What to use – 3D Objects or 3D Constructions?
In many cases it is advisable to save user-created 3D constructions as 3D objects and simply use them in the same way as other 3D objects. Reasons for this could be:
· Better performance
· Easier positioning and scaling
An example: We want to create a balcony with a balustrade. The balusters are modeled using the functions available for rotation solids.
All 3D constructions included in the project are always completely reconstructed and recalculated when the project is loaded or changes are made to them, whereas a finished 3D object is simply loaded and displayed. The processing of the rotation solids in this example would, depending on the system, take about 10 seconds each time. On the other hand, loading the balcony from the catalog as a complete 3D object only takes about 1 second.
It is therefore recommended that the balcony be constructed with the following steps:
1. Input the platform as a cube or extrusion solid.
2. Create a baluster as a rotation solid.
3. Save the baluster as a solid, in case it needs to be changed at a later point in time.
4. Save the baluster as a 3D object in the catalog.
5. Input the balustrade footing as a sweep solid.
6. Position a baluster as a 3D object. Use the multiple copy function to create further balusters.
7. Input the parapet as a sweep solid.
8. The balustrade pillars should also be created as solids, and saved and inserted as 3D objects.
9. Now select all the components in a 2D plan view with the mouse using a rectangle.
10. Save the complete balcony in the catalog over the ‘Output>3D formats>3D object’ menu.
11. Since we have a mixture of 3D objects and 3D constructions it is not possible to save the balcony in its entirety as a 3D construction in the catalog. Therefore, the project file should also be saved for later changes.