Patches > Patch Template > Apply (applies to a Patch Template Object, as created by Patches > Patch Template > Convert To, that is selected in the Model Manager) - applies a previously saved patch structure to a new object, eliminating a majority of the NURBS surfacing process and saving a significant amount time.
To apply a template, the edges of the template must be matched to the edges of the model. The Fix Boundary button in the dialog box performs a edge fit operation. However, if the edges do not match up, it may be necessary to return to the Edit Patch Template dialog box to correct the problem.
A patch template cannot be applied to a Shape object that already has patches. To remove existing patches from a Shape object, use Patches > Remove > Patches.
The controls of the Apply function are:
Template group - specifies which of several patch templates will be applied to the Shape object.
Template Name dropdown (a list of existing patch template objects) - allows selection of a single patch template
Partial checkbox -
Select button - imports the named patch template and displays a preview of its projection onto the Shape object. At every control point on the patch template where the patch lines do not adhere perfectly to the surface of the Shape object, a yellow projection line extends from the control point on the patch template to the surface of the Shape object.
Mode group - adjusts the eventual patch structure on the Shape object by modifying the projection of the patch template onto the Shape object If necessary, you will modify the eventual patch structure by modifying the strike-points of projection lines.
Edit Target radio button - Individual strike points (red dots) can be Left-Dragged on the surface of the Shape Object.
Add Projector - allows the clicking of a control point on the patch template so that an additional projection line is added. The strike-point on the Shape object can then be Edited.
Remove Projector - Any user-added projection line can be removed by clicking it. When a projection line is removed, any editing of its strike-point is deleted as well.
Fix Boundaries button - causes strike points that are near natural boundaries to snap to those boundaries, thus creating a precision patch structure at the boundaries that might be difficult to achieve by manual editing.
Display group - specifies the completeness of the preview in the Viewing Area:
Boundaries checkbox - the preview includes new positions of patch lines
Projectors checkbox - the preview includes lines that indicate the projection of points onto the surface of the Shape object.
Template checkbox - the preview includes the patch template that will be applied.
OK button - projects the patch template onto the Shape object to form a real patch structure, saves the Shape object to the Model Manager, and closes the dialog.
Cancel button - terminates the dialog without saving the Shape object.
To Apply a Template
If you edited the patch template with Patches > Patch Template > Edit, the patch template might not be aligned in space with the Shape object to which it will be applied. To verify alignment, press Alt-0 to hide all objects, then highlight the template and the Shape object in the Model Manager, and see if they overlay each other in the Viewing Area. If not aligned, use Tools > Alignment.
In the Model Manager, select a Shape object that does not already have patches, and click Patches > Patch Template > Apply. A dialog opens.
In the Template dropdown, pick the patch template that you want to apply, then click Select. The Viewing Area displays a preview of the patch structure on the object. Yellow lines show the projections of patch intersections onto the surface of the Shape object. If no yellow lines appear, the patch structure is identical to the Shape object (like a fish net that fits the Shape object perfectly).
If necessary, use the Mode group to move projection lines and strike points.
If the object has natural boundaries that must match the patch template precisely, press Fix Boundaries.
When the preview shows a sufficient patch structure, press OK to save the Shape object with the applied template.