
three.
You will have two possibilities to modify the third value:
To change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

It is possible to apply moving or positioning constraints to the cursor (See The constraints
on page 191).

14.2.1.2

Using the Remote Control

This mode of editing is available from select tools (Stretch, Scale, Move and
Rotate). It allows a precise interactive control of the data.
The current parameter value is changed as follows:
Ctrl Shift Left arrow
> Increases the horizontal value
Ctrl Shift Right arrow
> Decreases the horizontal value
Ctrl Shift Up arrow
> Increases the vertical value
Ctrl Shift Down arrow
> Decreases the vertical value.

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The increment is done step by step. The step value is tuned by pressing the + or -
keys.
For the Stretch, Scale, Move tools, the step value is the ruler. For the Rotate tool, it
is the circle.
The cursor movement is done on the most perpendicular plane to the current point of
view.
When setting three dimensions, the mouse movement will modify only two values instead of
three.
You will have two possibilities to modify the third value:
To change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

14.2.1.3

With a 3D Digitizer

With Amapi Pro, you can digitize your models in three dimensions using the MicroScribe
3D digitizing system.
The Polyline, Curve, Interpolated curve, and Extract Facets drawing tools will
allow you to digitize 3D objects.
See chapter 3D Digitizing (see details on page 233) for more information.

14.2.2
14.2.2.1

In the parameter palette


Switch to the parameter edit mode

Parameter values can be entered using the keyboard with one of the two following methods:

Tab key:
This key allows you to access the first field of the parameter palette. It switches to edit
mode; the entire data field is automatically selected.

Click:
On the parameter palette:
Directly in the data field to be edited: switches to edit mode.
Outside from a data field: the first field of the parameter palette is switched to edit mode.
In both cases, the entire data field is automatically selected.

Amapi ProT M 163

14.2.2.2

Editing a parameter

Once a field of the parameter palette is in edit mode, there are several ways to modify the
value of this field:

Fine tunings
The tuning arrows
The tuning arrows, which are beside the field will allow you to fine-tune interactively the
parameter value:
A click on the up arrow _ > Increases the value
A click on the down arrow_ >Decreases the value

The slider:
When displayed, it works as follows:

1) Click and hold the slider


2) Move the mouse toward the right or the left to increase or decrease the parameter
value.

3) Release the mouse button at your desired value.


The + and - keys of the numeric keypad (the tuner)
You may use the + or - keys of the numeric keypad to quickly set the current parameter.
_
+ key
> Increases the value
_
- key
> Decreases the value

Modifying a character string


Conventional interface
If all the characters of the field are selected, it is not possible to enter the- sign.
This key is reserved to the tuner (see details on page 164),
All of the data in the data field has to be deleted or deselected before entering a negative value.

14.2.2.3

Moving between parameters fields

To edit another field of the parameter palette, use:

Tab key
This key has the following functions:

1) Pre-validation of the entered value (the validation will be made when pressing the
Enter key (see details on page 165).

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2) Application of the new parameter to the current selection and visualization of the
models initial state.

3) The cursor is moved to the next data field of the parameter palette.
After the last field, the first field is selected.

The Up and Down arrows of the keyboard


These keys allow you to toggle from one field to the next or to the previous one in the
parameter palette.
This key has the following functions:

1) Pre-validation of the entered value (the validation will be made when pressing the
Enter key (see details on page 165)).

2) The cursor is moved to the next or to the previous data field of the parameter palette.
On the last field, the first field is selected.
Unlike the Tab key, the arrow key delays the validation of the current value until Enter or
Tab keys are pressed. This is useful when the validation action may take a long time and when
several values must be edited Validating or Canceling data input (see details on page 165).

14.2.2.4

Validating or Canceling data input

Validating
By pressing the Enter key you will get the following:

1) The validation of the values displayed in each data field.


2) The application of the new parameters to the current selection and the display of the
modified model.

3) The tool switches to the next step (the graphic workspace takes the focus).
Canceling
By pressing the Cancel key you will get the following:

1) The original values (before the parameter palette was set in edit mode) will be restored.
2) The application of these former parameters to the current selection and the display of
the model like it was before the operation was cancelled.

3) The cursor is set on the graphic workspace without changing the step.

Amapi ProT M 165

14.2.2.5

Table of key actions in parameters edit mode

KEYS

ACTIONS

1) Validates the values displayed in each data field.


2) Applies the new parameters to the current selection and displays the
Enter

modified model.

3) Goes to the next step of the tool (the graphic workspace takes the
focus).

1) Resets the original values for each data field like they were before the
parameter palette was set in edit mode.
Cancel

2) Applies the old parameters to the current selection and displays the
model like it was before the cancelled operation.

3) Returns to the graphic workspace without changing the step.

Arrows

Left arrow
Right arrow
Ctrl Left arrow
Ctrl Right arrow
Shift Left arrow
Shift Right arrow

+ and -

+> Increases the value


-> Decreases the value

>
>
>
>
>
>

Move the cursor to the left


Move the cursor to the right
Set the cursor at the beginning of the string
Set the cursor at the end of the string
Selection/Deselection on the left
Selection/Deselection on the right

In the graphic workspace, the Tab key gives the focus to the palette of
parameters; the first field is editable.
Once in the parameter palette, it does the following actions:

1) Pre-validation of the entered value (the validation will be made when


Tab

pressing the Enter key.

2) Applies the new parameter to the current selection and displays the
modified model.

3) Moves to the next data field of the parameter palette.


When the last field is reached, moves on to the first field

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15
The Control panel

The Control panel is displayed at the bottom of the screen. It is divided into two parts.

The optional palettes display management icons (see details on page 168).

The modeling help functions which help you to make the most of Amapi Pros
possibilities.
Some of these functions are accessible as keyboard shortcuts.

The Control panel can be hidden to give more space in the graphic workspace. This option can
be set in the Preferences editor> User interface> Palettes display> Control panel display
(see details on page 455).

Amapi ProT M 167

15.1

Manage the optional palettes display

Several palettes in Amapi Pro are optional. To free up space in the graphic workspace it is
recommended to display only the most useful palettes.
The Control panel displays a set of icons that allows you to control the display of these
palettes.
Each icon shows or hides (toggles) the palette it controls.
Controls the display of the selection accessories palette (See Selection on
page 147).

Controls the display of the scene graph. It represents all the objects of the current
scene in the shape of a tree. You can carry out all the basic actions on each object
such as hiding, unhiding, locking or grouping,...
(See The Scene graph on page 202)
Controls the display of the Dynamic Geometry levels palette (See Dynamic
Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Controls the display of the navigation palette (See The Navigation Palette on
page 136). With some practice, the user might prefer the keyboard shortcuts (See
The keyboard navigation on page 142).
Toggle-icon controlling the display of the advanced constraints palette (See
Advanced constraints on page 194).
Toggle-icon controlling the display of the Layer palette (See The Layers on
page 198).
Controls the display of the Help palette (see details on page 207) and of the
assistant palette (see details on page 206). If this palette is not displayed, just slide
the cursor onto the icon to display a tooltip with a contextual help message.

The Information panel, onto which the optional palettes are displayed, can be hidden to
give a larger graphic workspace. This option can be set in the Preferences editor> User
interface> Palettes display> Optional palettes display support area (see details on page 455).

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15.2

Working in the view plane

Modeling is done on a plane symbolized by a grid called the ground.


While using tools, the orthonormal base axis (X is red, Y is green and Z is
blue) define the three conventional orthogonal planes.
The working plane is the plane onto which the cursor is moved. It is defined by the two
axis the most parallel to the current view plane (See Viewpoint on page 137).
The working plane
The scene

The ground

For modeling needs, the user may have to change the default working plane for a new one.
He may want to work on the current view plane. The view plane will be reoriented
according to the movement of the viewpoint in the 3D space. In fact, the working plane will
always be on the same plane as the screen.
With these conditions, the cursor movement will modify its three coordinates.
The Control panel displays an icon corresponding to the current mode. Click on it to switch
from one mode to the other.
This tool is not the same as the Scene / orthonormal base toggling tool which allows you
to change the working plane by temporarily reorienting the orthonormal base or the scene (see
details on page 171).

Amapi ProT M 169

Default working plane

The working plane follows the view plane

The working plane becomes the orthogonal


plane when the orientation is the closest to the
current view plane.
In this mode, the cursor motion will modify only
two of the coordinates.

The working plane is in the current view plane


With these conditions, the cursor movement will
modify three coordinates.
The view plane will be reoriented according to the
movement of the observers eye in the scene.

x
z

z
Absolute orthonormal base
Relative orthonormal base

The working plane is here (x,y)

The working plane is oriented


following the current view plane
y

y
y

x
z

The working plane is here (y,z)

Absolute orthonormal base


Relative orthonormal base

The working plane is reoriented


according to the viewpoint movement
In this working mode, the cursor coordinates can
be displayed:
Within the absolute orthonormal base
Within the relative orthonormal base (the working
plane one).
Preferences editor> Units> Relative
coordinates (see details on page 474).

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15.3

Scene / orthonormal base toggling

Modeling is done on a plane symbolized by a grid called the ground.


While using tools, the orthonormal base axis (X is red, Y is green and Z is
blue) define the three conventional orthogonal planes.
The working plane is the plane onto which the cursor is moved. It is defined by the two
axis the most parallel to the current view plane (See Viewpoint on page 137)
The working plane
The scene

The ground

For modeling needs, the user may have to reorient the orthonormal base to change the
working plane. Amapi Pro proposes several ways to proceed:

Toggle the orthonormal base.

Toggle the scene and the orthonormal base.

The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current orientation. Click on it to
display a list of possible reorientations. Then click to select and follow the instructions
below:

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Restore the conventional


orthonormal base

Toggle the orthonormal base

Amapi Pro restores automatically The user must click on the facet
the conventional orthonormal
of an object.
base
The orthonormal base will be
reoriented so the current working
plane that is on the same plane
as the selected facet

Toggle the scene and the


orthonormal base
The user must click on the facet
of an object.
The entire scene will be
reoriented so the selected facet
that is on the same plane as the
ground.

Selected facet

Selected facet

Before toggling
y

Before toggling

Restored orthonormal base

x
x

z
Absolute orthonormal base
Relative orthonormal base

After toggling

Absolute orthonormal base


Relative orthonormal base

After toggling

With these working modes, the cursor coordinates can be displayed:


In the absolute orthonormal base.
In the relative orthonormal base (working plane).
Preferences editor> Units> Relative coordinates (see details on
page 474).

This tool is not the same as the Working in the view plane which allows you to orientate
the working plane according to the current view plane (see details on page 169).

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15.4

Orthonormal base origin

When using some of the tools, the graduate orthonormal base axis are
displayed X (red), Y (green) and Z (blue). They allow you to find a landmark and
make precise alignments in the graphic workspace.
The default position of the orthonormal base origin is the center of the grid called the
ground. It can be moved at any moment during modeling. To do this, click on the icon
showing the Orthonormal base origin tool in the Control panel, then select the point of the
scene which will become the new orthonormal base origin or enter its coordinates in the
parameter palette (See Editing the parameters on page 162).
y

y
x

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15.5

Snapping

This mode-tool allows you to specify if the cursor is to be snapped or not onto the virtual
grid defined by the orthonormal base gradations.

The non magnetized cursor moves freely in the scene.

The magnetized cursor snaps to the grid intersection points.

It is possible to customize the gradation step at each display of the gradated axis. To increase
or decrease the gradation step, click on the icons
shortcut: +/- keys.

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of the assistant palette or use the

15.6

Alignment Guides

The Alignment Guides allow you to create temporary guides which will direct the
cursor movement while building 3D points. These guides are straight lines and make
a right angle (45 degrees, 90 degrees...) to the horizontal plane or to a predefined direction.
They can be accumulated to allow singular lines intersections. They can also be oriented
toward a specified axis. These guides are entirely controlled with the mouse. The guides disappear after each point is created. The Alignment guides are enabled by clicking on a toggle-icon in The Control panel.
Refer to the Alignment guides (see details on page 196) paragraph for more information.

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15.7

Perspective

This mode-tool allows you to toggle from one of two display modes of the scene:
The Perspective view (default option).
The Orthographic view (to see the scene without perspective).
In some cases, this display mode can provide a clearer visualization of the scene or
facilitate certain manipulations.
Customized
viewpoint

Front view

Left view

Top view

Right view

Rear view

Perspective
view

Orthographic view

To toggle from one mode to the other, simply click on the icon showing the tool in the
Control panel.

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15.8

Simplified display
In the case of complex scenes or objects, a simplified display can be used in order
to give a faster and clearer display.

To do so, select one of the following options:


Do not simplify the object display.

Simplify the display of deselected objects.

Simplify the display of selected objects.

Simplify the display of all the objects on the scene.

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15.9

Simple-view / Multi-view

Amapi Pro allows you to work in simple-view or in multi-view mode.

The navigation's versatility allows you to work with efficiency and comfort in the singleview mode. The interface is specially designed to be as close to the movements of a
sculptor as possible while he or she is moving around his creation.

The multi-view consists of simultaneously displaying the scene in several windows. A


different viewpoint corresponds to each window (See Viewpoint on page 137). One of
these windows is selected as the working window. The user can pass from one to
another as needed. This principle gives you quick and precise control of the resulting
model.
The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current option. Click
on it to display the list of the possible configurations. Then, click on the icon
showing the desired configuration.
The current view corresponds to the view which the user works on.
Modifications are interactively shown in the other views.
The current view is surrounded by a white frame.
A click on a non-current view selects it as the current view.

It is possible to display or not specific information in each view:


The type of view (Perspective, Left, Right, Top...).
The number of images displayed per second.

Preferences editor> User interface> Miscellaneous> View Informations display (see details
on page 457).

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15.10 Enable/Disable the backface display


A frontface is a facet of a model where the normal is oriented toward the observer.
A backface is a facet of a model where the normal is not oriented toward the
observer.
Disabling the backface display is one of the ways to optimize display time.

Backface display enabled

Backface display disabled

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15.11 Objects display


15.11.1 The display modes
While modeling, you will manipulate various entities: points, edges, facets or objects (See
Entity on page 94).
Depending on the kind of action to perform, select the display mode to best highlight the
entities you want to work with. The display mode can be changed at any time.
The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current display mode. Click on it to
display the list of the possible configurations. Then, click on the icon showing the desired
display mode.
The Wireframe mode displays only the edges of the objects. Because this mode
doesnt display the facets, it has the advantage of showing the entire object without
having to navigate in the scene: it is possible to select the elements which would be
hidden in a non-wireframe mode.
The Lit Wireframe mode adds a lit effect to the Wireframe mode.
The Flat Solid mode adds a more realistic appearance to the objects by
displaying their facets.
The Flat Solid and edges display mode adds edges to the Flat Solid mode.
The Smoothed Solid mode corresponds to the Flat Solid mode to which
smoothing has been applied. This is the most realistic mode.
The Smoothed Solid and edges display mode adds edges to the Smoothed
Solid mode.
In any desired display mode, Amapi Pro will be able to select any entity (points, edges or
facets).
For example: when the Flat Solid mode is selected (displays only the facets of the objects) and
the user wants to select the edges entities one by one, Amapi Pro will highlight the closest
edge to the cursor while it is moved. The user can then select it or not.

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The NURBS objects display is different depending on the operating mode Polygonal /
NURBS (see details on page 182):
In the NURBS operating mode, the points and edges of the NURBS objects are not
editable and will not be displayed.
A NURBS curve will be shown as a continuous line.
Isoparametric curves, outlines and cutting curves will be shown on the NURBS surfaces.
In the polygonal operating mode, points and edges are displayed. These can be used as
support for construction but are not directly editable.
(See The NURBS models on page 98)

15.11.2 Transparency of the selected object


This tools allows you to give or to not give a transparency effect to the selected objects.
Display with transparency effect
Display without transparency effect
If this option is activated, it will be effective in the following situations:

When selecting edges or points


The transparency allows you to select the elements which would not otherwise be visible
(and not selectable) if the display was in solid mode (See Objects display on
page 180).
Amapi Pro gives a transparency effect to selected objects if the selectable entity is the
edge

or a point

(See The selectable entities on page 149).

The user can set the Selection transparency level (see details on page 466).

When editing an object with several Dynamic Geometry levels


The transparency allows you to display the Dynamic Geometry level corresponding to
the finished object while an intermediate level is edited. This kind of display gives you
the advantage of being able to manipulate very efficiently (See Dynamic Geometry
(DG) on page 109).
The user can set the Transparency level when editing DG (see details on page 471).
This effect is only effective when a solid display mode has been selected (See The
display modes on page 180).

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15.12 Polygonal / NURBS


Toggles on the NURBS display
Toggles to the NURBS / Polygonal operating mode
(See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)

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15.13 Working with or without Dynamic


Geometry
Dynamic Geometry is one of the points which makes the versatility and the power of this
software. It works on the following principle:
All the modeling steps of each object on the scene is stored. When modifying a curve or a
volume, Amapi Pro can interactively apply this modification to all the steps up to the
finished model. These curves or volumes are used as control shapes.
It is recommended to see the chapter Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109, for a better
understanding of this subject.
Amapi Pro proposes working with Dynamic Geometry as the default option. A toggle-icon
in the Control panel allows you to work with or without Dynamic Geometry:
Work without Dynamic Geometry
Work with the Dynamic Geometry

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15.14 Hide, Show


Use the Hide tool to make some objects of the scene invisible and the Show
tool to display them again.
These tools are useful to temporarily hide an element and facilitate manipulation.
They are also used to display elements automatically hidden by some tools such as the
curves used with the Sweep tool (see details on page 307) as profile or section.

15.14.1 Hide
There are two cases:

If several objects in the scene are selected, Amapi Pro hides them and automatically
releases the tool and modeling will immediately continue.

If only one object is selected in the scene, the objects to be hidden must be selected. The
objects will be hidden upon validating or releasing the tool.
When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro makes the operation on all the
displayed entities before automatically releasing the tool.
Shortcut: A key.
To temporarily hide the unused objects, use the Isolate tool (see details on page 185).

15.14.2 Show
When opening this tool, Amapi Pro displays all the hidden objects and temporarily
hides the non-hidden objects. Select the object(s) to be shown, knowing that
Amapi Pro will then show them once the tool is validated or released. All the non-hidden
objects of the scene will automatically reappear.
When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro makes the operation on all the
displayed entities before automatically releasing the tool.
Shortcut: A key.

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15.15 Isolate
The Isolate mode-tool allows you to work with the current selection without displaying
the other objects of the scene.
If the tool is activated, Amapi Pro automatically hides all the not selected objects
on the scene.
All the non-hidden objects (See Hide, Show on page 184) of the scene are
displayed when this mode is deactivated.
The Hide an Show tools are not available in Isolate mode.
Do not confuse the Isolate which temporarily hides objects without hiding them using Hide,
Show (see details on page 184)

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15.16 Group, Ungroup


Use the Group tool to make several objects behave as a single object for
the following tools: Scale, Rotate, Stretch and Move. By grouping
objects or groups of objects together, the scene can be organized hierarchically (groups and
sub-groups).
This tool must not be overlapped with the Weld objects option of the Weld tool (see details
on page 403).
A group of objects:
can be organized into a hierarchy (notion of sub-group)
keeps the integrality of the points of each object.
can be ungrouped at any time thanks with the Ungroup tool
is displayed with its entire bounding box.
An object made from weld objects:
does not contain overlapping points after welding.
can not be unwelded (except with Ctrl-Z).
is displayed with its partial bounding box.

15.16.1 Group
There are two cases:

If several objects are selected in the scene, Amapi Pro groups them, then automatically
releases the tool. The modeling will continue immediately.
If only one object is selected in the scene, the objects to be grouped must be selected. The
objects will be grouped upon validating or releasing the tool.
When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro makes the operation on all the
displayed entities before automatically releasing the tool.
Shortcut: A key.

15.16.2 Ungroup
Use this tool to ungroup all the objects belonging to the same group. When opening
the tool, Amapi Pro highlights all the groups and sub-groups of the scene and hides
temporarily hides the objects not belonging to any group. Select the object(s) to be
ungrouped. All the objects of the scene then automatically reappear upon validating or
releasing the tool.

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15.16.3 Enter / leave a group


It is possible to edit the objects of a group without having to ungroup and group them again.
To do that, click on the group icon of the control panel with the right button. A context menu
containing Enter a group and Leave a group appears. Select Enter a group then select the
group to be edited. When done select Leave the group.

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15.17 Information
The Information tool displays all the information about the current object. This
information is displayed in a floating palette which can be edited at any time
during modeling.
This tool has several action-buttons which apply functions based mainly on model
optimization or on problem resolution if the file was imported.
The Dynamic Geometry hierarchy of the object is also displayed.
The information palette of any object can be displayed by double-clicking on this object.

15.17.1 Information
Label

Nature of the information

Thumbnail

Displays a small image of the object.

Name

Name of the current object


(See Object names on page 92)

Type of model
Nature of the object

Displays if this is a NURBS or Polygonal object.


Gives additional information if it is a NURBS object.
(See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96).
Displays if the object is a curve, a surface or a
volume.
(See The Types of objects on page 91).

Layer status

Gives information about the status of the layer it


belongs to:
Locked/Unlocked (See Lock / Unlock a layer on
page 200).

Number of points

Displays the number of points of the finished object.

Number of edges

Displays the number of edges of the finished object

Number of facets

Displays the number of facets of the finished object

Dimensions

Displays the x, y and z dimensions of the bounding


box.

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Editing

Click on the names


display area to edit it.

15.17.2 Functions
Label
Hidden faces

Function Description
Do not show hidden faces
Show hidden faces

Convert to NURBS

If the model is Polygonal, Amapi Pro gives you the possibility to convert it to
NURBS.
(See Transform a Polyhedral model into a NURBS model /a NURBS model
into a Polygonal model on page 105)

Triangulate non
planar faces

Amapi Pro proposes triangulating the non planar faces of the current object.
Click on this button to triangulate
(See Non planar facets on page 485)

Triangulate faces
with more than 4
points *

Amapi Pro proposes triangulating the faces with more than 4 points.
Click on this button to triangulate.

Remove equal
points *

Amapi Pro proposes optimizing the model by removing overlapping points.


Click on this button to launch the action.

Remove coplanar
faces *

Amapi Pro proposes optimizing the model by replacing the coplanar facets by
a unique facet.
Click on the button to launch the action.
(See Coplanar on page 483).

Destroy Dynamic
Geometry

Amapi Pro gives you the possibility to completely collapse the Dynamic
Geometry of the object.
Click on the button to launch the action.
(See Collapsing the DG on page 118)

reorienting the
normals

Amapi Pro gives you the possibility to modify the orientation of the normals to
the facets.
Click on this button to activate the tool.
(See Orient Normals on page 190)

Create an object for


each NURBS face of
the object

This function is enabled if the current object is a BREP (See BREP:


watertight surfaces and volumes on page 103).
It explodes the object in as many objects as it has faces.
This operation is a means to edit NURBS faces.
The user will be able to weld these faces by using the Weld objects (see
details on page 403) option of the Weld tool

Create an edge for


each nodal break

Replaces the broken nodal lines into BREP edges.

* This function completely collapses the Dynamic Geometry (DG) (See Collapsing the DG
on page 118).
After this operation, the object will only keep one DG level.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)

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Orient Normals
This tool has two main options:
Reverse normals (default option in polyhedral mode)
This option behaves like a tool qhere you can :

Visualize each facet normal : The path of each facet normal is indicated by a
grey arrow when the cursor is over the facet.

Toggle facet normal path : Depending on the type of object you can:
Surfacic objects ; Several selection methods are available :
Replace selection (Click) : click on a facet to toggle the normal path.
Add selection (Shift-Click or lasso) : Select a group of facet and hit Space
bar to toggle the normals all at once.
Substract selection (Alt-Click): Unselect a group of facet; toggle like in
previous mode.
Reverting normals implies to collapse the Dynamic Geometry. A message
window asking to perform this operation will appear when validating the tool.
For curves, hitting the space bar toggles the curve path.
Clicking on another curve will change the current selection.
This option has no effect in the following cases:
NURBS mode.

Some shapes requiring unified normals (control shapes of some


dynamic geometries).

Unify normals (default option in NURBS mode)


This option activates a dynamic property of the selected object that has the
following effect ;

190

All the normals of the seleted objects are oriented in the same direction. We call
this a unified normals facets.

If the selected object is made up of several groups of adjacent facets (adjacent


facets are facets sharing one common edge), unifying normals is made independently for each facet group. The orientation of each group of unified normals
facet can be different from each other.

A yellow arrow indicates, for each group of adjacent facets, the unified orientation. This normal can be toggled by clicking on any facet of the group.

This property will remain active whatever transformation is made to the object.

This option has no effect on curves.

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15.17.3 Dynamic Geometry tree


When working with Dynamic Geometry, Amapi Pro stores all the modeling steps.
The information palette displays the integrality of the hierarchy of the shapes corresponding
to the object finishing steps.
In the example of a vase made from a boolean operation (Cut tool) between two smoothed
objects (Smooth tool): the vase body was made from the extrusion (Sweep tool) of a
circle and the handle made from the thickness (Thickness/Offset tool) of a circle.

Cut 1

Smoothing 1

Smoothing 2

Sweep 1

Thickness 1

Current
selection

Polyline 1

Polyline 2

Polyline 3

Current path (path of the current selection)


Other paths

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16
The constraints

By default, the cursor movement constraint is snapped on the ruler gradation grid. In some
cases, the cursor can be set free from any constraint or other kinds of constraints can be
applied to it.
Amapi Pro has several kinds of constraints:
Snapping (see details on page 192).
Axis toggling (see details on page 193).
Advanced constraints (see details on page 194).
Alignment guides (see details on page 196).

The gradated rulers of the orthonormal base shows that the user can use the cursor movement
and position constraints

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16.1

Snapping

16.1.1

Snapping on ruler gradation

The cursor movement can be snapped on:


The nodes of a virtual grid, the cross-ruling of which is defined by the rulers gradations
(See The orthonormal base on page 88).
The rotation circle gradations (See Rotate on page 244).
Toggle from one mode to the other by clicking on the toggle-icon in the Control panel (See
The Control panel on page 167).
The cursor is free from any constraint and moves freely in the scene.
The cursor movements are snapped on the ruler gradations or on the rotation circle
gradations.
The longer the gradation step is, the more the cursor movement is jerky. It is possible to
customize the gradation step size (increasing or decreasing it) by clicking on the
of the assistant palette. Shortcut: +/- keys when the rulers are displayed.

16.1.2

icons

Snapping on particular points

It is possible, while working, to snap the cursor on particular points.

The objects particular points are:


the points defining the objects
the middle of the segments
the center of the objects.

To do this, press the Shift key while moving the cursor.

Cursor
Cursor

Snap on point

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Snap on middle of segment

Cursor

Snap on center of object

16.2

Axis toggling

While editing, Amapi Pro allows you to set the movement constraints along one axis (See
The orthonormal base on page 88).
A constrained movement allows you to restrict the action of the current tool on one of the
two axis or set the action direction.
Amapi Pro has three kinds of constraints.
No constraint
Horizontal constraint
Vertical constraint
To toggle from one to the other, use the icons of the The assistant palette (see details on
page 206), or press the Space-Bar.

Cursor

No constraint
The cursor movement is free

Cursor

Horizontal constraint
constraint horizontal axis (red)
is displayed.
The cursor can move along this
axis only.

Cursor

Vertical constraint
constraint vertical axis (green)
is displayed.
The cursor can move along this
axis only.

The axis toggling allows you to;


Draw a polyline segment horizontally or vertically from the last drawn point (See
Polyline on page 286).
Draw an ellipse with the tool Sphere (See Sphere on page 263).
Stretch a selection horizontally or vertically (See Stretch on page 252).
Scale a selection horizontally or vertically ((See Scale on page 248).
Sweep a radial or an axial tube (See Sweep on page 307).

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16.3

Advanced constraints

Amapi Pro has a set of advanced constraints enclosed in a palette which may or may
not be displayed by clicking on this
icon of the Control panel (See The Control
panel on page 167).
The advanced constraints allow you to move or position the cursor following the constraint
lines desired by the user.
How to proceed:

1) Click on the icon corresponding to the desired constraint.


2) Select the entities to be used to draw the constraint lines (point, edge(s) or segment(s)).
3) Move the cursor (constraint movement) and click as it reaches the right location.
Icons

Constraints

Illustrations

Cursor

Cancel all the constraints (free moving).

Moving along an axis passing through the


last drawn point and a point P to be
specified.

Moving along an axis passing through the


last drawn point and parallel to an edge or a
segment S to be specified.

Moving along an axis passing through the


last drawn point and perpendicular to an
edge or a segment S to be specified.

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Cursor

S
Cursor

Cursor
S

Moving along a vertical axis passing through


a point P to be specified.
Cursor

Cursor

Moving along a horizontal axis passing


through a point P to be specified.

Cursor
S

Moving along a line passing through an edge


or a segment S to be specified

Positioning at the intersection of the edges or


segments extension S and S to be
specified

.
The selection of a constraint is valid for only one positioning, the cursor movement is set free
after each positioning.
This palette is floating, it can be relocated, reoriented and locked/unlocked:

Palette relocation handle.


Vertical display of the palette.
Horizontal display of the palette.
Palette locked: it remains displayed whatever the current tool.
Palette unlocked: it appears only in the current tool.

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16.4

Alignment guides

The Alignment guides tool allows you to temporarily guide the movement of the
cursor when creating 3D points. These guides are lines forming a singular angle (45
degrees, 90 degrees...) with either a horizontal or a preset direction. These guides can be
accumulated to make it possible to materialize singular line intersections. They can also be
directed along a specified axis. The control of these guides is entirely carried out with the
mouse. The guides disappear after each created point. The activation of the alignment guides
is done by clicking on a toggle icon integrated in the The Control panel (see details on
page 167).
Alignment guides enabled
Alignment guides disabled
There are three types of alignment guides:
The last point created automatically becomes a guide until the next point is created. It is then
replaced by the new point. The guide point is framed by a small white square. By moving
the cursor, lines are displayed when the conditions of alignment are found. For example,
when the cursor is close to a horizontal line going through the guide point.
Points selected by Ctrl-Shift-click (left mouse button) on a point are added to the list of
the guide points. You can add as many as you like but two to three points are sufficient to
carry out the majority of alignments.
The guide edges indicated by Ctrl-Shift-click (left mouse button) on an edge define a
guide point in the center of the edge and the guide lines aligned on the edge. This makes it
possible to position guides with a particular direction.
The preset angles for which lines are displayed can be set by the Preferences editor in
Graphic environment>Alignment guides (see details on page 462). You can set up to
eight angle values simultaneously.
When several guide lines are intersected, the intersection is materialized. Then, just click on
the point to be sure it is at the intersection of the lines.
The guide lines can become fixed movement constraints by clicking on Ctrl-Shift-Click
(right mouse button) on a singular line. The line remains displayed and the displacement is
done along this line. Defining two lines intersecting themselves will block the movement of
the cursor at the point of intersection of the curves.

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17
Scene management

Amapi Pro has several tools to manage the scene.


The layers allow you to put sets of objects together, to lock them so that they can not be
modified and to make them invisible. The layer is a very useful way to manage large
quantities of objects.
The hide and show tools make it possible to quickly select the objects you want to work on.
(See The Layers on page 198)
The scene graph represents the current scene in the form of a tree, the objects associated
with each material and the objects included in each layer. All the basic actions can be done
to objects such as hide, show, lock, group...
Object Information makes it possible to know object characteristics such as the type or
number of points as well as to carry out geometry cleaning actions in order to delete
coplanar faces and overlapped points. This function is integrated into the Control panel
(See Information on page 188)
The catalog is a native file management system. It allows you to visualize directories of
objects as thumbnails. It is possible to read, write, delete and rename files. It is also possible
to create favorites directory. The catalog is a room accessible by an icon located on the top
right-hand side of the screen.
(See The Catalog on page 443)

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17.1

The Layers

The Layer manager allows


you to arrange objects or
groups of objects depending on a
desired criteria. When the Layer
manager is open, Amapi Pro
displays all the layers of the scene
as thumbnails. It is possible to:
Select the current layer into
which the next objects that are
created will be put.
Hide one or several layers to
work efficiently with the rest of
the scene.
Lock one or several layers to
prevent modifications of the
corresponding objects.
Create a new layer.
Delete the current layer.
Move objects from one layer to another.
The toggle-icon

located in the scene manager controls the layers display.

This palette can be located anywhere in the graphic workspace and displayed horizontally
or vertically.
Palette relocation handle.
Vertical display of the palette.
Horizontal display of the palette.
The number of layers is not limited.

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17.1.1

Select the receiving layer

The layer selected as the receiving layer is where the next created objects will be housed.
You will recognize it thanks to its particular markings (Different background color). To
select a layer as the receiving layer, just click on the thumbnail of the target layer.
A locked or hidden layer can not be selected as the receiving layer.
(See Lock / Unlock a layer on page 200)
(See Show / Hide a layer on page 200)

17.1.2

Add a layer

To add a new layer click on the icon

17.1.3

of the layers palette.

Edit a layer names

Click on the layer name and type a new name to rename it.

17.1.4

Delete a layer of its contents

Select the layer to be deleted (See Select the receiving layer on page 199) and click on the
icon
of the layers palette.
Attention! This operation cannot be undone.

17.1.5

Merge two layers

Merging two layers consists of moving the content of one layer into another layer.
To do this, use the "Drag and Drop" method:

1) Slide the cursor over a layer to be merged.


2) Click on the left mouse button and hold it. The cursor icon changes to indicate that the
transfer to another layer is allowed.

3) Move the cursor over the receiving layer.


4) Release the mouse button.

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17.1.6

Show / Hide a layer

When hiding a layer, all the objects included in this layer are hidden.
This method can be very useful to hide unwanted objects in order to work on other complex
objects. A toggle-icon allows you to switch from visible to not visible.
Visible layer
Invisible layer
This function is close to Hide, Show which allows you to select the objects to hide in the scene
without any layer concept. (See Hide, Show on page 184).
Hiding the receiving layer automatically selects the first visible not locked layer as the receiving
layer.
(See Select the receiving layer on page 199)

17.1.7

Lock / Unlock a layer

Locking a layer turns the objects on that layer into not editable objects. No action performed
on these objects will have any effect. These locked objects can be used for reference while
modeling one object belonging to another layer.
Unlocked layer
Locked layer
Locking the receiving layer automatically selects the first visible not locked layer as the receiving
layer.
(See Select the receiving layer on page 199)
It is possible to Lock/Unlock only one object of the scene without isolating it in a layer. This
operation will be made by using the scene graph.
(See The Scene graph on page 202)

17.1.8

Move one object to another layer

To move an object, a selection or a group of objects from one layer to another, you can:
By moving the selection toward another layer:
The designation of the receiving layer will be done by a simple click on the icon
corresponding to the receiving layer.

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Use the "Scene graph" method:


The changing of a layer is done by choosing the receiving layer in the list of the layers
proposed in the contextual menu related to the object.
(See The Scene graph on page 202).

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17.2

The Scene graph

The scene graph is a hierarchical representation of the objects, the groups, the layers
or the materials. This presentation allows you to browse and to organize the
hierarchies and to modify the objects attributes: it is possible to create groups, layers, to
associate an object to a material, to rename objects, to hide them or to lock them...

17.2.1

Browse the scene graph

The scene graph can be launched trough the Edit


menu or by clicking on its icon in the control panel.
The default display is a tree showing the graph of the
objects of the scene. The graphs of the groups, layers
or the materials can be displayed by clicking on their
respective thumbnails.
Graph of the objects of the scene
Graph of the groups of the scene
Graph of the materials of the scene
Graph of the layers of the scene
The objects are represented by their names associated with a letter showing their type:
N for node (basic objects),
G for group,
L for layer,
M for material.
Objects including sons (groups or dynamic geometries) have a sign + or - to the left of their
names allowing you to open or close their sons list.
The names list is ordered alphabetically.
The sons of the dynamic geometries are their control shapes.
The groups are composed by nodes, the materials contain a material list which includes
objects which use this material. Each layer contains the objects which belong the layer.

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When opening the scene graph, all the objects are open. To close them, just click on the sign displayed at the intersection of the branches of the tree. Inversely, to open a closed
object, click on the sign +. You can also use the keys +/- or the keyboard arrows.

17.2.2

Selection using the scene graph

It is possible to select one or more objects in the scene graph in order to apply to them one of
the operations described in the following paragraph. For this use one of the following methods:
Simple selection: click on the name of the object in the scene graph with the left mouse button. The name of the object is highlighted.
Multiple selection, element by element: Keep the shift key pressed while successively
clicking on the elements to be selected in the scene graph. The elements are highlighted.
Multiple selection by list: Keep the shift key pressed and click on the first element of the
list in the scene graph, then click on the last element. These two elements and all the elements in between them are highlighted.
Selection by name: Type the first letters of the name of the required object with the keyboard. The selection is set on the first corresponding object starting from the current selection.
Do not confuse: Select in the scene graph with Select in the view.
The selection in the scene graph will be selected in the view only if the user chooses Select in
the pop-up menu (right mouse click).
(See The concept of selection on page 147)

17.2.3

Operations on the scene graph selection

A pop-up menu will appear when the cursor is positioned on the selection and the right
mouse button is clicked.
This menu will propose several operations depending on the number and the type of the
selected element (Scene, Group, Node, Material or Layer).

Operations for node (N) or group (G) elements:


The node would be a simple graphic object with or without dynamic geometry

Select/Unselect in the view the scene graph selection


(See The concept of selection on page 147)

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Display the properties of the selected element (simple selection only)


(See Information on page 188)

Delete the selection


(See Deletion on page 216)

Rename the selected element (simple selection only)


(See Object names on page 92)

Hide/Show the selection


(See Hide, Show on page 184)

Lock/Unlock the selection


This operation consists of making the selection uneditable. In other words, any action
will remain without effect on this object.

Group the selected elements


(See Group, Ungroup on page 186)

Collapse the Dynamic Geometry of the selection


(See Collapsing the DG on page 118)

Create a new layer


(See The Layers on page 198)

Move to a layer
(See The Layers on page 198)

Operations for material (M) elements:

Display the properties of the material by displaying its parameters in the rendering
room
(See Material editor on page 432)

Delete a material
(See Deleting a file from the catalog on page 429)

Rename a material

Create a new material


(See Saving a new material in the catalog on page 430)

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Operations for layer (L) elements:

Select the receiver layer (layer in which all the new objects will be created)
(See Select the receiving layer on page 199)

Display the properties of the layer by displaying its preview thumbnail in the layers
palette.

Delete the layer. The contents of the layer is deleted.


(See Delete a layer of its contents on page 199)

Rename the layer

Hide/Show the layer


(See Show / Hide a layer on page 200)

Lock/Unlock the layer


(See Lock / Unlock a layer on page 200)

Create a new layer


(See The Layers on page 198)

Move to a layer
(See The Layers on page 198)

17.2.4

Change the group, layer or material

It is possible to reorganize specific elements with the assistance of the scene graph.
To put one or more objects or groups in another group, select the objects to be moved, click
on this selection and move them while keeping the mouse button down. Release it as soon as
the cursor is over the group.
In the same way, to change the material of a selection of objects, deposit the selection onto
the new material. If the selection contains a group, all the objects of the group will undergo
the material change.
Finally, to change a group of objects from one layer to another, proceed in the same way by
releasing the mouse button over the desired layer. The destination layer can be a layer
represented in the scene graph or the thumbnail preview of a layer in the layers window. If
the selection is a layer, all the elements of this layer will be modified. The original layer will
be empty. If the selection is a group, all the objects of the group will undergo this layer
change.

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18
The Help

Amapi Pro has several kinds of help for using the program. They were created to meet the
different userss requirements depending on their habits, their working methods and on how
they use the program.
Three help methods are available:

The assistant palette (see details on page 206)

The contextual help (see details on page 207)

The on-line help palette (see details on page 207)


The on-line help icon (see details on page 207)

The tooltips (see details on page 208)

The cursor (see details on page 208)

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18.1

The assistant palette

The assistant palette is a functional help palette for beginners that appears in the center
above the graphic workspace; it aims at guiding the beginner by graphically highlighting the
fundamental actions he or she may perform.
The trained user might prefer to use the keyboard shortcuts and choose to free the space
taken by this palette to increase the graphic workspace (See Manage the optional palettes
display on page 168).
Increases the value of the current parameter.
Keyboard shortcut: + key.
Decreases the value of the current parameter.
Keyboard shortcut: - key
Constrains the cursor to move only on the horizontal axis.
(See Axis toggling on page 193)
Keyboard shortcut: press the Space-Bar once.
Constrains the cursor to move only on the vertical axis.
(See Axis toggling on page 193)
Keyboard shortcut: press the Space-Bar twice.
Frees the cursor from any movement constraint.
(See Axis toggling on page 193)
Cancels the last operation.
(see details on page 214).
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl Z.
Redoes the last cancelled operation.
(see details on page 214).
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl R.
Cancels all the operations performed within the current tool.
The tool is released; you may pick up another tool. Keyboard shortcut: Escape.
Validates the current operation.
Keyboard shortcut: Enter.

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18.2

The contextual help

The on-line help palette function is useful to guide the user by pointing out the operations he
or she can carry out during each modeling step.
The on-line help is available within two options:

The on-line help palette


This palette is displayed in the left-hand part of the screen. You
may hide it to increase the graphic workspace by clicking on the
icon in the control panel.
(See Manage the optional palettes display on page 168).

The on-line help icon

When the cursor is slid over this icon in the control panel, a tooltip displays a contextual
help text. With this mode, the help text can be accessible when needed, while saving space
in the graphic workspace.
Amapi Pro displays the help tooltips by default, but this option can be disactivated.
This option is accessible in the Preferences> User interface> Palettes display> Tooltips
display (see details on page 456).

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18.3

The tooltips
When sliding the cursor over an icon, Amapi Pro displays
information about the functions corresponding to the icon.
Tooltips can be hidden in the Preferences menu (See in chapter
Preferences editor section Tooltips display on page 456).

18.4

The cursor

The shape of the cursor also gives you some information:


The selectable entity and the selection mode corresponding to the current selection
accessory (See The selection cursors on page 159).
The Tuner-cursor shows that a quick parameter setting can be done by using
the
icons or the + or - keys.
The cursor can have a particular shape while using some tools to show the specifics
of the current operation.

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19
The Menus

The upper left hand part of the screen is dedicated to the menu bar.
Here you will find all the common classic functions included in most programs as well as
the functions specific to Amapi Pro.
As soon as you start manipulating, you might prefer accessing Amapi Pros functions by
using the Amapi Pro interface.

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19.1

File

This paragraph shows the classic File menu manager accessible from the menu bar in the
upper left hand part of your screen.
Amapi Pro contains another File menu manager system, which is more visual, simpler and
faster: the Catalog (See The Catalog on page 443).
Most of these functions are also available using keyboard shortcuts.

19.1.1

Opening/ Closing

New (Ctrl+N)
This command of the File Menu creates a new Amapi Pro blank document.
The new document's default name is untitled followed by a numbered order.
By default, it is displayed at the top left hand side of the screen (See Display the file name
on page 457).
It is possible to rename the file when saving it (see details on page 211).
Note that you may have several documents opened at the same time and toggle from one to
the other by:
Using the Window (see details on page 227) menu.
Using the Ctrl -Tab keyboard shortcut.

Open (Ctrl+O)
This command of the File Menu displays an opening file window.
The Open dialog window allows you to specify the file to open.
You may select a format in the proposed list (See Import on page 229). If the current
document is not empty, the scene corresponding to the file open will be displayed in another
document.

Merge (Ctrl+M)
This command of the File Menu allows you to open a file and merge the objects contained in
this file into the current scene.

Close (Ctrl+W )
This command of the File Menu closes the current document.
If your document contains unsaved modifications, Amapi Pro will ask you: Would you like
to save the changes?.
If so, click:
Yes, if you want to save the latest changes.

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No, if you want to close the document without saving the changes.
Cancel, if you decide to not close the document.
If another document was open, it becomes the current document. If there is no document
open, the program remains ready to open another document or to create a new one.

19.1.2

Saving files

Save (Ctrl+S)
This function takes effect only if the scene has been saved at least once.
If this is the case, the scene is saved under the same name as the previous one (the former
file version is lost).
If it is not the case, it automatically opens the Save as (Ctrl+E) dialog box (see details
on page 211).
Amapi Pro does not perform automatic file saving while modeling. Many valuable working
hours can be lost because of a power cut or a false maneuver. It is very important to save an
object (possibly under an other name) before making a complex modification. Thus, if you are
not satisfied with the result, you can return to the preceding step. However, you will have to close
the document without saving it.
With each request for saving a scene in the Amapi Designer format, the program will update the
associated file with the .png suffix. This file corresponds to a small thumbnail of the scene,
used by the Amapi Pro catalog
(See The Catalog on page 443).

Save as (Ctrl+E)
This command of the File Menu opens a dialog box. You are then allowed to:
Name the document
Select an output format
Specify the folder to save the file in.
You may save a file from the Catalog
The Catalog on page 443).

room, using Amapi Pros File management tool (See

With each request for saving a scene in the Amapi Pro format, the program will update the
associated file with the .png suffix. This file corresponds to a small thumbnail of the scene,
used by the Amapi Pro catalog
(See The Catalog on page 443).

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19.1.3

Import-Export

Import
This function allows you to specify the kind and name of file you want to import.
You will find the complete list of formats in the Import paragraph (see details on
page 229).
You may save a file from the Catalog
The Catalog on page 443).

room, using Amapi Pros File management tool (See

Export
This function allows you to export the current document to the format you want to select.
You will find the complete list of formats in the Export paragraph (see details on
page 231).
You may save a file from the Catalog
The Catalog on page 443).

room, using Amapi Pros File management tool (See

Import/Export preferences
Open the Import / Export preferences window (see details on page 474).

19.1.4

Printing

Print: (Ctrl+P)
Launches the wireframe printing of the entire scene or a part of it.
If you are printing for the first time, Amapi Pro requires that you define the printing format
(page feed, page format, margins, printer).
A dialog window from the Preferences /Printing menu, allows you to set the printing
parameters. You may choose to print the measurements, in hidden line mode or to give a scaling
factor (Preferences> Printing preferences)

Printing configuration (Ctrl+Shift+P)


A dialog box allows you to set the printing characteristics of your document.
Depending on your printer, you will see a dialog box with the parameters you need to set for
page feeding, page size and orientation and margins values.

Printing preferences
Opens the printing preferences window (see details on page 474).

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Printing a Postscript file


Opens a printing preferences window where you can select the destination folder and the
name of the postscript (.ps) file.

19.1.5

Opening recent files

Opening recently opened files:


At the bottom of the File menu, Amapi Pro lists the names of recently opened files. This
list is useful to reopen a recent file from this list.

19.1.6

Leaving the program

Quit (Ctrl+Q)
This command in the File Menu closes and quits Amapi Pro. If one of the open documents
contains unsaved modifications, Amapi Pro will ask you if you want to save them.

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19.2

Edit

This paragraph shows the functions present in the editing menu. However, Amapi Pro has
several palettes which will give you an easier, faster and a better visual access.
The assistant palette (see details on page 206)

The Control panel (see details on page 167)

Most of these functions are also available through keyboard shortcuts.

19.2.1

Basic commands

Undo (Ctrl+Z)
Cancels the last operation.
It is accessible from the The assistant palette (see details on page 206).

When you are not using a tool, it cancels all the operations carried out by the more
recently used tool.
When you are using a tool, it cancels the last operation carried out with the tool in use.
Cancel no longer has any effect when all the operations have been cancelled with a
specific tool.
The number of possible successive cancellations is defined by the user in the preferences
menu. You can have access to this option in the Preferences editor (Alt-P)> User interface>
Maximum undo levels (see details on page 456).

Redo (Ctrl+R)
This command of the File Menu restores the last undone action.
Accessible from the The assistant palette (see details on page 206).

Validate (Return key)


Validates the current action.
Accessible from the The assistant palette (see details on page 206).

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Cancel (Escape key)


Cancels all the operations made with the current tool. The tool is dropped so that you
can select another one.
Accessible from the The assistant palette (see details on page 206).

19.2.2

Copy

Cut (Ctrl+X)
This command in the File Menu deletes the selected elements from the current scene and
copies them into the clipboard where they are stored until they are pasted.

Copy (Ctrl+C)
This command in the File Menu places a copy of the selected elements from the current
scene into the clipboard without deleting them from the original scene.
Amapi Pro has a Duplicate tool (see details on page 388) which might be more suitable for
the kind manipulations you will do with this program.

Paste (Ctrl+V)
This command of the File Menu will paste a copy of the current clipboard content in the
graphic workspace.
Amapi Pro, pastes an object in the exact position (from the point of origin of the working space)
where it was cut from, even if you have opened another document. If you paste the copy into the
original document, keep in mind that your copy will be superimposed onto the original object.
This kind of copy never generates a clone (See The clones on page 107).
You could use it to take an object out of a group of clones:
Cut the cloned object (Ctrl+X) (see details on page 215)
Paste the object (Ctrl+V)

Duplicate (Ctrl+D)
Duplication creates a clone of the selection and locates it in the same place (See The
clones on page 107).

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19.2.3

Deletion

Delete (Delete)
This command in the File Menu deletes the current selection. The difference with the Cut
command is that nothing is saved in the clipboard.

Delete all (Ctrl+Delete)


This command in the File Menu deletes all the objects of the current scene, including the
hidden objects (See Hide, Show on page 184)

19.2.4

Selection

Select All (Ctrl+A)


This command in the File Menu selects all the objects of the current scene.

Deselect All (Ctrl+Shift+A)


This command in the File Menu deselects all the objects of the current scene.
(See Deselect all on page 157).

Select next (+)


This command in the File Menu selects the next object of the current scene. The order of the
selection will follow that of the object creation.

Select previous (-)


This command in the File Menu selects the previous object of the current scene. The order of
the selection will follow that of the object creation.

19.2.5

The editing windows

Editing the object information (Ctrl I)


Use the Information command if you want to see and/or modify the information about the
current selection.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel (See Information on
page 188) or by double-clicking on the object.

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Editing the preferences (Alt+P)


Open the Edit preferences palette.
To get more information about this, see the Preferences paragraph (see details on
page 451).

Editing a shortcut (Alt+K)


The Edit a shortcut tool can be very useful, because it allows you to set your own shortcuts
and to get to your preferred tools or functions faster (See Shortcuts Editor on page 478).

Editing the scene graph of the scene (Alt+T)


See The Scene graph paragraph on page 202.

Searching for objects (Alt+F)


The Search for objects palette allows you to make a list of the objects in the scene according to the criteria you have selected. The available search criteria are:
Name of the object
Curves/Volumes
Polyhedral
NURBS
Groups
Text
Dynamic
Visible
The icon on the left hand side of the text editing area will launch the search.
Amapi Pro will then list the name of the objects corresponding to the criteria.
You can select one or several objects in that list. They will become the current selection (see
The concept of selection on page 147).

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19.3

Scene

19.3.1

Graphic display

Objects display
While modeling, you will manipulate various entities: points, edges, facets or objects (See
Entity on page 94).
Amapi Pro has several display modes for the objects of the scene which will allow you to
best highlight the entities you want to work with.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see The display modes paragraph on page 180.
The Wireframe mode displays only the edges of the objects.
The Lit Wireframe mode adds a lit effect to the wireframe mode.
The Flat solid mode gives a more realistic aspect to the objects by displaying the
facets of the objects.
The Flat solid and edges display mode adds edges to the Flat solid mode.
The Smoothed solid mode correspond to the Flat solid mode on which an
operation of smoothing have been applied. This is the most realistic mode.
The Smoothed solid and edges display mode adds edges to the Smoothed
solid mode.
The edge display is different depending on the operating mode Change the
construction mode (see details on page 96):
In NURBS operating mode, edges are not editable and they will not be displayed.
Amapi Pro will display isoparametric curves, outlines and cutting curves instead of the
edges. (See The NURBS models on page 98).

Transparency
You can add a transparency effect to the solid display modes.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see Transparency of the selected object paragraph on
page 181.

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Display with transparency effect


Display not transparent effect

Simplified display
It is possible to display the objects in a simplified way. In the case of complex scenes or
objects, a simplified display can be used in order to give a faster and clearer display. You
will be able to choose between a simplified display of the entire scene and a simplified
display of one or more objects indicated in the scene.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the Simplified display paragraph on
page 177.

Enable/Disable the backface display


A frontface is the facet of a model where the normal is oriented toward the
observer.
A backface is the facet of a model where the normal is not oriented toward the
observer.
Disabling the backface display is one of the ways to optimize display time.

19.3.2

The objects

Hide (Ctrl+H)
Hide the selected objects.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
For more information, refer to the Hide paragraph on page 184.

Show hidden objects (Shift+H)


Opens the function allowing you to indicate the objects to show.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to the Show paragraph on page 184.

Show selection (Alt+H)


The Isolate mode-tool allows the user to work on the selection in progress without being
obstructed with the display of surrounding objects.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to the Isolate paragraph.

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Group (Ctrl+G)
Groups selected objects.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to the Group paragraph on page 186.

Ungroup (Ctrl+Shift+G)
Opens the function allowing you to indicate the groups to be ungrouped.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to the Ungroupparagraph on page 186.

Layers
Opens the layer window. Classification by layer enables you to arrange your objects or
groups according to the criteria of your choice. You will be able to hide one or more layers.
You will also be able to lock one or more layers to allow modeling only on "active" layers.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel. For more information,
refer to The Layers paragraph on page 198.

Working with or without the Dynamic Geometry


Work without Dynamic Geometry
Work with Dynamic Geometry

19.3.3

Rulers, working plane

Working in the working plane


For your modeling needs, you might want to work on a different working plane from the one
set by default.
Indeed, you might want to work according to the current plane view. The working plane will
be reorientated according to the displacement of the point of view in the graphic workspace.
In fact the working plane will always be on the same plane as the screen.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the Working in the view plane paragraph
on page 169.

Toggle the scene / the axis


You might also want to reorientate the axis temporarily so as to change working plane while
modeling. Amapi Pro proposes several ways to proceed:
Toggle the axis.

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Toggle the scene and the axis.


This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the Scene / orthonormal base toggling
paragraph on page 171.

Orthonormal base origin


Amapi Pro sets the origin of the rulers by default to the position at the center of the grid
called the ground. You can constantly move it while modeling.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the Orthonormal base origin paragraph
on page 173.

Perspective
This mode-tool allows you to toggle on one of two scene display modes:
The Conical Perspective is set by default.
The Orthographic Perspective allows you to observe the scene without perspective.
This display mode can, in some cases, allow a clearer visualization of your work and to
make easier some manipulations.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the Perspective paragraph on page 176.

19.3.4

Constraints

By default, the cursor movement is free from any constraint. For some manipulations, cursor
movement constraints or cursor positioning constraints can be set. See The constraints on
page 191.

Advanced Constraints
The advanced constraint tool permits moving or positioning the cursor according to constraints defined by the user. They are located in a palette which can be toggled on and off.
This function is accessible through the control panel.
(See Advanced constraints on page 194)

Constrains the cursor movement to a horizontal axis


Keyboard shortcut: one pressure on the Space-Bar.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information about this, see the The assistant palette on page 206
paragraph.

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Constrains the cursor movement to a vertical axis


Keyboard shortcut: two pressures on the Space-Bar.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information, see The assistant palette paragraph on page 206.

Release the cursor from constrained movement


This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information, see The assistant palette paragraph on page 206.

Snap to the grid


This mode-tool allows you to specify if the cursor is to be snapped or not onto the virtual
magnetism of the grid.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
To get more information, see the Snapping paragraph on page 174.
The not magnetized cursor moves freely in the scene.
The magnetized cursor snaps to the grid intersection points, defined by the gradation
of the rulers.

Alignment Guides
The Alignment guides tool allows you to temporarily guide the cursor movement when
creating 3D points (See Alignment guides on page 462).
Alignment guides disabled
Alignment guides enabled

19.3.5

Construction mode

Amapi Pro has two creation modes for the elements used as a basis for modeling:
The Polyhedral models (see details on page 97)
The NURBS models (see details on page 98)
You will constantly be able to toggle from one construction mode to the other with the
(Ctrl+B) keyboard shortcut.

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19.4

Views

This menu gives access to the main navigational functions; however Amapi Pro has other
very effective interfaces:
The Navigation Palette (see details on page 136)

The keyboard navigation (see details on page 142) (keyboard only or


combination keyboard+mouse)

View all (shortcut: 0)


(See View All on page 139)

View Detail (shortcut: 1)


(See View Detail on page 140)

Zoom Out (shortcut: .)


(See Zoom In / Out on page 140)

Zoom In (shortcut: 3)
(See Zoom In / Out on page 140)

Make a direct viewpoint change (shortcut: Ctrl .)


(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142)

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Progressive tuning of a viewpoint (shortcut: 7)


(See To rotate around the scene on page 143)

Viewpoint
(See Record the current viewpoint on page 138)
(See Delete a viewpoint on page 139)

Front view (shortcut: 2


(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142)

Left view (shortcut: 4)


(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142)

Top view (shortcut: 5)


(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142)

Right view (shortcut: 6)


(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142)

Rear view (shortcut: 8)


(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142)

Bottom view (shortcut: 9)


(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142)

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19.5

Tools

We saw that the tools that are specific to each Room are arranged in palettes.
The Modeling room has many tools. For more clarity, Amapi Pro displays only the tools that
you will most likely need at each stage of your work.
That is why they were split in three palettes:
The Construction palette
The Modeling palette
The Assembly palette
Each one of these main palettes has a Basic toolkit composed of the fundamental tools
you always have at hand, at every modeling step.
The "Tool" menu gives access to each tool existing in the modeling palette. For more details
on the use of each one of them, refer to the corresponding paragraph in Modeling room on
page 237.

The basic toolkit

The construction
palette

This
palette is
always
visible. It contains
the Move,
Rotate, Scale
and Stretch tools.

This
palette
contains
basic line
and
surface
drawing
tools as
well as
advanced surface
creation tools.

19.5.1

The modeling
palette
This
palette
contains
modificati
on tools
that can
edit
existing
objects.

The assembly
palette
This
palette
contains
tools to
carry out
complex
assemblie
s and a
few
generic tools

Advanced tools

This menu contains some special tools which are not present in the four tools palettes. They
are accessible either from the Control panel or from the Information on the current object.

Amapi ProT M 225

19.5.2

Peripherals

This menu contains the management functions for input peripherals.

19.5.2.1

MicroScribe

Setting the digitalization of the 3D MicroScribe device (See 3D Digitizing on page 233).

Connect:
enables the MicroScribe device

Disconnect:
disables the MicroScribe device

Calibrate:
MicroScribe device working planes initialization sequence

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19.6

Window

This menu is divided into two parts:

Window
This function gives you the possibility of working in single-view or multi-view
window.
This function is also accessible through the Control Panel.
For more information on this subject, consult Simple-view / Multi-view on page
178.

Documents
This part of the menu allows you to move from one open document to another. It lists the
open documents. A check mark precedes the name of the current document.
To move from the one to the other, click on the name of the document you wish to work on.
The combination of the Ctrl-Tab keys allows you to pass quickly from one document to
the other (in the order of appearance on the list).

Amapi ProT M 227

19.7

Rooms

Amapi Pro does not limit you to use a specific procedure, but it does propose to lead you
through a choice of specific steps, depending on the result you wish to obtain.
A "Room" corresponds to each one of these steps.
The Tool menu gives access to the Rooms. To obtain more details on the use of each one
of them, refer to the paragraph which is devoted to it:

The Modeling Room allows you to build, model and assemble your model (See
Modeling room on page 237).

The Rendering Room is where you will develop textures and lighting (See Rendering
Room on page 421).

The Catalog Room in which you will insert objects or will save your creations (See The
Catalog on page 443).
You can also go from one Room to the other by clicking on the icon
corresponding to the desired Room (on the top right of the screen).

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20
Import / Export

20.1

Import

List of import file formats supported by Amapi Pro:


Programs

Suffixes

Comments

3D Studio

3ds

Autodesk file format.This format is becoming a standard for 3D files.

Amapi Pro

a3p

Amapi Pro native format

Amapi Designer

a3d

Amapi Designer native format

DWG

dwg

Autocad binary native format by Autodesk. Compact and complete, it is


very useful to communicate with Autocad.

DXF

dxf

The most well known PC and Mac graphic file type. Used by all the 3D
programs.

IGES

igs

Industry standard, used by CATIA, Pro Engineer, Euclid

Illustrator 3.0

ai

Well-known 2D format for graphical artists.

Open Inventor

iv

CAD format file (was used as a base for the VRML format).

STL

stl

Stereolitography file format

Amapi ProT M 229

VRML 1/97

wrl

WaveFrontObj

obj

The most commonly used 3D format on the Web !


Allows exchange with programs such as:
Shade

Archicad
Alias / Wavefront
Bryce
Carrara
Electric Image
Maya
Nendo
Poser
Softimage
Vue dEsprit

There are several ways to import a file:

Use the File > Import menu


Use the File > Open menu (keyboard shortcut Crtl-O).
Use the File > Merge menu (keyboard shortcut Crtl-M).
Click on the
icon of the The Catalog (see details on page 443).
Some imported files may have topology problems. The Information tool can help to solve
these problems.
(See Information on page 188).

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20.2

Export

List of export file formats supported by Amapi Pro:


Programs

Suffixes

Types of supported
objects

Comments

3D Studio

3ds

Polyhedral

Autodesk file format.This format is becoming a standard


for 3D files.

Amapi Pro

a3p

Polyhedral
NURBS

Amapi3D files

Amapi Designer

a3d

Polyhedral
NURBS

BREPs and some dynamic geometries are reduced to


basic primitives before exportation.

Carrara Studio

car

Polyhedral

Carrara Studio files

DXF

dxf

Polyhedral

The most well known PC and Mac graphic file type. Used
by all the 3D programs.

DWG

dwg

Polyhedral

Binary Autocad format, very well known on PC and Mac


graphic stations

IGES

igs

Polyhedral
NURBS

Industry standard, used by CATIA, Pro Engineer,


Euclid

Illustrator

ai

Open Inventor

iv

Polyhedral
NURBS

CAD format file (was used as a base for the VRML


format).

STL

stl

Polyhedral

Stereolitography file format

Used to export a file compatible with Illustrator (See


Printing a Postscript file on page 213).

Amapi ProT M 231

VRML 1/97

wrl

Polyhedral

The most commonly used 3D format on the Web !

WaveFrontObj

obj

Polyhedral
NURBS

Allows exchange with programs such as:


Shade

Archicad
Alias / Wavefront
Bryce
Carrara
Electric Image
Maya
Nendo
Poser
Softimage
Vue dEsprit

There are several ways to export a file:

Use the File > Export menu


Use the File > Save as menu (keyboard shortcut Crtl-E).
Click on the
icon of the The Catalog (see details on page 443).

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21
3D Digitizing

Amapi Pro allows you to model using the digitizing devices to create a numeric model from
a physic model. For example, you may use a 3D digitizer to create a car from a model. The
digitizing process is used to create lines or facets and assemble them to realize a complete
model.

21.1

MicroScribe

A MicroScribe 3D digitizing system is a precise


and easy to use device, commonly used for this
kind of work. It is built by Immersion Corp.
To use the MicroScribe in Amapi Pro, you just
have to connect it and calibrate it. After that all of
the functions that create 3d points (using the line
drawing tools) or facets will use the 3d digitizers
input. To come back to a classic modeling mode,
just disconnect it. Use the Tools/Peripherals
menu to connect, disconnect and calibrate it.
Amapi Pro automatically detects the MicroScribe
device when it is connected to a serial port or an
USB port. It is not necessary to install a driver. Amapi Pro includes the MicroScribe drivers.

Amapi ProT M 233

21.2

Calibration
y

The calibration process consists of defining the


true working space of the digitizer. This
operation must be made each time Amapi Pro is
launched or when the object or the digitizer is
moved. Use the Tools/Peripherals menu to do
the calibration.
Amapi Pro asks you to define the following
points:
xmin, xmax: the X axis digitizing domain
limits.
zmin, zmax: the Z axis digitizing domain
limits.
y0: the working plane vertical position in Y

x
z

The X,Y and Z axis correspond to the axis


displayed in Amapi Pro.
These points define a plane from the center of the base of the digitizer. Generally, these
points will be taken on the table where the object to be digitized is placed.
Once the calibration is done, you can perform the digitizing operation.

21.3

The tools which allow you to digitize

The Polyline, Curve, Interpolated curve, and Extract Facets drawing tools allow
you to digitize 3D objects.
Connect the 3D digitizer before using it with these tools and disconnect it to be able to use
the mouse again.
Use the Tools/Peripherals menu to connect, disconnect and calibrate it.
To digitize a line on a 3D object:

1) connect the 3D digitizer (Tools/Peripherals menu), after having calibrated it.


2) click on the polyline tool.
3) place the digitizers head on the first point to be captured.
4) press on the left pedal digitizer.
5) move the digitizers head to a new point on the object.
6) repeat the operation as many times as necessary to get a line.

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7) End the drawing by pressing on the digitizers right pedal or by pressing the Enter key of
the keyboard.

21.4

AutoPlot Mode and Scaling factor

The AutoPlot mode can be accessed from the preferences dialog Preferences editor on
page 447, allowing you to digitize in continuous mode by moving the digitizers head on the
surface. In this mode, a point is automatically created after the digitizers head covers a
distance defined by the AutoPlot Distance parameter.
A scale factor can be applied to the points generated by the digitizer to make them in a
space which will be consistent with the rest of the scene. Adjust the Scale parameter in the
preferences dialog.
You can have access to this option in the Preferences editor (Alt-P)>Graphic
environment> MicroScribe (see details on page 464).

Amapi ProT M 235

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Modeling room

In the modeling room, Amapi Pro displays only the tools likely to be necessary for
each step of modeling.
That is why they are divided into three palettes:
Each room offers different functions called Tools.
The tools of the modeling room have been separated
into specialized groups of tools called Tools
palettes.
Amapi Pro will display only the tools needed for each
step of work. This is why they have been divided into
three different groups. Each group, called a Palette,
corresponds to a modeling step:

Construction
palette

The Basic toolkit


The Construction palette
The Modeling palette
The Assembly palette

Modeling
palette

The general operation of a modeling tool is based on


the same principle as the tools of the other rooms (See
Using tools on page 80).

Assembly
palette

Amapi ProT M 239

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22
Basic toolkit

Above each main tools palette, a Toolkit is displayed. It contains tools which are always
available even while using a tool from the main palettes.

Icon

Tool name

Description

See

Move

Use this tool to change the position of the current object.

page 242

Rotate

Use this tool to rotate the current object.

page 244

Scale

This tool changes the size of the current object, either


keeping its original proportions, or distorting it vertically or
horizontally.

page 248

Stretch

The Stretch tool is used to move the current selection


(facets, edges and/or points). The selected objects will be
deformed according to the cursor movement.

page 252

Amapi ProT M 241

22.1

Move

The Move tool allows you to move a


selected object in the scene (See The
concept of selection on page 147).

22.1.1

The move tool

There are several ways to move objects:

By moving the object by hand in the graphic workspace. There are two possible
interfaces:

A short click followed by a cursor motion moves the selection. A second click locks
its position.
A long click allows you to move the selection. It will follow the cursor motion. Just
release the mouse button to lock its position.
You are allowed to give positioning or moving constraints to the cursor with The
constraints (see details on page 191).

By entering new coordinates directly in the data window (see details on page 163).

By using the Remote Control (Ctrl+Shift+Arrow): this edit mode allows a fine
and interactive tuning of the numerical parameters (see details on page 162).

Now, you may move the selection again or leave the tool by putting it beside or by pressing
the Enter key.

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22.1.2

Moving when no tool is selected

When no tool is selected, you can move any object in the scene, even if it is not the current
object (See The concept of selection on page 147).
A long click allows you to move any other object in the scene. That one will follow the
cursor motion. Just release the mouse button to lock its position.
This kind of moving does not allow editable parameters.

22.1.3

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool can be applied at any DG level. Its effects will
be reflected at the higher levels.
Dynamic Geometry (DG) (see details on page 109).
The cursor motion follows the working plane (see details on page 488)
The motion of the mouse will modify two out of three displayed values (x, y and z) only.
There are several possibilities to modify the third value:
Change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

Automatic duplication:
If the Ctrl key is pressed while selecting the Move tool, Amapi Pro will automatically generate
a copy of the current object.
Change current object:

This tool allows you to change the current object by using the Change the current object
accessory.
This tool must be distinguished from the Stretch tool (see details on page 252) which
moves the current selection while the Move tool moves the selected object(s).

Amapi ProT M 243

22.2

Rotate

The Rotate tool rotates the current selection


(See The concept of selection on page 147)
on an axis passing by its geometric center (default) and
perpendicular to the working plane.
This tool allows you to rotate according to a given
angle, or rotate an object to align one point of the
object and one point selected in the scene. In both
cases, the position of the center and the rotation plane
can be customized.

22.2.1

Methods of rotation

The operation can be made using one of the two following methods. toggle from one to the
other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding
icon.

22.2.1.1

Rotate by a given angle

The gradations of the rotation circle


2- click
can be used as a help to rotate the
selection.
Select a method to set the rotation angle
1- click
parameter:
The freehand method in the graphic
workspace:
A first click to start the action: the
selection rotates on its rotation reference
point, depending on the cursor movement. A second click sets the position.
Or, click and hold down the mouse button to rotate the selection which rotates on its
rotation reference point, depending on the cursor movement. Releasing the mouse
button sets its position.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163).
Using the Remote Control (Ctrl+Shift+Arrow): This edit mode allows fine and
interactive tuning of the numeric parameters (see details on page 162).

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22.2.1.2

Rotate to align

This method allows you to rotate an object, on its rotation reference point, to align
one point of the object and one point selected in the scene using:
1- click
2- click

A gradation from the rotation circle.


Click on the point to be aligned, then click on
the desired gradation.

A point to be selected in the scene.

1- click

2- Shift+click

Click on the point to be aligned, then press


and hold the Shift key and click on the
desired point.

22.2.2

Rotation axis orientation

A rotation is always done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The two axis that parallels the current view plane the most define the working plane, where
the modeling will be done. The user will have to change the viewpoint to change the
working plane (See The Navigation on page 135).
It is also possible to Working in the view plane (see details on page 169) or to Scene /
orthonormal base toggling (see details on page 171).

22.2.3

Rotation reference point repositioning

The rotation reference point is a point


located on the rotation axis. The
default center is the geometric center of the
selection. To change it, use the Change the
rotation center accessory (See Tool
accessories on page 85), then select the point
of the object which will be the new rotation
point.

Amapi ProT M 245

22.2.4

Global / Local options


Global rotation

Option
description

Local rotation

The complete selection rotates on a unique Each element of the selection rotates on its
rotation point ( ).
own rotation point ( ).

Illustration

22.2.5

Tuning the gradation accuracy

The + or - keys will increase or decrease the number of gradations of the rotation
circle.

22.2.6

Magnetizing the rotation circle gradations

You can choose to magnetize or not to magnetize the cursor on the rotation circle gradation:
You will toggle from one mode to the other by clicking on the toggle-icon in the options
palette.
Rotation is continuous and follows the cursor movement.
The rotation undergoes an attraction to the gradations of the rotation circle, turning to
each angle of the gradation steps.
When launching the tool, this option is initialized with the current magnetic value of the
grid, controlled by the toggle-icon integrated into the Control panel (See Snapping on
page 174).

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22.2.7

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool is an editor-tool able to edit:
The first DG level by carrying out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at
higher levels.
A shape located at any DG level. In this case, the tool will not work on the current selection but on the
entire shape

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)


Automatic duplication:
If the Ctrl key is pressed while picking up the tool, Amapi Pro will automatically duplicate the
entire objects selection. The tool action will then be made on this copy
The tool and the clones (See The clones on page 107):
If the current selection is a part of a cloned object, it will be deformed. All its clones will get the same
transformation.
If the current selection is a cloned object, it will not be deformed. None of the clones will be rotated

In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Change the current object:

This tool allows you to change the current object by using the Change the current object
accessory.

Amapi ProT M 247

22.3

Scale

This tool is used to change the size of the current selection, keeping its original
proportions or distorting it vertically or horizontally (See The concept of
selection on page 147). A scaling percentage, a dimension, a surface or a volume can also
be set.

Original object

Proportionally scaled object

Vertically scaled object

There are three ways of scaling:

by hand, using the object bounding box (click to start the action, move cursor, then
release the mouse button to validate).

By entering a value (dimension, percentage surface or volume) in the parameter palette


(see details on page 163).

Using the Remote Control (Ctrl+Shift+Arrow): This edit mode allows a fine and
interactive tuning of the numerical parameters (see details on page 162).

Not proportional scaling: the manual scaling uses the constraints set by the user. A cursor
movement without any constraint makes a proportional scaling in the three dimensions. But a
cursor movement with constraint (see details on page 250) or values entered through the
keyboard allows a different scaling in the three dimensions.

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22.3.1

Center / base reference point

The reference point is the point the scaling will be made from. Amapi Pro gives the choice
between two points:
The geometric center of the object
The center of the base of its bounding box
Toggle from one to the other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on
the corresponding icon.
It is also possible to select a point on the object to define the reference point (See
Customizing the reference point on page 249).

The reference point


is the center of the object

22.3.2

The reference point


is the center of the base
of the bounding box of the object

Customizing the reference point

The reference point is the point the scaling will be made from.
It is also possible to select a point on the object to define the reference point. To do this, use
the Change the scale center accessory, then select the point of the scene which will be the
new reference point.

Amapi ProT M 249

22.3.3

The constraints

Amapi Pro proposes three types of constraints. Toggle from one to the other by using the
icons located in The assistant palette (see details on page 206); or by pressing the SpaceBar

Proportional
scaling

Horizontal
scaling

Vertical
scaling

Editable
parameters
in the graphic
workspace

Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette

22.3.4

X (Width)
Y (Height)
Z (Depth)

X (Width)
Y (Height)
Z (Depth)

X (Width)
Y (Height)
Z (Depth)

Scale factor
Surface
Volume to reach

Scale factor x
Scale factor y
Scale factor z

Scale factor x
Scale factor y
Scale factor z

Global / Local options

Global scaling
Option
description

The entire selection is scaled from a


common reference point.

Illustration

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Reference Manual

Local scaling
Each element selected is scaled
from its own reference point.

22.3.5

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool is an editor-tool able to edit:
The first DG level by carrying out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at
higher levels.
A shape located at any DG level. In this case, the tool will not work on the current selection but on the
entire shape

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)


Automatic duplication:
If the Ctrl key is pressed while picking up the tool, Amapi Pro will automatically duplicate the
entire objects selection. The tool action will then be made on this copy
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) to set a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Change current object:

This tool allows you to change the current object by using the Change the current object
accessory.
The tool and the clones (See The clones on page 107):
If the current selection is a part of a cloned object, it will be deformed. All its clones will get the same
transformation.
If the current selection is a cloned object, it will not be deformed. None of its clones will be
transformed

Amapi ProT M 251

22.4

Stretch

The Stretch tool allows you to move the current selection (facets, edges and/or
points). The selected objects will be distorted depending on the cursor movement
(See The concept of selection on page 147).

The object before


using the tool

The object after


using the tool

Illustration: Stretch a set of points to make the groove in an apricot

22.4.1

The selection

There are two cases;

The elements have been selected (facets, edges and/or points) before picking up the
tool or the selection was changed inside the tool: a click in the graphic workspace will
start the stretch action.

The elements have not been selected (facets, edges and/or points) on the current
object(s): before starting the action, a click in the graphic workspace will start the
selection of the closest elements corresponding to the selectable entity (See The
selectable entities on page 149).

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22.4.2

Movement modes options

This tool has several movement modes as options:


An absolute movement mode.
A movement mode along the normal.
Toggle from one to the other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on
the corresponding icon.

Stretch the selection


All the selected elements are
moved while keeping their relative
position.

Stretch each element of the


selection following the normal.
All the selected elements are moved
the same distance but not in the same
direction. Each one is moved
following its own normal from the
original object.

Illustration:

Editable
parameters

Move x
Move y
Move z

Length

Amapi ProT M 253

22.4.3

Stretch NURBS objects

NURBS objects have a Dynamic Geometry level corresponding to their control polygon.
When working at that Dynamic Geometry level, the Stretch tool will work just like on
polygonal models but on the control polygon and not on the object itself.
(See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Polygonal object

Stretch a point
on a polygonal object

Stretch a point
on a polygonal object

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NURBS object
and its control polygon

Stretch a point
on the control polygon
of a NURBS object

Stretch a point
on the control polygon
of a NURBS object

22.4.4

Stretch an object having a Deformer control


box

The Deform (see details on page 374) tool adds a


Dynamic Geometry level corresponding to a Deformer
control box (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
The object itself will be transformed following the actions
made on this Deformer control box. The use of this
control box works as on the NURBS objects control box
(See Stretch NURBS objects on page 254).
The Deformer control box accessory from the Deform
tool allows you to modify the mesh density in x,y and/or z
to work more or less precisely (See The meshed control
box editing accessories on page 376).

22.4.5

Control of the depth of a cut

The Stretch tool allows you to control the depth of a cut made with thePunch tool.

Object cut with the


Punch tool.
The object is drilled
from a face through the
other one

The same object and


the line allowing you to
set the depth of the cut
in the Stretch tool

The cut depth line while


setting it with the
Stretch tool

Object cut with


thePunch tool where
the depth has been
reduced

(See Punch on page 357)

22.4.6

Editing the tangents of the NURBS curves

The Stretch tool allows you to edit the tangents of the NURBS curves to modify
the shape of a curve after it is built. To do this,
Select the tangent control accessory.
Click on the curve at the place you wish to modify it.
A line depicting the tangent appears.

Amapi ProT M 255

By moving its ends you will adjust the tangent.


It is possible to add as many tangents as necessary.

.
These tangents are temporary and will not be saved when leaving the tool.

22.4.7

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool is an editor-tool able to edit the first DG level by
carrying out topological modifications. Their effects will show at higher levels.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
Automatic duplication:
If the Ctrl key is pressed while picking up the tool, Amapi Pro will automatically duplicate the
entire objects selection. The tool action will then apply to this copy
The motion of the cursor follows the working plane (see details on page 488)
The motion of the mouse will modify two out of three displayed values (x, y and z) only.
There are several possibilities to modify the third value:
Change the point of view (See The Navigation on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

While using this tool, the gradated axis of the orthonormal base (X is red, Y is green and Z is
blue) will be displayed. They will help to make accurate positioning and can work together with
the cursor movement and position constraints (See The constraints on page 191).
This tool must be distinguished from the Move tool (see details on page 242) which moves
the selected object(s) while the Stretch moves the current selection.
The tool and the clones (See The clones on page 107): If the current selection is a part of a
cloned object, it will be deformed. All its clones will undergo the same transformation.

Change current object:


This tool allows you to change the current object by using the Change the current object
accessory.

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23
Construction Palette
This tools palette contains the tools used to draw the shapes that will be the modeling base.
Icon

Tool name

Description

See

This tool displays a sub-tools palette to quickly draw numerous 3D

Surface and volume shapes.


primitives

Line drawing

page 258

This tool displays a sub-tools palette to quickly draw numerous 2D or 3D


lines.

page 277

Extract Lines

This tool creates curve(s) from points selected on the current object or
existing objects of the scene.

page 300

Extract Facets

This tool creates an object made up of several facets.

page 304

Sweep

The basic use of this tool is to create sweeped shapes from curves.
however, it can also extrude facets, edges or points

page 307

Double-Sweep

This tool creates a surface from a section and two profiles.

page 321

Ruled Surface

This tool lets you create a skin tightened between two or more 2D or
3D curves.

page 324

Coons Surface

This tool generates a surface from connected curves drawing a closed


perimeter.

page 331

Gordon surface

This tool creates a surface using a network of 3D curves. The surface is


generated along the longitudinal and latitudinal curves

page 334

Manifold

This tool creates a volume from NURBS surfaces which will define the
future volume

page 336

Amapi ProT M 257

23.1

Surface and volume primitives

This tool displays a sub-tools palette which allows you to quickly build many 3D
shapes.
These shapes are called primitives as they will often be used as building blocks for the
construction of your models.
Sphere, cube, cone, cylinder are examples of primitives.
Click on the icon depicting the desired primitive then follow the specific instructions.

Cube (see details on page 260)


Sphere (see details on page 263)
Cone (see details on page 266)
Cylinder (see details on page 267)
Tetrahedron (see details on page 268)
Octahedron (see details on page 268)
Icosahedron (see details on page 268)
Dodecahedron (see details on page 269)
Height-Fields (see details on page 272)
Grid (see details on page 273)
Text (see details on page 274)
It is possible to make several drawings before releasing the palette.

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For most surface and volume primitives, the creation can be done in polygonal
mode or in NURBS mode. It must be specified if an object will be polygonal or
NURBS while creating it (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96). Amapi Pro
displays a toggle-icon in order to switch from one construction mode to the other. Check that
the button corresponding to the desired mode is selected. If not, click on it or use the
(Ctrl+B) shortcut.
This palette can be floating or fixed.
This option can be found in the Preferences editor> User interface> Palettes display> Subtools floating palette display (see details on page 455).
If the palette is floating, it can be relocated, reoriented and locked/unlocked:

Palette relocation handle.


Vertical display of the palette.
Horizontal display of the palette.
Palette locked: it remains displayed whatever the current tool.
Palette unlocked: it appears when using the current tool.
If the palette is fixed, it will be displayed in the tools palette area.

Amapi ProT M 259

23.1.1

Cube

Amapi Pro offers several methods to create a cube. It can be created by setting its
center or its base. You will be able to choose between two NURBS cube construction
modes. It is also easy to create a rectangular parallelepiped.

23.1.1.1

Creation Methods

Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.

From the center


With this method, the tool will first ask you to set the position of the center point of
the parallelepiped. Then it will ask you to set the size of the cube. Click on an icon to
put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to toggle from one
option to the other:

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Reference Manual

Vertical rectangle
parallelepiped

Radius X

Editable Radius (r)


parameters
in the parameter
palette

260

Horizontal rectangle
parallelepiped

Radius Y

Cube

Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z

Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z

From the base


With this method, the tool will ask you to set the position of the base point of the
parallelepiped. Then it will ask you to set the size of the cube. Click on an icon to put
a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to toggle from one option to
the other:

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette

23.1.1.2

Horizontal rectangle
parallelepiped

d
|d|

Dimension x

|d|

Dimension (d)

If d<0, the cube


will be drawn
below the base
point

Dimension x
Dimension y
Dimension z

Vertical rectangle
parallelepiped

Dimension y

Cube

Dimension x
Dimension y
Dimension z

NURBS cubes

If you are working in the NURBS construction mode (see details on page 98) Amapi Pro
offers you two options for NURBS cube construction.

NURBS cube
(NURBS BREP with six faces)

NURBS pole-cube
(NURBS BREP with only one surface)

Amapi ProT M 261

23.1.1.3

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level of which the label is
depending on the object type.
A polyhedral Cube will generate a first DG level labeled
A NURBS cube will generate a first DG level labeled
labeled

Polyhedral volume
polyhedral volume and a second level

Poly-NURBS

A NURBS pole-cube will generate a first DG level labeled


labeled

Grid structure and a second level

NURBS volume

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).


At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

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23.1.2

Sphere

Amapi Pro offers several methods to create a sphere. It can be created by setting its
center or its base. It is also possible to easily create an ellipsoid and set the number of
points of the generated mesh. Finally, geodesic spheres can be built.

23.1.2.1

Creation Methods

Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.

From the center


With this method, the tool requires setting the center point of the spheres position
before the next construction step, setting the radius.
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other.

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Horizontal ellipsoid

r
r

Editable Radius (r)


parameters
in the parameter
palette

Radius X

Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z

Vertical ellipsoid

Radius Y

Sphere

Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z

Amapi ProT M 263

From the base


With this method, the tool will ask you to set the base point of the spheres position
before the next construction step, setting the diameter.
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other.

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette

23.1.2.2

Horizontal ellipsoid

|d|

|d|

Diameter x

Diameter (d)

Diameter x
If d<0, the sphere will Diameter y
be drawn below the
Diameter z
base point

Vertical ellipsoid

Diameter y

Sphere

Diameter x
Diameter y
Diameter z

Geodesic spheres

Several options are available. toggle from one to the other by clicking on the corresponding
icon or by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys.

pole-sphere
(default option)

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Geodesic sphere
based on a cube

Geodesic sphere
based on
an icosahedron

Geodesic sphere
based on
an octahedron

23.1.2.3

Setting the number of points

Once the sphere is drawn, Amapi Pro suggests setting the number of points that define the
sphere. The greater is the number of points, the smoother is the sphere. The tuning can be
made with the +/- keys.

No points=8

No points=7

23.1.2.4

No points=9

Additional information

Only the pole-sphere can be built in NURBS. The geodesic spheres are only polygonal
shapes.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates a DG label depending on the type
of sphere:
The polygonal spheres are labeled

Polygonal volume.

The NURBS pole-sphere generates a NURBS volume, controlled by a polygonal volume. Thus, it
adds two DG levels labeled

NURBS volume and

Polygonal volume.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).


At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

Amapi ProT M 265

23.1.3

Cone

This tool allows you to quickly create a cone. First of all, the position and dimensions
of the base will be set, then the height and finally the section size. A cone can be
eventually truncated; to do this, give a non null value to the last section radius. The +/- keys
allow you to quickly tune the number of intermediate sections and the number of points
defining the sections. Then, Amapi Pro will suggest closing the openings before validating
the operation.

Cone: made from 4 intermediate


sections where each section is made
up of 8 points

Truncated cone: made up of 2


intermediate sections and where each
section is made up of 8 points

The pyramid is a cone where the


sections are made up of 4 points

This tool builds grid structure objects (see details on page 106).
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):
The polygonal cone adds a first DG level labeled

Polyhedral volume.

The NURBS cone generates a NURBS volume, controlled by a grid Structure. Thus, it adds two DG
levels labeled

NURBS volume and

Grid Structure.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)


The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

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23.1.4

Cylinder

This tool allows you to quickly create a cylinder. First of


all, the position and the base dimensions have to be set,
and then the height. The +/- keys allow you to quickly tune the
number of intermediate sections and the number of points
defining the sections. Finally, Amapi Pro will suggest closing the
openings before validating the operation.

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


A polyhedral Cylinder adds a first DG level labeled

Polyhedral volume.

A NURBS Cylinder generates a NURBS volume controlled by a Grid-structure; adds two DG levels

labeled

NURBS volume and

Grid-structure.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).


The cursor is movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Amapi ProT M 267

23.1.5

Tetrahedron

The Tetrahedron is a platonic shape. All platonic


shapes are built following the same procedure. To learn
how to do this, see Dodecahedron paragraph (see details on
page 269).

23.1.6

Octahedron

The Octahedron is a platonic shape. All platonic


shapes are built following the same procedure. To learn
how to do it, see paragraph Dodecahedron paragraph (see
details on page 269).

23.1.7

Icosahedron

The Icosahedron is a platonic shape. All platonic


shapes are built following the same procedure. To learn
how to do it, see paragraph Dodecahedron paragraph (see
details on page 269).

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23.1.8

Dodecahedron

Amapi Pro offers several methods for creating a platonic


shape. It can be created by setting its center or its base.
Then, the dimensions of its bounding sphere are set. This sphere
can become an ellipsoid if it is stretched horizontally or
vertically.

23.1.8.1

Creation Methods

Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.

From the center


In the first step of this method, the tool will ask you to set the position of the center
point of the dodecahedron before the next construction step which is setting the
radius(es).
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other.

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Horizontal Dodecahedron

Vertical Dodecahedron

Radius y

Dodecahedron

r
r

Radius X

Editable Radius (r)


parameters of the bounding
in the parameter sphere
palette

Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z

of the bounding ellipsoid

Radius X
Radius Y
Radius Z

of the bounding ellipsoid

Amapi ProT M 269

From the base


In the first step of this method, the tool will ask to set the position of the base point of
the dodecahedron before the next construction step, setting the radius(es).
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar
toggle from one option to the other:

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

d
Diameter X

Editable Diameter (d)


parameters of the bounding
in the parameter sphere
palette

23.1.8.2

Horizontal Dodecahedron

Diameter X
Diameter Y
Diameter Z

of the bounding ellipsoid

Vertical Dodecahedron

Diameter y

Dodecahedron

Diameter X
Diameter Y
Diameter Z

of the bounding ellipsoid

Additional information

The tool and the Dynamic Geometry (DG) This tool generates a first DG level which is labeled
depending on the type of object generated :
A platonic Polygonal shape will generate a first DG level labeled
A platonic NURBS shape will generate a first DG level labeled
level labeled

Polygonal volume
Polygonal volume and a second

Poly-NURB.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).


The cursor is movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

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At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Amapi ProT M 271

23.1.9

Height-Fields

This tool allows you to convert a 2D image into a 3D object, the different heights
and altitudes dependant on the colors of the image.

1) The tool requires you to draw the grid that will be transformed as a relief (See Grid on
page 273).

2) A dialog box then asks you to select the image to be converted.


3) Amapi Pro will map the image onto the grid, moving the points of the grid to give it a
relief. This displacement is done according to the color of the area: the lighter the color,
the higher the altitude. The darker points remain at zero altitude.

4) The tuning of the maximum altitude is made by using the + or - keys or by entering a
value in the parameter palette (See Editing the parameters on page 162).

This tool builds grid structure objects (see details on page 106) (See The objects with a gridstructure (Quad mesh) on page 106).
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):
This tool adds a DG level labeled
page 109).

Grid Structure. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on

It is recommended to use grey levels images.

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23.1.10 Grid

Height
of a cell

Use the Grid tool to create a flat mesh. Amapi Pro asks you to set the origin (a
corner), then to set the dimensions of one cell. Finally, you will enter the number of
cells needed in height (V) and in width (U).

Width of a cell

Example of a grid with 3 cells in V and 4 cells in U

This tool builds grid structure objects (see details on page 106).
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):
A polygonal grid adds a first DG level labeled

Grid-structure.

A NURBS grid generates a NURBS volume controlled by a Grid-structure; adds two DG levels:
Level 2 :

NURBS volume

Level 1 :

Grid Structure

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)


The cursor is movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

At the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Only complete grids are generated. If a cell (or facet) size is 10 X 10, the entire grid size will be
a multiple of 10, such as 180 X 50, but never 182 X 47.

Amapi ProT M 273

23.1.11 Text
The Text tool allows you to insert editable 3D text into a scene, and has several
parameters to customize its graphic appearance.
When using this tool, set the text positions first point (See Alignment on page 276), by
entering the coordinates in the parameter palette or by clicking on the graphic workspace.
Then select the parameters by filling or checking the boxes in the dialog box.
Text
Enter the text in the text box
Text: Hello

Font
Select a font from the list of choices
Font: Times new roman

Bold
Check this box to generate bold text
Font: Times new roman Bold

Italic
Check this box to generate italic text
Font: Times new roman Italic

Outline only
When checking this box, Amapi Pro
will only draw the text outline. This
option is the opposite of the filled text.
Specific case: A text without depth but
but only with an outline is a curve.

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Text outline only (without depth)


(this object is a curve)

NURBS
Check this box to generate NURBS
objects.
Polygonal text

NURBS text

Scale
This parameter allows you to tune the
size of the text
Text size before the scale downsizing

Text size after the scale downsizing

Depth
Enter the text depth in this area.
A text with a zero depth is a flat text.
Depth at zero

Depth with a value

Bevel
Choose to bevel or not the text letters.

Text not beveled

Beveled text

Amapi ProT M 275

Smoothing
Set the smoothing range (default =2).
Smoothing range = 2

Smoothing range = 8

Alignment
Check the icon corresponding to the
choice of alignment (on left, centered
or on right). The alignment will be
made from where the text position's
first point was set when entering the
tool.

Left
alignment
Centered
Right
alignment

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled as
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Text (See

To edit a Text group, simply double-click on it.


The letters of a text are automatically grouped. They can be ungrouped with the Ungroup
(see details on page 186) tool located in the control panel.
Attention! an ungrouped text is not be editable.

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23.2

Line drawing

This tool displays a sub-tools palette with several kinds of 2D or 3D lines that can
be quickly and easily drawn. The curves created from these lines will be used as a
building base for the construction of your models (See Curves on page 91).
Click on the icon depicting the desired primitive then follow the instructions.

Rectangle / Square (see details on page 279)

Circle (see details on page 281)

Arc (see details on page 284)

Polyline (see details on page 286)

Interpolated curve (see details on page 289)

Curve (see details on page 292)

Helix (see details on page 295)

Symmetry (see details on page 298)

Reverse curve points (see details on page 299)

It is possible to make several drawings before releasing the palette.

Amapi ProT M 277

If the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147) is an


open curve, Amapi Pro will provide three options whether or not to
connect the new line to the current selection, or to make a composite curve (See Curves on
page 91).
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
Amapi Pro keeps the desired option as long as the Line drawing tool is in use (as long as
the sub-tools palette is displayed). The default option is Do not connect.
For most surfaces and volumes primitives, the creation can be done in polygonal
mode or in NURBS mode. This must be specified while creating the object (See
Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96). Amapi Pro displays a toggle-icon allowing
you to switch from one drawing mode to another. Check that the button corresponding to the
desired mode is selected. If not, click on it or use the (Ctrl+B) shortcut.
This palette can be floating or fixed.
This option can be found in the Preferences editor> User interface> Palettes display> Subtools floating palette display (see details on page 455).
If the palette is floating, it can be relocated, reoriented and locked/unlocked:

Palette relocation handle.


Vertical display of the palette.
Horizontal display of the palette.
Palette locked: it remains displayed whatever the current tool.
Palette unlocked: it appears only in the current tool.
If the palette is fixed, it will be displayed in the tools palette area.

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23.2.1

Rectangle / Square

To draw a rectangle, define its two opposite corners.


Set the first corner by clicking a point in the graphic workspace or by entering its
coordinates in the parameter palette. Do the same to set the opposite angle or enter
accurately the dimensions of the rectangle in the parameter palette.

23.2.1.1

The constraints

Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:

Vertical constraint

Width

Width

Editable Width
parameters Height
in the parameter
palette
Opposite corner x
Opposite corner y
Opposite corner z

23.2.1.2

Horizontal constraint

Height

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Height

No constraint

Width
Height

Width
Height

Opposite corner x
Opposite corner y
Opposite corner z

Opposite corner x
Opposite corner y
Opposite corner z

Draw a square

This option toggles between the drawing of a rectangle and a square.

Amapi ProT M 279

23.2.1.3

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool creates a DG where the labeling depends on
the type of desired object:
A Polyhedral Rectangle / Square will create a first DG level labeled
A NURBS Rectangle / Square will create a first DG level labeled
labeled

Polyline.
Polyline and a second level

Polyline

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

The cursor is movement is done on the orthogonal plane which orientation is the most
perpendicular to the eye - target point axis (See Viewpoint on page 137)
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

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23.2.2

Circle

Amapi Pro has two methods to create a circle. It can be created by setting its center
or by setting its base. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction
option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.
With this tool, it is also easy to create an ellipse and set the number of points for the object
definition.

23.2.2.1

Creation Methods

From the center


With this method, the tool requires you to set the circles position of the center point
before the next construction step, which is setting the radius.
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Horizontal movement
(Horizontal ellipse)

r
Radius

Editable Radius (r)


parameters
in the parameter
palette

Vertical movement
(Vertical ellipse)

Radius Y

Free movement
(Circle)

Radius X

Radius X
Radius Y

Radius X
Radius Y

Amapi ProT M 281

From the base


With this method, the tool requires you to set the circles position of the center point
before the next construction step, which is setting the diameter.
Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:

Editable
parameters
in the parameter
palette

23.2.2.2

Diameter

Editable
parameters
in the
graphic
workspace

Horizontal movement
(Horizontal ellipse)

Diameter (d)

If d<0, the circle will


be drawn under the
base point

Diameter x

Diameter x
Diameter y

Vertical movement
(Vertical ellipse)

Diameter y

Free movement
(Circle)

Diameter x
Diameter y

Setting the number of points

Once the circle is drawn, Amapi Designer allows you to set the number of points defining it.
The greater the number of points, the smoother the circle. The tuning can be made with the
+/- keys.

Nb points=4

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Nb points=8

Nb points=16

23.2.2.3

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates a DG labeling which depends on
the kind of circle:
The polygonal circles are labeled

Polyline.

The NURBS circle generates a NURBS curve, controlled by a polyline. Thus, it adds two DG levels
labeled

NURBS curve and

Polyline.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).


The cursor is movement is done on the orthogonal plane which orientation is the most
perpendicular to the eye - target point axis (See Viewpoint on page 137)
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Amapi ProT M 283

23.2.3

Arc

Amapi Pro has several methods to create arcs. Check the number of points defining
the arc before releasing the tool.

23.2.3.1

Creation Methods

Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.

1- Center
2- Start-Radius
3- Angle

1- Start
2- Center-Radius
3- Angle

1- Start
2- End
3- Middle

1- Start
2- End
3- Center-Radius

1- Start
2- End
3- Tangent

3
3
2

3
1

3
2

1
2

3
2

Possibility
to reverse the arc

The setting order is shown by the color code of the points in the icons:
1st point (or dimension) to be set: Red
2nd point (or dimension) to be set: Green
3rd point (or dimension) to be set: Blue

23.2.3.2

Composite connection options

Amapi Pro provides three options to connect or not to connect the current
arc to the current selection. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired
option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.

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23.2.3.3

Setting the number of points

Once the arc is drawn, Amapi Pro suggests that you set the number of points defining the
arc. The greater the number of points, the smoother the arc. The tuning can be made with the
+/- keys.

No points=3

23.2.3.4

No points=4

No points=6

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates two DG levels:
Level #2: Arc (labeled

Arc)

Level #1: The control parameters (labeled

Parameter(s)).

If a composite connection has been made, the tool adds a third DG level labeled
connection.

Composite

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).


The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Amapi ProT M 285

23.2.4

Polyline

Use the Polyline tool to draw a set of


connected straight lines. Amapi Pro will
create a segment between each point. The point
position can be set by entering its coordinates in
the parameter palette, manually or by successive
mouse clicks. In this last case it is possible to give constraints to the cursor movement or
positioning. While drawing, it is possible to connect the polyline with the latest drawn curve
or to leave it as is. Finally, choose whether or not to close the curve.

23.2.4.1

Composite connection options

If the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147) is an


open curve, Amapi Pro will provide three options whether or not the new
line to the current selection, or to make a composite curve (See Curves on page 91).
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other:

Do not Connect

Connect
to the end of the curve

Connect
to the beginning of the
curve

Illustration
Latest drawn
curve

Beginning

New polyline
First point
of the new
polyline

Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

End

x,y,z

x,y,z

(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

Step (See Freehand

(point coordinates)
drawing on page 287)

Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)

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23.2.4.2

Freehand drawing

When the Freehand drawing option is set,


holding down the left mouse button generates
points according to the defined step. The step
corresponds to the minimum distance between two
consecutive points.
Cursor path
Generated polyline

23.2.4.3

Closing the curve

Amapi Pro provides a Close line


accessory.
When clicking on it while drawing, a segment is
added between the last drawn point and the first
point of the current curve, the tool is then
automatically released.

Closing of a simple polyline

For a composite curve (made up of several


connected curves), Amapi Pro adds a curve
segment between the last drawn point and the free
end of the first curve, the tool is then automatically
released.
Closing of a composite curve

23.2.4.4

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool generates a first DG level labeled

Polyline.

If a composite connection was made the tool adds a second DG level labeled
connection.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Composite

The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.

A polyline cannot be created in NURBS mode.

Amapi ProT M 287

In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

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23.2.5

Interpolated curve

This tool generates a smoothed curve that is


controlled by a polyline defined by the user.
The generated curve passes through those points. The
point position can be set by entering its coordinates in
the parameter palette, by freehand, or by successive
mouse clicks. In this last case it is possible to put constraints on the cursor movement or
positioning. While drawing, it is possible to modify the number of points generated by each
segment and choose whether or not to connect the polyline with the latest drawn curve.
Finally, choose whether or not to close the curve.

23.2.5.1

Composite connection options

If the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147) is an


open curve, Amapi Pro will provide three options whether or not to
connect the new line to the current selection, or choosing to make a composite curve (See
Curves on page 91).
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other:

Do not Connect
Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

Connect
to the end of the curve
x,y,z

(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand

drawing on page 287)

Connect
to the beginning of the
curve
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)

23.2.5.2

Freehand drawing

In the Freehand drawing option, the


polygon drawing follows the path drawn by
the cursor. The step corresponds to the minimum
length of its segments. With this method,
Amapi Pro automatically creates the points which
define the drawing.
To start a Freehand drawing, keep the mouse
button pressed.

Cursor path
Generated control polygon
Generated curve

Amapi ProT M 289

23.2.5.3

Defining the range

At the end of the drawing, Amapi Pro suggests that you set a range. It corresponds to the
number of segments generated between two nodal points (See NURBS Curve on page 99).
The greater the number of points, the smoother the curve. The tuning can be made with the
Ctrl + or Ctrl - keys.
Points of the control polygon
(defined by the user)
Points generated between
two control points

Interpolated curve (range = 4)

23.2.5.4

Defining the degree

A NURBS curve is defined by control points, a nodal sequence and a degree.


The degree of a NURBS curve corresponds to the number of control points influencing the
curve at a given point. A degree of 1 gives a broken line passing by the control points. A
degree of 3 gives a smoother curve which deviates slightly from the control points. The
higher the degree, the less influence each control point has on the curve, thus creating a
smoother curve as it moves away from the control points.

23.2.5.5

Closing the curve

Amapi Pro provides a Close the line


accessory.
When clicking on it while drawing, a segment is
added between the last drawn point and the first
point of the current curve, the tool is then
automatically released.
For a composite curve (made up of several
connected curves), Amapi Pro adds a curve
segment between the last drawn point and the free
end of the first curve, the tool is then automatically
released.

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Open curve

Closed curve

23.2.5.6

Additional information

The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates two DG levels:
Level #1: The control polyline (labeled
Level #2: The curve ((labeled

Polyline).

Interpolated curve)

If a composite connection was made the tool adds a second DG level labeled

Composite

connection.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

Amapi ProT M 291

23.2.6

Curve

A NURBS curve is defined by control points, a


nodal sequence and a degree (See NURBS
Curve on page 99). The point position can be set by
entering its coordinates in the parameter palette, by
freehand, or by successive mouse clicks. In this last
case it is possible to give constraints to the cursor
movement or positioning. While drawing, it is possible to modify the number of points
generated by each segment and choose whether or not to connect the polyline with the latest
drawn curve. Finally, choose whether or not to close the curve.

23.2.6.1

Composite connection options

If the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147) is an


open curve, Amapi Pro will provide three options to connect or not the
new line to the current selection to make a composite curve (See Curves on page 91).
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other:

Do not Connect
Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

Connect
to the end of the curve
x,y,z

(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand

drawing on page 287)

Connect
to the beginning of the
curve
x,y,z
(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)

23.2.6.2

Freehand drawing

When the Freehand drawing option is


set, holding the left mouse button down
generates new points for each step pixel. The
step corresponds to the minimum length of its
segments. With this method, Amapi Pro
automatically creates the points which define the
drawing.
To start a Freehand drawing, keep the mouse
button pressed.

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Cursor path
Generated control polygon
Generated curve

23.2.6.3

Defining the range

At the end of the drawing, Amapi Pro suggests that you set a range. It corresponds to the
number of segments generated between two nodal points (see details on page 99). The
greater the number of points, the smoother the curve. The tuning can be made with the Ctrl
+ or Ctrl - keys.
Points of the control polygon
(defined by the user)
Nodal points of the NURBS curve
(set by the program)
Points generated between
two nodal points

23.2.6.4

Defining the degree

A NURBS curve is defined by control points, a nodal sequence and a degree.


The degree of a NURBS curve corresponds to the number of control points influencing the
curve at a given point. A degree of 1 gives a broken line passing by the control points. A
degree of 3 gives a smoother curve which deviates slightly from the control points. The
higher the degree, the less the influence of each control points on the curve, thus creating a
smoother curve as it moves away from the control points.
(See NURBS Curve on page 99)

Amapi ProT M 293

23.2.6.5

Closing the curve

Amapi Pro provides a Close the line


accessory.
When clicking on it while drawing, a segment is
added between the last drawn point and the first
point of the current curve, the tool is then
automatically released.
For a composite curve (made up of several
connected curves), Amapi Pro adds a curve
segment between the last drawn point and the free
end of the first curve, the tool is then automatically
released.

23.2.6.6

Open curve

Closed curve

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates two DG levels:
Level #1: The control polyline (labeled
Level #2: The curve ((labeled

Polyline).

NURBS curve)

If a composite connection was made the tool adds a second DG level labeled

Composite

connection.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursors positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

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23.2.7

Helix

This tool is used to create helixes and spirals.

23.2.7.1

Use

Enter the following parameters for each step:


Step #1:
Coordinates of the center of the first spiral radius
Step #2:
Beginning radius

Beginning Radius

Ending Radius

Step #3:
Ending radius
Helix total height
Step #4:
Number of spirals
Number of edges (+/- keys)
Step #5:
Press the Enter key or release the tool to validate.

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool generates a first DG level labeled
page 109).

Polyline. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on

Amapi ProT M 295

23.2.7.2

The constraints

Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:

Free movement
(Helix)

23.2.7.3

Horizontal movement
(Spiral)

Vertical movement
(Circular Helix)

The path option

To select the path of the helix, click on the icon corresponding to the desired option or press
both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.

Counter-clockwise path

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Clockwise path

23.2.7.4

Composite connection options

If the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147) is an


open curve, Amapi Pro will provide three options whether or not to
connect the new line to the current selection, or to make a composite curve (See Curves on
page 91).
Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other:

Do not connect

Connect
to the end of the curve

Connect
to the beginning of the
curve

Illustration
Latest drawn
curve

Start

New polyline
First point
of the new
polyline

Editable x,y,z
parameters (point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

End

x,y,z

x,y,z

(point coordinates)
Step (See Freehand
drawing on page 287)

Step (See Freehand

(point coordinates)
drawing on page 287)

Accessories Close
Close
Close
(see details on page 287) (see details on page 287) (see details on page 287)

Amapi ProT M 297

23.2.8

Symmetry

The Symmetry accessory can be used to obtain the mirror image of a curve.
Amapi Pro automatically draws the mirrored curve, connected to the current curve,
onto the selected orthogonal plane. Note that the curve must be drawn in the right direction
to get the expected symmetry.

23.2.8.1

Symmetry plane orientation

Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursors movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:

Vertical

Symmetry plan

Horizontal

Symmetry plan

Mirroring onto a
vertical plan

Curve to be mirrored

Mirroring onto an
horizontal plan

23.2.8.2

Connections options

If the current selection (See The concept of selection on page 147)


is an open curve, Amapi Pro will provide four options whether or
not to connect the new line to the current selection or to make a composite curve (See
Curves on page 91).

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Click on the icon corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt
and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other:

Connect
to the end of the
curve

Editable
parameters

x,y,z

(plane position)

Connect
to the beginning
of the curve

Close the curve

Symmetry plan

Symmetry plan

Do not connect

x,y,z

(plane position)

x,y,z

x,y,z

(plane position)

(plane position)

The symmetry of a NURBS, a composite curve or an arc creates composite curve (the curve to
be mirrored and its mirrored image).
(See Composite (curve) on page 482).

23.2.9

Reverse curve points

Some tools check the direction of the curve


(Symmetry ...). So here, as its name implies,
the Reverse curve points tool reverses the direction of
the curve.

End

Start

Just click on the curves to be reversed, then press the


Enter key to validate the operation.
Start

End

Amapi ProT M 299

23.3

Extract Lines

The Extract Lines tool allows you to create one or several lines from points of any
objects in the scene.
Amapi Pro has several drawing methods as options. Click on the icon corresponding to the
desired construction option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one
option to the other.
Depending on the desired option, Amapi Pro will create an object or a group of objects
(curve type):
Creating a curve from existing points in the scene
immediately creates an object (see details on page 300).
Automatic extraction of openings
immediately creates an object or a group of objects (see details on page 301).
Object edges extraction
immediately creates a group of objects (see details on page 301).
Extracting U and V curves from objects with a grid structure
immediately creates two groups of objects (see details on page 302).
Extract a part of a line
immediately creates an object (see details on page 302).
To leave the tool, release it or press the Enter key.

23.3.1
23.3.1.1

Creation methods
Creating a curve from existing points in the scene

This method allows you to create a curve from


Click
Click
Click
the geometry of the objects in the scene. Select
the points each object on which the future facets will be
Click
located. The selection can be made with the One by
one or Lasso selection accessories (See The
selection methods on page 150). Press the Enter key
to finish the drawing.
When the current option is Extract edges from existing
points, clicking on the right mouse button is a shortcut for the Extract edges one by one
option.
If the current selection is a grid structure, this option will propose the accessory Extracting U
and V curves from objects with a grid structure (see details on page 302).

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23.3.1.2

Automatic extraction of openings

This option allows you to quickly create curves


corresponding to the openings of a surface or an
opened volume (See Open / closed objects on
page 94).
Amapi Pro highlights the openings of the current object.
Just click on those to be extracted, then press the Enter
key to validate the action.

Click

Click
Object with its highlighted
opening curves

It is possible to click on the Apply to all accessory, in order to automatically


generate all the opening-curves corresponding to the highlighted openings. This
accessory shortcut is the A key.
If several opening-curves are created at the same time, Amapi Pro will group them automatically
(See Group, Ungroup on page 186).
If the current selection is a grid structure, this option will propose the accessory Extracting U
and V curves from objects with a grid structure (see details on page 302).

23.3.1.3

Object edges extraction

This method consists of selecting several edges to


be extracted as polylines.
The selection can be done by :
single object selection,
lasso/rectangular selection.
Click on the right mouse button to switch between these
modes.
After validating, a new curve will be created for each set
of connected curves.
If this is not possible (more than 2 edges per vertex), a
dialog box will be displayed.

Lasso

Object from which several


edges are being extracted with
the lasso

It is possible to click on the Apply to all accessory, to automatically generate a


group of curves made up of all the edges of the current object.

Amapi ProT M 301

23.3.1.4

Extracting U and V curves from objects with a grid


structure

This option is only available if the current


selection is a grid structure (See The objects
with a grid-structure (Quad mesh) on page 106) or if it
is a NURBS surface.
For polyhedral surfaces, Amapi Pro will automatically
create two groups of curves, when clicking on this icon:
a first group made up of as many objects as there are
U curves to be extracted.
a second group made up of as many objects as there
are V curves to be extracted.
(See Group, Ungroup on page 186).

Group of V curves
extracted from a cylinder
Group of U curves
extracted from a cylinder

For NURBS surfaces, this accessory allows you to extract any isoparametric curve in U or
in V.

1) Select the surface where you want to extract lines from.


2) Move the cursor above the surface to see the curve displayed.
3) Click to create the curve or enter a value between 0 and 1 in the parameters palette.
4) Click on the UV toggle option

or press the Space-Bar to extract the lines in U or in

V.

23.3.1.5

Extract a part of a line

This option allows you to extract a part of a curve or an edge.


You will only need to select the ends.

23.3.2

Generation of NURBS or Polygonal lines

This tool is able to generate either NURBS or polygonal lines. The nature of the line
depends on both:
the nature of the current object (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)
the current construction mode (See What is a polyhedral model? on page 97)

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23.3.3

Additional information

The cursor movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool generates a first DG level labeled
page 109).

Polyline. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on

Amapi ProT M 303

23.4

Extract Facets

The Extract Facets tool allows you to create an object made up of one or several
facets which can be drawn according to the selected method. Click on the icon
corresponding to the desired construction option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar
keys to toggle from one option to the other.
The facets of the object will be drawn, one at a time, following the corresponding
instructions of the selected option (See Creation methods on page 304). It is possible to
change the creation option while drawing. After the last facet has been drawn, release the
tool or press the Enter key to validate the action.
The creation of polygonal facets creates polyhedral objects.
The extraction of closures or facets on a NURBS surface creates NURBS facets.

23.4.1
23.4.1.1

Creation methods
Creating a facet from existing points in the scene
Click

This method allows you to create a polygonal


facet from the geometry of the objects in the
scene.
Select each point of the objects in the scene on which the
points of the future facet will be located.
Press the Enter key to finish the drawing.

23.4.1.2

Click
Click
Click

Draw in the 3D space

Set the points one by one to define the future


facet. This method allows you to apply
constraints to locate or move the cursor (See The
constraints on page 191) or enter the coordinates with
the keyboard (see details on page 163).
Press the Enter key to finish the drawing.
From the drawing of the second facet, the first point is
automatically connected to the closest point to the
current object.

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1- Click

2- Click

3- Shift-Click

Drawing of the third facet


of the object

23.4.1.3

Automatic creation of facet closures

This option allows you to quickly create facets


corresponding to the openings of closed curves, a
surface or an opened volume (See Open / closed
objects on page 94).
Amapi Pro highlights the openings of the current object.
Just click on the ones to be closed, then press the Enter
key to validate the action.
It is possible to click on the Apply to all
accessory, to automatically generate all the
facet closures corresponding to the highlighted
openings. This accessory shortcut is the A key.

Click

Click
Object with
its facet closures

This option allows you to quickly transform a curve


into a surface.
This tool is different from the tool Close (see
details on page 400):
The Extract Facets tool creates a new object closure.
The Close tool closes the current object.

Click
When the current object is a NURBS object, the
closure creates a NURBS facet.

23.4.1.4

Creating a facet
from a curve

Facets extraction

This method consists of selecting several facets


on the current object to be extracted as a set of

Lasso

facets.
The selection is made with the custom lasso accessory
(See The Personalized Lasso Selection on page 153).

To extract facets and remove the facets from the


object, use the tool Cut (see details on page 354).

Object on which facets are


being extracted with the
lasso

When the current object is a NURBS object, the lasso


selection accessory tool selects NURBS facets,
meaning complete NURBS surfaces and not polygonal
facets.

Amapi ProT M 305

The "facet" and "edge" selection mode are available.

In
"facet"
mode
(default),
selected
facets are extracted
directly.
The tool creates a set
of facets.
Selection

Generated facets

Selection

Generated facet

In
"edge"
mode,
selected edges are
used to build a single
facet.

23.4.2

NURBS or Polyhedral facets generation

The tool can generate either NURBS facets, or polygonal facets.


The facet type depends on both:
the nature of the current object (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96)
the current construction mode (See Change the construction mode on page 96)

23.4.3

Accessory "create new empty object"

The "Facet" tool allows you to create one or several facets with several methods defined by
the available options.
By default, the new facets will be automatically added to the current object.
For each click on the "Create a new object" accessory, Amapi Pro creates a new
object which will contain all the facets created afterwards.

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23.4.4

Additional information

The options Creating a facet from existing points in the scene and Draw in the 3D space have
shortcuts:
The right mouse click is a shortcut for the option Facets extraction (see details on page 305).
The Apply to all accessory automatically generates all the facet closures corresponding to the
openings (See Automatic creation of facet closures on page 305).
This accessory shortcut is the A key

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool generates a first DG level labeled
Polyhedral Volume.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
The cursor is movement is done on the Working plan (see details on page 488).
The mouse movement will modify only two values out of the three displayed (x, y and z).
There are two ways to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (see details on page 135)
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

The Extract Facets tool creates only one object per session.
It is possible to separate the facets afterwards by using the tool Cut (see details on page 354).
The generated facets create a new object. Use the tool Weld (see details on page 403) to
merge it with another object of the scene.
If used on NURBS objects, the Extract Facets tool will create only polygonal facets.

Amapi ProT M 307

23.5

Sweep

The sweep tool is used to make tubular shapes, that is why we will call these objects
Tubes. This powerful tool will allow you to create, with options, more complex
objects which do not look anything like tubes.

A Tube is built from the following elements:


one or several base section(s) (see details on page 309).
a profile (see details on page 308).

There are two ways to build a tube:


The Sweeping with the profile already drawn which has several tubing options
(see details on page 311).
The Freehand sweeping (see details on page 314) which has several tubing
options that can be mixed together.

You can choose between several intermediate section orientation options (see details
on page 317) and the possibility to increase or decrease progressively the size of the
sections using only one operation.

To finish, it is possible to close or not to close the openings (see details on page 318)
when working from a closed curve.

If the current selection is a curve or group of


curves, you will be able to do a freehand sweep or
use a preset profile.
If the current selection is a surface or a volume,
you will be able to work freehand, starting from a
multiple selection of points, edges or facets.

Amapi ProT M 307

23.5.1

Section and Profile

Amapi Pro has several tubing options that can be mixed together (See The options on
page 315). The use of the section and the profile will be different depending on the selected
option. This must be known before drawing the section and/or the profile.
An Extrusion

A Sweeping

Tubular shape
the sections are concentric
and parallel one another

Tubular shape
with a constant section
along a profile
Profile

Profile

base section
base section

The Profile defines the position, the number and

The Profile shows the path to be followed by the

the size of each intermediate section.


The size of each section can be specified.

tube and the number of intermediate sections to


be generated.
Each intermediate profile section has a constant
size (default).

h= Height of the current segment


l= Width of the current segment

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h= Height of the current segment


= Angle between the current
segment and the previously drawn
segment

23.5.1.1

The base section(s)

Their state
A base section can be one of the following entities (See The selectable entities on
page 149):
a closed or open line object (See Line drawing on page 277)
a point on a polyhedral surface (NURBS surfaces have no points)
an edge on a surface
a facet on a polyhedral surface (It is not possible to sweep a NURBS surface).
As opposed to the specialized selection accessories detailed in the selection palette,
the Select all entities accessory allows you to select either facets, edges or points
(See The selectable entities on page 149).

Their quantity
It is possible to Sweep several sections along a same profile at the same time.
The base section is selected when the tool is picked up (See Selection on page 147).
This option allows you to clone or not the profiles of a sweeping of multiple sections
(several sections are selected). (See The clones on page 107).

Examples
... a line

... points
on a surface

... edges
on a surface

... facets
on a surface

Extruded
sweep...

Profiled
sweep...

Amapi ProT M 309

23.5.1.2

Section and profile from curves

The section and the profile can be open or closed curves, but their shape and their orientation
are determining. What is more, their role is different depending on the desired option (See
The options on page 315). Think about this before drawing the section and/or the profile.

Profile
(open curve)

base section
(open curve)

Profile
(open curve)

base section
(closed curve)

Profile
(closed curve)

base section
(open curve)
Profile
(closed curve)

base section
(closed curve)

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An Extrusion

A Sweeping

Shapes the sections which are


concentric and parallel to each
other

Shape with a constant section


along a profile

The Profile defines the

The Profile shows the path to

position, the number and the


size of each intermediate
section.
The size of each section can
be tuned.

be followed by the tube and the


number of intermediate
sections to be generated.
Each profile intermediate
section has a constant size
(default).

23.5.2

Sweeping with the profile already drawn

23.5.2.1

Use

Before using the sweeping mode, an open or closed profile must be drawn with a Line
drawing sub-tool (see details on page 277).
The section(s) must be selected before entering the Sweep tool, then just click on the
profile curve. Amapi Pro has several sweeping options. Click on the icon corresponding to
the desired option or press both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to
the other.

Extruded tube

base section to
be swept along a
profile

Irregular sweep

Regular sweep

Sweep with
parallel sections

The sections are


The segments of
The size of each All the intermediate
concentric
the obtained shape
intermediate
sections are
The profile defines
are not regular.
section is
automatically set
the size of those
automatically
parallel.
sections
modified to make a
regular shape.
The Profile defines the number of the intermediate sections.

What about the curves used for the construction?


There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109), the
curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by the
tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123).
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109), the curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be seen again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).

Amapi ProT M 311

23.5.2.2

The profile snapping

The notion of snapping exists only when sweeping along an existing profile.
The result obtained is directly depending of the snapping point.
Its action is different:
The case of an extruded tube (see details on page 312)
The case of a swept tube (see details on page 313)

The case of an extruded tube


With this kind of extrusion, Amapi Pro will move the section to the path before extruding.
The closest points of each curve will be snapped together, and consequently the result of this
operation will depend on the position of the two curves.
Profil

Points de calages
superposs

Section de
base

Profile

Snap points
Section de
base

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Points de calage

section

The case of a swept tube


There are two different cases:

The profile and the section do not share a common point:


A base section corresponds to each profile segment.

Profile

Snap point
base section

Intermediate sections
positioned along the profile

The profile and the section share a common point (snapping point):
The snapping will be at the geometric center of the profile.

Profile
Snap point

base section

Intermediate sections position


along the profile

Amapi ProT M 313

23.5.3
23.5.3.1

Freehand sweeping
Use

With this kind of construction, which is much more intuitive, no profile need previously be
drawn. Each tube segment is displayed as soon as a new profile segment is created. With this
method, it is possible to mix extruded segments and swept segments.

Freehand sweeping

To create a Freehand sweep:


Select the base section(s) before picking up the tool, click in the graphic workspace (away
from any object) to start the operation, then move the cursor to build the first tube segment.
According to the selected option, one or several of the following parameters can be set:
The orientation of the segment ( ).
The width of the intermediate section (l).
The height of the segment (h ).
Their tuning can be made by a simple click or by entering accurate values in the parameters
area. Do the same for the other segments and validate the operation by pressing the Enter
key.

The validation ignores the last displayed segment attached to the cursor.

With this method the profile can only be a polyline.

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23.5.3.2

The options

Extruded tubing

Swept tubing

The cursor movement controls simultaneously:


The section scaling (the width l).
The height (h) of the extruded segment.

The cursor movement controls simultaneously:


The orientation of the swept segment ( ).
Each intermediate section of the tube is
constant and is automatically oriented so that
its plane follows the bisecting line of the angle
made by two successive profile segments.
The height (h) of the swept segment (h).

The Ctrl key: shortcut for the Radial

tubing option (See The constraints on


page 316). Press and hold the key before
moving the cursor. Release it only after tuning
is completed.

The Ctrl key: controls the section size (l).

Press and hold the key before moving the


cursor. Release it only after tuning is
completed.

The Shift key: shortcut for the Axial

tubing option (See The constraints on


page 316). Press and hold the key before
moving the cursor. Release it only after tuning
is completed.

The Shift key: shortcut for the Axial

tubing option (See The constraints on


page 316). Press and hold the key before
moving the cursor. Release it only after tuning
is completed.

Amapi ProT M 315

23.5.3.3

The constraints

Click on an icon to put a constraint on the cursor movement or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other:

Free movement
(Free tubing)

Horizontal constraint
(Radial tubing)
The height of the segment is
null (h=0).
The cursor movement controls
only the section size (l).

Vertical constraint
(Axial tubing)
The current profile segment is
oriented along the axis of the
previous profile segment ( =0).
The cursor movement controls
only the height of the segment
(h).

Free extrusion

l
h

Free sweeping

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23.5.3.4

Section orientation options

When using the Swept tubing (See The options on page 315), Amapi Pro has an
additional step after the validation of the drawing. This is to select the option for the
orientation of the section. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired option or press both
the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other

Irregular sweep

Regular sweep

Sweep with parallel sections

The size of the intermediate


sections remains as defined.
The segments of the obtained
tube are not regular*.

The size of each intermediate


section is automatically modified
to make the tube regular*.
If some intermediate sections had
been scaled, Amapi Pro would
have applied a scaling coefficient
on them.

All the intermediate sections are


automatically oriented to be
parallel to the base section.

* Regular tube: tube with a constant section on its entire length.

23.5.4

Progressive scaling of the sections

When using the Swept tubing (See The options on page 315) (See Sweeping with the
profile already drawn on page 311), Amapi Pro allows you to control the progressive
scaling of all the sections. The tuning can be done with the +/- keys. Then, validate by
pressing the Enter key or by releasing the tool.

Amapi ProT M 317

23.5.5

Close the openings

If the base section is a closed curve, Amapi Pro proposes closing the openings (See Open /
closed objects on page 94).
To close them, click on the highlighted openings.
An icon allows you to automatically close all the openings of the sweeping.

23.5.6

Simplified display

When building a tube from several base sections, the display screen can be overloaded and it
might be better to simplify the display. That is why Amapi Pro has a Simplified display
accessory.
Full display
Simplified display

23.5.7

Display the graduated axis

This option makes it possible to visualize the axis of the orthonormal local base
related to the sweeping in progress. These reference marks allow, as for traditional
layouts of lines, to carry out a snapping on the graduations and to better visualize direction
of displacement.

23.5.8

Sweep by Block

The sweep by block applies only to the sweeping of a selection of adjacent facets. When this
option is not activated, the sweeping makes as many tubes as of selected facets each one
being perpendicular to its facet.

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When it is activated, the adjacent facets are joined together in only one block which preserves the form of the group of facets. To use it, it is necessary to select several adjacent facets by an edge then to select the this option and finally to launch the sweeping (Enter key).

Sweep by block enabled

23.5.9

Sweep by block disabled

Sweeping from an edge of a NURBS surface

If the current selection is a NURBS surface or a BREP, you will be able to work starting
from the edge outlines or to trim by freehand as in the example below where the sweeping
uses the cutting edge as a base section
Original surface
cut by a circle

Sweeping edge
based on the edge

Profile drawn hand free

Amapi ProT M 319

In this case, the edge section is divided by the two surfaces. Thus, if this curve is modified,
the two surfaces will be modified as in the example below:

23.5.10 Additional information


The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):
This tool adds a DG level labeled

Sweeping (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) to set a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

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23.6

Double-Sweep

The Double-Sweep tool allows you to create complex shapes quickly from a base
section and two profiles. This way, you can create surfaced or volumetric tubes, that
can be asymmetrical or have different shapes at their ending sections.

Profiles
(open curves)

base section
(closed curve)

Profiles
(closed curves)

base section
(open curves)

base section
(closed curve)

Profiles
(closed curves)

Profiles
(closed curves)
base section
(closed curve)

Amapi ProT M 321

23.6.1

Use

1) Create a base section and two profiles under the following conditions:

The section can be an open or a closed curve (See Open / closed objects on
page 94).
Both profiles must be either closed or open (See Open / closed objects on page 94).
Each profile must share a common point with the section.
The two profiles must not share the same common point with the section.

2) The base section must be the current object (See The selection accessories on
page 148).

3) Click on the icon showing the tool Double-Sweep in the construction palette.
4) Click on each profile, one after another.
5) If the object has openings (See Open / closed objects on page 94), Amapi Pro will
allow you to close them by clicking on those that you would like to close.

6) Release the tool by pressing the Enter key to validate the operation.

23.6.2

Base orientation options

It is possible to choose the way in which a surface is generated compared to the section. If
the section is not located in a plane perpendicular to the profiles, the tool can either create a
surface by positioning the section perpendicular to the profiles or create a surface while conserving the original position of the profile.

Section perpendicular
to profiles

Construction curves
before Double-Sweep

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Preservation of the section


orientation

23.6.3

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool adds a DG level labeled
page 109).

Double Sweep (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on

For a better quality, the two profiles should have the same number of segments. If not,
Amapi Pro will add more segments to the profile with less segments to do the operation in the
best conditions.
What about the curves used for the construction?
There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109):
The curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by
the tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123).
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109): The curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).

Amapi ProT M 323

23.7

Ruled Surface

This tool is used to create a skin between curves or edges (in NURBS mode) frontires. A simple illustration of a ruled surface would be the wing of an airplane. The
structural members of the wing represent the curves, and the skin (wings surface) is the
mesh linking these curves together.
You also can make a Tangential connection of NURBS surfaces using the edges of these
surfaces. In this type of connection, a curve border belonging to two objects is shared by the
two surfaces in dynamic geometry. You can thus edit this curve and the modifications will
be applied to the two surfaces.

Example of surface obtained by using the Ruled Surface tool

Ruled surface on edges of closed NURBS surfaces

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23.7.1

Creating Ruled Surface

To create a Ruled Surface, proceed as follows:

1) Create a set of curves proceeding as follows before picking up the Ruled Surface tool.

The curves can have a different number of points.


They can be curves or volume openings (See Open / closed objects on page 94), or
edges (in NURBS mode).
They can be Polygonal or NURBS (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96).
The only constraint is that the curves must be all open or all closed (See Open /
closed objects on page 94).

2) Pick up the Ruled Surface tool.


3) There are two cases:

All the curves are open:


Click on each curve that is to become a border.
In NURBS mode, you will have the possibility to point out a succession of edges as a
border. You can select multiple edges by keeping the Shift key pressed.
All the curves are closed:
Click a point of the first curve, then the corresponding point of the second curve and
so on. Amapi Pro draws a line segment between each selected point. These segments
will be used to create the surface. Select the points with care because the result can be
affected. The Curve Inversion (see details on page 330) can solve the reverted
curves problems. In NURBS mode, you will be able to ask to Align the first border
points (see details on page 330).

4) If the borders are edges (in NURBS mode), you can make a Tangential connection (see
details on page 326).

5) Validate by pressing the Enter key.


Amapi Pro allows you to pick up the tool only if there is at least one curve or an open volume in
the scene.

Amapi ProT M 325

23.7.2

Tangential connection

This type of connection makes it possible to connect the ruled surface tangentially to an edge
of a NURBS surface. You can also use a cut (trimming) or the external edges of a NURBS
surface.

Surfaces not connected


tangentially

Surfaces connected tangentially

The user will need to do the following:


Determine the connection surfaces
Set the tension
Set the degree in U

The tangential connections options are available only if the NURBS mode has been activated
(See Change the construction mode on page 96).

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23.7.2.1

Determine the connection surfaces

A handler will make it possible to indicate, for each border, the adjacent surface the
connection will need to be tangential to, as well as the direction of the connection.
The selection will be made by a simple click on the handler arrow which approaches the
orientation of the desired surface connection the most.
A red arrow identifies the tangential connection.
By clicking again on this arrow, the user will cancel the tangential characteristic of the
connection.
Border #2

Border #1

Non tangential connections between two borders

Border #2

Border #1

Connections
non tangential on the border #1
tangential on the left on the border #2

Non tangential connections on the border #1


tangential on the left on the border #2

Border #2

Border #1

Connections
tangential on the left on the border #1
tangential on the left on the border #2

Amapi ProT M 327

If the border is common to several faces, the user will have to click on the handler arrow
which approaches the orientation of the desired surface of the face to be connected
tangentially.
Border #2

Border #1

Non tangential connections between two borders

Border #2

Connections
tangential on the top on the border #1
non tangential on the border #2

Border #2

Border #
Border #1

Connections
tangential on the right on the border #1
non tangential on the border #2

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Connections
tangential on the top on the border #1
tangential on the bottom on the border #2

23.7.2.2

Set the tension

The connection handler will make it possible to graphically tune the tension of the tangential
connection. The length of the arrow is proportional to the tension. The setting will be done
as the follows:

Click on the end of an arrow marking the tangential connection.


Move the cursor
Click to validate.

Slightly tightened tangential


connection

23.7.2.3

Fairly tightened tangential


connection

Strongly tightened tangential


connection

Set the degree in U

When making a ruled surface between NURBS curves, Amapi Pro creates a NURBS surface
where U degree is given by the degree of the curves but where the V degree is undefined.
The degree per default depends on the number of borders as well as the nature of the
connection (tangential or not):
Minimum degree = number of borders + number of tangential connections -1.

A degree of 1 will produce a surface with sharp


angles

A degree of 2 will produce a smooth surface

Amapi ProT M 329

23.7.3

Closing the surface on itself

It is sometimes necessary to close the ruled surface by using the first curve as the last
curve. For this, after having validated the second to last curve, click on this option
and the first curve will be added to the surface in order to close it.

23.7.4

Curve Inversion

The Ruled Surface tool takes into account the direction of the curve. The generated
surface might therefore appear twisted if all the curves are not in the same direction.
The Curve Inversion accessory enables you to obtain a better result as it will reverse the
direction of the last indicated curve. You will obtain the same effect by pressing on the
Space-Bar.

23.7.5

Align the first border points

In NURBS mode, the user will be able to choose to align the first points of closed borders in
U or V. This option can solve the problems of twisted ruled surfaces.
Does not align the first border points.
Aligns the first border points.

23.7.6

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Ruled_Surface

What about the curves used for the construction?


There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109): the
curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by the
tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123). When the curves are
edges or cuttings of NURBS surfaces, they are shared by the two surfaces they belong to. When
they are edited, the modifications appear on the two surfaces as if they had been welded.
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109): the curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).

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23.8

Coons Surface

This tool generates a surface from connected curves, snapped by the end points with
the adjacent ones drawing a closed perimeter. These curves can be edges of NURBS
surfaces that makes it possible to create surfaces of connection between several adjacent surfaces by a point.
.

Coons Surface created from four curves

4 adjacent surfaces with one point

Coons surface created from four adjacent edges

Amapi Pro allows you to pick up the tool only if there is at least one curve or an open volume in
the scene.

Amapi ProT M 331

23.8.1

Surface creation

The tool can work in two different modes. Select the icon showing the desired mode:
Manual Coons mode
Automatic Coons mode

Manual Coons mode


To manually create a Coons Surface, proceed as follows:

1) Create a set of curves under the following conditions before picking up the Coons
Surface tool.
The curves must be connected (See Connected curves: Connected curves are several
curves, where a curve has one end exactly superimposed with one end of another
curve. on page 91).
There are no limits for the number of curves.

2) Pick up the Coons Surface tool.


3) It must be specified if an object will be polygonal or NURBS while creating
it (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96). Amapi Pro displays a
toggle-icon allowing to switch from one drawing mode to another. Check that the button
corresponding to the desired mode is selected. If not, click on it or use the (Ctrl+B)
shortcut.

4) Click on each curve (in any order).


5) The operation is finished when Amapi Pro detects the curve or the set of connected
curves is closed.
The Coons surface is displayed.

Automatic Coons mode


The Automatic Coons mode works exactly like the manual mode. The only
difference is that Amapi Pro is able to detect whether or not the first selected curve is
connected to the others to make a closed shape. If it is the case, the surface will be
immediately created from the detected curves without another user action.

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23.8.2

Tangential connection

This type of connection makes it possible to connect a Coons surface tangentially to a border
of a NURBS surface.
Connection options are offered only if the user has enabled the NURBS operating mode (See
Change the construction mode on page 96).

23.8.3

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool adds a DG level labeled
page 109).

Coons_Surface (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on

What about the curves used for the construction?


There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109):
The curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by
the tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123). When the curves are
edges of NURBS surfaces, they are shared by the two surfaces to which they belong. When they
are edited, modifications will appear on the two surfaces as if the surfaces were welded.
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109): The curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).

Amapi ProT M 333

23.9

Gordon surface

This tool is used to create a surface using a network of 3D curves. The surface is
generated along the longitudinal and latitudinal curves.

23.9.1

Surface creation

To create Gordon surface, proceed as follows:

1) Create a set of curves under the following conditions before picking up the Gordon
surface tool.
All the longitudinal curves must have their ends connected to one point of the
latitudinal curves (and vice versa) to create a net.
It must not be a curve that will be longitudinal and latitudinal at the same time (See
Curves on page 91).
All curves going in the same direction (longitudinal or latitudinal) must either be
closed or opened (See Open / closed objects on page 94).

2) Click on each of the longitudinal curves.


3) Validate.
4) Click now on each of the latitudinal curves.
5) Validate.
6) Amapi Pro computes the surface mesh; if the curves are correct, it will display the result.
If not, Amapi Designer will suggest a configuration to be validated that will generate the
surface.

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23.9.2

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool adds a DG level labeled
page 109).

Gordon_Surface (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on

What about the curves used for the construction?


There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109): the
curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by the
tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123).
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109): the curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).

Amapi ProT M 335

23.10 Manifold
This tool is used to create a closed volume from NURBS surfaces which will define
the future volume.
(See Surfaces / Volumes on page 92)
(See Open / closed objects on page 94)
(See The NURBS models on page 98)
The selection of the surface-limits will be made either before or while using the tool.
To change the selection while using the tool is known as the inverse selection principle
(See Single object selection on page 151).
The volume will be created when the Enter key is pressed, thus validating the selection of
the surface-limits.

Surfaces-limits

Generated volume

An option allows you to generate or not the internal surfaces of the resulting volume.

Do not generate internal surfaces

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Generate internal surfaces

The surfaces-limits must imperatively delimit a closed contour.


If this condition is not observed, Amapi Pro will not be able to generate a volume.
The tool and the Dynamic Geometry (DG) :
This tool adds a DG level labeled
page 109).

Manifold_Volume (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on

What about the objects used for the construction?


There are two cases :
When working using the Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109) : The curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be
editable by the tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be
automatically transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123).
When working without using the Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109) : The curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).

Amapi ProT M 337

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24
Modeling palette

This tools palette contains the tools used to model the objects.
Icon

Tool name

Description

See

Smooth

This tool is used to control the number of facets defining a surface and the
number of points defining a curve and to give them a smoother aspect.

page 340

Chamfer

This tool allows you to create internal or external bevels, depending on the
orientation of the model edges

page 347

Thickness/Offset

This tool offers two different options:


- Creates a clone object parallel to the current object.
- Gives a thickness to a curve, a surface or a volume

page 351

Cut

Proposes several methods to cut one or several objects at the same time.

page 354

Delete

This tool allows you to delete one or several elements (facet, edge or point)
from the selected objects.

page 364

Tesselate

This tool subdivides the segments of a curve or the facets of a surface or a


volume.

page 367

Deform

This tool lets you apply several kinds of deformations on the current
selection proposed as options.

page 374

Bend

This tool deforms the selection along a profile curve.

page 379

Mold

This tool allows you to pull on the current selection so that the points
located in the influence area are moved with an inertia effect.

page 382

Bump/Soften

This tool allows you to work on the surface bump of the current selection.

page 385

Amapi ProT M 339

24.1

Smooth

The Smooth tool is used to control the number


of facets defining a surface and the number of
points defining a curve.

Amapi Pro has several smoothing methods (See


Smoothing options on page 341).
The higher the smoothing value, the smoother the
object looks.
Some options give accessories to generate smoothing
breaks (see details on page 344) or tune tensions (see
details on page 343).
The default mode is to apply a smoothing on the
current selected objects (See The concept of
selection on page 147). However, a smoothing can
Smoothed
Not smoothed
Object
Object
be applied on a part of the selection Partial
smoothing (see details on page 345).
The smoothing is editable: if the Smooth tool is selected again and the current object is
already smoothed, Amapi Pro will suggest either to modify the current smoothing
parameters or to change the smoothing method.

When working with Dynamic Geometry, the smoothing adds a DG level to the object,
allowing the smoothing to be editable.
That is to say, if the current object is already smoothed, the tool systematically offers to edit
the corresponding Dynamic Geometry level for the user.
Thus, he or she will be able either to change the smoothing method of the selected elements
or to modify the selection to be smoothed.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)

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24.1.1

Smoothing options

Amapi Pro has several different smoothing methods depending on the type of the current
selection. The smoothing methods are displayed as options.
You will select the option proposing the nearest solution to the required effect.
As there are many smoothing possibilities, you will have to test them to find the best adapted
to your shape.
There are several kinds of smoothing:
Smoothing polygonal surfaces (see details on page 341)
Smoothing polygonal curves (see details on page 342)
Smoothing NURBS objects (see details on page 343)

24.1.1.1

Smoothing polygonal surfaces

Catmull
smoothing
*

Doo
smoothing
*

Bzier
smoothing
**

Loop
smoothing
*

Butterfly
smoothing
**

Illustrations
Objects to be
smoothed

Editable
Parameter(s)

Range

Range
Range
Range
Range
(see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 342)
page 342)
page 342)
page 342)
page 342)
Tension
Tension
Tension
(see details on (see details on (see details on
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)

There are two kinds of smoothing:


* The internal smoothing: the smoothed shape remains inside the limits defined by the not smoothed
object.
** The external smoothing: the smoothed shape is outside the limits defined by the not smoothed object.

Amapi ProT M 341

The range
The smoothing range defines the number of facets. The higher the range value, the
finer the smoothing. The tuning can be made either with the +/- keys or by entering a
value in the parameter palette.

Not smoothed object

24.1.1.2

Bzier smoothing
range = 2

Bzier smoothing
range = 8

Smoothing polygonal curves

Bzier
smoothing
*

Interpolation
smoothing

Approximation
smoothing
*

Chakin
smoothing

Cubic
smoothing

*
Illustration
Curve to be
smoothed

Editable
Parameter(s)

Range

Range
Range
Range
Range
(see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
Tension
Degree
Level
Tension
Tension
(see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 343)
page 342)
page 343)
page 343)
page 343)
Degree
(see details on
page 342)

* Generates NURBS curves

Degree
A NURBS curve is defined by control points, a nodal sequence and a degree.
The degree of a NURBS curve corresponds to the number of control points which influence
the curve at any given point. A degree of 1 gives a broken line which goes through the
control points. A degree of 3 gives a smoother curve moving away from the control points
The greater the degree, the lower the influence of the control points, with the curve
smoothing out the more as it moves away from the control points.
(See NURBS Curve on page 99)

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The range
The smoothing range defines the number of segments. The higher the range value,
the finer the smoothing. The tuning can be made either with the +/- keys or by
entering a value in the parameter palette.

Not smoothed object

Bzier smoothing
range = 2

Bzier smoothing
range = 8

Approximation smoothing
range = 5 and level = 2

Approximation smoothing
range = 5 and level = 4

The level

Not smoothed object

24.1.1.3

Smoothing NURBS objects

The Polygonal objects smoothing methods are not applicable to the NURBS objects (See
Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96) and Amapi Pro will switch to the Tesselation
procedure described in Tesselate a NURBS object on page 370.

24.1.2

Tension control

Some smoothing methods allow you to control the tension of the smoothing, that is to
say that it controls how close the smoothing edges are (polygonal surfaces smoothing
only) or vertices (polygonal surfaces and curves) to the not smoothed object.
Tension setting is done on the entire object. To do so, enter a value in the parameter palette.

Amapi ProT M 343

Tension control on internal smoothing:

Not smoothed object

Tension = -0.80

Tension = 0

Tension = 0.80

Tension = 0

Tension = 0.80

Tension control on external smoothing:

Not smoothed object

Tension = -0.80

Some smoothing methods have an accessory to control tension on a part of an object.


Use the appropriate selection accessory (see details on page 148) to select the edges or the
vertices on which the tension can be tuned.
The tuning can be made either with the +/- keys or by entering a value in the parameter
palette.
A click in an empty space of the scene will delete all the local tensions.

24.1.3

Break control

Some smoothing methods allow you to control the breaks of smoothing.


The breaks correspond to the edges (polygonal surfaces smoothing only) or vertices
(polygonal surfaces and curves) on which the smoothing must not be applied.
Use the appropriate selection accessory (see details on page 148) to select the edges or the
vertices to be broken.

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A click in an empty space of the scene will delete all the breaks.

Not smoothed object

24.1.4

Smoothed object

Smoothed object
on which some edges are
selected breaks

Smoothed object
on which a point is a
selected break

Partial smoothing

By default, the smoothing is automatically applied on all the selected objects with
respect to the break instructions (See Tension control on page 343) (See Break
control on page 344).
Some smoothing methods provide a partial smoothing accessory. It allows you to select
facets (polygonal surfaces smoothing only) or segments (polygonal surfaces and curves) to
smooth. The facets or segments not selected will not be smoothed.
Use the appropriate selection accessory (see details on page 148) to select the facets or
segments to smooth.
A click in an empty space of the scene will delete all the selections.

24.1.5

Making convex surfaces

This option gives a small variation of the smoothing effect for the objects made up of
concave facets.
A convex facet is any segment linking two points
anywhere on a surface and is fully enclosed in the
shape.
Convex facet

A concave facet is any facet which does not


match the above convex facet definition.
Concave facet

Amapi ProT M 345

The smoothing of an object made up of convex


facets gives a different result from the smoothing
of the same object made up of concave facets.
For this reason, Amapi Pro can automatically
make convex the concave facets of the object to
be smoothed. This operation consists of dividing
each concave facet into the minimum convex
facets.

24.1.6

Concave facet transformed


into a convex facet

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool adds a DG level labeled

Smoothing (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

For a better quality and efficiency, we recommend to create your models with a small number
of facets and to smooth them at the end of the modeling.
Mixing different smoothing methods on the same object:
If the current object is already smoothed, Amapi Pro will suggest to edit the corresponding DG
level.
To apply another smoothing method on a part or on the entire object, delete this DG level. (See
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

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24.2

Chamfer

This tool allows you to create internal or external


bevels, based on the orientation of the edges of the
model. Choose a kind of chamfer before selecting the elements
you want to work on.
The selection method is described in The selection methods
paragraph on page 150.
Then, set the range and the radius of the chamfer on polyhedral
objects. Only the radius can be locally changed.
On NURBS objects, the radius can be set on the entire object.

24.2.1

Chamfer a volume

If the current object is a surface or volume and polyhedral, Amapi Pro has three chamfer
options. If the current object is a NURBS surface or volume, only the Chamfer the edges
mode will be available. Toggle from one to the other by using both the Alt and SpaceBar keys or by clicking on the corresponding icon.

Option description

Chamfer the edges


Dice corner
Peaks
Creates an arc on each Creates arcs on selected Gives a sharp aspect to
end of the selected
points, then generates a
a chamfered vertex.
edge, then generates a ruled surface between
(Polyhedral only)
ruled surface between
them.
them.
(Polyhedral only)

Illustrations:

Object to be chamfered

Editable parameters

Object on which some


edges have been chamfered

Object with all vertices


chamfered in dice corner

Range (Polyhedral

Range (Polyhedral

only) (see details on

only) (see details on

page 349)
Radius (see details on
page 349)

Object fully edge-chamfered


but with a sharpened vertex

page 349)

Radius (see details on


page 349)

A suitcase corner is a corner on which all the adjacent edges have been edge
chamfered.
To create a suitcase corner quickly, just click on a vertex of the current object.

Amapi ProT M 347

Of course, it is not possible to transform a dice corner into a suitcase corner.

24.2.2

Chamfer a polygonal line

Chamfering a curve, consists of replacing a point of the curve with an arc on which the
radius (see details on page 349) and the range (see details on page 349) will be set.

C curve that has not C curve on which a vertex has


been chamfered

been chamfered

C curve of which all


vertices have been chamfered

The curves chamfer does not apply to NURBS curves.

24.2.3

Radius Global setting

The Radius parameter defines the radius value of the arcs associated with the chamfered
vertices.
The +/- keys allow you to set the radius quickly without entering a value in the parameter
palette.

348

Dice corner chamfer


Radius 3

Dice corner chamfer


Radius 6

Edge chamfer
Radius 1

Edge chamfer
Radius 3

Reference Manual

24.2.4

Radius local setting on polyhedral objects

Amapi Pro allows you to locally modify the radius/range values of the arcs that are
associated with the chamfered vertices. This setting does not apply to NURBS
objects.
To do this, click on the Radius local setting on polyhedral objects accessory icon. The
selection method is described in The selection methods paragraph (see details on
page 150).
The +/- keys allow you to set the parameter quickly, which avoids entering a value in the
parameter palette.

Edge chamfers
with some modified radiuses

Edge chamfers
with an identical radius

24.2.5

Range global setting on polyhedral objects

The Range parameter corresponds to the number of intermediate points defining the arcs
associated with the chamfered vertices. This setting does not apply to NURBS objects. The
higher the range, the smoother the chamfer. To set the range, enter a value in the parameter
palette (See Editing the parameters on page 162).

Dice corner chamfer


Range 0

Dice corner chamfer


Range 1

Dice corner chamfer


Range 2

Edge chamfer
Range 0

Edge chamfer
Range 1

Edge chamfer
Range 2

Amapi ProT M 349

24.2.6

Shape of the chamfer for NURBS edges

NURBS edges can be chamfered in various ways using one of the options below:
Linear Section: allows you to create beveled edges

Circular Section: rounded chamfer

Approximate Circular Section: Differs very slightly from the circular section
Interpolated Section: Uses the shape of the two surfaces to define an interpolation,
thus preserving the ideal contour.

24.2.7

Apply to all

This accessory allows you to chamfer all the current objects at the same time. It is
possible to apply some selection changes before validating.
The Apply to all accessory cancels all the chamfering operations already made on the
current object.
This accessory shortcut is the A key.

24.2.8

Additional Information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled as
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)

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Chamfer (See

24.3

Thickness/Offset
With the Thickness/Offset tool you will be able to Give a thickness to a curve
or a surface or Create an offset copy of the current object.

24.3.1

Thickness/Offset options

The Give a thickness option consists to give a thickness to the curve or to the selected
surface.
The Create an offset copy option creates an identical object offset from the original at
a given distance.
These two operations apply to polyhedral curves and surfaces and NURBS. In some cases, it
can apply to BREP volumes. Click on the icon corresponding to the desired option or press
both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from one option to the other.

Option description

Give a thickness

Create an offset copy

Gives a thickness
to a curve,
a surface or a volume

Creates a clone object


parallel to the current object.
(See The clones on page 107)

Illustration

On a 3D curve

On a surface object
Editable parameters

Thickness *
Number of points **

Thickness *

(Polyhedral only)

Amapi ProT M 351

* The +/- keys allow you to quickly tune the thickness without using the parameter palette.

Example of curve with a thickness of 2

Example of curve with a thickness of 4

** The Number of points parameter is available when applying a thickness to a curve.


It corresponds to the number of points which defines the sections.

Example of curve with a thickness of 4 points

24.3.2

Example of curve with a thickness of 6 points

Changing the position of the thickness

This option allows you to change the location of the action (Inside/Outside or Above/
Below). To toggle from one to the other, click on the icon showing the desired action.
Options

Object to be thickened

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Inside

Outside

Object thickened towards the


inside

Object thickened towards the


outside

24.3.3

Surface options

If the current object is surface or volume, Amapi Pro will give you the choice between
several options to get an Ideal, Angular or Exploded shape.

Options
Ideal
Option
description

Angular

Exploded

All the points belonging to The facets of the original


the surface of the
object are offset by the
thickened shape are at
thickness value then
equal distance from the dilated in order to obtain a
original object.
shape similar to the
original.

The facets of the original


object are reproduced
identically and shifted of
the thickness value

Surface to be
thickened
Available on
NURBS objects
only

24.3.4

Available with the


Create an offset
copy option only

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


The Give a thickness option adds a DG level labeled

Thickness.

The Create an offset copy option creates a clone of the object and transmits its DG to it.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).


In the steps where the Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace with the + or - keys.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Using this tool, create a vase with variable thickness, modifying only the inside or the outside
surface (the original object and its offset).

Amapi ProT M 353

24.4

Cut

The Cut tool works on the selected objects (See The concept of selection on
page 147). Several methods are available to cut one or more objects at the same time:

Boolean: Performs boolean operations


between curves, surfaces or volumes (see
details on page 355).

Punch or Trimming: Punching a surface


or a volume using a reference curve (see
details on page 357).

Extract: Extracts one or several facets of the


current object to make a new object (see
details on page 361).
(Polyhedral only)

Slices: Cuts a volume object into regular


slices (see details on page 362).
(Polyhedral only)

The cutting methods are proposed as options. toggle from one to the other by using both the
Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding icon.

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24.4.1
24.4.1.1

Cutting methods
Boolean

This Cut tool option computes the intersections between two operands such as
curves, surfaces or volumes. Then, it displays all the solutions resulting from this
operation. Select the one to be kept. The two objects can be indifferently Polyhedral or
NURBS (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96). .
If the two original objects are NURBS objects, cutting will make a NURBS object whatever the
operating mode. If one of the two objects is polyhedral, cutting will make a polyhedral object.
Boolean operations on open NURBS surfaces can give erroneous results. Use these
operations only on closed volumes.

Tool usage

1) Select the first operand of the operation (object or group)


2) Pick up the tool
3) Click on the object or group of objects which will be the second operand.
4) Amapi Pro displays a first object. Use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys (or use the +
- keys) to toggle from one option to the other to display all the possible solutions of the
operation.

5) As the expected result is displayed, release the tool or press the Enter key to validate
the operation and leave the tool.
An operand should not have intersection with itself. Objects of a group should therefore not
be intersected between them.

Options
Boolean tool example:
The sphere is the operand #1 (the object selected
before picking up the tool). It will be named Vol.1 if
considered as a closed volume or Surf.1 if
considered as a surface.
The cube is the operand #2 (the object selected after
picking up the tool). It will be named Vol.2 if
considered as a closed volume or Surf.2 if
considered as a surface.

Vol.1
Surf.1

Vol.2
Surf.2

Amapi ProT M 355

Operations between volumes

Vol.2 minus Vol.1

Vol.1 or Vol.2

Vol.1 and Vol.2

Vol.1 minus Vol.2

Surf.1 minus Vol.2

Surf.2 minus Vol.1

Operations between surface and volume

Surf.1 and Vol.2

Surf.2 and Vol.1

Operations between surfaces

Surf.2 and Surf.1

Surf.2 or Surf.1*

*generates 4 surface objects

The boolean computing time on complex models is longer than on simple models.

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24.4.1.2

Punch

The punch option cuts a curve, surface or volume object


following the projection of a profile curve on this
object.
The two parts can be Polygonal or NURBS (See Polygonal or
NURBS Models on page 96).
Cutting NURBS volumes with the Punch option corresponds
to what is called the Trimming.

Object to be cut

The punch profile can be an open or a closed curve which has


already been drawn or will be drawn into the tool (see details
on page 357).

Cut object

If the two original objects are NURBS objects, cutting will make a NURBS object whatever the
operating mode. If one of the two objects is polyhedral, cutting will make a polyhedral object.
The curve used as a punch on a NURBS volume must be a closed curve. If not the result can be
erroneous.

Drawing the profile


The punch profile can be an open or closed curve which Amapi Pro will project onto the
object to be cut. The operation can be made either from an existing curve or a curve drawn
into the tool.

Punch from an already drawn profile


Draw a profile with a tool from the Line drawing palette (see details on page 277).
Select the element(s) to be Cut, pick up the tool and then click on the profile curve.
Amapi Pro immediately displays the object created during this operation.
Then, choose from the following options:
Use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys (or use the + - keys) to toggle from one option
to the other to display all the possible solutions of the operation (See Cutting options
on page 358).
Release the tool or press the Enter key to validate the operation and leave the tool.

Punch from a profile drawn in the tool


Select the element(s) to be Cut and pick up the tool. The Line drawing tools palette is
displayed.
Use one of them to draw the punch profile
(see details on page 277).

Amapi ProT M 357

Amapi Pro immediately displays the object created from this operation.
Then, choose from the following options:
Use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys (or use the + - keys) to toggle from one option
to the other to display all the possible solutions of the operation (See Cutting options
on page 358).
Release the tool or press the Enter to validate the operation and leave the tool.

Direction of the profile projection


The punch profile must be a 2D (flat) and closed curve, which will be projected onto the
object to be cut, following the normal to the plane it is inscribed to.
If required, the projection axis could be set perpendicular to the current view plane (See
View plane on page 487). To do this, click on the icon
in the control panel.

Cutting options
Punching a volume or surface object
Amapi Pro computes all the possible intersections
between the current object and the profile curve
following its projection path.
Use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys (or use the
+ - keys) to toggle from one option to the other to
display all the possible solutions of the operation.
It is possible to control the cutting depth or the face
to be cut (see details on page 359).
Press the Enter key to validate the operation and
leave the tool.

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Profile
projection
path
Profile
curve
Object to
be cut

Cutting options between the volume and the projection path

Interior volume

Exterior volume

Interior/exterior volumes

Cutting options between the surface and the projection path

Interior Surface

Exterior surface

Interior/exterior surfaces

Control the hole depth or the face to be cut


It is possible to control:
The depth of the cut, when cutting a volume.
The facets to be cut, when cutting a surface.

Amapi ProT M 359

This operation could be done using the Stretch tool.

Object cut with the


Punch tool.
The object is drilled
from a face through the
other one

The same object and


the line allowing you to
set the depth of the
cutting in the Stretch
tool

The cutting depth line


while setting it with the
Stretch tool

Object cut with the


Punch
tool where the depth
has been reduced.

After having made the cut, you will release the Cut tool. You will then pick up the
Stretch tool. You will then see the curve appear used for the cutting and a green axis representing the cutting depth. Note that it slightly exceeds the cut out object. To reduce the cutting depth, simply take one of the ends of this axis and move it. The cutting is recomputed in
real time and you can thus visualize its exact depth. In the same way, you can orient the cutting axis or modify the curve.

Punch a curve
After validation, the number of objects is equal to the number of intersections between the
curve to be cut and the profile, plus one.

Curve to be cut
Cutting profile

Curve cut into several curves

Particular case of the cutting on one point:


Click
Shift click

Click
Curve to be cut
Cutting profile

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Curve cut in two parts

24.4.1.3

Extract

This Cut tool option allows you to substract one or


more facets of the current object to make a new object.
The newly created object becomes the current one.
The facets to be extracted selection can be made with an
available selection accessory (See The selection methods on
page 150).

To extract facets without removing them from the current object (duplication), use the tool
Extract Facets (see details on page 304).
This Cut tool option can be used to separate different parts of an object after modeling in order
to apply different materials.
This type of extraction does not apply to NURBS objects.

Amapi ProT M 361

24.4.1.4

Slices

This Cut tool option allows you to cut the selection into oriented slices. Select first
the start point, then the end point of the cuts. Set the slices interval with the + - keys
or by entering the value in the parameter palette.
Click

Click

In the steps where the Position or Dimension must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
Using the Remote Control (see details on page 162)
With the + or - keys.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

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24.4.2

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Cut (See

What about the objects used for the construction?


There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109):
The curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by
the tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123).
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109): The curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).
Shortcuts: See the shortcut list available after starting the tool with any current option:
Click on a surface or a volume; Amapi Pro will make a cut with a Boolean operation (see details on
page 355).
Click on a curve: Amapi Pro will make a punch following an already drawn profile (see details on
page 357).
Click on the current object: Amapi Pro will make a punch following a profile drawn in the tool (see
details on page 357).
Click on the right mouse button: Amapi Pro will make a cut with the slice-cut option (see details on
page 362).

Amapi ProT M 363

24.5

Delete

This tool allows you to delete one or several elements (facet, edge or point) from the
selected objects (See The concept of selection on page 147). This deletion can be
made with or without facet reconstruction.

1) You can pick up this tool by having or not a current selection (Facets, Edges or
Points) (See The concept of selection on page 147).

2) You will begin or update the selection within the tool with the selection accessories (See
The selection accessories on page 148).
The deletion will be interactive.

3) Validate the action (Enter key) or release the tool to end the tool action.
Two deletion options are available;
With reconstruction
Without reconstruction

Amapi Pro will suggest options for the type of the current object and the entity to be deleted
(See The current selection is a curve on page 365) (See The current selection is a
surface on page 366).
.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool doesnt work on objects including several DG
levels. You must collapse the DG before deleting an element (See Collapsing the DG on
page 118).
In the case of NURBS objects, only the edge and facet modes will be accessible since the points
are not entities displayed on NURBS. The suppression of NURBS edges will allow you to remove
the trimming curves of the NURBS surfaces. A NURBS surface represents a single face and thus
the removal of NURBS faces will remove the complete face.

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24.5.1

The current selection is a curve

Without reconstruction
Option description

Keeps the hole made by the


deletion of the element(s).

Illustration
on open curve

With reconstruction
Creates a curve segment to close
the hole made by the deletion of
the element(s).

Point to be
deleted
Inactive

I
Edge to be
deleted

I
Inactive

The deletion of only one edge with


reconstruction has no effect on the
curve.

Edges to be
deleted
Inactive

Illustration
on closed curve
Point to be deleted

Edge to be deleted
The removal of only one edge With
reconstruction has obviously no effect
on the curve.

Edges to be
deleted
Inactive

Amapi ProT M 365

24.5.2

The current selection is a surface

Without reconstruction
Option description

Keeps the hole made by the


deletion of the element(s).

With reconstruction
Creates a facet to close the hole
made by the deletion of the
element(s).

Deletion of only one facet


The deletion of only one facet with
reconstruction has no effect on the
object.

Facets deletion

Edges deletion

Point deletion

24.5.3

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): this tool is an editor-tool which can edit the first DG
level. The editor-tools carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at higher
levels. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
The Delete tool doesnt work on NURBS models. It is possible to transform a NURBS
model into a polygonal model. To do so, use the Information tool located in the Control panel
(See Information on page 188).
Attention! A polygonal model cannot be transformed into a NURBS model.
Use the most adapted selection accessory within the proposed ones (See The selection
methods on page 150)

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24.6

Tesselate

This tool subdivides the segments of a curve or the facets of a surface or a volume.
A distinction must be made between the Tesselation of polygonal objects and the
Tesselation of NURBS objects (See Polygonal or NURBS Models on page 96).
The tool and the Dynamic Geometry (DG)
The tesselation on polyhedral object is a DG editor. This option carries out modifications of a
topological nature on the 1st DG level, its effects are reflected at the higher levels.
The tesselation of NURBS objects changes the NURBS properties of the object.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)

24.6.1

Tesselate a polygonal volume or surface

Choose between two groups of very different options:


Standard Tesselation options (see details on page 367)
Customized Tesselation options (see details on page 368)

24.6.1.1

Standard Tesselation options

The Standard Tesselation proposes several Tesselation modes.


Click on the icon showing the desired option or use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to
toggle from one option to the other.
Select each facet to be subdivided. The selection can be made facet by facet (click on the
facet) or with the Lasso (See The Personalized Lasso Selection on page 153) quickly
available by right clicking the mouse.
Validate the tool by pressing the Enter key.

Rectangular
Tesselation

Triangular Tesselation

Diamond
Tesselation

Illustration

Amapi ProT M 367

When clicking on the Apply to all accessory, Amapi Pro will perform the operation
on all the facets. Hit the Enter key to validate and start a new tesselation. The
shortcut for this accessory is the A key.

24.6.1.2

Customized Tesselation options

Customized Tesselation allows the user to determine the segment of each facet to be
subdivided. Amapi Pro proposes two possible interfaces to draw the segments. In both cases,
validate the action by pressing the Enter key.

Option
description

Tesselation by segment

Continued Tesselation
by segment

Select the exact position of


the ends of each segment
for each facet to be subdivided.

This interface considers


that all the segments are
adjacent. The user will
define the passing points
of the cutting line.

Tesselation by slice
The user will have to only
click on an edge to
position the cutting
section.

Illustration

Click 1

Click 3

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Click 2
Click 1

Click 4

Click 2
Click 3

Click

24.6.2

Tesselate a polygonal curve

Amapi Pro proposes two modes for curves Tesselation.


Click on the icon showing the desired option.

Middle segment tesselation


Illustration

Amapi Pro adds a point in the middle Click on segments to add new points.
Validate the tool action by pressing the
of each selected segment.
The selection can be done segment by Enter key.
segment (click on the segment) or with
the Lasso (See The Personalized
Lasso Selection on page 153) quickly
available by clicking on the right
mouse button.
Validate the tool action by pressing the
Enter key.

Clicks

Accessory

Customized Tesselation

Clicks

If using the Apply to all


accessory, Amapi Pro will
apply the operation on all the
segments. The shortcut for this
accessory is the A key

Amapi ProT M 369

24.6.3

Tesselate a NURBS object

See The NURBS models paragraph on page 98 to learn more details about the NURBS
models
For NURBS objects, Amapi Pro proposes two Tesselation methods. Click on the icon
showing the desired option or use the both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from an
option to another.
Standard NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 370)
Adaptive NURBS Tesselation (see details on page 371)
In the both cases, some settings can be made : Adding nodes and breaks management (see
details on page 372)

24.6.3.1

Standard NURBS Tesselation

This is a constant parametric Tesselation because the number of subdivisions


depends on the Range parameter.

For a NURBS curve, the tesselation range corresponds to the number of segments
generated between two nodal points.

For a NURBS surface or volume, the tesselation range corresponds to the number of
intervals made by the intermediate lines generated between two nodal lines.

When creating a NURBS curve, surface or volume, Amapi Pro sets the tesselation range to 5
by default.
Tune the range with the + or - keys or by entering a value in the parameter palette.

Range U = 5
Range V = 5

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Range U = 2
Range V = 3

Range U = 5
Range V = 5

Range U = 2
Range V = 10

Range U = 10
Range V = 2

Range U = 10
Range V = 10

Default tesselation ranges


for a NURBS object (See
The NURBS models on
page 98)

24.6.3.2

Adaptive NURBS Tesselation

This Tesselation method is slower than the standard method (see details on page 370)
but it has the advantage of generating an optimal number of subdivisions. It can only
be applied to surfaces. You will have the possibility to modify the following parameters:

Maximum chord height of a facet compared to the theoretical surface.


Maximum angle in the UV space made by a polygon (in degrees).
Maximum length of an edge in the 3D space.
Minimum length of an edge in the 3D space.
Width and height maximum ratio between the surfaces of the created polygons.
Smaller subdivision in the UV space.

Each one of these values can act in complement to the others. Setting a value to 0 will cancel
the effect of this parameter. Therefore, one of the first two parameters should not be set to 0
in order to generate a result.
Some values can create very
long computing times. It is
thus advised to test the values one by one and to apply
modifications by reducing to
the default values.

Constant
Tesselation

Adaptive
Tesselation

Rang
Rang

Amapi ProT M 371

24.6.3.3

Determination of the degree

The degree of a NURBS can be modified by editing the Degree field for a curve or Degree U
and Degree V for a surface.
(See The NURBS models on page 98).

24.6.3.4

If the current object is a curve:

Adding nodes and breaks management

Add a nodal point by clicking at the exact location where this node is to be added.
To create a break, do a Shift-click on the node to be broken.

If the current object is a surface or a volume:


A group of options allows you to select which nodal lines to work on. Click on the icon
showing the desired option or press the Space-Bar to toggle from one option to the
other.
Work on U and V
Work on U
Work on V

If working both on U and V:


To add U and V nodal lines, place the cursor at the exact location where theses curves
will intersect and click.
Create a break both on U and V by doing a Shift-click on the node corresponding to
the nodal lines intersection to be broken.
If working individually on U or V:
To add a nodal line, place the cursor on a point where the future line is to intersect
and click.
Create a break, by doing a Shift-click on the line to be broken.

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Click

Adding two nodal lines


(U and V)

24.6.3.5

The two nodal lines (U and V)


have been added

Inversion of the space of the U and V parameters of


a NURBS surface

It will sometimes be necessary to change the orientation of a NURBS surface. That can be
done thanks to these accessories:
Inversion of U
Inversion of V
Inversion of U and V

Amapi ProT M 373

24.7

Deform

This tool allows you to apply several kinds of deformations on the current selection
proposed as options (See The concept of selection on page 147).
They can be:
either due to the moving, the orientation or the scaling of the control face of the Set the
mesh of the control box (see details on page 376).
or depending on a parameter only.

Original object

Bent object

Twisted object

Tapered object

Spherized object

The different options of the Deform tool

The objects deformed with the Edit the meshed control


box, Bend, Twist or Taper option will have their
Dynamic Geometry replaced by a DG level corresponding
to a bounding meshed box called the meshed control box
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
An object deformed by this tool will be transformed
following the actions made on this meshed control box.
The Edit the meshed control box tool will allow you to
deform the control box. The object will therefore undergo the effects of deforming the
control box. (See The meshed control box editing accessories on page 376).

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24.7.1

The options

The Deform tool proposes several possible deformations options. toggle from one to the
other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding
icon.
The tuner
shows that the setting can be made by using the + and - keys or entering a
value in the parameter palette
Available
options
Edit the
meshed
control box

Bend

Twist

Taper

Spherize

Option
description

Allows you to
stretch the
meshed control
box (see details
on page 377).
Works
according to a
similar principle
to the tool
Stretch
NURBS
objects (see
details on
page 254).

allows you to
bend the
desired Set the
mesh of the
control box
face around the
selection
geometric
center.
(See Set the
mesh of the
control box on
page 376)
(See Action
orientation
options on
page 377)

allows you to
rotate the
desired Set the
mesh of the
control box
face.
(see details on
page 376)
(See Action
orientation
options on
page 377)

allows you to
scale the
desired Set the
mesh of the
control box
face.
(see details on
page 376)
(See Action
orientation
options on
page 377)

allows you to
spherize the
selection.
Amapi Pro
displays a
support-sphere
on which the
selection will be
projected.
(see on
page 376)

Editable
parameter(s)

Move x
Move y
Move z

Angle

Angle

Ratio

Coefficient

Accessory

(See The
Set the mesh Set the mesh Set the mesh
meshed control of the control of the control of the control
box editing
box
box
box
accessories on (see details on (see details on (see details on
page 376)
page 376)
page 376)
page 376)

Illustration

between the
control face
size and the
original size

defines the
projection
extension
Radius
of the supportsphere

Amapi ProT M 375

Original
object

Object
slightly spherized

Object
strongly spherized

Spherized
object

Spherized option using example

24.7.2

The meshed control box editing accessories

The Edit the meshed control box, Bend, Twist and


Taper options replaces Dynamic Geometry by a DG level
corresponding to a meshed control box. The object itself
will be transformed following the actions made on this
meshed control box (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on
page 109).
The Edit the meshed control box tool and its accessories
allows you to deform the control box.
The tool works on a similar principle to the tool Stretch NURBS objects (see details on
page 254). Its accessory functions are described below.

Set the mesh of the control box


The Set the mesh of the control box accessory will allow you to modify the rows
and degrees of the meshed control box.
The range corresponds to the number of meshes in x,y and/or z. This setting allows you to
work more or less precisely. This cursor
shows that this can be done by using the +
and - keys of the numeric keypad or by entering the values in the parameters window.
The degree is related to the number of points of control influencing the volume at a given
point. It defines the number of nodal points. The higher the degree, the less the influence of
the control points and thus, the higher the smoothing on the volume. (see details on
page 101).

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Minimum meshing of the control box:


Range: 2 x 2 x 2.
Degree; 1 x 1 x 1.

Default meshing of the control box


The default range is 3 x 3 x 3.
The default degree is 2 x 2 x 2.

The value of the range must be strictly higher than the value of the degree.

Mold the control box


This accessory makes it possible to move a control boxs selected points so that the
points located in a specific area of influence will move with a certain inertia. The
object will undergo the effects of deforming the control box. (See Mold on page 382).

Scale the control box


This accessory modifies the size of the control box either by preserving its proportions, or by deforming it vertically or horizontally. You will be able to set a scaling
percentage, as well as a dimension, a surface or a volume to be reached. The object will
undergo the effects of deforming the control box. (See Scale on page 248).

Rotate the control box


This accessory applies a rotation to the control box, around an axis perpendicular to
the working plane and by default through its geometric center. You will be able to
either control the rotation angle, or to carry out a rotation by applying a constrain by points
alignment. In both cases you will have the possibility to customize the center as well as the
rotation plane. The object will undergo the effects of deforming the control box. (See
Rotate on page 244).

24.7.3

Action orientation options

These options allows you to toggle the action direction (X,Y or Z). They
are available in the tools working on the meshed control box. Click on
the icon showing the desired option or press the Space-Bar to toggle from one option to
the other. In each case, Amapi Pro will highlight the two faces which can be the action
control face.

Amapi ProT M 377

24.7.4

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


The Bend, Twist and Taper options...

Replaces the object Dynamic Geometry by a DG level corresponding to its Set the mesh of the
control box, labeled

Mesh control box.

Add a DG level corresponding to the deformed object, labeled

Deformation.

The Spherize option creates a DG level corresponding to the deformed object, labeled
Deformation.
The Edit the meshed control box option belongs to the list of editor-tools able to edit the 1st

DG level. Its effects are reflected at higher levels.


(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).
This tool works on selections relating to only one object: If the current selection is applied to
several objects, Amapi Pro will refuse access to the tool.
In the steps where the Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Dimension.
With the + or - keys for setting a Number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

The rotations are made on the orthogonal plane which orientation is the most perpendicular to
the eye - target point axis (See Viewpoint on page 137).
To change the rotation plan, change the viewpoint (See The Navigation on page 135).
This
tool
uses
Dynamic
Geometry properties.
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG)
on page 109)

Original object
made from a
circle extrusion
along a profile

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Reference Manual

Obtained result after


deformation (with the Bend
option) of the geometry level
corresponding to the profile

Obtained result
after deformation
(with the Bend
option) of the
object highest
geometry level.

24.8

Bend

The Bend tool deforms the selection along a profile curve.


Amapi Pro proposes two methods;

Bending along an existing profile (see details on page 379),

Bending along a profile drawn with the tool (see details on page 379).

24.8.1

Bending along an existing profile

Draw a profile curve with a tool from the Line drawing palette (see details on page 277).
Select the element(s) to Bend before picking up the tool and then select the profile curve
with a simple click. Amapi Designer immediately displays the bent selection.

Bending profile

24.8.2

Object to be bent

Bent object

Bending along a profile drawn with the tool

Select the element(s) to be bent before picking up the tool. The Line drawing (see details
on page 277) tools palette is displayed. Use these tools to draw the bending profile.

Amapi ProT M 379

Amapi Pro immediately displays the bent selection as the drawing is validated.

Torsion profile while drawing

24.8.3

Object to be bent

Bent object

Hand free drawn profile


in the Bend tool

The scene
after the tool validation

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): the tool adds a DG level labeled
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)

Bend.

The size of the profile shape has no effect.


The bending is made following the projection of the selected profile on the working plane.
That is to say this tool works in two dimensions.
Thus, it is important to be exactly on the same plane as the profile curve.
So, it is possible to perform successive bendings in different planes (See Scene / orthonormal
base toggling on page 171).

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Reference Manual

It is obvious that to bend an object, this


object must be defined by several points
for a curve or several intermediate
sections for a surface. Amapi Pro cannot
properly bend a cylinder made up of only
one extrusion segment.

P= Bending
profile

Cylinder #1 to be
bent, made up of
several segments

Cylinder #1 bent
along the P profile

Cylinder #2 to be
bent, made up of
only one segment

Cylinder #2 bent
following the P profile

It is not possible to bend:


Several objects at the same time (except if they are grouped)
A selection of several different objects.

What about the objects used for the construction?


There are two cases:
When working using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on page 109):
The curves used for the construction will be the first DG level. They will be editable by
the tools which modify the topology. The effects of the transformations will be automatically
transmitted to the finished object (See Editing a DG level on page 123).
When working without using Dynamic Geometry (DG) properties (see details on
page 109): The curves used for the construction will be automatically hidden after
releasing the tool. They can be shown again using the Unhide tool (See Hide, Show on
page 184).

Amapi ProT M 381

24.9

Mold

This tool allows you to pull the current selection (see details on page 382) so that the
points located in the influence area (see details on page 383) are moved with some
inertia (see details on page 384).

24.9.1

Selection to pull

There are two cases:

The current selection, before picking up the tool, is an object.


In this case the user will select a point to be pulled.
This will be the only point on which the inertia doesnt apply (See Inertia on
page 384).

The current selection, before picking up the tool, is a part of the object.
In this case the user will select a point within the selected points. All the selection will be
moved without any inertia: it will not be deformed (See Inertia on page 384).

Original object

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Reference Manual

Mold object.
No points are selected
before picking up the tool.
The upper point of the
bottle was moved.
The button and the cork
got the mold effects.

Mold object.
The button was selected
before picking up the tool.
Only the cork got the
mold effects, but the
button was moved
without deformation.

24.9.2

Influence area

The influence area is the area inside which all the points receive mold effects. There are two
options to increase or to reduce the influence area:

By adjacency; the adjacency level parameter allows you to geometrically control


the size of the influence area.

With a radius of influence; the radius of influence parameter allows you to


topologically control the size of the influence area.
In both cases, the Alt Page up and Alt Page down keys will increase or decrease the
size of the influence area

Original object

Mold object with a small


influence area
(limited to the top half
portion of the cork)

Mold object with a greater


influence area
(limited to the top portion
of the cork)

Amapi ProT M 383

24.9.3

Inertia

Mold tool creates inertia on all the points located in the influence area (See Influence
area on page 383). It is proportional to the distance from the selection to be pulled.
The points close to the main selected point receive a high inertia coefficient, the points far
from the main selected point receive a small inertia coefficient.
The selection to be pulled has no inertia and follows the exact cursor movement (See
Selection to pull on page 382).
The Alt Page up and Alt Page down keys will increase or decrease the inertia
coefficient.

Original object

24.9.4

Top portion of the cork


mold with a high
inertia coefficient

Top portion of the cork


mold with a low inertia
coefficient

Top portion of the cork


mold with a very low
inertia coefficient

Additional information

The Mold tool works on NURBS models as on polygonal models. But on a NURBS model the
operation is carried out on the points of the control polygon and not on the points of the object
itself. The object will be deformed depending on the points of the control polygon movement.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool is an editor-tool which can edit the first DG
level. The editor-tools carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at the
higher levels. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

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Reference Manual

24.10 Bump/Soften
This tool allows you to work on the surface bump of the current selection (See The
concept of selection on page 147).
This tool can either:
Bump the selection by moving the points of a surface randomly.
Soften or Stress the perturbations of a surface.
Use the +/- keys to tune the amplitude of the action before validating.

Bump

Soften-Stress Relax
method

Soften-Stress Midmid method

Illustration
Original
object

Soften Stress
Option
description

This option moves the points


of a surface or a curve on
both sides to give it some
random surface bump. The
amplitude of the deformation
will remain within the
specified range(see on
page 386).

This option uses the


Relax method to
soften or stress the
perturbations of a
surface or a curve.

Editable
parameters

Maximum amplitude
Minimum amplitude

Level (number of times to iterate)


Coefficient (algorithm weight)

The +/- keys allow you to


set these two parameters
quickly.
(see on page 386)
Accessories

New iteration
Amapi Pro will
launch a new
computing operation each
time this icon is selected.
The surface appearance will
be modified each time.

This option uses the


Mid-mid method to
soften or stress the
perturbations of a
surface or a curve.

A negative coefficient increases the surface


bump, whereas a positive coefficient softens it
The +/- keys allow you to set these two
parameters quickly
Freeze boundary vertices
If the current object is a surface, click on
this icon to leave out its edges of the
softening process (it keeps them sharp).

Amapi ProT M 385

Original surface

Original surface
and
Bumped surface

Original surface
and
Bumped surface

Original surface
and
Bumped surface

Maximum amplitude =10


Minimum amplitude =10

Maximum amplitude =10


Minimum amplitude =0

Maximum amplitude =0
Minimum amplitude =-10

Bumping a surface

Original surface

Stressed surface
Coefficient = -0.10

Softened surface
Coefficient = 0.20

Stressing/Softening a surface

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): the tool adds a DG level labeled
Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

height field (See

This tool works on a selection of only one object. If the current selection is on several objects,
Amapi Pro will not give access to the tool.
In the steps where the Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace with the + or - keys for setting a number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

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25
Assembly palette

This tools palette contains the tools used to place and orient the objects:
Icon

Tool name

Description

See

Duplicate

Allows you to create one or several copies of the current selection. Amapi Pro
offers several methods of duplication.

page 388

Symmetry

Creates a mirror image of the current selection.

page 398

Close

Lets you close the current selection, such as a curve or an opened surface.

page 400

Weld

This tool offers several options to weld objects or points. If these options
generate overlapping points, Amapi Pro keeps only one of them (other points
are deleted).

page 403

Snap/Align

This tool is used to apply a translation to the current selection along a vector,
the ends of which are defined by the user.

page 406

Lay on

This tool is used to lay a facet of the selected object onto a facet of another
object (center on center).

page 408

Unfold

This tool is used to create a 2D flat unfolded version of a 3D model.

page 409

Wrap

This tool allows you to deformation of an object by mapping it onto a surface


(grid, cylinder or sphere).

page 413

Measurements

This tool displays the dimensions of an object. Amapi Pro allows you to
display three types of dimensions: length, angle and volume/surface/
circumference.

page 415

Decimate

This tool allows you to reduce the complexity of an object.

page 420

Amapi ProT M 387

25.1

Duplicate

The Duplicate tool allows you to create one or several copies of the current
selection (See The concept of selection on page 147). Amapi Pro has several
methods of duplication:

25.1.1

The methods

toggle from one to the other by using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on
the corresponding icon.
Single copy: Makes one copy of the
selection (see details on page 389).

Multiple copy: Makes several copies of


the selection with a copy shift and/or
rotation (see details on page 390).

Copy on support: Duplicates the


selection along a path or on the facets of a
surface or a volume (see details on page 392).

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Reference Manual

25.1.1.1

Single copy

This option allows you to duplicate an object or


a group of objects.
Click on the object to be copied.
The bounding box of the copy follows the cursor. Set
its position in the scene. The position setting can be
done with a mouse click in the graphic workspace or by
entering the coordinates of the geometric center in the
parameter palette. Amapi Pro will suggest to do a new
copy. Press the Enter key to validate the operation
and leave the tool.
The Single copy proposes to clone the copies
(See The clones on page 107).
The validation (by releasing the tool or pressing the Enter key) ignores the current copy (when
the bounding box position is not set).

Amapi ProT M 389

25.1.1.2

Multiple copy

Use
This Duplicate tool option allows you to make several copies of the selection with
a copy shift, rotation and/or a scaling ratio. This option works with parameters
settings along several steps:

1) Setting the Number of copies (data or + or - keys) and validation.


2) Setting the Offset and validation.
3) Setting the Rotation and validation.
4) Setting the Scale ratio and validation.

No of copies = 5

No of copies = 5

No of copies = 5

Offset step in x = 4
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0

Offset step in x = 0
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0

Offset step in x = 0
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0

Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 0
Rotation step in z = 0

Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 20
Rotation step in z = 0

Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 0
Rotation step in z = 0

Scaling ratio in x = 100


Scaling ratio in y = 100
Scaling ratio in z = 100

Scaling ratio in x = 100


Scaling ratio in y = 100
Scaling ratio in z = 100

Scaling ratio in x = 90
Scaling ratio in y = 90
Scaling ratio in z = 90

Examples of object duplication.

The Multiple copy gives an option;


Clone the copies (see details on page 107).
The Multiple copy gives the accessory Reference point (see details on page 391).

If n copies are set in the Multiple copy option, n copies will be added to the selection.

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Reference point
This is this point from which the
offset and the rotation of each copy
will be computed.
The default reference point is the center of
the selected objects bounding box. To
change it, use the Reference point
accessory and then select the point of the
scene which will be the new reference point.

Reference point
No of copies = 4
Offset step in x = 0
Offset step in y = 4
Offset step in z = 0

Rotation step in x = 0
Rotation step in y = 20
Rotation step in z = 0
Scaling ratio in x = 100
Scaling ratio in y = 100
Scaling ratio in z = 100

Amapi ProT M 391

25.1.1.3

Copy on support

Use this tool to duplicate the selection along a path or on the facets of a surface or a
volume the copies will lie on.

Use
1) The duplication support can be either a curve, a surface or a volume.

A curve support (or path) can be drawn with the Line drawing tool before selecting
the Duplicate tool or while using the Duplicate tool.
A surface or a volume used as duplication support must be built before selecting the
Duplicate tool.

2) Select the elements to be copied (See Selection on page 147).


3) Pick up the Duplicate tool in the assembly palette.
4) Select the Copy on support option.
5) It is possible to draw a duplication support path with the tool by using the accessory
Draw a path with the tool (see details on page 396). Otherwise, go to the next step.

6) Click on the duplication support.

If the support is a curve: the copies are created on the path so that their reference
points (see details on page 393) are located on each point defining the curve.
If the support is a surface: the copies are placed on the support so that their reference
points (see details on page 394) are located on the center of each facet of the support.

7) If needed, change the proposed options:


Orientation of the copies (see details on page 393).
Clone the copies (see details on page 107)
Control of the facet-copy size ratio (see details on page 396).
Reference point (see details on page 396)

8) Eventually control:

the size of the copies (see details on page 395)


the rotation of the copies (see details on page 395)

9) Release the tool or press the Enter key to validate the operation and leave the tool.
The number of copies will be equal to the number of points of the path or to the number of
facets defining the support (surface or volume).

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Reference Manual

It is possible to draw a duplication support path with the tool by using the accessory Draw
a path with the tool (see details on page 396)

Orientation of the copies


The support is a curve:
Selection
to be copied

Support

Example of a selection to be copied onto a curve support

Keeps the
orientation of the
original.

Rotates the copies


to position the x
axis of the original
on the normal to
the curve.

Rotates the copies


to position the y
axis of the original
on the normal to
the curve.

Rotates the copies


to position the z
axis of the original
on the normal to
the curve.

Rotates the copies


following the
Frenet triangle

Size (see details

Size (see details

Size (see details

Size (see details

Size (see details

on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)

on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)

on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)

on page 395)
Rotation (see
details on page 395)

Rotation (see

on page 395)
details on page 395)

Amapi ProT M 393

The support is a surface:

Selection
to copy

Support

Example of a selection to be copied onto a surface support

Keeps the orientation of


the original.

Rotates the copies to


position the x axis of
the original on the
normal of each facet of
the support.

Rotates the copies to


position the y axis of
the original on the
normal to each facet of
the support.

Size (see details on


page 395)

Rotation (see details on


page 395)

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Size (see details on


page 395)

Rotation (see details on


page 395)

Rotates the copies to


position the z axis of
the original on the
normal to each facet of
the support.

Size (see details on


page 395)

Rotation (see details on


page 395)

Size (see details on


page 395)

Rotation (see details on


page 395)

Controlling the size of the copies


If the support is a curve
Amapi Pro can scale the copies so that the
size of the copies increases or decreases
progressively between the first and the last copy.
The first copy position is on the first point of the
curve. Set the size ratio between the first and the
last copy. The tuning can be done by using the +
or - keys, or by entering the ratio in the parameter
palette.
If the support is a surface
Set the size ratio between the first and the last
copy. The tuning can be done by using the + or keys, or by entering a value in the parameter
palette.

Rotation of the copies


Give a rotation movement to all the copies by
entering a value in the parameter palette.

Reverse the copies


The copies are oriented so as to
position one axis (x,y,z) of the
original on the normal of the support (see details
on page 393).

The Reverse the copies option allows you to


reverse the orientation of the normal.

Amapi ProT M 395

Control of the facet-copy size ratio


If the support is a surface, Amapi Pro has
an accessory to control the size ratio of
each facet/copy pair.
The Control of the facet-copy size ratio
accessory asks you to select the facet/copy
couple to define a size ratio. This size ratio will
be automatically assigned to all the facet/copy
couples.

Selected facet-copy couple

Selected facet-copy couple

Reference point
The reference point, displayed with the ( ) sign, defines the position of the copies
onto the support. The default reference point is the center of the selected objects
bounding box.
If the support is a curve: the copies will be positioned on the path so that their reference
points will be located on each point defining the curve.
If the support is a surface: the copies will be positioned on the support so that their
reference points are located on the center of each facet of the support.
To change it, use the Reference point accessory and then select the point of the scene
which will be the new reference point.

Draw a path with the tool


The Line drawing tools palette allows you
to draw a path with the tool.
Amapi Pro will display the copies just after the drawing validation.

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25.1.2

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool keeps the DG properties of the current object
and transmits them to the generated objects (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
The copies are automatically grouped. They can be ungrouped with the tool Ungroup in the
control panel (see details on page 186).
The orientation of the object on a support facet depends on the orientation of the normal of
this support facet (See Information tool, section Functions (see details on page 189)).
In the steps where the Position, Dimension or Number must be set, several methods are
available:
From the graphic workspace
Using the mouse (see details on page 162) for setting a Position or a Dimension.
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
With the + or - keys to set a number.
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Amapi ProT M 397

25.2

Symmetry

Use the Symmetry tool to create a mirror image of the current selection (See The
concept of selection on page 147).
Do the operation following one of the proposed options. toggle from one to the other by
using both the Alt and Space-Bar keys or by clicking on the corresponding icon.

25.2.1

Symmetry from an orthogonal plane

This option creates a mirror image from an


orthogonal plane on which the faces of the
bounding box are oriented.
To do it, click on the desired face.
Release the tool or press the Enter key to validate
the operation and release the tool.

25.2.2

From an orthogonal plane passing by a point


to be selected

This option creates a mirror image from an orthogonal plane passing by a point to be
selected by the user.
Press the Space-Bar to toggle between Horizontal / Vertical plane.

Validate the operation by pressing the Enter key or by releasing the tool.

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25.2.3

Clone the generated objects

The Symmetry tool can clone the objects it generates. (See The clones on
page 107).

25.2.4

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool keeps the DG properties of the current object
and transmits them to the generated objects (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)
The copies are automatically grouped. They can be ungrouped with the tool Ungroup (see
details on page 186) in the control panel.
The cursor is movement is done on the orthogonal plane which orientation is the most
perpendicular to the eye - target point axis (See Viewpoint on page 137)
When setting a point in the three dimensions, the mouse movement modifies only 2 out of 3
displayed values (x, y and z).
There are two possibilities to change the third value:
Change the viewpoint (See The Navigation on page 135))
Editing the parameters (see details on page 162)

In the steps where the Position must be set, several methods are available:
From the graphic workspace: Using the mouse (see details on page 162)
In this case, set the cursor positioning or movement constraints (see details on page 191).
By entering a value in the parameter palette (see details on page 163)

Amapi ProT M 399

25.3

Close
The Close tool allows you to close the current selection such as a curve or an
opened surface (See Open / closed objects on page 94).

The interface is slightly different depending on the current object type:

Close a polygonal surface (see details on page 400)

Edit the polylines closings (see details on page 400)

Edit the joint and opening of a grid-structure object (see details on page 401)

25.3.1

Close a polygonal surface

Amapi Pro highlights (in white) the


openings that can be closed. Click on
these openings then release the tool or
press the Enter key.

Click

Polygonal object
before closing

Polygonal object
after closing

This kind of closure is not editable.

25.3.2

Edit the polylines closings

Amapi Pro can edit the opening/closing segment of a curve.


The open segment is highlighted in white.
The closed segment is highlighted in red.
Switch from one state to the other by clicking on it, then release the tool or press the Enter
key.
This kind of closure is editable, that is to say that a curve closed with the Close tool can be
opened again.

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25.3.3

Edit the joint and opening of a grid-structure


object

Amapi Pro can edit the joints and the openings of a Grid structure (see details on
page 484) object.
A Grid structure object may or may not be closed in U and/or in V:

Grid structure
not closed

Grid structure
closed in U
(Cylinder)

Grid structure
closed in V

Grid structure
closed in U and in V
(Torus)

It is possible to close the upper and/or lower openings of a grid structured object joined
in U only.
It is possible to close the left and/or right side(s) openings of a grid structured object
joined in V only.

Grid structure
joined in U
and closed

Grid structure
joined in V
and closed

The open joint is highlighted with a thin white line.


The closed joint is highlighted with a thin red line.
An opening is highlighted with a thick white line.
A closure is highlighted with a thick red line.

Switch from one state to the other (open/close) by clicking on it then release the tool or press
the Enter key.
This kind of closure is editable.

Amapi ProT M 401

25.3.4

Additional information

It is possible to click on the Apply to all accessory, to generate automatically all the
facet closures corresponding to the highlighted openings. This accessory shortcut is the
A key.
This tool is different from the tool Extract Facets with the option Automatic creation of
facet closures (see details on page 304).
The Extract Facets tool creates a new object closure.
The Close tool closes the current object.

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool is an editor-tool which can edit the first DG
level. The editor-tools carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at higher
levels. (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

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25.4

Weld

The Weld tool has several options to weld objects or points. If these options
generate overlapping points, Amapi Pro keeps only one of them (other points are
deleted). Refer to the description below to understand how to use these options.

25.4.1

The options

Proposed
options

Option
description

Weld objects

Weld points onto


an object

Weld points close


to each other

Replaces the selected objects by only


one which is the sum of both.
There is no visible transformation
displayed. But the difference is
fundamental when a modeling operation
is made (see illustration below).
The One by one selection accessory is
the default option. Other accessories
can be used (see details on page 150).

Move the selected


points toward the
geometric center of
the selection.
The One by one
selection accessory
is the default option.
Another accessory
can be selected (see
details on page 150).

Move the closest


points toward their
geometric center.
The + and - keys
allow you to quickly
tune the distance at
which the two points
are considered to be
close.

Illustration

Lasso

Model made from


several not welded
objects

Scaling of the tray


object.
In this case, only the
tray is deformed

Editable
parameter

Object made from


several welded
objects

Scaling of the points


corresponding to the
tray
The entire object is
deformed

Before welding

Before welding

After welding

After welding

Distance:

distance at which
two points are
considered to be
close.

Amapi ProT M 403

25.4.2

Weld points of distant objects

Special case: successively using the Weld points onto an object and Weld points close to
each other options.

This sphere and cube are welded


to make only one object.

25.4.3

Welding points belong to the


object.

Result obtained after welding.

Point selection when using weld points

It will be sometimes necessary to weld several groups of points between each other in the
same operation without leaving the tool. To do this in the weld points mode, it is necessary
to quickly change the reference point.
The reference point is the point displayed in red after the first operation of selection or welding. All the clicked points are then welded to the reference point. To disable this, just click
on it. It is then possible to select any other point which will then become the reference point.

25.4.4

Weld NURBS objects

Welding two NURBS surfaces creates a different object depending on the type of surface
and their relative position.
If two surfaces have edges which are close or adjacent, they are welded onto only one surface by connecting their closest edges.
In all the other cases, Amapi Pro creates a dynamic geometry containing a BREP linking the
faces to be welded.

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25.4.5

Additional information

It is not possible to:


Weld closed curves (See Open / closed objects on page 94).
Weld open curves if they dont have a common end (See Open / closed objects on page 94).
Weld the points close to each other of grouped objects (See Group, Ungroup on page 186).

The Weld tool with Weld objects option must be distinguished from the Group tool
(see details on page 186).
A group of objects:
can have a hierarchy (sub-group notion)
keeps all the points of each object.
can be ungrouped at anytime with the Ungroup tool
is recognized thanks to its entire bounding box.
An object made from welded objects:
doesnt have overlapped points just after welding.
cannot be ungrouped (but with Crtl-Z).
is recognized thanks to its partial bounding box.

The Weld tool with Weld points close to each other option must be distinguished from
the Decimate tool (see details on page 420) which reduces the complexity of a surface
selection with respect to the general shape of the original object.
It is possible to click on the Apply to all accessory. This carries out the operation on all
the displayed entities, then automatically quits the tool.
This accessory shortcut is the A key.
The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool has a different behavior depending on the
desired option.
The Weld points onto an object and Weld points close to each other options are able to edit the
first DG level. They carry out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at higher

levels.
The Weld objects option add or insert a DG level labeled
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Weld Objects

Amapi ProT M 405

25.5

Snap/Align

The Snap/Align tool is used to apply a translation to the current selection along a
vector, the ends of which are to be defined by the user (See The concept of
selection on page 147).

25.5.1

Use

The user will select in the following order:

The starting point of the translation vector.

The ending point of the translation vector.


It can either be:
selected in the scene.
defined by entering its coordinates in the parameter palette.
(See Editing the parameters on page 162).

A movement constraint can be applied to the translation (See Align on page 406).
After each translation, Amapi Pro will suggest a new translation. To validate the operation,
press the Enter key or release the tool.

25.5.2

Align

The Horizontal / Vertical constraints options allows you to proceed to precise alignments.
Press on the Space-Bar to toggle between Horizontal / Vertical.

Translation
without constraint

Legend:

406

Current
selection

Reference Manual

Translation with horizontal


constraint

Translation
vector

Moved
selection

Translation with vertical


constraint

25.5.3

Some illustrated examples

Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection

This example shows the


most frequent use of the
Snap/Align tool.
The goal is to move a
selected object to snap one
of its points on another point
of the scene.

Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection

Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection

Current
selection
Translation
vector
Moved
selection

25.5.4

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG):


This tool is an editor-tool able to edit:
The first DG level by carrying out topological modifications. Their effects will be reflected at
higher levels.
A shape located at any DG level. In this case, the tool will not work on the current selection but on the
entire shape.

(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109)

Amapi ProT M 407

25.6

Lay on

This tool is used to lay a facet of a selected object (See The concept of selection on
page 147) onto a facet of another object (center on center).
First select the facet to be laid onto (from the current object), then select a facet of another
object of the scene.
Amapi Pro proposes by default to lay the lower face of the bounding box onto the current
object. The user will be able to indicate another facet to be laid onto before indicating the
receiving facet belonging to another object of the scene.
Click

Click
1- The deep dish is the current
object. Click on the external side
of the bottom face of the deep
dish.

2- Then click on the internal


bottom face of the flat dish.

3- The deep dish is laid onto the


flat dish.

Two options allow you to toggle the direction of the action (normal direction / normal
reverse direction). Click on the icon showing the desired option or press the Space-Bar to
toggle from one option to the other.

Normal direction

Normal reverse direction

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): this tool can work at any DG level. The effects will be
reflected at higher levels
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

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25.7

Unfold

Use the Unfold tool to create a 2D unfolded flat version of a 3D model.

3D model
with its cutting edges

2D flat unfolded
model

The model to be unfolded must be the current object.


By default, Amapi Pro selects the edges which will be the cutting edges and the starting
facet.
In some cases, there will be a specific need which doesnt match the default options.
However, Amapi Pro allows you to:
Select the cutting edges (see details on page 410).
Select the starting facet (see details on page 411).
Once these (optional) setting(s) are made, the unfolding can be done (see details on
page 412).

Amapi ProT M 409

25.7.1
25.7.1.1

Select the cutting edges


Specific edges for the cutting edges

The user has the possibility to select the individual edges along which the object will
be cut. The selection can be made one by one or with the lasso (See The
selection methods on page 150). To toggle from one selection mode to the other, click on
the right mouse button.
If there are not enough edges selected to unfold the shape correctly, Amapi Pro will
automatically select additional edges.

2D flat unfolded model


with default cutting edges

2D flat unfolded model


with custom cutting edges

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25.7.1.2

Deselecting edges

By clicking on this icon, all the edges selected as cutting edges will be deselected.

25.7.2

Select the starting facet

By default, Amapi Pro selects a starting facet to unfold the object.


However, the user can select a facet as the unfolding starting facet. To do so, click on
the
icon to select the starting facet.

2D flat unfolded model


with default starting facet

Amapi ProT M 411

2D flat unfolded model


with custom starting facet

25.7.3

Unfold

Before starting the unfolding operation, the cutting edges (see details on page 410) or
the starting facet (see details on page 411) might have been selected.
If not, Amapi Pro will select the cutting edges and the starting facet on its own.
The unfolding operation starts when the user clicks on the
icon. The current object
remains intact, the unfolded version is displayed on the horizontal plane.

25.7.4

Additional Information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool generates a new object with only one DG level
labeled as

412

Polygonal volume (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Reference Manual

25.8

Wrap

The Wrap tool allows you to deform an object by mapping it onto a surface (grid,
cylinder or sphere). It is possible to control the dimensions of the shape and other
parameters such as the altitude, the width and the threshold.

25.8.1

Options

Click on the desired option or press on both the Alt and Space-Bar keys to toggle from
one to the other.

On a grid

On a Cylinder

On a Sphere

Illustration

Editable
parameters

Accessories

Width (shape)
Height (shape)
Altitude (maxi)*

Height (shape)
Diameter (shape)
Altitude (maxi)*

Diameter (shape)
Altitude (maxi)*

Threshold

Threshold

Threshold

(see details on page 414)


u0
Spread
u1
(see details on
v0
page 414)
v1
v1

(see details on page 414)


u0
Spread
u1
(see details on
v0
page 414)
v1
v1

u0
u1
v0
v1
v1

Threshold

Threshold

Threshold

(see details on page 414)

(see details on page 414)

(see details on page 414)


Spread
(see details on
page 414)

(see details on page 414)

*The altitude is the distance between a point of the object and the mapped shape. The points located
onto the shape are considered to be at an altitude of zero and the most distant points are at a maximum
altitude. One can say that the maximum altitude corresponds to the thickness of the object.

Amapi ProT M 413

25.8.2

Spread management

By default, Amapi Pro maps the object on the entire surface of the shape (maximum
spreading). To tune the spreading, press the + or - key or enter the projection
coordinates - (u0,u1) and (v0,v1) - in the parameter palette.

Projection on a sphere with a decreasing spreading

25.8.3

The Threshold accessory

Once the projection is made, the altitude (facet-shape distance) can be set with the
threshold tool to define a distance under which the facets will be deleted. This
threshold is defined as a percentage of the maximum altitude. To tune the threshold, press
the + or - keys or enter a value in the parameter palette.

Projection on a grid with an increasing threshold

25.8.4

Additional information

The tool and Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool adds a DG level labeled as
(See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on page 109).

Projection

At all the steps where values, such as set size or set number, must be set. Two methods
can be set:
From the graphic workspace with the + or - keys for the Spread parameters.
By entering a value in the Parameter palette (see details on page 163) for the other parameters

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25.9

Measurements

Use the Measurements tool to display the dimensions of an object.


Amapi Pro allows you to display three types of dimensions: length, angle and
volume/surface/circumference (see details on page 416).
The dimensions are displayed only when the Measurements tool is in use. However, the
dimensions are automatically updated as soon as the object is modified.
If the object topology changes, Amapi Pro will not be able to keep this dimension and will delete
all the measures.

Volume: 4095.68 cm3


Area: 1555.72 cm2

16 cm

12.20 cm
87.5

21.70 cm

The measurements are saved with the object.


The measurements can be printed or not from the printing preferences Preferences (See
Printing preferences on page 474).

Amapi ProT M 415

25.9.1

The measurement tools

There are several measurement tools which can be selected by clicking on their
corresponding icon, or use both the Alt and Space-Bar keys keyboard shortcut.
Distance (see details on page 416)
Angle (see details on page 417)
Circumference/ Volume / Surface (see details on page 418)

25.9.1.1

Distance

The Distance tool measures the distance between two points. They can be selected
by a simple click.
Amapi Pro proposes three distance measurement modes between two points:
the absolute distance measurement between these two points,
the distance measurement between the points projection on the horizontal axis,
the distance measurement between the points projection on the vertical axis.
A shortcut can be used to toggle from one mode to another, either by using the switching
axis icons located in the The assistant palette (see details on page 206), or by pressing the
Space-Bar.

Absolute Distance
(default mode)

Horizontal Projection

Vertical Projection

Absolute distance measurement


between two points.

Distance measurement between


the points projection on the
horizontal axis

Distance measurement between


the points projection on the
vertical axis

Once the measurement is made, move the cursor to position the dimension and click on the
mouse button.
It is possible to move a dimension by using the repositioning the dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
It is possible to delete a dimension by using the Deleting a dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.

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25.9.1.2

Angle

Use the Angle tool to measure the angle made by two adjacent edges by selecting
their extremities. They are selected by simple clicks:
1s t click: on the end of a segment of the angle
2n d click: on the vertex of the angle
3r d click: on the end of the other segment of the angle
The Amapi Pro default display is the inner angle, but the outer angle can also be selected. A
shortcut can be used to toggle from one mode to another, either by using the switching axis
icons located in the The assistant palette (see details on page 206); or by pressing the
Space-Bar.

Inner Angle (default mode)

Outer Angle

1s t click

135

2n d click

225

3r d click

Once the measurement is made, move the cursor to position the dimension and click the
mouse button.
It is possible to move a dimension by using the repositioning the dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
It is possible to delete a dimension by using the Deleting a dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.

Amapi ProT M 417

25.9.1.3

Circumference/ Volume / Surface

To display this information, just click on the object. The kind of information
displayed depends on the selected object (See The Types of objects on page 91):
If the object is

Amapi Pro displays

A closed volume

A volume
An area

A surface (open volume)

An area
A circumference (the perimeter)

An open or closed curve

A circumference (a length).

Once the measurement is made, move the cursor to position the dimension and click on the
mouse button.
It is possible to move a dimension by using the repositioning the dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.
It is possible to delete a dimension by using the Deleting a dimension (see details on
page 418) accessory.

25.9.2
25.9.2.1

The dimensions-manipulating accessories


repositioning the dimension

It is possible to move a displayed dimension by clicking on this icon.


Just click on the dimension to be repositioned before moving the cursor. The
dimension will follow the cursor. Then click to set the new location of the dimension.

25.9.2.2

Deleting a dimension

One or several dimensions can be deleted by clicking on this icon. Then, just click on
the dimension to be deleted.

25.9.2.3

Deleting all the dimensions

All of the displayed dimensions can be deleted by clicking on this icon.

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25.9.3

Additional information

It is not possible to compute the volume of a NURBS surface.


However, it is possible to transform it temporarily into a polygonal object to allow the computing
of its volume.
(See Transform a Polyhedral model into a NURBS model /a NURBS model into a Polygonal
model on page 105).

Amapi ProT M 419

25.10 Decimate
This tool allows you to reduce the complexity of an object (See The concept of
selection on page 147). It uses a polygon simplifier which operates on polygonal
objects only.
Amapi Pro computes and displays the surface as a mesh made up of triangular facets.
The Decimate range parameter represents the percentage of remaining polygons from the
initial model. A range of 0.3 means that the simplified model will contain 30% of the
original number of polygons.

Object before decimating

Percentage = 90%

Percentage = 50%

Percentage = 20%

Object with a decreasing percentage of decimation

About Dynamic Geometry (DG): This tool collapses the DG of the object (See Dynamic
Geometry (DG) on page 109).
There are two methods to tune the parameters:
From the graphic workspace, with the + or - keys.
By entering a value in the Parameter palette (see details on page 163).

Because it uses a polygon simplifier, this tool works on polygonal surfaces only (See Polygonal
or NURBS Models on page 96).

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Rendering Room

Rendering is the operation consisting in computing and displaying the scene. To do


so, it uses software algorithms to simulate lighting and realistic materials. The image
thus obtained can be saved as a file.

The Rendering room is divided into specialized zones, that will allow you to work on:

Materials: allows you to set and apply materials on objects (see details on page 453).

Lighting: allows you to locate and set light sources (see details on page 461).

Rendering parameters: allows you to set the parameters for rendering (see details on
page 465).

In rendering mode, the central graphic workspace will show the interactive preview of the
scene. You will appreciate the effect of a lighting or the way a material interacts on its
environment while setting it up.
A series of icons allows you to launch a preview or a rendering before saving an image. (See
Previewing and rendering on page 451).

To use the Rendering room, click on the icon:

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Amapi ProT M 423

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26
Previewing and rendering

A large graphic workspace is


reserved for the interactive
preview of the scene, in
rendering mode. This allows
you to appreciate the effect of a
lighting or of a material into its
environment while setting it
and before saving it.

When the user launches a


rendering display, Amapi Pro
computes and displays the
scene, by using software
algorithms depending on

The objects topology as


defined in the Modeling room (See Modeling room on page 237).

The material applied to each object (See Material editor on page 432).
Amapi Pro applies a default material to the objects, if not specified.

The current lighting (See Lighting on page 435).

The viewpoint (See Viewpoint on page 137).

Amapi ProT M 425

26.1

The rendering commands

When clicking on the Render the scene icon, the final rendering computation is
launched, including all parameters.
This button allows you to Save the image in a file. Select the output format (PICT,
BMP, PNG, JPEG, GIF or TIFF), the file name and the destination folder.
At any time, a new preview display can be launched by clicking on this icon.

26.2

Additional functions

The user can navigate in the scene to view it from any viewpoint, by using the keyboard
shortcuts (See The keyboard navigation on page 142).
An Edge smoothing slider allows you to specify the break angle between two adjacent
facets.
A null value generates flat rendering, a 180 angle value smooths all edges.
This icon allows you to toggle between Perspective and Orthographic display (see
details on page 176).
Amapi Pro allows you to work in simple-view or in multi-view mode (see details on
page 178)
The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current display mode.
Click on it to display the list of the possible configurations. Then, click on the icon
showing the desired display mode.(See The display modes on page 180).
The Move tool (see details on page 242) allows you to move the objects or the
light sources (see details on page 438).
The Rotate tool (see details on page 244) allows you to rotate the objects or the
light sources (see details on page 438).
Use the Hide tool to make some objects of the scene invisible and the Show tool
to make them visible again (see details on page 184).

The Isolate tool allows you to work with the current selection without having the
surrounding objects displayed (see details on page 185).

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27
Materials

The Material editor allows you to make the scene more realistic by giving a "material"
appearance to the surface of objects.
A material defines the appearance of the surface with a simulated material.
A large graphic workspace is used for the interactive preview of the scene in rendering
mode. This allows you to appreciate the effect of lighting or the way a material interacts on
its environment while setting it up (See Previewing and rendering on page 425).
The editor is divided into two zones:

Material catalog (see details on page 428)


Amapi Pro contains a library of existing materials, arranged by theme: Wood, Stones,
Metals... You can choose the one that will be the most appropriate for the current
selection.
Just Drag and Drop a thumbnail to the graphic workspace in order to apply the desired
material to the current selection.
In this way, you can also save a material you have just set up so that you can use it later.

Material editor (see details on page 432)


The editor allows the user to change or tune a new material.

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27.1

Material catalog

The material catalog is the management system for materials.


You will find it at the top of the Rendering room. It looks and works just like The Catalog
file management system (see details on page 443).
Amapi Pro contains a library of existing materials (.ash suffix), arranged by themes:
Wood, Stones, Metals... Each material-file is displayed in a thumbnail showing the material
and its name.
Choose the most appropriate one.
Drag the thumbnail corresponding to the desired material toward the current object.
The inverse operation is applied in order to save a material you have set to be reused later:
just click on an empty cell in the catalog.
You can change the file order in the catalog, regardless of their order in the directory. Your
custom organization is then automatically saved for later.

Current file
thumbnail.

Page
scrolling

Favorites directory

Trash

Current directory

Open a directory

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27.1.1

Open a directory

Click on the icon Open a directory (of the catalog) to open a dialog box in which
you can select the directory you need. Amapi Pro displays the contents of the
directory in the catalog. It becomes the current directory, and its path is displayed near the
icon.
Each material-file is displayed by a thumbnail showing the material and its name.
You can also open a favorites directory (See Managing the favorites directory on page 431).

27.1.2

Browsing

the pages of the catalog

The display of the thumbnails as well as files is done page per


page. Scrolling through the pages replaces the thumbnails of
the current page by the thumbnails of the next or the previous page. To change the page:

1) Use the Page up, Page down keys of the keyboard.


2) Enter a page number: a counter shows the current page number. Click on it to enter the
page number to be displayed. Press Enter to validate and view this page.

3) Use the page scrolling buttons: click on the right arrow to increment the page number.
Click on the left arrow to decrement.

27.1.3

Deleting

a file from the catalog

Use the Trash icon to delete files from the catalog. Use the "Drag and Drop"
method to delete:

1) Click and hold the thumbnail corresponding to the file to be deleted.


2) Move the thumbnail onto the Trash icon

Release the mouse button.


The location of the thumbnail is now empty.
This operation erases the file on the hard disk, it cannot be undone.

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27.1.4

Applying a material

You probably found the material you need while browsing through the catalog. Drag the
thumbnail corresponding to the desired material onto the current object.

27.1.5

Saving a new material in the catalog

You can save a material you have just set in the current directory, to use later.
Proceed as follows:

1) The current object must have the material on it to be saved applied on itself (See The
concept of selection on page 147).

2) Scroll around the catalogs pages to find an empty cell (See Browsing the pages of
the catalog on page 429).

3) Click on the empty cell.


4) Amapi Pro records the material in the directory corresponding to the catalog. A
thumbnail showing the material appears in the cell: it also becomes the current material.
There is no reason to record a material in the catalog if you dont plan on using it later.

27.1.6

Organizing the catalog

The file organization in the catalog is saved regardless of the way it is organized in the
system directory. A custom organization will be automatically saved in the directory as a list
named catalog.lst. To do this, use the "Drag and Drop" method:

1) Click and hold the thumbnail corresponding to the file to be moved.


2) Move the cursor toward an empty cell, or scroll the catalogs pages until you find an
empty cell (See Browsing the pages of the catalog on page 429).

3) Release the mouse button.


If by mistake the catalog.lst file has been deleted; it will be automatically rebuilt, but the
customized filing will be lost.
The former versions of Amapi Pro, saved this list in a file named CAT.LIST; if it exists, it will not
be deleted but not updated either. Only catalog.lstwill be updated.

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27.1.7

Managing the favorites directory

Some slots are available to store the path of favorites


directory. Each location is pointed at by an icon
showing if the space is free or not. These icons can be used to save the favorites directory.
Each icon can have two states:
Free location
Filled location
When the cursor is slid onto one of these icons, a tooltip indicates the corresponding
favorites directory.

Adding a favorite
It is possible to record the current directory as a favorite.
Open the directory to save it as favorite (See Open a directory on page 429) then click on
one of the free icons ( ). It will then be displayed as a filled space ( ).

Opening a favorite
A tooltip will indicate the corresponding favorites directory when sliding the cursor over the
icon. Open the directory with a simple click on the corresponding icon. Amapi Pro will
display the directory content in the catalog.

Deleting a favorite
To delete a favorite from the list, you will use the "Drag and Drop" method:

1) Click on and hold the thumbnail corresponding to the favorite to be deleted


2) Move the thumbnail toward the Trash

3) Release the mouse button.


The location is now free

Amapi ProT M 431

27.2

Material editor

A material is defined by a specific set of parameters including:


the ambient color, the diffuse color, the shininess, the
transparency, the reflection and the refraction. The material editor
allows you to set the different parameters defining the material
that you will use to edit the current material object.

27.2.1
27.2.1.1

The editable material


Selected object / editable material

The material editor is used to edit the current material-object.


A thumbnail displays the selected object, followed by the name
of the object.
The material applied to the object is the editable material. Its
name is displayed in an editable area.
The material editor proposes refining the current material
parameters.
To edit a material, the user must select an object on which the
material to edit is applied.
The object selection is done by clicking in the graphic workspace
or by selecting an objects name in the objects list.

27.2.1.2

Creating a new material

The New button creates a new material, which is a copy of the


current material. This new material becomes the editable material.

27.2.1.3

Delete a material

The Delete button deletes the current material. Amapi Pro will assign a default material to
the current object. This new material becomes the editable material.

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27.2.2
27.2.2.1

Editing
Ambient color

The ambient color is the color of the object in the darkness (in complete darkness, only the
ambient light is used. If the ambient parameter is set to none, the object is not visible). The
setting can be made either by clicking in the sampling circle, or using the slider or in the
editable area (See Preferences on page 451).

27.2.2.2

Diffuse color

The diffuse color is the color that the object reflects when lit by direct light (daylight or
artificial light). This color is mixed with the ambient color. The setting can be made either
by clicking on the sampling circle, or by using the slider in the dialog box (See
Preferences on page 451).

27.2.2.3

Shininess

The shininess is the capacity of an object to reflect the light. The shininess is defined by the
color, the intensity and the size of the halo of the reflected light.
For instance, a polished surface has a small and intense reflection, even though a matte
surface has a large and weak reflection.

The Specular (Intensity and Color)


The specular sets the color and the intensity of the reflection of an object. The setting can be
made either by clicking on the sampling circle, or by using the slider or in the editable area
(See Preferences on page 451).

The Spread (Shininess)


The spread sets the size of the reflection. The setting can be made by using the slider or in
the editable area.

The Falloff (Eccentricity)


The falloff defines how the reflection is diffused along the surface of the object. The setting
can be made by using the slider or in the editable area.

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The Filter
The filter controls the influence of the color of the lighting on the color of the reflection
(tuned by the specular). If the filter is set to the minimum, the reflective color is the same as
the light color. Conversely, if the filter is set to the maximum the lighting has no influence
(the reflection has the color defined by the specular).
The setting can be made by using the slider or in the editable area.

27.2.2.4

Reflection

The surfaces can reflect surrounding colors. The reflection defines the ratio between the
reflected lighting and the incident lighting (when lighting a surface). The setting can be
made by using the slider or in the editable area (See Preferences on page 451).
It is time-consuming to compute reflections because ray-tracing is used in the
computation.

27.2.2.5

Transparency

Transparency is the ability of a material to let light shine through it. The more transparent a
surface is, the more the light that shines through it. A black color indicates that a material is
not transparent, while a white color indicates that a material is completely transparent.
The setting can be made by using the slider or in the editable area (See Preferences on
page 451).

27.2.2.6

Refraction

The propagation of a light beam through a translucent or transparent material is determined


by refraction. Light beams will be sent to a greater or lesser extent depending on the material
they go through, as each material has a different refractive index.
The setting can be made by using the slider or in the editable area (See Preferences on
page 451).
Note that these settings take effect only if the material contains transparency settings.
It is time-consuming to compute refractions because ray-tracing is used in the
computation.

27.2.2.7

Density

This parameter sets the number and the size of the patterns of a textured material.
For instance: as you increase the size parameter of a tiling texture applied to the floor of a
room, you will see the size of the tiles decrease and their number increase. The setting can
be made by using the slider or in the editable area.

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28
Lighting

Lighting is the propagation of rays of light originating from a


natural or artificial light source. There are three types of light
sources: Sun, Bulb or Spot. Light source tools are
grouped in the Rendering editor room.
The preview window allows you to see a real-time preview of
your settings.
The Move and Rotate tools allow you to set the position
of each light source.
(See Previewing and rendering on page 425).

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28.1

The different light sources

28.1.1

Sun

The sun produces a light diffused uniformly onto the entire scene.
You can define its color and have it produce a solid drop shadow if you wish (See Set a
light source on page 437).

28.1.2

Bulb

The bulb is a directional light. You can specify its orientation, the area where you want a
dim light or the color of the diffused light.
You can have the light produce a solid drop shadow if you wish (See Set a light source on
page 437).

28.1.3

Spot

The spot is a specific source of lighting which sends a direct light beam. You can specify the
beam direction, light cut-off and fall-off, the area where you want a dim light, and its color.
You can have the light produce a solid drop shadow if you wish (See Set a light source on
page 437).

28.2

Create a light source

To create a light source, do the following:

1) Click on the button corresponding to the desired type of light (Sun, Bulb or Spot).
2) The light source follows the cursor movement. Move it toward the graphic workspace.
3) Set the light position in the desired place in the scene. Amapi Pro gives it a name. It
becomes the current light.
Now, you can set the different settings (See Set a light source on page 437).

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28.3

Select a light source

To select a light source, do the following:


click on it in the graphic workspace
select its name in the list of lights.
Amapi Pro displays the selected light source in a text area.

28.4

Set a light source

Depending on the light source you choose, you can perform several settings:
Sun

Bulb

Spot

Diffuse color

Shadow

beam radius

attenuation
Repositioning

orientation

The light source to be set must be the current light source (See Select a light source on
page 437).

28.4.1

Diffuse color

The setting can be made either by clicking in the sampling circle, or using the slider and/or
an editable area (See Preferences on page 451).

28.4.2

Shadow

You can determine whether or not the light produces a solid drop shadow on the lit objects.

Amapi ProT M 437

28.4.3

Cut-off

The Spot cut-off controls the angle of the light beam.


The setting can be made by using the slider and/or an editable area.

28.4.4

Attenuation (dimming)

The attenuation defines the light reduction of propagation area for a Bulb or a Spot.
This distance can be set by using the slider and/or an editable area.

28.4.5

Repositioning

The Move tool, located at the bottom of the graphic workspace, allows you to
reposition the light source.

28.4.6

Orientation

The Stretch tool, located at the bottom of the graphic workspace, allows you to
change the Sun, Bulb or Spot orientation.

28.5

Delete a light source

To delete a light source, do the following:

1) Select the light source to be deleted (See Select a light source on page 437).
2) Click on the Delete button.

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29
Rendering parameters

The user can set some parameters for the final rendering:

29.1

Anti-aliasing

This function to keep the object's colored outlines from being


jagged
Select the Anti-aliasing level (between 0 and 3).
Use of Anti-aliasing will increase the rendering time.

29.2

Shadows

Check this box to compute and the display the shadows (See
Shadow on page 437).

29.3

Background

Background color
The background color setting can be made either by clicking in the sampling circle, or by
using the slider and/or an editable area (See their using mode on page 451).

Amapi ProT M 439

Background image
Check the Background image box if you want to display a background image in the
rendered image. Clicking on the Browse button will open the dialog box where you can
select the desired background image.
Invisible in the modeling room, this image is displayed together with the final rendering.

29.4

Environment

Check this box if you want to add an environment image to be reflected on an object in the
scene.
Clicking on the Browse button will open the dialog box where you can select the desired
background image.
Invisible in the modeling room, this image is displayed with the final rendering.

29.5

Fog

A slider allows you to set a coefficient which will define the density of the fog.

29.6

Image format

Allows you to set the image size in pixels.

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Catalog room

30
The Catalog

The catalog is the Amapi Pros file manager.


Using a graphical representation, it quickly and easily allows the user to store and
retrieve Amapi Pro documents like in a library.
Each file can be previewed thanks to its associated thumbnail image which shows the model
and its name. A model in the catalog can be loaded in the current scene by pointing out its
thumbnail image. Conversely, you will be able to save the current scene in the catalog.
The file organization in the catalog is saved independently of the way it is organized in the
system directory. Files can thus be organized in a logical manner and automatically keep
their layout.
The catalog allows import/export operations.
The catalog makes it possible to manage all Amapi Pro format files with the.a3p suffix. It
also makes it possible to visualize and open Amapi Designer a3d format files. However, the
files will be always saved with the Amapi Pro format. To export to the Amapi Designer format, it will be necessary to use the export menu.
In most cases, using the catalog is more efficient than using the system file manager.
The catalog will be opened by clicking on this

icon at the top right corner of the screen.

Amapi ProT M 443

Current
file
thumbnail

Trash
Open a
directory

Pages
scrolling

Rebuild the
catalog

Current file
information
in the
directory

Import
Export

favorites directory

30.1

Current directory

Open a directory

Select a directory to use it as the current directory. Amapi Pro will display the
desired directory content in the catalog. The path is displayed near the icon.
A preview of each Amapi Pro file is displayed in the Thumbnails.
A directory can also be opened from the favorites directory (See Managing the favorites
directory on page 447).

30.2

Browsing the pages of the catalog

The display of the thumbnails associated with the files is


done page per page. Doing a page scrolling replaces the
thumbnails of the current page by the thumbnails of the next or the previous page. To change
the page:

1) Use the Page up, Page down keys of the keyboard.

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2) Enter a page number: a counter shows the current page number. Click on it to enter the
page number to be displayed. Press Enter to validate and see this page.

3) Use the page scrolling buttons: Click on the right arrow to increment the page number.
Click on the left arrow to decrement.

30.3

Edit the information of a file

Each thumbnail image is associated with the files name. If you click on one of them, the
associated file becomes the current file. Then Amapi Pro displays its name, its size, its
creation date and an associated comment in an editable palette (See Editing the parameters
on page 162).
The modification of one of these parameters causes the automatic saving of the file.

30.4

Deleting a file from the catalog


Use the Trash icon to delete files from the catalog. The deletion will be done
using the "Drag and Drop" method;

1) Click and hold the thumbnail corresponding to the file to be deleted.


2) Move the cursor toward the Trash icon

3) Release the mouse button.


The location is now empty.
This operation erases the file on the hard disk, it cannot be cancelled.

30.5

Deleting the entire scene


To delete the entire current scene, click on the Trash icon of the catalog. Everything
is deleted, even the hidden objects!

This action can be undone, by Crtl-Z or clicking on the

icon.

By deleting the scene, all the objects of the scene will be deleted, even hidden objects.
(See Hide, Show on page 184)

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30.6

Importing a file from the catalog into


the scene

To import a file into the current scene, use the "Drag and Drop" method:

1) Click on and hold the thumbnail corresponding to the scene to be imported.


2) Move the cursor toward the graphic workspace
3) Release the mouse button.
The scene appears in the graphic workspace
The imported scene is merged with the current scene. That is to say that all the objects of the
imported scene are added to the current scene. The imported objects are displayed at the exact
location they were in the original file.

30.7

Saving the scene in the catalog

Saving the current scene in the catalog consists of saving it in the current directory in the
Amapi Pro format. Do the following:

1) Scroll the catalogs pages to find an empty cell. (See Browsing the pages of the
catalog on page 444).

2) Click on the empty cell.


3) Amapi Pro records the file in the directory corresponding to the catalog. A thumbnail
showing the scene appears in the cell; it becomes the current file. Modify its information,
such as its name (See Edit the information of a file on page 445).

30.8

Organizing the catalog

The file organization in the catalog is saved independently of the way it is organized in the
system directory. A personal organization will be automatically saved in the directory as a
list named catalog.lst. To do this, use the "Drag and Drop" method:

1) Click on and hold the thumbnail corresponding to the file to be moved.


2) Move the cursor toward an empty cell.
Or scroll the catalogs pages until finding an empty cell (See Browsing the pages of the
catalog on page 444).

3) Release the mouse button.

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If by mistake the catalog.lst file have been deleted; it will be automatically rebuilt, but the
personalized filing will be lost.
The former versions of Amapi Pro, saved this list in a file named CAT.LIST; if it exists, it will not
be deleted but not updated. Only catalog.lstwill be updated.

30.9

Managing the favorites directory

Ten slots are available to store the path of favorites


directory. Each location is showed by an icon
showing if the location is free or not. These icons can be used to save the favorites directory.
Each icon can have two states:
Free location
Filled location
When the cursor is over one of this icon, a tooltip will indicate the corresponding favorites
directory.

Adding a favorite
It is possible to record the current directory as a favorite.
Open the directory to save it as favorite (See Open a directory on page 444) then click on
one of the free icons ( ). It will be displayed as a filled location ( ).

Opening a favorite
A tooltip will indicate the corresponding favorites directory when putting the cursor over the
icon. Open the directory with a simple click on the corresponding icon. Amapi Pro will
display the directory content in the catalog.

Deleting a favorite
To delete a favorite from the list, you will use the "Drag and Drop" method;

1) Click on and hold the thumbnail corresponding to the favorite to be deleted


2) Move the cursor toward the Trash icon

Amapi ProT M 447

3) Release the mouse button.


The location is free

30.10 Rebuilding the catalog


The catalog displays a thumbnail associated with each file of the directory. This
thumbnail is a preview of a scene screenshot which helps you to identify the file. It
is automatically created for each file saving through the catalog with the same name, but
with a .png suffix.
If some preview files are missing, click on the rebuild catalog icon to rebuild all the missing
thumbnails.
On PC, the versions older than Amapi Pro v7 saved the thumbnails in a file with a .2d suffix;
these files will not be deleted, but they will not be updated. Only, the .png files will be updated.
On Mac, the versions older than Amapi Pro v7 saved these thumbnails in a resource of the.a3d
file. Because the more recent Amapi Pro versions are creating .png thumbnails, it would be
better to perform a catalog reconstruction at the first opening of each directory.
The catalog reconstruction updates the corresponding catalog.lst file which manages the
personalized organization of the catalog.
For more details, see paragraph Organizing the catalog (see details on page 446).

30.11 Import
An Import icon is available when the catalog is open. It is similar to the File Import
menu. (See Import on page 229).

30.12 Export
An Export icon is available when the catalog is open. It is similar to the File Export
menu (See Export on page 231).

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Preferences

31
Preferences

31.1

Preferences editor

The preferences editor allows you to customize the interface, the display modes, or some
application behaviors, depending on your needs or preferences.
The Alt-P shortcut opens the editor.
The preferences can be displayed as follows:

Check boxes:
Enabled option
Disabled option

Sliders:
The setting can be made by moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data
window on the right-hand side of the slider.

Color sampling circle:


Click on the color sampling circle to display the color setting palette.

Editable data window:


Allows you to enter the required information (text or numbers).
Amapi Pro allows you to automatically save or not the preferences.
Preferences editor> User interface> Miscellaneous> Automatic saving of preferences (see
details on page 456).

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31.1.1

User interface

Generic
Interface themes
Amapi Pro offers several interface themes corresponding to various users profiles. The user
will test them and select one which will work best for him.
Pro (default)
Default
Gradient
Immersive
Classic with tools palettes
Each theme has its own preference presets which will replace the current values. After
changing theme, it will always be possible to manually set all the preferences through the
preferences editor.

Pro interface theme

Classic interface theme

Gradient interface theme

Immersive interface theme

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Classic with tools palettes interface theme

See the Ergonomics (see details on page 13) paragraph to learn more about each of these
interfaces.

Full screen
Full screen display (default): Amapi Pro is displayed on the full screen. The system bar
menus are hidden.
Window display

Language
Amapi Pro is able to communicate in several languages. During its first use, it asks the user
to set the language he or she prefers using. However, it will be possible to change it, by
using the preference editor.
The following languages are available:
English (default)
French
German

Views / Multi-views
The Control panel displays the icon corresponding to the current option. Click on it to
display the list of the possible configurations. Then, click on the icon showing the
desired configuration.

(See Simple-view / Multi-view on page 178).

Amapi ProT M 453

Gradient background
Gradient enabled: the background colors in the interface windows are gradient.
Gradient disabled (default): the background colors in the interface windows are flat.

Polygonal/NURBS toggling (default nurbs mode)


Default NURBS mode:
Enabled (default): Amapi Pro creates NURBS objects by default.
Disabled : Amapi Pro creates Polyhedral objects by default.
The construction mode must be defined as the curves, surfaces or volumes drawing
begins.
Amapi Pro has a global default working mode.
The construction mode can be changed while using a tool (local changing mode).
The local toggle will be made by clicking on the toggle-icon that is displayed as an
option by the tools that allow the two construction modes.
The global toggle will be made in the preferences editor Polygonal/NURBS toggling
(default nurbs mode). The Crtl-B keyboard shortcut can be used too.
A global toggling while using a tool also makes a local toggling mode.

Palettes display
Buttons to represent the palettes
Enabled: Amapi Pro displays buttons showing the palettes.
Disabled: Amapi Pro does not display buttons representing the palettes.
The Tools palette (see details on page 456) interface is especially adapted to 3D modeling
since it simulates the natural movement of the designer in front of his table or the model
maker in front of his workbench.
Amapi Pro will display only one tools palette at a time, placing at your disposal only that
group of tools which are useful. The basic toolkit is be permanently displayed.
You have two methods to switch from one tools palette to the other:
by simply sweeping the cursor from the right hand side of the screen out of the graphic
window and then by bringing it back towards the center of the screen.
by clicking on one of the number sequences of the tools palette (if you chose to display
buttons representing the tools palettes).
Construction Palette
Modeling palette
Assembly palette

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Optional palettes display support area


The optional palettes display support area can be hidden to make them floating.
Manage the optional palettes display (see details on page 168).
Information panel enabled (default): displays optional palettes.
Information panel disabled: optional palettes are floating.

Control panel display


The Control panel is displayed at the bottom of the screen. It gives access to a variety of
modeling aids for a better use of Amapi Pro (See The Control panel on page 167).
Some of them can be accessible from keyboard shortcuts.
The Control panel can be hidden to make more room for the graphic workspace.
Show the Control panel (default).
Hide the Control panel

Tools options and accessories display support area


Amapi Pro displays the tools options and accessories into a reserved area located above the
graphic workspace (See The tools options and accessories on page 83).
But they can be displayed as a floating palette to make more room for the graphic
workspace.
Enables the options and accessories area (default).
Floating options and accessories palettes.

Sub-tools floating palette display


Several tools display a sub-tools palette such as Surface and volume primitives (see details
on page 258) and Line drawing(see details on page 277).
Amapi Pro gives the choice between two display modes:
Sub-tools floating palettes display (default).
The Sub-tools palettes are displayed in the tools palettes area.

Amapi ProT M 455

Toolbox
The tools proposed in the modeling room have been split into
three tools palettes (see details on page 237) :
The Construction palette
The Modeling palette
The Assembly palette
With each one of these principal tools palettes, a Basic
ToolKit is added and is always available.
Amapi Pro proposes several possible interfaces with regards
to accessing the modeling tools:
Toolbox Interface (default).
Tools palette Interface.
Tools
palette
Interface

Read the Two interfaces (see details on page 79) paragraph


to learn more information about each interface.

Tooltips display

Toolbox
Interface

Enables the tooltips display (default).


Disables the tooltips display.

Miscellaneous
Right-handed palettes display
Amapi Pro displays the tools palettes (See The Tools palettes on page 78) at the right-hand
side of the screen. Some people, such as the left-handed persons, might choose to display the
tools palettes on the left-hand side of the screen.
Displays the tools palettes on the right-hand side of the screen (default).
Displays the tools palettes on the left-hand side of the screen.

Maximum undo levels


Sets the successive maximum undo levels (Ctrl-Z).

Automatic saving of preferences


Automatic saving of preferences enabled (default)
Automatic saving of preferences disabled

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View Informations display


It is possible to decide whether or not to display information in the upper left-hand corner of
each view (See Simple-view / Multi-view on page 178)
Display the point of view name (default).
Do not display the point of view name.

Display the number of frames per second


Display the number of frames per second (default).
Do not display the number of frames per second.

Display the file name


You are allowed to display or to not display the file name in the upper top left corner of the
current view (See Simple-view / Multi-view on page 178).
Display the file name (default).
Do not display the file name.

Grey inactive tools icons


Grey inactive tools icons (default).
Do not grey inactive tools icons.

Display time
Display time (default).
Do not display time.

Display the 3D view border


Display a line around the graphic window (default).
The graphic window is not marked.

Magnetism effect
Magnetized dialog boxes (default).
Not magnetized dialog boxes.

Display the Assistant palette


Display the assistant palette (default).
Do not display the assistant palette.
(See The assistant palette on page 206)

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Colors
The majority of the user interface colors can be modified. Click on the sample of color circle
to display the colors palette. The default colors depend on the selected theme.

Editors colors
You will be able to personalize the colors of the editor's windows such as the preferences
editor, the shortcuts editor...

Colors of the palettes


You will be able to personalize the colors of the floating palettes, the tool options palettes
and the windows of the software messages.

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31.1.2

Graphic environment

The user will work in the orthonormal base visualized as three gradated axis.
The working plane, on which the modeling will be done, is defined by the two axis most
parallel to the current view plane.
To create points in 3D the user will be allowed to use a 2D mouse (or equivalent) only. He or
she will have to change the viewpoint to change the working plane (See The Navigation
on page 135).
The orthogonal planes visualization will help for the orientation in the 3D graphic
workspace.
(See The graphic environment on page 87).

Orthogonal planes
Some preferences allow you to customize the display.

Display the floor


Enabled (default).
Disabled.

Checker plane
Enabled the plane is checkered (default).
Disabled.

Translucent Checker plane


Enabled the checkers on the plane are translucent (default).
Disabled.

Antialias on grid texture


Enabled (default).
Disabled.

Grid size
The dimensions of the plane(s) can be customized. The setting can be made by moving the
sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data window on the right-hand side of the slider.

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Number of columns of the grid


The number of columns can be customized. The setting can be made by moving the sliders
cursor or by entering a value in the data window on the right-hand side of the slider.

Number of rows of the grid


The number of rows can be customized. The setting can be made by moving the sliders
cursor or by entering a value in the data window on the right-hand side of the slider.

Display the tree grids


Enabled.
Disabled (default).

Display image on XY plane


Enabled.
Disabled (default).

Image on XY plane
Select the image to display.

Display image on XZ plane


Enabled.
Disabled (default).

Image on XZ plane
Select the image to display.

Display image on YZ plane


Enabled.
Disabled (default).

Image on YZ plane
Select the image to display.

Grid color
Click on the color sampling circle to display the color setting palette.

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Center of grid axis color


Click on the color sampling circle to display the color setting palette.

Orthogonal planes color


Click on the color sampling circle to display the color setting palette.

Rulers
Quarter axis (half-axis)
Amapi Pro suggests two possible representations of the rulers.
Half-axis enabled: only the half portion of the axis that is in use is displayed.
Half-axis disabled: the entire axis is displayed (default).

Quarter axis gradation


Amapi Pro offers two possible representations of the rulers.
Gradation limited to the half part of the axis that is in use (default).
Gradation on the entire axis length.

Local gradation
Amapi Pro propose two types of gradation for the rulers.
Gradation activated locally.
Gradation disactivated locally (default)

Coordinates display
Amapi Pro asks if you would like to display the cursor coordinates along the rulers.
Display the cursor coordinates.
Do not display the cursor coordinates (default).

Display 2D axis (2D Trihedron)


The trihedron is a miniature representation of the orthonormal base that facilitates the orientation in the graphic workspace.
Display the trihedron in the bottom left hand corner (default).
Do not display the trihedron.

Display 3D axis (3D Trihedron)


The trihedron is a miniature representation of the orthonormal base that facilitates the orientation in the graphic workspace.

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Display the trihedron in the center of the graphic workspace (0,0,0) (default).
Do not display the trihedron.

Axis (Trihedron) size


The setting can be made by moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data
window on the right-hand side of the slider.

Origin of the ruler


The origin of the ruler default position is the center of the grid and called the ground. It
can be changed at any time during the modeling process.
It can be set by using the tool
Orthonormal base origin (see details on page 173)
located in the Control panel.

Alignment guides
The Alignment guides tool allows you to temporarily constrain the cursor movement during the construction of 3D points (See Alignment guides on page 196).

Alignment guides
Alignment guides Disabled
Alignment guides Enabled

Alignment angles
Allows you to assign particular values to the angles the alignments guides will be displayed
at. Attention, when modified, this modifies the values of the eight following angles.

Angles 1 to 8
Values of the angles that the alignment guides will be displayed at. These values can be set
manually. Attention, the use of the "Alignment Angles" field redefines these angles automatically.

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Cursor
Snapping
This option allows you to specify whether the cursor should be snapped on the virtual grid
defined by the orthonormal base gradations.
A cursor that is not magnetized moves freely in the scene.
A magnetized cursor is snapped to the intersection points of the grid.
See Snapping (see details on page 174) for more information.

Cursor-parameter display
If enabled, the parameters follow the cursor movement and are very easy to view. But,
unlike the parameter palette, the cursor-parameter doesnt allow editing (See To check the
parameters on page 161).
Enables the cursor-parameter display (default).
Disables the cursor-parameter display.

Navigation Animation
(See The Navigation on page 135)

Animated direct viewpoint changing


Amapi Pro offers to animate the direct viewpoint changing to help the user determine the
best orientation.
Camera animation enabled (default)
The camera animation speed can be set.
Camera animation disabled
(See Make a direct viewpoint change on page 142).

Animated direct viewpoint changing speed setting


This option allows you to set the speed of the direct viewpoint changing animation. The
maximum camera animation time can be set. Amapi Pro will interpolate the number of
images needed for the allowed time.

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Mouse rotation navigation speed step setting


This option allows you to set the observers eye rotation step around the scene, while using
the mouse (See Rotate around the scene on page 141).

Mouse panoramic navigation speed step setting


This option allows you to set the observers eye panoramic movement from the scene, while
using the mouse (See Pan the scene on page 141).

The animation follows the cursor direction


About Rotate around the scene (see details on page 141), gives you two possibilities:
The animation follows the cursor direction (default).
The animation follows the cursor opposite direction.

MicroScribe
AutoPlot
Allows you to continuously digitize by moving the point of the digitizer on the surface. In
this mode, when the stylus has covered the distance defined by the Distance AutoPlot
parameter, a point is automatically created.

Autoplot Distance
Defines the distance between two points created in AutoPlot mode.

Scale
Scale factor applied to all the points drawn by the Microscribe.

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31.1.3

Scene display

Amapi Pro has many options to help display the scene in a manner best suited to the users
requirements and/or facilitating operation. The user can personalize the display of each
element of the scene as well as the selection in progress. However, some types of display
need a fairly long display time. That is why Amapi Pro offers several display optimization
functions.

Entities display
Different entities are handled while modeling: points, edges, facets or objects (See Entity
on page 94).
Amapi Pro offers several display options that allow you to highlight one or another kind of
entity.
Depending on the manipulation to be made, select the display mode that best highlights the
entities you're working on. It can be changed at any time during the modeling. Most of them
are accessible through the Control panel (see details on page 167).

Give a different color to each object


This option allows you to give colors to objects that are not selected:
Give a different color to each new object: enabled (default).
The color of each new object is picked in a predefined color table.
Give a different color to each new object: disabled.
All the objects have the same color (See Edges color on page 467).

Default color
This preference will enable you to personalize the color of the objects. It will be taken into
account if you chose not to give a different color to each object (see above).

Objects display mode (Real time rendering mode)


Amapi Pro offers several display modes to best highlight the entities you're working on.
The Wireframe mode displays only the edges of the objects. Because this mode
doesnt display facets, it has the advantage to show the entire object without having
to navigate the scene. It is possible to select the elements which would be hidden in
a non-wireframe mode.
The Lit Wireframe mode adds a light effect to the Wireframe mode.

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The Flat Solid mode gives a more realistic appearance to the objects by
displaying their facets.
The Flat Solid and edges mode adds the edges display to the Flat Solid mode.
The Smoothed Solid mode corresponds to the Flat Solid mode on which a
smoothing has been applied. This is the most realistic mode.
The Smoothed Solid and edges mode adds the edges display to the Smoothed
Solid mode.
These options can also be accessible through the Control panel (See The display modes on
page 180).

Selection transparency level


Transparency allows you to select the elements which would not be visible (and not
selectable) if the display was in solid mode (See Objects display mode (Real time rendering
mode) on page 465).
This option will be effective in the following situations:
The Transparency effect (see details on page 470) option is enabled.
The selectable entity is an edge
or point
(See The selectable entities on
page 149).
The Selection transparency level option allows you to tune the transparency level.
The setting can be made by moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data
window on the right-hand side of the slider.

Simplified display
This option allows you to limit the display simplification of the objects.
Do not simplify the scene display.
Simplify the display of the objects not selected.
Simplify the display of the selected objects.
Simplify the display of all the objects of the scene.
(See Simplified display on page 177).

Perspective
This option allows you to toggle on one of the two display modes of the scene:

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The Conical Perspective (default)


The Orthographic view to see the scene without perspective.
In some cases, this display mode can provide a clearer visualization of the scene or
facilitate some manipulations.
This option is also be accessible through the Control panel (See Perspective on page 176).

Edges color
This preference allows you to set the color of the edges.

Points color
This preference allows you to set the color of the points.

Point sizes
This preference allows you to set the size of a point.

Size of the centers of the objects


The user can specify the size of the mark showing the center of the objects.

Current selection display


The current selection consists of marking a set of items before applying an action on them
(See The concept of selection on page 147).
Amapi Pro allows you to display the scene. This option is to help meet the users
requirements and/or facilitate the operation.

Color of selected objects


This preference allows you to display the current object(s) with a fixed color to distinguish
them between the objects that are not selected.
Display the current object with another color: enabled (default)
Display the current object with another color: disabled

Color of the selected object


This preference allows you to customize the color of the selected objects.

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Edge

colors of the selected BREP

BREPs have two types of edges:


edges and cuttings representing selectable edges
the isoparametric curves which are for visual help only
These two types of edges are displayed with different colors on selected objects.

editable edges

isoparametric curves

Edge and face colors of the selected BREP


In faces selection mode, BREPs faces can be selected individually. It is possible to set the
colors for the edges and for the isoparametric curves of the selected faces.

Display the bounding box


The bounding box is the smallest way in which to contain an object or a group of objects. It
appears when the object is selected.
Display the bounding box: enabled
Display the bounding box: disabled (default)

Center display
The user can choose to display or not the geometrical center of a selected object.
Enable the display of the center
Disable the display of the center (default)

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Display the edges


Display the edges: enabled (default)
Display the edges: disabled
Amapi Pro will not use this option if the current display mode shows the edges (See
Objects display mode (Real time rendering mode) on page 465).

Display the points


The user can choose to display or not the points of the selected object(s).
Display the points: enabled
Display the points: disabled (default)

Point sizes
The user can personalize the size of the representation of the points of selected objects.

Color of the bounding box (control shape)


The bounding box is the smallest way in which to contain an object or a group of objects. It
surrounds the selected object(s) (see details on page 482). Its color can be customized.

Color of the selected but not editable entities


This preference allows you to customize the color of the selected but not editable entity
(facet, edge or point).

Color of the selected editable entities


This preference allows you to customize the color of the selected editable entity (facet, edge
or point).

Entity highlight display (facet, edge or point)


Entity highlighted when flying over it
Amapi Pro offers to highlight an entity when the cursor flies over it.
Highlights an entity when the cursor moves over it: enabled (default)
Highlights an entity when the cursor moves over it: disabled

Entity color highlight


This preference allows you to customize the color of the highlighted entity not yet selected.

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Latency of the highlighting of the detected entities

Object latency highlighting


Facet latency highlighting
Edge latency highlighting
Point latency highlighting

Edge colors of the detected BREP


The BREPs have two types of edges:
edges and cuttings which represent selectable edges
isoparametric curves for visual help only
These two types of edges are displayed in different colors on the detected objects.

Edge and face colors of the detected BREP


In faces selection mode, BREPs faces can be selected individually. It is possible to set the
colors for the edges and the isoparametric curves of the detected faces.

Color of the highlighted and already selected entity


This preference allows you to customize the color of the highlighted and currently selected
entity.

Display editing
Color of the Deformation box and of the NURBS Control box
This option allows you to customize the color of:
Set the mesh of the control box (see details on page 376)
The NURBS Control box (See The NURBS models on page 98).

Transparency effect
This preference lets you decide whether or not to give a transparency effect to the selected
objects.
If this option is activated, it will be effective in the following situations:

When selecting edges or points


The transparency allows you to select the elements which would not be visible (and not
selectable) if the display was in solid mode (See Objects display mode (Real time
rendering mode) on page 465).
The selected object will be displayed with a transparency effect if:
The Transparency effect option is enabled (see details on page 470).

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The selectable entity is edge


or point
(See The selectable entities on
page 149).
The Selection transparency level option (see details on page 466) allows you to tune
the transparency level.

When editing an object with several Dynamic Geometry levels


The transparency allows you to display the Dynamic geometry level corresponding to
the finished object while an intermediate level is edited. This kind of display has the
advantage of making manipulation particularly efficient (See Dynamic Geometry
(DG) on page 109).
The user can set the Transparency level when editing DG (see details on page 471).
Display with transparency effect (default)
Display without transparency effect
This is effective when a solid display mode has been selected (See Objects display mode
(Real time rendering mode) on page 465).
This option can also be accessible through the Control panel (See Transparency of the
selected object on page 181).

Transparency level when editing DG


This preference allows you to adjust the transparency value of the Dynamic geometry level
corresponding to the finished object while an intermediate level is edited.
The setting can be made by moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data
window on the right-hand side of the slider.
This set up is effective only if a display mode with transparency effect has been selected.
(See Transparency effect on page 470).

Tools feedback color


This preference allows you to customize the feedback color of several tools.

Advanced display options


When displaying complex scenes, the display time or the density of some objects can
obstruct the manipulation. To fix this, use the following options:

Fast transparency
Fast transparency: enabled.

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Fast transparency: disabled (default)

Buffer region
Buffer region:
Amapi Pro uses the previous objects display computation to speed up the display in realtime.
Do not use the previous display (default)

Advanced occlusion culling


Occlusion culling enabled:
Amapi Pro uses the 3D graphic board occlusion culling system which avoids displaying
the objects not in the field of view (See Viewpoint on page 137).
Occlusion culling disabled (default)

Clipping objects
Fast edges
Line display method which improves display times (depending on the type of graphics card)
Active.
Disable (default).

Refresh method
Refresh method extended to all views (default).
Refresh method limited to the current view.
Amapi Pro uses this option when the Muti-view mode is selected (See Simple-view /
Multi-view on page 178).

Regular OpenGL mode display


Regular OpenGL mode display enabled (default).
Regular OpenGL mode display disabled.
Some OpenGL extensions can cause display problems with some graphic boards. This
mode does not use such extensions.

Hidden lines
Hidden lines enabled (default): uses a special filling mode based on a stipple pattern. It
can simulate the transparency on some graphic boards.
Hidden lines disabled.

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Background image
Enabled.
Disabled (default).

Background image file


The user can indicate a file to be used as the background image of the scene.

Anti-aliasing
Anti-aliasing enabled (default).
Anti-aliasing disabled.
(See Anti-aliasing on page 481)

Clipping (Front/back cut out)


Useful in the case of very small objects.

Lighting
The lighting corresponds to the propagation of luminous rays. It is directly related to the
effect obtained when rendering. By selecting the actual lighting, several parameters can be
customized.

Actual lighting
Actual lighting enabled (default)
If so, the following parameters can be customized.
Actual lighting disabled.

Use a global specular on objects


Enabled (default)
Disabled.

Specular power (spread) (actual lighting)


The spread sets the size of the reflection.

Global light
The default values of the two global lights can be configured by adjusting their associated
colors.

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31.1.4

Printing preferences

Drawing options

Draw all lines


Draw hidden lines
Draw hidden lines fast

Scale
This parameter is a scale factor, it allows you to control the printing size.
The values must be within: ]0,1000].

Points per inch


This parameter controls the printing quality.
The values must be within: [150,3000].

Print measures
Print measures
Do not print measures

31.1.5

Import / Export

The preferences editor allows you to customize the import/export files. See paragraph
Import / Export (see details on page 229) to find the list of the imported or exported
formats.

31.1.6

Units

Relative coordinates
By default, Amapi Pro works in relative mode (see details on page 486). The modeling
requirements can force the user to work in absolute mode (see details on page 481). To
toggle from one to the other, you can check the Relative coordinates option.
Relative coordinates (default)
Absolute coordinates

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Length units
Amapi Pro allows you to change the length unit at any time of the modeling. To do so, select
the unit from the following list:
None
mm
cm (default)
m
inch
numeric inch

Angle unit
Amapi Pro allows you to change the angle unit at any time of the modeling. To do so, select
the unit from the following list:
Degree
Radian

Precision
Amapi Pro allows you to control the units precision. To do so, specify the number of digits
after the decimal point to be displayed.
The setting can be made by moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data
window on the right-hand side of the slider. The default precision is 2.

Working scale
This preferences editor allows you to set a working scale. The setting can be made by
moving the sliders cursor or by entering a value in the data window on the right-hand side
of the slider.

Predefined scale factor


This preferences editor allows you to select a working scale from the proposed list.

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31.1.7

NURBS preferences

The default tesselation can be configured for object creation and export. This makes it possible to easily set a mode of very precise tesselation adapted to the constraints of the recipient
of the exported file while conserving a rapid display with a less precise tesselation.

Tesselation
Default range of the curves
Default tesselation range used by all the tools for NURBS curves.

Remove confusing tesselation points


Eliminates confusing points generating by tesselation. Lets you clean up the final topology.

Default tesselation mode


Default tesselation mode used during object creation and display:
Constant subdivision of the parameters (default)
Crack-free adaptative tesselation
The following values are active only for the tesselation mode which uses them. (See Tesselate on page 367)

Default range in U and V


Default tesselation range used by all the tools for NURBS surfaces. Only for tesselation by
constant subdivision (See Tesselate on page 367)

Default UV maximum angle


Default maximum chord height
Default maximum width/height ratio
Default smallest UV subdivision
Default minimal/maximal 3D edge length
Parameters of adaptive tesselation by default (See Tesselate on page 367).

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Try to create quadrangles


Generally, the adaptive tesselation creates triangles. Sometimes it is preferable to obtain
quadrangles.

Tesselation for exporting


This parameter makes it possible to select the tesselation to be used to export files in polygonal format:
Uses the tesselation parameters of the objects
Constant subdivision of the parameters
Crack-free adaptive tesselation
If the first value is selected, the objects will be exported with the same tesselation as that
used for display. If not, the parameters will be used as described in the preceding paragraph.

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31.2

Shortcuts Editor

The shortcuts editor allows you to customize the keyboard shortcuts to use the Amapi Pro
functions.

How to edit a shortcut?

1) The editor left hand side lists the different tools palettes of Amapi Pro.
Click on the name of the one which contains the desired tool, to edit the corresponding
shortcut.

2) The editor displays the icons corresponding to the tools of the selected palette. Each of
them is followed by an editable text area.
Click in the text area corresponding to the shortcut to implement or to change.

3) Press the key (or combination of keys) that will be the new shortcut.
4) Click on the Validation button to validate the modifications and close the editor.

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Appendix

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32
Glossary

Absolute (mode)

In absolute mode (in opposition to the relative mode) the


position of a point is computed by comparison with an
origin point. The default is fixed by convention at the center
of the plane (x,z).
(See Relative (mode) on page 486)

Aliasing

Undesirable visual effect (often called jaggies) which


appears when rendering curves at angles other than 0, 45, or
90 degrees. Also visible on polygon edges, particularly with
high contrast scenarios. See also anti-aliasing.

Ambient (Color)

Color of the object in ambient lighting (without shadows).

Anti-aliasing

Filtering techniques used to reduce or eliminate aliasing


effects. See aliasing

Bitmap

A bitmap image is an image which is defined by pixels (as


opposed to vectors)

BREP

A BREP (Boundary Representation) is an object made up of


one or more NURBS surfaces and with topological connections corresponding to the edges or intersections of these
surfaces. A BREP can be open or closed.
(See BREP: watertight surfaces and volumes on
page 103)

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Bounding box

The smallest parallelepiped which can contain an object or a


group of objects. It appears when the object is selected. The
bounding box is displayed either partially if the selection is
an object or completely for a group of objects.
The preference editor allows you to disable its display
(Preferences editor> Scene display> Current selection
display.

Boolean

An operation based on logical algebra that can calculate the


intersection of two objects, as well as their union, exclusion,
and more.

Brightness

Brightness is the property of an object to reflect light. The


parameters controlling brightness are: the specularity, the
spread, the falloff, and the filter. Example: a polished
surface has a narrow and intense reflection. A matte surface
displays a wide and faint reflection.

Camera

The tool used to set the viewpoint, view direction, and


orientation.

Catalog

The Amapi Pro file manager (See The Catalog on


page 443).

Clone

Clones are strictly identical objects which refer to only one


and unique geometry. A transformation done to one of them
will be automatically applied to all of its clones.
(See The clones on page 107).

Composite (curve)

A composite curve is an object made up of a series of


several lines with a connection at each extremity.
Different from connected curves (see details on page 482).

Connected (curves)

Connected curves are several curves, where each curve has


one end located at the same position in 3D space as the first
point of the next curve.
Different from composite curves (see details on page 482).

Control shape

(See Bounding box on page 482)

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Control panel

The Control panel is displayed at the bottom of the screen. It


provides access to a variety of modeling aids for a better use
of Amapi Pro. (See The Control panel on page 167)

Coons (surfaces)

A modeling technique based on a set of connected 3D


curves forming the boundaries of an interpolated surface.

Coplanar

Points, segments or flat surfaces located in the same plane.

Current selection

To Select consists of marking a set of items before


applying an action to them (See Entity on page 94).
All the tools have an effect on all selected elements (we call
this the current selection). See Selection (see details on
page 147).

Deformation box

The objects modified with the Deform tool replaces


Dynamic Geometry by a DG level corresponding to its Set
the mesh of the control box (see details on page 376).

Dialog Box

Window that allows the user to answer questions or select


options.

Diffuse (Color)

What the object reflects when lighted by direct lighting


(daylight or artificial light)

Entity

An entity is the element type. It can be an object, a facet, an


edge or a point (See Entity on page 94).

Facet

A flat surface delimited by geometric edges (straight lines or


curves), usually a triangle or a quadrilateral. Also called
polygon.

Field of view

The region of space that the eye can perceive when looking
at a target point.

Filter

Controls the influence of the color of light on the color of its


reflection (defined by the specularity)

Format

Structure of the data used to save a file on the hard drive.


There are numerous types of file formats.

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Dynamic Geometry

This allows you to edit a surface not from the surface


wireframe but from the construction curves, which then
become the control curves of the surface. The surface is
automatically regenerated when you edit the curves (like the
NURBS control polygons). Each object of the scene retains
its building steps. You can, thanks to Dynamic Geometry,
edit the construction curve of every step of construction.
Amapi Pro will then rebuild the resulting shapes
automatically (See Dynamic Geometry (DG) on
page 109)

Falloff

Defines the way reflection is diffused along a surface.

Grid

Intersection of lines evenly spaced out in two or three


dimensions.

Grid structure
(Quad mesh)

An object with a grid-structure (Quad mesh), built from


deformed mesh. This grid can be open or closed. The
different ways of closure can be:
The curves are closed in U or in V (Cylinder).
The curves are closed in U and in V (Torus).

Hidden facets

Facets of a model that are hidden by other objects in the


current viewpoint.

Hidden lines

Edges or lines of a model that are hidden by other objects in


the current viewpoint.

Incident light

The way the light strikes an object. The resulting color of


the object depends on the incident light and the intrinsic
object color

Interface

Communication facility between the computer and its


peripherals or between the user and the software.

Interpolation

Mathematical technique used to define a curve, in that the


curve must pass through all its control points (unlikely in the
approximation technique)

Layer

A layer is a system used to classify objects. The Scene


Manager is the tool used to manage this system. Objects can
be assigned to layers.

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Lighting

Lighting is the propagation of rays of light coming from a


natural or artificial light source

Luminance

Reflected or emissive light intensity of a surface in an given


direction

Mapping (image)

The mapping of an image (texture map) on a surface


(describing a volume or not). There are different types of
mapping depending on how the image is projected onto the
object, and on the interaction between the projection and the
surface of the object. For example, planar, spherical,
cylindrical

Material

A material defines the appearance of a surface. Its color,


specular aspect, transparency coefficient,...

Navigation

Techniques for moving and positioning the Viewpoint (See


The Navigation on page 135).

Non planar facets

A facet whose points do not lie on the same plane.

NURBS

A NURBS (Non Uniform Rational B-Spline) model is a


parametric curve or surface defined by control points. The
curve or surface is automatically interpolated to give a
smoothed shape. This shape is not editable. While moving
the points of the control shape, the smoothed curve or
surface aspect will change. This kind of model is very often
used in CAD/CAM because it allows you to create exact
surfaces. (See The NURBS models on page 98)
The NURBS model is not be overlapped with polygonal
model (see details on page 486).

NURBS control box

A NURBS is controlled by control shape. This shape is


editable by the editor-tools. The object deformation will
follow the control shape modifications (See The NURBS
models on page 98).

Eye

The eye is the location the scene is viewed from.


(See Viewpoint on page 137)

Amapi ProT M 485

Palette

The tools of the modeling room have been dispatched in


specialized groups of tools called Tools palettes (See The
Tools palettes on page 78).

Phong (model of)

Phong Shading method using normal interpolation for each


point of a shape. It doesn't pick up into account indirect
lighting, such as the reflection of other objects.

Polygonal (model...)

A Polygonal model is defined by a set of editable points


depicting the object topology (See The Polyhedral models
on page 97).
It is not be overlapped with NURBS model (See NURBS
on page 485).

Pulldown menu

Menu appearing when the user presses a key or clicks on a


button and disappearing once the selection is made.

Radiance

Determines the light generated by an objects surfaces,


independent of any external light source.

Reflection

Reflection Surfaces reflect to some degree the surrounding


colors. The reflection determines the ratio between reflected
light and incident light (in the case of a lit surface).

Relative (mode)

The position of a point as defined relatively to the position


of the previously entered point. See also absolute mode (See
Absolute (mode) on page 481)

Rendering

Rendering is the process of computing and displaying a


scene. Computations are based on predefined algorithms
that pick up into account: the geometry of the objects
(modeling), the materials applied to those objects (metal,
marble, wood, etc.), the lighting, the camera view and
finally, the interaction that all those elements may have
between each other (shadows, reflections, etc.).

Room

A room contains a set of tools used to make the similar kinds


of operations. Rooms include modeling, material editing,
and organizing the catalog.

Scene

A scene consists of objects created in the same work space

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Selection accessories

Amapi Pro has two kinds of selection accessories:


The selectable entities (object, facet, edge or point).
The selection methods.
(See The selection accessories on page 148).

Smoothing

Allows the user to control the number and size of facets


defining a surface or the number of segments defining a
curve. The higher the smoothing value, the smoother the
object will look.
Amapi Pro proposes several smoothing modes.

Spread

Specifies the size of the reflection of a light source on an


object.

Specular color

Specifies the color and intensity of the reflection on an


object.

Target point

Point the eye is looking at.


(See Viewpoint on page 137)

Tool

Each room contains its own functions called Tools.


The Modeling room tools are divided into specialized tool
groups. They are called Tools palettes (See The Tools
palettes on page 78).

Tools accessories

Tool accessories are additional functions included in tools


(See Tool accessories on page 85).

Tool options

The tool options are tool operating or computing methods


(See The tool options on page 84).

Transparency

Surface property defining the quantity of incident light


transmitted through the surface of the object.

View plane

The view plane is perpendicular to the eye - target point


axis.
The view plane of the current view is projected onto the
screen

Amapi ProT M 487

Viewpoint

The viewpoint defines the observers eye. It is defined by


the eye position, a target point defining the viewing
direction, and the field of view.

Working plan

The working plane is the plane on which the modeling


will be done. It is defined by the two axis the most parallel
to the current view plane

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33

B
Basic toolkit 241
Move 242
Rotate 244
Scale 248
Stretch 252

Index

Bend 379
Booleans 354, 355
Break (Nodal) 188
BREP 103
Dissociate the faces of a... 188

Numerics

Browsing the Catalog 444


Bulb 436

2D Drawing 277

Bump/Soften 385

3D Digitizer 163, 233

A
Cancel 215
Align 406
Alignment 196
Alignment guides 196
Ambient color 433
Angle 417
Arc 284
Assembly 241
AutoPlot 235
Axis toggling 193

Catalog 197, 443


Browsing the Catalog 444
Browsing the pages 444
Delete a file from the catalog 445
Delete the entire scene 445
Edit files information 445
Export 448
Import 448
Importing a file from the catalog into
the scene 446
Managing the favorites directory 447
Open a directory 444
Organizing the catalog 446
Rebuilding the catalog 448
Saving a scene in the catalog 446
catalog.lst 430, 446, 447

Amapi ProT M 489

Chamfer 347

Cursor-parameters 161

Circle 281

Curve
Composite 91
Simple 91, 92

Circumference 418
Clones 107
Close 210, 400
A grid structure object 401
A polygonal surface 400
Edit the polylines closures 400
Color 433
Editor 458
Interface 458
Palettes 458
Cone 266

Curves 292
Connected 91
Cut 215, 354
Booleans 354, 355
Extract 354
Punch 354
Slices 354
Cutting NURBS (Trimming) 357
Cylinder 267

Constraints 191, 221


Advanced 194
Alignment guides 196
Axis toggling 193

Construction 257, 339, 387


Control panel 167
Alignment Guides 175
Group, Ungroup 186
Information 187
Objects display 180
Orthonormal basis origin 173
Perspective 176
Scene / orthonormal basis toggling
171
Simple-view / Multi-view 178
Simplified display 177
Snap 174
Working in the view plane 169
Working with or without Dynamic
Geometry 183

Decimate 420
Deform 382
Degree (NURBS) 101, 290, 293, 342
Delete 216, 364, 445
Diffuse color 433
Directory 444
Display modes 180
Dissociate the faces of a BREP 188
Distance 416
Dodecahedron 269

Copy 215

Double-Sweep 321

Copy on support 392

Duplicate 388, 392


Copy on support 392
Multiple copy 390
Single copy 389

Cube 260
Current selection 147, 483
Cursor 208

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Reference Manual

Dynamic Geometry
Behavior of the tools regarding the DG

128
Browsing the palette 116
Collapsing the DG 118
Displaying mode 125
Editing the DG level 123
Manipulating DG 115
Renaming a shape 116
Selecting the working level 116
Showing/Hiding a level 117
The concept 109
The different levels of completion 126
The intermediate levels finishing 127
The palette 115
The shapes hierarchy 111
The tree 111, 189

Entity
Edge 94
Facet 94
Object 94
Point 94
Ergonomics 13
Export 212, 231, 448
Extract (Cut) 354
Extract Facets 304
Extract Lines 300
Extraction of openings 301
From existing points 300
Object edges 301
U and V curves of a grid structure 302
Eye 137

E
Eccentricity 433
Edit
3D Digitizer 163
File information 445
Joint and opening of a grid structure
object 401
Parameters 162
Polylines closures 400
Editing 214
Cancel 215
Copy 215
Cut 215
Delete 216
Paste 215
Redo 214
Select All 216
Undo 214
Validate 214
Editor
Material 427
Shortcuts 478

F
Face
Back 179, 219
Front 179, 219
Facets
Concave 345
Convex surfaces 345
Falloff 433
Favorites Directory 444
File
Close 210
Export 212
Import 212
Merge 210
Open 210
Printing 212
Quit 213
Save as 211

Amapi ProT M 491

File manager 58, 443

PC 7

Filter 434

Interface theme
Classic 14
Classic with tools palettes 16
Immersive 15
Pro 14

Interpolated curve 289


Isolate 185

Gradations 88
Graphic environment 87
Graphic workspace 18
Grid (primitive) 273

Grid structure (Quad Mesh) 106


Edit 401

Keyboard 17

Group, Ungroup 186

Helix 295

Lasso
Personalized 153
Rectangular 153

Help 205
Cursor 208
Tooltips 208

Lay on 408

I
Icosahedron 268
Import 212, 229, 448
Information 187
Installation 7
Macintosh 9

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Layers 197, 198


Delete 199
Lock 200
Merge 199
Move an object toward... 200
Receiver 199
Show/Hide 199
Light sources 436
Bulb 436
Spot 436
Sun 436
Lighting 435
Line drawing 277

Arc 284
Circle 281
Curve 292
Helix 295
Interpolated curve 289
Polyline 286
Rectangle / Square 279
Reverse curve points 299
Symmetry 298

N
Navigation 136
Have a panoramic view 144
Keyboard 142
Zoom 145
Make a direct viewpoint change 142
Pan the scene 141
Rotate around the scene 141, 143
View All 139
View Detail 140
View selection 142
Viewpoint 137
Zoom 140

Lines 277
lst 446
lst (calatog.lst) 430

Nodal break 188


Nodal point 372

M
Macintosh 9
Mapping on plane 90
Material 427
Applying a ... 430
Catalog 428
Editor 432
The room 427

Nodal sequence (NURBS) 101


NURBS 98
Create a ... 103
Transform a NURBS model into a
Polygonal model 105
Transform a Polygonal model into a
NURBS model 105

Measurements 415
Memo-Select 158

Merge 210
MicroScribe 163, 233
Move an object 242
Out of any tool 243
The tool 242
Multi-view 178

Objects 91
Clones 107
Curves 91
Display 95
Entity 94
Grid structure (Quad Mesh) 106
NURBS 96
Open / Closed 94
Polygonal 96
Polygonal or NURBS models 96
Surfaces 92

Amapi ProT M 493

Table of key actions in parameters edit


mode 166

Types of objects 91
Volumes 92
Objects display 180

Paste 215

Objects name 92

PC 7

Octahedron 268

Perspective 176

Offset 351

png 211, 448

Open (file) 210

Polygonal 96, 97

Open / Closed (object) 94

Polyline 286

Optional palettes 168

Previewing and rendering 425

Origin of the orthonormal basis 88

Printing 212

Orthogonal planes 90
Orthonormal basis
Graphic environment 88
Origin 173

Q
Quad Mesh 106
Quick Tour 13

Quit 213

Palette
Construction 257, 339, 387
Navigation 136
Tool palettes 78

Panoramic view 141


Parameters 161
Check the parameters 161
Edit parameters
3D Digitizer 163
Editing the parameters 162
Remote control 162
Using the mouse 162
Validating or Canceling a data
input 165
Moving between parameters fields
164
Palette 161
Rendering 439

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Record the current viewpoint 138


Rectangle 279
Redo 214
Reflection 434
Refraction 434
Rendering 421
Parameters 439
Previewing 425
Save 426
Requirements 7, 9

Selection accessories 148


Selection methods 150

Reverse curve points 299


Room 77
Catalog 441
Rendering 421

Shininess 433
Shortcuts editor 478

Rotate 244
By a given angle 244
To align 245

Simple-view 178
Simplified display 177
Slice 354

Rotate around the scene 141

Slider 164

S
Save 211
Save as 211
Scale 248
Scene management
Scene graph 201

Smooth 340
Break control 344
Convex surfaces 345
Partial smoothing 345
Polygonal surfaces 341
Tension control 343
Snap 406, 419
Snapping 174, 192
On particular points 192
On ruler graduation 192
Soften/Bump 385

Scene/orthonormal basis toggling 171

Specular 433

Screen 18

Sphere 260, 263

Searching for 217

Spot 436

Select All 216

Spread 433

Selectable entities 149

Square 279

Selection 147, 483


Cursor 159
Default selection mode 157
Edges 149
Extend/Restrict the selection 155
Facets 149
Memo-Select 158
Objets 149
Personnalized 153
Points 149
Rectangular Lasso 153
Select 1 over n 155
Select by angle 156
selectable entities 149

Stretch 252
An object with a deformer control box
255
Following the normal 253
NURBS objects 254
With attraction 382
Sun 436
Surfaces 336, 418
Coons 331
Gordon 334
Ruled 324
Surfaces and volumes primitives 258

Amapi ProT M 495

Cone 266
Cube 260
Cylinder 267
Dodecahedron 269
Icosahedron 268
Octahedron 268
Sphere 263
Tetrahedron 268
Text 274

U
Undo 214
Unfold 400, 409
Ungroup 186

Sweep 307
Extrude 307
Sweep 307

Symmetry 298, 398


Validate 214

T
Target point 137

View
All 139
Detail 140
selection 142
View plane 137, 169

Tesselate 367
A NURBS object 370
A polygonal curve 369
A polygonal volume or a surface 367

Viewpoint 137
Delete 139
Eye 137
Target point 137
View plane 137

Tetrahedron 268

Views 178

Text 274

Volume 418

Thickness / Offset 351


Tool 80
accessories 85
How to finish the tool action ? 80
How to pick up a tool ? 80
How to use a tool ? 80
When taking a tool ? 80
Tool palettes 78
Transparency 181, 434
Trash 429, 445
Trimming 357
Tuner-cursor 208

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Reference Manual

W
Weld 403
Weld objects 403
Weld points close from each other 403
Weld points close to each other 403
Weld points on an object 403
Working plane 89

Wrap 413

Z
Zoom 140

Amapi ProT M 497

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Reference Manual

Amapi ProT M 499

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Reference Manual

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