PRB: Distortion Occurs When Creating Beveled Edges on Letters
  
PSS ID Number: Q173301
Article last modified on 09-02-1997
 
IRIX:3.7; WINDOWS NT:3.7
 
IRIX NT WINDOWS
 

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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Softimage 3D for IRIX, version 3.7
 - Softimage 3D for Windows NT, version 3.7
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SYMPTOMS
========
 
If you use the Extrude/Bevel function to extrude letters, it causes
distortions on the corners of the polygonal-objects.
 
CAUSE
=====
 
The Extrusion/Bevel function does not perform the operation as specified.
 
RESOLUTION
==========
 
Use Surface > Bevel or > HrcBevel to eliminate problems. This custom effect
allows you to define the shape of the extrusion of curves and faces, such
as alphabetic letters.
 
When you create the spline for the extrusion shape, draw it in the Front
window, and use the negative x-axis as the direction of the normals of your
splines to be extruded:
 
          |
          |
          |
------____----------
     /    |
          |
          |
 
The above will create a bevel toward the inside of each letter. If your
spline starts at 0,0,0 and goes on the positive y-axis, the bevel will
start by creating a border of the letter spline, and then move out toward
the normals direction. The resulting geometry will be polygons, and each
letter will have three objects: front face, back face and the extruded
section. Merge them together to reduce the number of objects in your
schematic.
 
STATUS
======
 
The Surface > Bevel custom effect was designed as a workaround for the
Surface > Extrusion command.
 
REFERENCES
==========
 
SOFTIMAGE 3D Reference Guide: I to Z, Appendices page 1365.
 
If you have any questions concerning the information contained in this
article, contact support@softimage.com by e-mail.
 
Additional query words: si si3d si3dmod
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Keywords          : kbgraphic kbtshoot
Version           : IRIX:3.7; WINDOWS NT:3.7
Platform          : IRIX NT WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb
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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1997.