A surface of revolution is created by spinning a curve about a specified axis. The revolution is any amount from -360 to 360 degrees. These are similar to a swept surface, and can be used to create other primitive shapes not provided such as a torus or a cone. These surfaces are exact.
While you can use a 3D curve as the curve to spin around an axis, there is a higher chance of creating a self intersecting surface. Where possible, it’s best to use a 2D curve for input to this surface.
Follow these steps to create a surface of revolution:
To create a surface of revolution, you need a curve and either the X or Y axis for rotation, or a custom line for the axis.
Use the Surface wizard or select Surface of revolution from the surface toolbar flyout to open the dialog box.
Name the surface for future reference.
Click Pick and pick the curve you are revolving.
Set the Start angle in degrees.
Set the End angle in degrees.
Pick the Construction method. This is where you set what is revolved around, or the pole. You can pick a custom axis, or the X or Y axis.
For a custom axis, pick the axis either from the list box or click Pick and select it with the mouse.
Click Apply.
Click Preview to see if you got the shape you wanted.
If the shape is acceptable Click Finish, or OK. Otherwise change some settings and preview again until the surface is right.
Revolved surfaces may have no cap on the ends depending on the source curve. Depending on the milling technique you select, such as Z level roughing, you may need a cap surface.