NX8 Mesh Surface

[NX8-HELP] MESH SURFACE 1
Mesh Surface
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Ruled surface
Section Surface
Through Curves
N-Sided Surface overview
Through Curve Mesh
1. Ruled surface
Use the Ruled command to create a body between two sections, where the ruled shape is a linear
transition between the sections.
A section can consist of single or multiple objects, and each object can be a curve, a solid edge, or a solid
face.
Input Curves and output Ruled surface
Ruled surfaces can be used to create surfaces that can be unfolded onto a plane without stretching or
tearing. These surfaces are used in the shipbuilding and piping industry to manufacture objects from sheet
metal.
Where do I find it?

Application Modeling
Toolbar SurfaceMesh Surface Drop-downRuled
Menu InsertMesh SurfaceRuled
1.1. Create a ruled surface using points

This example shows how to create a surface between circular and rectangular sections.
Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

1. Choose InsertMesh SurfaceRuled.

2. Select the first section.
For this example, do the following
a. On the Selection bar, set the Curve Rule to Connected Curves.
b. In the Ruled dialog box, in the Section String 1 group, click Select Curve and select
the first section in the graphics window.
3. Select the second section.
For this example, do the following:
a. On the Selection bar, set the Curve Rule to Connected Curves.
b. In the Section String 2 group, click Select Curve and select the second section string
in the graphics window.
4. In the Alignment group, from the Alignment list, select a method.
For this example, from the Alignment list, By Points is selected.

Default points appear on the selected sections.
You can realign the points or specify new points.
5. Click OK or Apply to create the Ruled surface.
1.2. Ruled dialog box

Section String 1 and Section String 2
Lets you select the section string.

Select Curve
or Point
Specify Lets you specify the origin curve for the selected section string.
Origin
Curve
Alignment
Controls the shape of the feature by defining how NX spaces the isoparametric curves of
the new surface along the sections.
Alignment Isoparametric curves are generated along the U and V parameters on a face. For more
information see **Unsatisfied xref title**.
When the Preserve Shape check box is selected, you can use only the Parameter and By

Points alignment methods.
Parameter Spaces the isoparametric curve connection points at equal

parameter intervals along the sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
By Points Aligns points between sections of different shapes. NX places
alignment points and their alignment lines along the sections.
In this example, a Ruled surface is created between sections of different shapes, a

circle and a rectangle, using points to align the sections.
Specify Point option is available to let you realign the points or add new
ones. You can also click Reset to restore the default alignment points.
When the Preserve Shape check box is cleared, the following additional methods are also
available.
Arc Length Spaces isoparametric curve connection points at equal arc length
intervals along the defining sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
Distance Spaces points along each section at equal distances in a specified
direction. This results in isoparametric curves that all lie in planes perpendicular to
the specified direction vector.
Specify Vector options are available to let you specify the direction in
which the isoparametric curves must be spaced.
Angle Spaces the points along each curve at equal angles around a specified
axis line. This results in isoparametric curves which all lie in planes containing the
axis line.
Specify Vector and Specify Point options are available in the

Axis group to let you specify the direction and location of the axis.
Spine Curve Places the points at the intersections of the selected sections and
planes perpendicular to a selected spine curve. The extent of the resulting body is
based on the limits of this spine curve.
Select Spine Curve option is available to let you select the spine curve.
Spine curves that are all, or in part, perpendicular to the defining sections are

invalid, because the intersection between the section planes and the defining
curves is nonexistent, or poorly defined.
For more information on alignment options, see Alignment methods.

Settings
Lets you specify either a sheet body or a solid body for the ruled feature.
Solid
Body Type
Sheet
To get a solid body, the section strings must form closed loops.
Preserves sharp corners by forcing a tolerance value of 0.0, overriding the default of
approximating the output surface.
Preserve When you clear this check box, the G0 (Position) value is used and any sharp corners in
Shape the section strings are smoothened, but with a small radius of curvature.
Note This options is available for all alignment methods, but you can use this option only
when Alignment is set to Parameter or By Points.
G0 (Position) Lets you specify a maximum distance between the input geometry and the resulting body.
2. Through Curves
Use the Through Curves command to create a body through multiple sections where the shape changes
to pass through each section. A section can consist of a single object or multiple objects, and each object
can be any combination of curves, and solid edges, or a solid face.
You can do the following:
Use multiple sections to create a sheet body or solid body.

Control the shape of the surface by aligning it to the sections in a variety of ways.
Constrain the new surface to be G0, G1, or G2 continuous with tangent surfaces.
Specify single or multiple output patches.
Make the new surface normal to the end sections.
The Through Curves command is similar to the Ruled command. With Through Curves, you can use
more than two sections and you can specify tangency or curvature constraints at the start and end sections.

Where do I find it?
Toolbar SurfaceThrough Curves
Menu InsertMesh SurfaceThrough Curves
2.1. Create a through curves surface

This example shows how to create a basic Through Curves surface through six sections. Each section
consists of two tangent curves.
1. On the Surface toolbar, click Through Curves or choose InsertMesh SurfaceThrough

Curves.
2. Set the Selection Intent rule.
For this example, on the Selection bar, from the Curve Rule list, Tangent Curves is selected.
3. Select a curve and click the middle mouse button to complete the selection of the first section.
For this example, the first curve at the upper end is selected.
Since you selected Tangent Curves as your selection rule, two tangent curves are added to your
model and displayed as Section 1 in the List box.
4. Select additional curves and add as a new section.
For this example, each set of tangent curves is selected and added as a new section.
Note To avoid twisting and to ensure that each section points in the same direction, select the top
curve at the upper end.
5. Click OK or Apply to create the Through Curves surface.
The surface is created using the default options in the Alignment and Output Surface Options
groups.
For this example, the default Parameter alignment method is used.
6. Double-click the Through Curves surface to edit it.
The Through Curves dialog box opens.
7. In the Settings group, clear the Preserve Shape option to make other alignment methods
available for selection
8. In the Alignment group, from the Alignment list, select an option.
For this example, from the Alignment list, Arc Length is selected.
The surface isoparametric curves are realigned along the sections.

9. On the View toolbar, set the Rendering Style Drop-Down list to Shaded with Edges.
10. Click OK to update the surface.
2.2. Create a through curves connecting surface

This example shows how to create a surface that connects two sheet bodies, is tangent continuous with
the two sets of faces, and passes through the line between the two sheets.
1. On the Surface toolbar, click Through Curves or choose Insert.Mesh

Surface.Through Curves.
2. Set the Selection Intent rule.
For this example, on the Selection bar, from the Curve Rule list, Tangent Curves is selected.
3. Select the sections.

For this example, the three sections are selected in the order shown, near their left ends, using the
middle mouse button after you select each section.
4. In the Settings group, clear the Preserve Shape check box.

5. In the Continuity group, select a continuity constraint and specify the constraint faces.
a. Select the Apply to All check box.

b. From the First Section list, select G1 (Tangent).
Select Face becomes available.
c. Click Select Face to define the first section and select the faces of the lower sheet
body.
d. From the Last Section list, select G1 (Tangent).
Select Face becomes available.
e. Click Select Face to define the last section and select the faces of the upper sheet
body

6. In the Alignment group, from the Alignment list, select a method.
For this example, from the Alignment method list, Parameter is selected.
7. Click OK or Apply to create the constrained surface.
The finished part is a sheet body created through multiple sections and is tangent to the two
adjacent faces.
8. (Optional) Evaluate the result.
a. Choose AnalysisShapeFaceReflection.
The Face Analysis - Reflection dialog box opens.
b. Select all the surface faces and click the Black and White Lines option.
c. Click OK.
The surface is rendered in the selected Face Analysis style.
d. Rotate the view. Note that there are no abrupt changes in curvature at the edges for the
surface.

Tip To return to the previous rendering style, on the View toolbar, set the Rendering Style
Drop-Down list to Shaded with Edges.
2.3. Through Curves dialog box

Sections
Lets you select section strings.
Select Curve
or Point
Lets you change the origin curve in a closed loop.
Specify
Origin Curve
List Lists section sets as you add them to the model.
You can reorder or delete them using the Move Up , Move Down or Remove
list buttons.
Continuity
Apply to All Applies the continuity constraint selected for one section, to the first and last sections.
First Section / Lets you select constraining faces and specify continuity for the selected section.
Last Section
You can specify G0 (Position), G1 (Tangent) or G2 (Curvature) continuity.
Select Face is available for G1 (Tangent) and G2 (Curvature) to let you select one
or more continuity constraint faces.
Unconstrained Through Curves surface G2 constrained Through Curves surface to both

(green) sets of faces

Flow Not available when all Continuity options are set to G0 (Position). This option applies
Direction only to models that use a constraint surface.
Specifies the flow direction in relation to the constraint surface.
Not Specified Flow direction is straight through to the opposite side.

Isoparametric Flow direction follows the isoparametric direction (U or V) of
the constraint surface.
Normal Flow direction is normal to the base edge of the constraint surface.
Alignment
Alignment list Controls the shape of the feature by defining how NX spaces the isoparametric curves of
the new surface along the sections.
Isoparametric curves are generated along the U and V parameters on a face. For more
information see **Unsatisfied xref title**.
Parameter Spaces the isoparametric curve connection points at equal

parameter intervals along the sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
By Points Aligns points between section strings of different shapes. NX places
alignment points and their alignment lines along the sections.
Specify Point option is available to let you realign the points or add new
ones. You can also click Reset to restore the default alignment points.
Note When the Preserve Shape check box is selected, you can use only
Parameter and By Points alignment methods. When the check box is
cleared, you can use the other available methods.
Arc Length Spaces isoparametric curve connection points at equal arc length
intervals along the sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
Distance Spaces points along each section at equal distances in a specified
direction. This results in isoparametric curves that all lie in planes perpendicular to
the specified direction vector.
Specify Vector options and are available to let you specify the direction
in which the isoparametric curves must be placed.
Angle Spaces the points along each curve at equal angles around a specified
axis line. This results in isoparametric curves which all lie in planes containing the

axis line.
Specify Vector options and and Specify Point options and are
available in the Axis group to let you specify the direction and location of the axis.
Spine Curve Places the points at the intersections of the selected sections and
planes perpendicular to a selected spine curve. The extent of the resulting body is
based on the limits of this spine curve.
Select Spine Curve option is available to let you specify the spine curve.
For more information on alignment options, see Alignment methods.

Output Surface Options
Patch Type Lets you specify whether the patches in the V direction, that is perpendicular to the
sections, will be single or multiple.
Single Creates a single patch. The maximum number of sections is 25 and the
degree in the V direction is one less than the number of strings selected.
Multiple Creates multiple patches.
Match String
Closed in V Closes the feature between the first and last sections along columns in the V direction.
If the sections you select are closed and this check box is selected, and the Body Type
option is set to Body, NX creates a solid body.
For multiple patches, the closed status of the body along rows (U direction) is based on
the closed status of the sections. If the sections you select are all closed, the body
generated is closed in the U direction.
Normal to Makes the output surface normal to the two end sections.
End Sections
If an end section is planar, the surface is parallel to the plane normal at the end.
If an end section is a 3D curve, an average normal vector is computed, and the
surface is parallel to the average normal at the end.
If an end section is a line, the normal vector is computed so that it points from the
end section to the section next to the end section.
Overrides the V-degree settings and makes the feature start and end perpendicular
to the start and end sections.
Note When you select Normal to End Sections, the Continuity options are unavailable.

Construction Lets you specify the construction method to create the surface.
Normal Creates a curve mesh surface using the standard procedures. Creates a
body or surface with a greater number of patches when compared with the other
Construction options.
Spline Points Creates a body using the points and tangent values at the points
for the input curves.
The curves are temporarily reparameterized through their defining points and
retain any user-defined tangent values. These temporary curves are then used to
create the body. This creates a simpler body with fewer patches.
Note The selected curves must be single B-curves with the same number of
defining points.
Simple Creates the simplest curve mesh surface possible.
A simple surface with constraints avoids the insertion of extra math components
when possible, thus reducing abrupt changes of curvature. It also minimizes the
number of patches and the boundary noise in a surface.
Available only when Construction is set to Simple.
Lets you select sections to use as the template curve. You can select any generating curve
Select Section as the template, and can use it as the template for both directions.
Template
When you select a section template, NX tries to refit the generating curves to reflect the
degree and segmentation of the template and builds the surface directly from the refitted
curves.
Note When using the Simple option, Distance Tolerance and Angle Tolerance as
specified in the Modeling Preferences dialog box are ignored.
Settings
Body Type Lets you specify either a sheet body or a solid body for the through curves feature.
Solid
Sheet
To get a solid body, section strings must form closed loops.

Preserve Available only when Alignment is set to Parameter or By Points.
Shape
Preserves sharp corners by forcing a tolerance value of 0.0, overriding the default of
approximating the output surface.
When you clear this check box, the G0 (Position) continuity value is used and any sharp
corners in the sections are made smooth, but with a small radius of curvature.
Preserve Shape on Preserve Shape off

Note that the sharp corners at the ends of Note that the sharp corners at the ends of the
the blue curves are preserved. blue curves are made smooth.
Rebuild Available only when Construction in the Output Surface Options group is set to
Normal.
Constructs a high-quality surface by redefining the degree or segments of the sections. If

the sections have poor knot placement or there are differences in degree between them,
the output surface may be more complex than necessary, or the isoparameter lines may be
too wavy. This could produce incorrect highlighting and prevent continuity between
surfaces.
None Turns Rebuild off.

Degree and Tolerance Rebuilds the surface using a specified degree. The
degree you specify is effective in the U and V directions. Higher degree curves
generally reduce the chance of unwanted inflections and sharp changes in
curvature. NX inserts knots as required to achieve the G0, G1 and G2 tolerance
settings.
Auto Fit Creates the smoothest possible surface within the specified
Maximum Degree and Maximum Segments. NX tries to rebuild the surface
without adding segments up to the maximum degrees.
If the surface is out of the tolerance range:
o Segments are added up to the maximum number you specify.

o If the surface is still out of the tolerance range, the surface is created and
an error message is displayed.
Tolerance Specifies the tolerance values for the Continuity options to control the accuracy of the
rebuilt surface in relation to the input curves.
The G0 (Position) Specifies the position continuous tolerance. Defaults to the

Distance Tolerance.
G1 (Tangent) Specifies the tangent continuous tolerance. Defaults to the
Angle Tolerance.
G2 (Curvature) Specifies the curvature continuous tolerance. Defaults to 0.1
or 10% of the relative tolerance.
2.4. Alignment methods

Alignment methods are available in many NX commands. They allow you to control how the feature
flows from one section to another.
Following is a list of the methods. Not all are available in all commands.

Parameter Spaces the isoparametric curve connection points at equal parameter intervals
along the sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve. Parameter values vary according to
curvature; the tighter the curvature, the closer is the interval.
The following graphic shows the grid display of how the isoparametric lines are spaced when you
use the Parameter alignment method.
Arc Length Spaces isoparametric curve connection points at equal arc length intervals along
the defining sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
The following graphic shows how the entire section length is divided into equal arc length
segments to align.
By Points Aligns points between sections of different shapes. NX places alignment points and
their alignment lines along the sections. You can add, delete, and move the points to preserve
sharp corners or otherwise refine the surface shape.
The following graphics shows a surface that transitions from a circular section to a rectangular one.

This method gives you more control over the alignment, letting you control the specific alignment
of points in each section.
Tip It is recommended that you include alignment points at sharp corners. If you do not, NX
creates high-curvature, smoothed corner bodies to approximate them, and any subsequent
feature operations performed on the corners or faces, such as blends, shells, or Boolean
operations, may fail due to the curvature.
Distance Spaces points along each section at equal distances in a specified direction. This
results in isoparametric curves that all lie in planes perpendicular to the specified direction vector.
The defining curves determine the extents of the body, the body continues until it reaches the end
of one of the defining curves.
You can specify the direction in which the isoparametric curves are spaced. Internally, NX
constructs planes which are intersected with each of the defining curves to obtain the points
needed for the isoparametric curves.
Angle Spaces the points along each curve at equal angles around a specified axis line. This
results in isoparametric curves which all lie in planes containing the axis line. The extents of the
body are determined by the defining curves, the body continues until it reaches the end of one of
the defining curves.
Isoparametric curves all lie in planes containing the axis line
Spine Curve Places the points at the intersections of the sections and planes perpendicular to
the selected spine curve. The extent of the resulting body is based on the limits of this spine curve.
The following graphic shows the spine curve selected in yellow. Note that the surface does not
extend till the entire length of the sections, but is limited by the length of the single curve selected.

Note Spine curves which are all, or in part, perpendicular to the sections are invalid because the
intersection between the planes and the sections would be nonexistent or poorly defined.
Spline Points Creates a surface using points and tangent values for the input curves. The new
surface is required to pass through the points that define the input curves, and not the curves
themselves. This changes the curve parameters and creates a smooth surface. When the curve
parameters are changed, the tangent values remain the same.
Note For this method, sections must be single B-curves each with the same number of defining
points.
By Segments Similar to the Parameter alignment method, except that NX spaces

isoparametric curves equally along each curve segment rather than at equal parameter intervals.
This method produces the same number of C0 patches as the number of segments.
This method is effective if each section contains the same number of segments.
3. Through Curve Mesh

Use the Through Curve Mesh command to create a body through a mesh of sections in one direction,
and guides in another direction, where the shape fits through the mesh of curves.
This command uses sets of primary curves and sets of cross curves to create a bi-cubic surface.
Each set of curves must be contiguous.

The sets of primary curves must be roughly parallel and the sets of cross curves must be roughly
parallel.
You can use a point instead of a curve for the first or last primary set.

Constrain the new surface to be G0, G1, or G2 continuous with adjacent faces.
Control cross curve parameterization with a set of spine curves.
Locate the surface near the primary curves or cross curves, or at an average between the two sets.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar SurfaceThrough Curve Mesh
Menu InsertMesh SurfaceThrough Curve Mesh
3.1. Create a through curve mesh using curves and a

point
This example shows how to create a surface using a curve and a point as primary sets and other curves as
cross sets.
1. On the Surface toolbar, click Through Curve Mesh , or choose InsertMesh

SurfaceThrough Curve Mesh.
2. Select a curve for the first primary set and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set .
For this example, the curve at the top is selected.

3. On the Selection bar, enable Snap Point and set it to End Point.
4. Select a point as the second primary set.
For this example, the end point of the curve is selected as shown.
Note You must select the primary and cross sets in consecutive order, moving from one side to the
other.
5. Click the middle mouse button twice to complete the selection of primary curves.
6. Select the sets of cross curves and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set after each
set.
For this example, each blue curve is selected as a set.
As you select each set of cross curves, the preview is updated to display the surface.

7. Click OK or Apply to create the mesh surface.
3.2. Create a through curve mesh using tangency

constraints
This example shows how to create a mesh surface that is tangent to adjacent faces.
1. On the Surface toolbar, click Through Curve Mesh or choose InsertMesh

SurfaceThrough Curve Mesh.
2. Select the primary curves.
a. On the Selection bar, set the Curve rule to Single Curve.
b. In the Primary Curves group, ensure that Select Curve or Point is active.
c. Select the curve at the top as the first primary set and click the middle mouse button or
Add New Set to complete the selection.
d. Select the second primary set and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set to
complete the selection.

e. Select the third primary set and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set to
complete the selection.
Note Ensure that all the vectors point in the same direction.
3. Select the cross curves.
a. On the Selection bar, set the Curve rule to Single Curve.
b. In the Cross Curves group, click Select Curve .

c. Select the curve on the left as the first cross set and click the middle mouse button or Add
New Set to complete the selection.
d. Select the curve on the right as the second cross set and click the middle mouse button or
Add New Set to complete the selection.

Note Ensure that all the vectors point in the same direction.
4. In the Continuity group, select a continuity constraint and specify the constraint faces.
a. Select the Apply to All check box.

b. From the First Primary list, select G1 (Tangent).
Select Face becomes available for all of the primary and cross curves.
c. Under First Primary, click Select Face and select the top tangent face.
d. Under Last Primary, click Select Face and select the bottom tangent face.
e. Under First Cross, click Select Face and select the left tangent face.

f. Under Last Cross, click Select Face and select the right tangent face.
Note You can set any of the Continuity options to G1 (Tangent) as you have selected the Apply
to All check box.
5. In the Output Surface Options group, ensure that Emphasis is set to the required value.
For this example, it is set to Both.
6. In the Settings group, ensure that Rebuild is set to the required value.
For this example, it is set to None.
7. Click OK or Apply to create the mesh surface.
3.3. Through Curve Mesh dialog box

Primary Curves
Lets you select sets of primary section consisting of curves, edges or points.
You must select at least two primary sets.

Select Curve You can select a point for the first and last sets only.
or Point
Note You must select the sets in consecutive order, from one side to the other, and they
must point in the same direction.
Lets you change the origin curve when you select a closed loop of curves.
Specify
Origin Curve
Cross Curves
Lets you select sets of cross section consisting of curves or edges.
If all the selected primary sections are closed loops, you can select the same curves for
Select Curves the first and last set of cross to create a closed body.
Continuity
Lets you select constraining faces at the First Primary and/or Last Primary sections, and First Cross
and Last Cross sections, and specify continuity. You can constrain the mesh surface along common
edges or at the interior of the faces.
Apply to All Applies the same continuity setting to the first and last sections.
First Primary Lets you set continuity constraints for the first and last primary sections, and cross
sections to control the accuracy of the surface in relation to the input curves.
Last Primary
G0 (Position) Position continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Distance
First Cross Tolerance
G1 (Tangent) Tangent continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Angle
Last Cross Tolerance.
G2 (Curvature) Curvature continuous tolerance. Defaults to 0.1 or 10 per
cent of the relative tolerance.
If you select the Apply to All check box, one selection updates all settings.
Appears when you set the continuity for any section to either G1 (Tangent) or G2
(Curvature).
Select Face Lets you select one or more constraining faces, as appropriate.
Spine
Available only if the first and last primary sections are planar.
Lets you select a spine to control the parameterization of the cross sections.
Select Curve
A spine can improve surface smoothness by forcing U parameter lines to be
perpendicular to the spine.
The spine must be:
Long enough to intersect all the cross sections.

Perpendicular to the first and last primary sections.
Non-perpendicular to the cross sections.

Output Surface Options
Emphasis Specifies that the surface passes through either the primary curves, or cross curves, or an
average of the two.
Note This option applies only if a primary and cross curve pair do not intersect.
Both Both primary and cross curves have equal effect.
NX calculates an average between both the primary curves and the cross
curves .
Primary Primary curves have more effect.
NX matches the surface to the primary curves .
Cross Cross curves have more effect.
NX matches the surface to the cross curves .

Construction Lets you specify the construction method to create the surface.
Normal Builds a curve mesh surface using the standard procedures. Creates a
surface with a greater number of patches when compared with the other methods.
Spline Points Creates a surface using the points and tangent values at the
points for the input curves.
The curves are temporarily reparameterized through their defining points

(retaining any user-defined tangent values). These temporary curves are then used
to create the surface. This creates a simpler surface with fewer patches.
Note The selected curves must be single B-curves with the same number of
defining points.
Simple Creates the surface with or without specifying constraints. This builds
the simplest surface possible, in both patches and math. The sections must have
similar, simple math.
You can select a template curve for the primary sections, and one for the cross
sections. If you do not select templates, NX selects them for you. The generating
curves are refit to reflect the degree and segmentation of the template. If the
template curve has corners, or is more than one curve, the resulting surface is split
into multiple faces.
Note o Tolerance values are ignored.

o When you select the template curve, it is possible that the deviation
to the original curves may be higher than normal. Use this option
when deviation of the surface to the input curves is not important.
Available only when Construction is set to Simple.
Lets you select a template curve for the primary and cross sections. You can select the
Select same curve for both directions.
Primary
Template When you select a template, NX tries to refit the generating curves to reflect the degree
/Select Cross and segmentation of the template and builds the surface directly from the refitted curves.
Template
Settings
Body Type Lets you specify either a sheet body or a solid body for the through curve mesh feature.
Solid
Sheet
To get a solid body, section strings must form closed loops.

Rebuild Available only when Construction in the Output Surface Options group is set to
Normal.
Constructs a high-quality surface by redefining the degree and/or segments of the

primary and cross sections.

If the sections have poor knot placement or there are differences in degree between them,
the output surface may be more complex than necessary, or the isoparameter lines may
be too wavy. This could create incorrect highlighting and prevent continuity between
surfaces. Using Rebuild options, you can make the required changes and build the
surface again.
Note The same options are available in the Primary tab, and the Cross tab.
None Turns Rebuild off.

Degree and Tolerance Rebuilds the surface using a specified Degree. The
degree you specify is effective in the U and V directions. Higher degree curves
generally reduce the chance of unwanted inflections and sharp changes in
curvature. NX inserts knots as required to achieve the G0, G1 and G2 tolerance
settings.
Auto Fit Creates the smoothest possible surface within the specified
Maximum Degree and Maximum Segments. NX tries to rebuild the surface
without adding segments up to the maximum degrees.
If the surface is out of tolerance:
o NX adds segments up to the maximum number you specify.

o Even after adding segments, NX creates it and displays an error message.
Tolerance Specifies the tolerance values for the intersection and continuity options to control the
accuracy of the rebuilt surface in relation to the input curves.
Intersection Specifies the maximum acceptable distance between non-

intersecting sets of primary and cross sections. NX displays an error message and
highlights the incorrect section pairs for up to a maximum of four pairs.
The value must be greater than zero.
The remaining continuity options are the same as the ones in the Continuity
group.
4. Section Surface
Use the Section Surface command to create surfaces through sections of curves or edges using conic
construction methods.
Section features are created from a series of conic curves which are calculated by sectioning the specified
curves and faces. The calculated section curves are then swept to create the body.
The following graphic shows the Five-Point type of section surface used to create the surface of a wing.

Where do I find it?

Application Modeling, Shape Studio
Section Surface
Toolbar SurfaceSection Surface

InsertMesh Surface Section
Menu InsertMesh Surface Sections
4.1. Input parameters for section surfaces

Start and End guides
Start and end guides specify the start and end geometry for the section surface and the surface flow. You
can select the curve or edge at either end without considering the directional.
Start guide
End guide
Slope control
You can control the shape of the section surface using the following:

Start and end slope curves or edges whose shape controls the slope of the section surface from the
selected start and end guides.
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Start and end faces whose shape controls the slope of the section surface from its selected start or
end guide.
Start face
End face
A single apex curve or edge whose shape controls the slope of the section surface from both its
selected start and end guides.
Apex curve
Spine curve
When you create a section surface, a spine curve is necessary to control the orientation of the calculated
sectioning planes. A spine curve can reduce distortions caused by uneven distribution of the parameters
on the guide curves.

A simple spine leads to a simple arrangement of U parameter curves, and reduces the risk of self-
intersection or overly complex surfaces.
The examples shows the U parameter curves of section surfaces resulting when a line is selected as the
spine curve and when an arc is selected as a spine curve.
Spine Curve
Section Surface
Note The end you select determines the direction of the surface.
A spine curve works best when it is approximately parallel with the starting and ending
curves.
Rho values
Rho is a scalar value that controls the fullness of each conic section.
Apex curve
Start edge curve
End edge curve
The height or fullness of the section (distance D1) is calculated by the value entered for rho using this
formula:
rho = D1/D2
A small value of rho (near zero) produces a very flat conic. A large value of rho (near 1) produces a more
pointed conic.
Rho value = 0.5 Rho value = 0.75
When the U Degree is set to Conic, rho values between 0.0001 and 0.9999 are allowed.

When the U Degree is set to Cubic or Quintic, the maximum rho value allowed is 0.75.
4.2. Types of section surfaces

Ends-Apex-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes through an interior shoulder curve, and
ends on the end guide curve.
The slope at each end is defined by an apex curve.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.

Start guide
End guide
Apex curve
Shoulder curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Slope-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes through an interior shoulder curve, and
ends on the end guide curve.
The slope is defined at the start and end by two independent slope control curves.
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Shoulder curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Fillet-Shoulder

Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two respective curves that lie on two bodies.
The surface starts on the first guide curve, and is tangent to the first body. It ends on the second guide
curve, is tangent to the second body, and passes through the shoulder curve.
Start guide
End guide
Start face
End face
Shoulder curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Apex-Rho
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve and ends on the end guide curve.
The slope at each end is defined by a selected apex curve. The fullness of each conic section is controlled
by a rho value.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes
Start guide
End guide
Apex curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Slope-Rho
The slope is defined at the start and end by two independent slope control curves. The fullness of each
conic section is controlled by the corresponding rho value.

Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Fillet-Rho
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two respective curves that lie on two bodies.
The fullness of each conic section is controlled by the corresponding rho value.
Start guide
End guide
Start Face
End Face
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Apex-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the end guide curve, and is tangent to
a line calculated with the highlight curves.
The slope at each end is defined by an apex curve.

Start guide
End guide
Apex curve
Start highlight curve
End highlight curve
Spine curve
Calculated tangent line and highlight curve endpoints
Preview surface
Ends-Slope-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the end guide curve, and is tangent to
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
End highlight curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Fillet-Hilite
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between the respective start and guide curves, which
lies on two bodies, and are tangent to a line calculated using the highlight curves.

Start guide
End guide
Start face
End face
End highlight curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Four-Point-Slope
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, passes through two interior curves, and ends
on the end guide curve.
A slope control curve defines the starting slope.
Start guide
End guide
First interior curve
Second interior curve
Start slope curve
End Spine curve
Curve endpoints (typical)
Preview surface
Five-Point

Creates a section surface using five existing curves as control curves.
The surface starts on the first guide curve, passes through three interior guide curves, and ends on the end
guide curve.
Start guide
End guide
Second interior curve
Third interior curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Three-Point-Arc
Creates a section surface from a start guide curve, passes through an interior guide curve, and ends on an
end guide curve.
The section of the section surface is a circular arc.
Start guide
End guide
Spine curve
Preview surface
Two Point Radius

Creates a surface with circular sections of a specified radius.
The surface is created in a counterclockwise direction to the spine direction from the start guide curve to

the end guide curve.
Start guide
End guide
Spine curve
Counterclockwise rotation direction
Preview surface
End Slope Arc

The slope is determined at the start by a selected control curve.
The section of the sheet is a circular arc.
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Point-Radius-Angle-Arc
Creates a section surface by defining a start guide curve on a tangent face, and the laws for the curvature
radius and the angle that the surface spans.
The default position of the surface is in the direction of the face normal. You can change the surface to
the opposite side of the tangent face.
The angle can vary from 179 to 1 degrees, or from 1 to 179 degrees, but it cannot pass through zero.
The radius must be greater than zero.

Start guide
Start face
Spine curve
Endpoints (typical)
Radius angle law
Preview surface
Circle
Creates a full circular section surface from the start guide curve. The radius is defined by a law, and a
spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes. You can also specify an
optional second orientation curve.
The radius can be zero at either or both ends of the surface, but it cannot be zero elsewhere.
Start guide
Orientation guide (optional)
Spine curve
Radius law
Review surface
Circle Tangent
Creates a circular section surface that is tangent to a face using a start guide curve, a tangent face, and a
law to define the radius of the surface.
You can select multiple faces.
You can create the surface in either the fillet arc or the cover arc direction.
Start guide
Start face (tangent face for the start of slope control)
Spine curve
Preview surface

Ends-Slope-Cubic
Creates an S-shaped section surface that forms a smooth cubic blend between a start guide curve and an
end guide curve.
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Fillet-Bridge
Creates a section surface forming a bridge between two curves on two sets of faces.
You can control the shape of the fillet-bridge surface by doing the folloiwng:
Use the Section Control Continuity options to change the shape by matching tangents (G1),
curvatures (G2), or flow (G3) at the ends of the fillet-bridge section. You can make further
adjustments to the shape using the Depth and Skew options until you get the shape you want.
Select a spline whose general form determines the shape of the fillet-bridge surface.
Start guide
End guide
Start face
End face

Start shape curve (optional)
Spine curve
Preview surface
Linear-Tangent
Creates a linear section surface tangent to one or more faces. The surface is created by selecting a tangent
face, a starting curve, and a spine.
Start guide
Start face
Spine curve
Preview surface
4.3. Create a section surface with shoulder curves

This example shows how to create a section surface that passes through a start guide curve, and end guide
curve, and a shoulder curve. The slopes at the start and end are defined by two slope control curves.
1. On the Surface toolbar, click Section Surface or choose InsertMesh SurfaceSection

Surface.
2. In the Section Surface dialog box, in the Type group, from the Type list, select Ends-Slope-
Shoulder.
The Select Start Guide option in the Guides group is active.
3. In the graphics window select a curve to define the start guide.

4. Click the middle mouse button.

The Select End Guide option in the Guides group is active.
5. In the graphics window, select a curve to define the end guide.
Start guide
End guide
The Select Start Slope Curve option in the Slope Control group is active.
7. In the graphics window, select a curve which controls the slope of the section surface from the
selected start guide.
The Select Ends Slope Curve option is active.
9. In the graphics window, select a curve which controls the slope of the section surface from the
selected end guide.
Start slope curve
End slope curve
The Select Shoulder Curve option in the Section Control group is active.
11. In the graphics window, select an interior curve through which the surface must pass.

Shoulder curve
The Select Spine Curve option in the Spine Curve group is active.
13. In the graphics window, select the spine curve to define the orientation of the sectioning planes.
A preview of the section surface is displayed.
Spine curve
Preview surface
14. (Optional) You can do the following to adjust the shape of the section surface:
o In the Section Control group, click the Show Alternate Solutions option to see
different possible surfaces that can be created. This option is available only if an alternate
solution is possible.
o In the Spine Curve group, click the Reverse Direction option.
15. Click OK or Apply to create the section surface.
4.4. Create a fillet-shoulder section surface

This example shows how to create surface that forms a smooth blend between two curves that lie
respectively on two bodies.

The surface:
Starts on the start guide curve

Is tangent to the selected start face.
Ends on the end guide curve.
Is tangent to the selected end face.
Passes through the shoulder curve.
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the Type list, select
Fillet-Shoulder.
3.
Start guide
End guide
4.
Start face
End face
5.
Shoulder curve
6.
Spine curve

4.5. Create a fillet-hilite section surface

This example shows how to create a surface that starts at the upper edge of the surface on the left and
ends at the upper edge of the surface on the right.
The resulting surface is tangent to the two existing surfaces. An existing rectangle is used to define the
limit of the new surface.
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the Type
list, select Fillet-Hilite.
3.
Start guide
End guide
4.
Start face
End face

5.
Start Highlight curve
End Highlight curve
6.
Spine curve
4.6. Create a five-point section surface

This example shows how to create a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, passes through
three interior guide curves, and ends on the end guide curve.
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the
Type list, select Five-Point.

3.
Start guide
End guide
4.
Interior guide 1
Interior guide 2
Interior guide 3
5.
Spine curve
4.7. Create a two-point radius section surface

This example shows how to create a surface with circular sections of a specified radius.
The surface is created in a counterclockwise direction from the spine direction, from the start guide curve
to the end guide curve.
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the Type list,
select Two Point Radius.

3.
Start guide
4.
End guide
5. Section Control group settings:
Law Type = Linear

Start = 50
End = 120
6.
Select the Spine Curve
7.
Click Reverse Direction to create a concave surface.

4.8. Section Surface dialog box

Type
Specifies the method used to create a section surface.
The available options that appear in the Section Surface dialog box depend on
the Type you select from the list.
Note For more information about the input parameters that control the resulting
section surface, see Types of section surfaces.
Ends-Apex-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes
through an interior shoulder curve, and ends on the end guide curve.
Ends-Slope-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes
Type list through an interior shoulder curve, and ends on the end guide curve.
Fillet-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two curves
that lie on two respective bodies.
Ends-Apex-Rho
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve and ends on
Ends-Slope-Rho

Fillet Rho
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two curves
that lie on two respective bodies.
Ends-Apex-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the
end guide curve, and is tangent to a line calculated with the highlight
curves.
Ends-Slope-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the
end guide curve, and is tangent to a line calculated with the highlight
curves.
Fillet-Hilite
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between the start
and guide curves, which lies on two respective bodies, and are tangent to
Four-Point-Slope
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, passes
through two interior curves, and ends on the end guide curve.
Five-Point
Creates a section surface using five existing curves as control curves.
Three-Point-Arc
Creates a section surface from a start guide curve, passing through an

interior guide curve, and ending on an end guide curve.
Two-Point-Radius
Creates a surface with circular sections of a specified radius.
End-Slope-Arc

Point-Radius-Angle-Arc
Creates a section surface by defining a start guide curve on a tangent

face, and laws for the curvature radius and the angle that the surface
spans.
Circle
Creates a full circular section surface from the start guide curve.
Circle-Tangent
Creates a circular section surface tangent to a face using a start guide

curve, a tangent face, and a law to define the surface's radius.
Ends-Slope-Cubic
Creates an S-shaped section surface that forms a smooth cubic blend

between a start guide curve and an end guide curve.
Fillet-Bridge
Creates a section surface forming a bridge between two curves on two

sets of faces.
Linear-Tangent
Creates a linear section surface tangent to one or more faces.

Guides
Specifies the start and the end geometry for the section surface.
You can select the curve or edge at either end without considering the direction.
Lets you select one or more connected edges or curves as the section guide to
Select Start Guide / specify where the surface creation flow begins.
Select End Guide
Slope Control
Controls the shape of the section surface from either or both the start or end edges, from a single apex
curve, or from the start or end faces.
You can select curves or edges at either end without regard for directional sense.

Lets you select a curve or edge whose shape controls the slope of the section
Select Start Slope surface from the selected start or end guide respectively.
Curve / Select End
Slope Curve
Lets you select a single curve or edge whose shape controls the slope of the
section surface from both its selected start and end guides.
Select Apex Curve
Lets you select a face whose shape controls the slope of the section surface
from its selected start or end guide.
Select Start Face /
Select End Face Reverse Direction is available.
Section Control
Controls how the sections in a section surface are defined. Depending on the Type you choose, these
options can range from a curve, edge, or face selection, to the defining of laws.
For detailed Section Control option information, see Section Surface Section Control options.
Spine Curve
Controls the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Lets you select a curve or edge that defines the spine curve of the section
surface.
Note The end you select for the spine curve determines the direction of
the surface.
Select Spine Curve A spine curve works best when it is normal to the guide curves,
and approximately parallel with the starting and ending curves.
Reverses the direction of the spine curve and consequently, the section surface.
Reverse Direction
Settings
Lets you control the shape of the sections in the U direction, set rebuild and tolerance options, and create
an apex curve.
For detailed information on the Settings group, see Section Surface Settings options.
4.9. Section Surface Section Control options

Section Control
Available when Type is set to Ends-Apex-Shoulder, Ends-Slope-Shoulder, or Ends-

Slope-Shoulder.
Select
Shoulder Lets you select an interior curve or edge through which the surface passes on its sweep

Curve from the start guide to the end guide at creation time.
Slope is controlled either by selected slope curves or faces.
Available when Type is set to Ends-Apex-Hilite, Ends-Slope-Hilite, or Fillet-Hilite.
Select Start Lets you select a curve or edge that is used as the start or end highlight curve.
Highlight
Curve / Select Highlight is a method to control the peak of a section surface. The section surface is
End tangent to an internally calculated surface defined by the start and end highlight curves.
Highlight
Curve Slope is controlled either by selected slope curves or faces.
Appears when Type is set to: Ends-Apex-Rho, Ends-Slope-Rho, Fillet-Rho, Circle

Tangent, or Fillet Bridge.
Specifies an additional method to control the section surface, apart from the input curves.
Type Available options

Ends-Apex-Rho, Rho
Ends-Slope-Rho,
and Fillet Rho Lets you define the shape of the conic section by defining a
rho law using one of the standard options of the Law
Subfunction.
For more information, see Law Types.
Least Tension
Computes the rho value from the input geometry according to

a least tension condition. In most cases this produces an
ellipse. When the angle between the chord and the tangent is
Section
the same at each end of the conic, the result is a circular arc.
Method
Fillet-Bridge Continuity
Lets you control the shape of the section surface by specifying

separate start and end continuity parameters, G1 (Tangent),
G2 (Curvature), or G3 (Flow).
Inherit Shape
Makes the section surface tangent continuous to the two face

sets, and its general shape in the U direction is inherited from
a curve that you select.
For more details and additional shape control options that are not
shown here, see Section Surface Section Control options.
Circle Tangent Fillet Arc
Defines the orientation of the section surface to the tangent

face in the fillet arc direction.

Cover Arc
Defines the orientation of the section surface to the tangent

face in the cover arc direction.
Appears when the Type is set to Ends-Apex-Rho, Ends-Slope-Rho, or Fillet-Rho, and
when the Section Method is set to Rho.
Rho Law
Lets you specify a rho value for the sections in the surface by defining a law.
For more information, see Rho values.

Appears when the Type is set to Two-Point-Radius, Point-Radius-Angle-Arc, Circle,
or Circle Tangent.
Radius Law
Lets you define a law that specifies a radius value for the sections in the surface.
Appears when the Type is set to Point-Radius-Angle-Arc or Linear-Tangent.
Angle Law
Lets you define a law that specifies an angle value for the sections in the surface.
Specifies the type of law to use when creating the section surface.
Depending on the Law Type you select, different options appear to let you define that
Law Type
law.
For more information, see Law Types.

Lets you specify a value for the law you are defining. For a rho law this would be a
numeric value. For a radius or angle law this would be a value in degrees.
Value
If the Law Type requires multiple values, Start and End boxes appear instead of a
Value box.
Cycles through multiple results when multiple results are possible for the section surface
based on the selected objects and option sets.
Show
Alternate Start guide
Solutions
Alternate solution for the Linear-Tangent type of section surface
4.10. Section Surface Settings options

Note These options are available only in the Settings group.
For information on Section Surface options, see Section Surface dialog box.
Settings

Controls the shape of the sections in the U direction (perpendicular to the spine curve).
Section surface
Spine curve
Conic surface sheet with edge curves drawn in the U

direction
Conic
U Degree Produces a true and exact conic shape with no reversals in curvature. Acceptable
rho values range between 0.0001 and 0.9999. Parameterization can be very
nonuniform.
Note The Conic option does not work for Ends-Slope-Rho and Ends-Slope-
Cubic section types. If you choose Conic with one of these section types,
NX ignores the setting and uses Cubic instead.
Cubic
Produces roughly the same shape as with the Conic option, but with a better surface
parameterization. Flow lines are distributed more evenly along the entire curve, but
without producing exact conic shapes.
Quintic
Produces surfaces that are degree 5 and C2 (curvature continuous) between patches.
Controls the degree and shape of the section in the V direction (parallel to the spine curve).
Note Input curves with poor knot placement or differing degrees create complex surfaces
of poor continuity.
None
Does not redefine degree and knot points of the input curves.
V Degree
Degree and Tolerance
Rebuild
Optimizes the surface in the V direction by specifying the number of degrees for the
input curves.
Degree Lets you specify the degrees from 2 to 24. Higher degree curves generally
reduce the chance of unwanted inflections and sharp changes in curvature.

Knots are inserted as required to achieve the G0, G1, and G2 tolerance
settings.
Auto Fit
Optimizes the surface in the V direction by specifying the maximum number of

degrees and the number of segments of the input curves.
NX attempts to build the surface without segments until the maximum degree is
reached. If the tolerance cannot be met with the maximum degree, segments are
added up to the number defined for maximum segments.
Maximum Degree
Specifies the maximum number of degrees to use when redefining the input curves
in the V direction.
Maximum Segments
Specifies the maximum number of knot points to use when redefining the input
curves in the V direction.
The default settings are taken from the Advanced Rebuild Options.
Sets tolerances for surface continuity, letting you control the accuracy of the surface in
relation to the input curves. The surface will not deviate from the input curves greater than
the values specified for these tolerances.
G0 (Position)
Position continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Distance Tolerance.
G1 (Tangent)
Tangent continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Angle Tolerance.
Tolerance G2 (Curvature)
Curvature continuous tolerance. Defaults to 0.1 or 10% of the relative tolerance.
The construction of the body involves an approximation process, which is controlled by the
distance tolerance that you specify.
The distance tolerance is the maximum allowable distance between a procedure defined
conic body and the approximation constructed by the software.
Note Ensure that you use a valid deviation tolerance value. If the value is too small, the
resulting body contains many more patches than is necessary, or the software may
not be able to construct a body that meets the input tolerance.
Create Creates and displays the apex curve internally created by NX.
Apex Curve

This can be helpful when diagnosing problems, because the apex curve can reveal surface
discontinuities that can occur when using separate slope controls.
Note If the selected Type requires you to specify an apex curve as input, the Create Apex
Curve option is ignored.
The following graphic shows a sheet body created using the Ends-Slope-Rho type, with
Create Apex Curve selected.
Start guide curve
End guide curve
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Spine curve
Software generated apex curve

Note To completely define the section surface, you must specify enough data to meet the
five conditions required to define a conic (such as, 3 points and 2 slopes, or 2 points,
2 slopes, and a rho value).
4.11. Section Surface Fillet-Bridge options

Note These options are available when Type is set to Fillet-Bridge.
For information on Section Surface options not described here, see Section Surface dialog box.
Section Control
Lets you choose the method to create the sections for the Fillet-Bridge type of
surface.
Continuity
Creates the sections based on setting continuity constraints for either ends of
the fillet-bridge, where they meet the selected start and end faces. After an
initial fillet-bridge section preview appears, you can change its depth, skew
Section Method
and continuity. You cannot do this when you select the Inherit Shape
method.
Inherit Shape
Creates the sections so they are tangent continuous to the selected start and
end faces. The general shape is inherited from one (or if needed, two) curves
specified with the Shape Curves options.
Appears when Section Method is set to Continuity.
Continuity

Sets the level of continuity where the sections meet the start faces and end faces.
G1 (Tangent)
The sections are tangent continuous to the respective face sets, and are
smoothly connected with up to one differentiation.
G2 (Curvature)
The sections are curvature continuous to the respective face sets, and are
smoothly connected with up to two differentiations.
G3 (Flow)
The sections are G3 continuous to the respective face sets, and are smoothly
connected with up to three differentiations. They may have a higher degree
of freedom of shape and represent a more complex section in the V
direction.
Control Region
Localizes the effects of the Depth and Skew sliders on the section surface.
Entire
Affects the entire section surface.
Start
Affects only the section surface area near the start face.
End
Depth and Skew Affects only the section surface area near the end face.
Depth
Controls how much the curvature of the sections affects the fillet-bridge surface.
The value is a percentage of the curvature effect. Works similarly to the Depth
option in Bridge Curve.
Move the slider to change the shape of the sections in the fillet-bridge. The greater
the value, the more pronounced is the curvature of the section. The lower the value,
the flatter the section. The default value is 50.
Skew
Controls the location on the fillet-bridge surface of the maximum curvature (or
reversal of curvature). The value represents the percentage of the distance along the
bridge from start to end. Works similarly to the Skew option in Bridge Curve.
Shape Curves
Appears when Section Method is set to Inherit Shape.
Select Start Shape Lets you select a curve or edge that defines the general shape of the section surface,
Curve /Select End from the start face or end face respectively.
Shape Curve
Spine Curve
Required if Section Method is set to Continuity, but optional if Section Method is
set to Inherit Shape.
Select Spine Curve Lets you select a curve or edge that defines the spine curve of the section surface.
Lets you separately specify the flow direction for both the Start Face and the End
Face options.
Not Specified
Makes the flow direction from the Start Face or End Face straight through
to the other side.
Perpendicular
Start Flow
Direction/ End
Makes the flow direction from the Start Face or End Face perpendicular to
Flow Direction
the base edge used to specify the fillet-bridge.
Iso Line U
Makes the flow direction of the Start Face or End Face follow the U curve
of the base surface used to specify the fillet-bridge.
Iso Line V
Makes the flow direction from Start Face or End Face follow the V curve
of the base surface used to specify the fillet-bridge.
5. N-Sided Surface overview

Use the N-Sided Surface command to create a surface enclosed by a set of end-connected curves.
Build a surface with an unrestricted number of curves or edges that form a simple, open or closed
loop, and assign continuity to outside faces.
Remove holes or gaps in surfaces that are not four-sided.
Specify the constrain faces and interior curves to modify the shape of the N-sided surface.
Control the sharpness of the center point of the N-sided surface, while maintaining continuity
constraints.

The following graphic shows different ways used to fill the void area in a group of faces.
The command is useful for designers, stylists, and product designers who want to smoothly patch gaps
between surfaces without having to trim, untrim, or change edges of the outside surfaces.
Where do I find it?

Application Modeling, Shape Studio
Toolbar SurfaceN-sided Surface
Menu InsertMesh SurfaceN-sided Surface
5.1. Create a trimmed n-sided surface

This example shows how to create a trimmed N-sided surface to close the gap in the corner of a sheet
body. You will define the UV orientation of the surface by specifying a rectangle.
1. Orient the WCS so that the XC-YC plane is approximately parallel to the opening.

2. On the Surface toolbar, click N-sided Surface or choose InsertMesh SurfaceN-sided

Surface to open the N-Sided Surface dialog box.
3. In the Type group, selectTrimmed from the list.
4. In the UV Orientation group, select Area from the list.
5. Under UV Orientation, in the Define Rectangle subgroup, click Specify 1st Point .
6. In the graphics window, click and drag to create a box around the opening.
7. In the Outer Loop group, click Select Curve and select the edges of the opening in the
graphics window.
8. In the Constraint Faces group, click Select Face and select the faces adjacent to the opening
in the graphics window.
Note that the surface curves a little to follow the continuity of the constrain face.

Tip To improve performance, clear the Preview check box when you select multiple constraint
faces.
9. In the Shape Control group, ensure that the Constraint, Continuity option is set to G1
(Tangent).
10. In the Settings group, select the Trim to Boundary check box.
The preview shows the area outside the outer loop of the surface is trimmed.
11. Click OK or Apply.
Tip If the resulting corner surface contains any unwanted bulges, first create a bridge curve
between existing faces and select it as an interior curve in the UV Orientation group.

5.2. Create a triangular n-sided surface

In this example, a triangular N-sided surface is created to close the gap in the sheet body.
1. On the Surface toolbar, click N-sided Surface or choose InsertMesh SurfaceN-sided

Surface to open the N-Sided Surface dialog box.
2. In the Type group, select Triangular from the list.
3. In the Outer Loop group, click Select Curve and select the curve in the graphics window.
A preview of the surface appears.
Note the triangular faces in the N-sided surface.
4. In the Constraint Faces group, use Select Face to specify the constrain faces.

5. In the Shape Control group, under Constraint, ensure that Flow Direction is set to Not
Specified and Continuity is set to G1 (Tangent).
6. In the Settings group, select the Merge Faces if Possible check box.
7. Click OK.
5.3. N-Sided Surface dialog box

Type
Type list Lets you specify the type of N-sided surface you can create.
Trimmed Creates a single surface covering the entire region within a closed loop
of selected curves or edges.
Triangular Creates a surface of individual, triangular patches within a closed

loop of selected curves or edges, each consisting of the triangular region between
each side and a common center point.
Outer Loop
Lets you select a closed loop of curves or edges to serve as a boundary for construction of
the N-sided surface.
Select The closed loop represents the profile of the boundary for the new surface, and can consist
Curve of any number of curves or edges.
Note If you select adjacent curves or edges that are tangent continuous, you may have bad
surfaces, particularly when you create a Trimmed type of the N-sided surface.
Constraint Faces
Lets you select faces to add tangency and curvature constraints to the new surface.
Selecting a constraint face automatically matches the position, tangency and curvature of the
Select Face surface with that face.
When the constraint face is selected, the N-sided surface matches the curvature of the
constraint face .
When the constraint face is not selected, the N-sided surface is flat.
Type-specific options
Trimmed UV Orientation
Lets you specify the direction for the new surface as it is built. If you do not specify
UV orientation, NX generates the surface automatically.
Spine
Defines the V orientation of the new surface using a spine curve. The U
directional isoparametric lines of the new surface are oriented perpendicular
to the selected spine curve.
o Select Curve
Lets you select the spine curve.
Vector
Defines the V orientation of the new surface using a vector. The UV

orientation of the new N-sided surface follows the given vector direction.
o Specify Vector
Lets you specify the direction.
Area
Lets you create a new surface connecting the boundary curves.
Interior Curves
o
Select Curve
Lets you specify the boundary curves. The new surface is created by
creating sheet bodies between the connected boundary curves.
o
Specify Origin Curve
Lets you specify the origin curve in the set of interior boundary
curves.
o
Add New Set
Lets you specify a new set of interior boundary curves.
o List
Lists the specified sets of interior curves.
Define Rectangle
o
Specify 1st Point
Specify 2nd Point
Lets you specify the first and second diagonal points to define the
rectangle for the new WCS plane. The region is projected toward the
selected loop profile to form the initial boundary of the rectangular
surface.
The two points are not associative with the N-sided surface that is
created. They are used only to define the region and the orientation.
Shape Control

Lets you control the continuity and flatness of the new surface.
Center Control
Available for:
o Spine and Vector UV orientation when the constraint continuity is

G0 (Position).
o Area UV orientation when the constraint continuity is G1 (Tangent)
and constraint faces are selected.
Lets you control the flatness of the surface around the center point.
The Center Flat slider is available to let you move the surface up or down.
Drag the slider to change the center point. The default value is 50 which
represents the mid or flat position. When you drag the slider left or right of
the mid point, the outward starting angle from the center point changes.
When the slider is at the mid point, the outward starting angle from the center
point is 180 degrees.
Constraint
Lets you set the Continuity of the N-sided surface to match with the selected
constraint faces.
G0 (Position) and G1 (Tangent) options are available.
Settings
Trim to Boundary Trims the surface to the specified boundary curves or edges.
Triangular Shape Control
Lets you change the shape of the new surface.
Center Control Specifies the position and tilting option for the center
point.
o Position Lets you change the position of the center point.
X, Y, Z, and Center Flat sliders are available.
Drag the X, Y and Z sliders to move the position of the center point
of the surface. Drag the Center Flat slider to make the center point
sharper or smoother.

The default value of the X, Y and Z sliders is 50 that represents the
mid, or flat position, and the default value of the Center Flat slider is
100.
Center Control set to Position where X = 5, Y = 50 and Z = 50.
The center point moves in the indicated direction.
Top view shows that the center point has moved.
o Tilting Lets you change the tilt of the plane where the center point
lies.
X, Y and Center Flat sliders are available.
When you drag the X or Y sliders, the plane normal of the center
point is tilted in the direction indicated. The center point position does
not change.
Center Control set to Tilting where X = 100 and Y = 50.
The plane of the center point tilts in its X direction.

Top view shows that the center point has not moved.
Flow Direction
Specifies the flow direction of the curves used to create the resulting N-sided
Surface.
Not Specified
Makes the UV parameterization of the resulting sheet equidistant towards the

center-point.
Perpendicular
Makes the V directional isoparametric lines of the resulting surface start from
the outside edge in the direction perpendicular to the edge. Available only if
all the curves or edges in the loop are at least tangent continuous.
Iso U/V Line
Makes the V directional isoparametric lines of the resulting surface start from
the outside edge in the direction following the U/V direction of outside face.
Available only when boundary constraints are tangent or curvature and faces
are selected.
Adjacent Edges
Makes the V directional isoparametric lines of the resulting surface follow

the side edges of constraining faces.
Constraint Faces
Lets you set the continuity of the N-sided surface with the selected constraint face.
G0 (Position), G1 (Position) and G2 (Curvature) options are available.
Settings
Merge Faces if Possible

Trims the surface to the specified boundary curves or edges.
Treats tangent-continuous portions of the loop as single curves, and builds one face
for each tangent-continuous section.
To create one face for each curve or edge in the loop, clear this check box.
Settings
G0 Specifies the position continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Distance Tolerance.
(Position)
The surface does not deviate from the input curves greater than the specified value.
G1 Specifies the tangent continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Angle Tolerance.
(Tangent)
The surface does not deviate from the input curves greater than the specified value.
Mc lc
Mesh Surface ................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1. Ruled surface .................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Create a ruled surface using points .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Ruled dialog box ....................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Through Curves ................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.1. Create a through curves surface .............................................................................................................. 6
2.2. Create a through curves connecting surface ............................................................................................ 8
2.3. Through Curves dialog box ..................................................................................................................... 11
2.4. Alignment methods ................................................................................................................................ 15
3. Through Curve Mesh ...................................................................................................................................... 18
3.1. Create a through curve mesh using curves and a point ......................................................................... 19
3.2. Create a through curve mesh using tangency constraints ..................................................................... 21
3.3. Through Curve Mesh dialog box ............................................................................................................ 24
4. Section Surface ............................................................................................................................................... 28
4.1. Input parameters for section surfaces ................................................................................................... 29
4.2. Types of section surfaces ........................................................................................................................ 32
4.3. Create a section surface with shoulder curves ....................................................................................... 41
4.4. Create a fillet-shoulder section surface .................................................................................................. 43
4.5. Create a fillet-hilite section surface ........................................................................................................ 45
4.6. Create a five-point section surface ......................................................................................................... 46
4.7. Create a two-point radius section surface ............................................................................................. 47
4.8. Section Surface dialog box ..................................................................................................................... 49

4.9. Section Surface Section Control options ............................................................................................ 52
4.10. Section Surface Settings options .................................................................................................... 54
4.11. Section Surface Fillet-Bridge options ............................................................................................. 57
5. N-Sided Surface overview ............................................................................................................................... 59
5.1. Create a trimmed n-sided surface .......................................................................................................... 60
5.2. Create a triangular n-sided surface ........................................................................................................ 63
5.3. N-Sided Surface dialog box .................................................................................................................... 64

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[NX8-HELP] MESH SURFACE 1

Input Curves and output Ruled surface

Where do I find it?

Toolbar SurfaceMesh Surface Drop-downRuled

Menu InsertMesh SurfaceRuled

1.1. Create a ruled surface using points

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

1. Choose InsertMesh SurfaceRuled.

For this example, do the following

a. On the Selection bar, set the Curve Rule to Connected Curves.

3. Select the second section.

For this example, do the following:

a. On the Selection bar, set the Curve Rule to Connected Curves.

4. In the Alignment group, from the Alignment list, select a method.

For this example, from the Alignment list, By Points is selected.

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

You can realign the points or specify new points.

5. Click OK or Apply to create the Ruled surface.

1.2. Ruled dialog box

Lets you select the section string.

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

Parameter Spaces the isoparametric curve connection points at equal

In this example, a Ruled surface is created between sections of different shapes, a

Specify Vector and Specify Point options are available in the

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

For more information on alignment options, see Alignment methods.

You can do the following:

Use multiple sections to create a sheet body or solid body.

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

Toolbar SurfaceThrough Curves

Menu InsertMesh SurfaceThrough Curves

2.1. Create a through curves surface

1. On the Surface toolbar, click Through Curves or choose InsertMesh SurfaceThrough

4. Select additional curves and add as a new section.

5. Click OK or Apply to create the Through Curves surface.

For this example, the default Parameter alignment method is used.

6. Double-click the Through Curves surface to edit it.

The Through Curves dialog box opens.

The surface isoparametric curves are realigned along the sections.

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

2.2. Create a through curves connecting surface

1. On the Surface toolbar, click Through Curves or choose Insert.Mesh

3. Select the sections.

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

4. In the Settings group, clear the Preserve Shape check box.

For this example, do the following:

a. Select the Apply to All check box.

Select Face becomes available.

d. From the Last Section list, select G1 (Tangent).

Select Face becomes available.

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

6. In the Alignment group, from the Alignment list, select a method.

7. Click OK or Apply to create the constrained surface.

8. (Optional) Evaluate the result.

The Face Analysis - Reflection dialog box opens.

The surface is rendered in the selected Face Analysis style.

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

2.3. Through Curves dialog box

Unconstrained Through Curves surface G2 constrained Through Curves surface to both

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)

Specifies the flow direction in relation to the constraint surface.

Not Specified Flow direction is straight through to the opposite side.

Parameter Spaces the isoparametric curve connection points at equal

Mesh Surface drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)