Glossary of EM.Cube's Standard Geometric Objects

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Box Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Box

TO DRAW A BOX:

Activate the Box Tool.
Left-click to establish the first bottom vertex.
Drag the mouse away from the first vertex to establish the desired base plane area. Left-click a second time to establish the opposite bottom vertex.
Drag the mouse up and away from the base plane to set the desired height. Left-click a third time to complete the box.

PYTHON COMMAND: box(label,x0,y0,z0,base_x,base_y,height[,cap_top,cap_bottom])

BOX PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
size_X	real numeric	project units	-	dimension along X-axis
size_Y	real numeric	project units	-	dimension along Y-axis
size_Z	real numeric	project units	-	dimension along Z-axis
fix_center_X	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes X-coordinate of base
fix_center_Y	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes Y-coordinate of base
cap_top	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at top
cap_bottom	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at bottom base

The property dialog of the box object.

The geometry of the box object.

Circle Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Objects → Surfaces → Circle Strip

TO DRAW A CIRCLE STRIP:

Activate the Circle Strip Tool.
Left-click to define the origin
Drag the mouse away from the origin to establish the desired radius. Left-click a second time to complete the circle strip.

PYTHON COMMAND: circ_strip(label,x0,y0,z0,outer_radius,inner_radius[,start_angle,end_angle])

CIRCLE STRIP PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
outer_radius	real numeric	project units	-	circle's outer radius
inner_radius	real numeric	project units	0	inner radius creating a ring object
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle

The property dialog of the circle strip object.

The geometry of the circle strip object with zero inner radius.

The property dialog of the circle strip object with a nonzero inner radius.

The geometry of the circle strip object with a nonzero inner radius.

The property dialog of the circle strip object with nonzero start and end angles.

A circle strip with nonzero start and end angles.

Circle Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Circle

TO DRAW A CIRCLE:

Activate the Circle Tool.
Left-click at the desired location on the active grid to establish the origin.
Drag your mouse away from the origin to set the desired radius.
Left click a second time to complete the circle.

PYTHON COMMAND: circle(label,x0,y0,z0,radius,start_angle,end_angle)

CIRCLE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle

The property dialog of the circle object.

The geometry of the circle object.

The local coordinate system (LCS) of the circle object.

The property dialog of the circle object with nonzero start and end angles.

A circle with nonzero start and end angles.

Cone Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Cone

TO DRAW A CONE:

Activate the Cone Tool.
Left-click to establish the cone's base plane origin.
Drag away from the origin to define the base plane's radius. Left-click a second time to define the base plane.
Drag the mouse away from the base plane to establish the height. Left-click a third time to complete the cone.

PYTHON COMMAND: cone(label,x0,y0,z0,base_radius,height[,top_radius,start_angle,end_angle,cap_top,cap_bottom])

CONE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
base_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
top_radius	real numeric	project units	0	-
height	real numeric	project units	-	-
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle
cap_top	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at top
cap_bottom	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at bottom base

The property dialog of the cone object.

The geometry of the cone object.

The property dialog of the cone object with a nonzero top radius.

A cone with a nonzero top radius.

Curve Generator

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Curve Generator

TO DRAW A PARAMETRIC CURVE:

Activate the Curve Generator Tool.
Left-click to establish the location of the new parametric curve. A default oblique line appears in the project workspace.
The curve generator dialog opens up on the lower left corner of the screen. You have three options for Model type: Cartesian Curve, Polar Curve or Parametric Curve. The default option is the Cartesian curve.
In the case of a Cartesian curve, you also have three options for Orientation: XY, YZ or ZX planes. With the XY plane orientation, the Cartesian curve is expressed as y = f(x). With the YZ plane orientation, the Cartesian curve is expressed as z = f(y). With the ZX plane orientation, the Cartesian curve is expressed as x = f(z).
Enter the start, stop and step values for the range of the coordinate variable in the selected orientation plane.
Enter a mathematical expression in terms of the coordinate variable in the selected orientation plane for the definition of the Cartesian curve.
In the case of a polar curve, the radial coordinate is expressed as a function of the polar angle t: r = r(t).
In the case of a parametric curve, the x, y and z coordinates are expressed as three separate functions of the parameter t: x(t), y(t), z(t).
For a polar or parametric curve, enter the start, stop and step values for the range of the variable t.
Enter the defining expression(s) for the curve.
Make sure to click the OK button of the dialog to complete the curve construction.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You can always edit and modify a parametric curve after you first create it in the curve generator. The property dialog of a parametric curve object is indeed the curve generator itself, where you can change the parameter values or the defining expression(s). All the curves created by the curve generator are of the polyline type.

PYTHON COMMAND: param_curve(label,x0,y0,z0,model,orientation,start,stop,step,function[,y(t),z(t)])

PARAMETRIC CURVE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of the surface
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of the surface
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of the surface
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	0	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	0	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	0	local rotation about Z-axis
model	three options: Cartesian, polar or parametric	-	Cartesian	the curve definition type
orientation	three options: XY, YZ or ZX	-	XY	the coordinate plane in which the Cartesian curve is drawn (only for Cartesian curve)
start	real numeric	project units	0	start value of range of the coordinate variable
stop	real numeric	project units	10	stop value of range of the coordinate variable
step	integer numeric	project units	1	step value of range of the coordinate variable
function	text string	-	x	mathematical expression in the local coordinate variable
y(t)	text string	-	t	mathematical expression in the variable t (only for parametric curve)
z(t)	text string	-	t	mathematical expression in the variable t (only for parametric curve)

The curve generator dialog showing the default Cartesian curve.

The default Cartesian curve created by the curve generator.

The curve generator dialog showing a super-quadratic helical parametric curve.

The super-quadratic helical parametric curve created by the curve generator.

Cylinder Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Cylinder

TO DRAW A CYLINDER:

Activate the Cylinder Tool.
Left-click to establish the center of the bottom base.
Drag the mouse away from the origin to create the desired base radius. Left-click a second time to establish the cylinder's base.
Drag the mouse up and away from the active work plane to establish the cylinder's height. Left-click a third time to complete the cylinder.

PYTHON COMMAND: cylinder(label,x0,y0,z0,radius,height[,start_angle,end_angle,cap_top,cap_bottom])

CYLINDER PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
base_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
height	real numeric	project units	-	-
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle
cap_top	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at top
cap_bottom	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at bottom base

The property dialog of the cylinder object.

The geometry of the cylinder object.

The property dialog of the cylinder object with a nonzero end angle.

A cylinder with a nonzero end angle.

Ellipse Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Ellipse Strip

TO DRAW AN ELLIPSE STRIP:

Activate the Ellipse Strip Tool.
Left-click to establish the X/Y axis origin.
Drag the mouse away from the origin to the desired location. Left-click a second time to create the ellipse.

PYTHON COMMAND: ellipse_strip(label,x0,y0,z0,radius_x,radius_y[,start_angle,end_angle])

ELLIPSE STRIP PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
radius_X	real numeric	project units	-	radius along X-axis
radius_Y	real numeric	project units	-	radius along Y-axis
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle
fix_center_X	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes X-coordinate of base
fix_center_Y	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes Y-coordinate of base

The property dialog of the ellipse strip object.

The geometry of the ellipse strip object.

Ellipsoid Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Ellipsoid

TO DRAW AN ELLIPSOID:

Activate the Ellipsoid Tool.
Left-click to define the first X-radius anchor point.
Drag the mouse to the desired length. left-click a second time to define the ending X-radius anchor point.
Drag the mouse away from the X radius to establish the desired Y-radius. Left-click a third time to define the Y radius.
Drag the mouse away from the active plane to define the Z radius. Left-click a fourth time to complete the ellipsoid.

PYTHON COMMAND: ellipsoid(label,x0,y0,z0,radius_x,radius_y,radius_z[,start_angle,end_angle])

ELLIPSOID PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
radius_X	real numeric	project units	-	-
radius_Y	real numeric	project units	-	-
radius_Z	real numeric	project units	-	-
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle

The property dialog of the ellipsoid object.

The geometry of the ellipsoid object.

The property dialog of the ellipsoid object with a nonzero start angle.

An ellipsoid with a nonzero start angle.

Fractal Tree Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Special → Fractal Tree

TO DRAW A FRACTAL TREE:

Activate the Fractal Tree Tool.
Left-click to establish the location of the fractal tree. A default horizontal fractal tree appears in the project workspace.
The fractal dialog opens up on the lower right corner of the screen. You have two options: fractal tree with linear or cylindrical branches. You can also set the number of fractal levels.
Make sure to click the OK button of the dialog to complete the fractal construction.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: The parameter Gen. Factor determines how many new next-level branches are generated at the end of each branch. Separation Angle sets the angle between each pair of branches at each node. The Prune Factor determines what percentage of branches are removed randomly at each node. With a default zero prune factor, all the branches are kept. The parameter Thickness represents the diameter of the main branch in the case of a cylinder key object. The parameter Thickness Factor determines the tapering of each cylindrical branch from its start point to the end point. A zero thickness factor means no branch tapering.

You can change the coordinates of the LCS of a fractal tree or its rotation angle. From the fractal dialog, you can also access the properties of the key object by clicking the Edit Primitive... button of this dialog.

	Fractal tree operations are usually very time consuming especially when the key object type is a cylinder. Please be patient while EM.Cube is running fractal tree creation or edit operations.

PYTHON COMMAND: fractal_tree(label,x0,y0,z0,key_type,key_size,n_level,sep_angle,n_gen,prune_factor,thickness,thick_factor)

FRACTAL TREE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
key_object_type	Line or Cylinder	-	Line	-
level_count	integer numeric	-	3	number of fractal levels
separation_angle	real numeric	degrees	30	angle between two adjacent branches
generation_factor	integer numeric	-	3	Number of new branches generated at each node
prune_factor	real numeric	-	0	A number between 0 and 1 representing the percentage of branches randomly deleted
thickness	real numeric	project units	1	diameter of branches
thickness_factor	real numeric	-	0.2	A number between 0 and 1 representing the percentage of tapering of each cylindrical branch upward

The fractal tree dialog.

The geometry of a fractal tree with a line key object.

The geometry of a fractal tree with a cylinder key object.

Helix Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Helix

TO DRAW A HELIX:

Activate the Helix Tool.
Left-click to establish the origin of the inner-radius.
Drag away from the origin to expand the inner radius, (toward it to contract the inner radius).
Left-click a second time to set the inner radius and to establish the anchor point from which you will set the height of the helix.
Drag your cursor "up" and away from the second anchor point to increase the height of the helix.
Left-click a third time to complete the helix.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You can define a helix curve with different values for Inner Radius and Outer Radius, which make the curve expanding or shrinking. The Height parameter establishes the elevation of the end point of the helix with respect to start point.

PYTHON COMMAND: helix(label,x0,y0,z0,radius_inner,radius_outer,height,nturns,helix_dir)

HELIX PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
inner_radius	real numeric	project units	same as outer radius	-
outer_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
height	real numeric	project units	-	-
turns	integer numeric	project units	2	number of spiral turns
ccw	Boolean	-	TRUE	if TRUE, creates counterclockwise right-handedness

The property dialog of the helix curve object.

The geometry of the helix curve object.

The local coordinate system (LCS) of the helix curve object.

Hyperbola Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Hyperbola

TO DRAW A HYPERBOLA:

Activate the Hyperbola Tool.
Left-click to define the X-radius origin. Construction guides will appear to aid in the drawing process.
Drag the mouse away from the origin to establish the desired X-radius. Left-click a second time.
To establish the Y-radius and the hyperbola's leg length, drag the mouse to the desired location and left-click to complete the Hyperbola.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Checking the box labeled Neg. Branch creates the opposite branch of the hyperbola curve. Checking the box labeled Create Half bisects the hyperbola and removes its bottom half. You can revolve the resulting curve to create a hyperboloid.

PYTHON COMMAND: hyperbola(label,x0,y0,z0,diam_x,diam_y,axial_length,half_only)

HYPERBOLA PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
diameter_X	real numeric	project units	-	diameter along X-axis
diameter_Y	real numeric	project units	-	diameter along Y-axis
axial_length	real numeric	project units	-	-
create_half	Boolean	-	FALSE	if TRUE, draws one half of one branch only
negative_branch	-	FALSE	if TRUE, draws the negative branch only

The property dialog of the hyperbola curve object.

The geometry of the hyperbola curve object.

Drawing a half-hyperbola or the negative branch of the hyperbola.

Line Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Line

TO DRAW A LINE:

Activate the Line Tool.
left click anywhere on the workplane to begin drawing the line.
left-click a second time to complete the line.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: When the check box Lock Center is checked, changing the line's length expands or shrinks it equally from both ends. To create a line perpendicular to the current work plane, hold down the Alt key while dragging the mouse to establish the line's end point.

PYTHON COMMAND: line(label,x0,y0,z0,len[,dir])

LINE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
length	real numeric	project units	-	-
fix_center	Boolean	-	FALSE	fixes midpoint coordinates

The property dialog of the line object.

Drawing a vertical line object: Left click anywhere on the workplane to begin drawing the line; while still in “Draw Mode”, press and hold down the Alt button of the keyboard.

Drawing a horizontal line object.

NURBS Curve Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → NURBS

TO DRAW A NURBS CURVE:

Activate the NURBS Curve Tool.
Click anywhere on the active work plane to create nodes. The contour of the NURBS Curve is rendered as soon as the second node is defined. A NURBS Curve must have at least two nodes.
Create as many nodes as you want. You can finish the drawing either by double-clicking on the last node or first creating the last node and pressing the keyboard's Enter key.
The NURBS Curve can be closed at any time using the keyboard shortcut C. This connects the last drawn node to the first.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: If a NURBS Curve object is originally drawn as an open curve, you can turn it into a closed one by placing a check mark in the box labeled Close Curve. The property dialog of a NURBS Curve object lists the individual nodes and their coordinates ordered by the node ID. You can select and highlight each node and change its coordinates using the Edit button of the dialog. You can also delete each node using the Delete key or insert a new node between the selected node and its next node using the Insert key. The new node is placed at the midpoint between the selected node and the node having the next ID number.

PYTHON COMMAND: nurbs_curve(label,(x0,y0,z0),(x1,y1,z1) ... )

The property dialog of the NURBS curve object.

Drawing a NURBS curve.

NURBS Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → NURBS Strip

TO DRAW A NURBS STRIP:

Activate the NURBS Strip Tool.
Click anywhere on the active work plane to create nodes. The contour of the NURBS strip is rendered as soon as the third node is defined. A NURBS Strip must have at least three nodes.
Create as many nodes as you want. You can finish the drawing either by double-clicking on the last node or first creating the last node and pressing the keyboard's Enter key.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: The property dialog of a NURBS strip object lists the individual nodes and their coordinates ordered by the node ID. You can select and highlight each node and change its coordinates using the Edit button of the dialog. You can also delete each node using the Delete key or insert a new node between the selected node and its next node using the Insert key. The new node is placed at the midpoint between the selected node and the node having the next ID number.

PYTHON COMMAND: nurbs_strip(label,(x0,y0,z0),(x1,y1,z1) ... )

The property dialog of the NURBS strip object.

Drawing a NURBS strip.

Parabola Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Parabola

TO DRAW A PARABOLA:

Activate the Parabola Tool.
Left-click to set the Focal Point.
Drag away from the focal point and left-click a second time to set the desired Offset.
Drag and left-click a third time to complete the Parabolic Curve.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: The parameters Axial Length and Aperture adjust the size of the opening of the parabola. Changing the value of either one automatically adjusts the value of the other. Checking the box labeled Create Half bisects the parabola and removes its bottom half. You can revolve the resulting half-curve to create a paraboloid.

PYTHON COMMAND: parabola(label,x0,y0,z0,focal_length,axial_length,half_only)

PARABOLA PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
focal_length	real numeric	project units	-	-
axial_length	real numeric	project units	-	-
aperture	real numeric	degrees	-	is determined automatically by focal and axial lengths or can be set independently
create_half	Boolean	-	FALSE	if TRUE, draws the left half only

The property dialog of the parabola curve object.

The geometry of the parabola curve object.

Drawing a half-parabola.

Point Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Special → Point

TO DRAW A POINT:

Activate the Point Tool.
Left-click to establish the location of the point.

PYTHON COMMAND: point(label,x0,y0,z0)

POINT PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinate of point
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinate of point
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinate of point

Polyline Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Polyline

TO DRAW A POLYLINE:

Activate the Polyline Tool.
Click anywhere on the active work plane to create nodes. The polyline's contour is rendered as soon as the second node is defined. A polyline must have at least two nodes.
Create as many nodes as you want. You can finish the drawing either by double-clicking on the last node or first creating the last node and pressing the keyboard's Enter key.
The polyline can be closed at any time using the keyboard shortcut C. This connects the last drawn node to the first.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: If a polyline object is originally drawn as an open curve, you can turn it into a closed one by placing a check mark in the box labeled Close Curve. The property dialog of a polyline object lists the individual nodes and their coordinates ordered by the node ID. You can select and highlight each node and change its coordinates using the Edit button of the dialog. You can also delete each node using the Delete key or insert a new node between the selected node and its next node using the Insert key. The new node is placed at the midpoint between the selected node and the node having the next ID number.

PYTHON COMMAND: polyline(label,(x0,y0,z0),(x1,y1,z1) ... )

The property dialog of the polyline object.

Drawing a polyline.

Polystrip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Polystrip

TO DRAW A POLYSTRIP:

Activate the Polystrip Tool.
Click anywhere on the active work plane to create nodes. The polystrip's contour is rendered as soon as the third node is defined. A Polystrip must have at least three nodes.
Create as many nodes as you want. You can finish the drawing either by double-clicking on the last node or first creating the last node and pressing the keyboard's Enter key.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: The property dialog of a polystrip object lists the individual nodes and their coordinates ordered by the node ID. You can select and highlight each node and change its coordinates using the Edit button of the dialog. You can also delete each node using the Delete key or insert a new node between the selected node and its next node using the Insert key. The new node is placed at the midpoint between the selected node and the node having the next ID number.

PYTHON COMMAND: polystrip(label,(x0,y0,z0),(x1,y1,z1) ... )

The property dialog of the polystrip object.

Drawing a polystrip.

Pyramid Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Pyramid

TO DRAW A PYRAMID:

Activate the Pyramid Tool.
Left-click to establish the first point of the rectangular base plane.
Define the desired area of the base plane by dragging the mouse away from the first point. Left-click a second time to establish the base plane.
Drag the mouse away from the base plane to establish the desired height. Left-click a third time to complete the pyramid.

PYTHON COMMAND: pyramid(label,x0,y0,z0,base_x,base_y,height[,top_x,top_y,cap_top,cap_bottom])

PYRAMID PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
base_size_X	real numeric	project units	-	-
base_size_Y	real numeric	project units	-	-
top_size_X	real numeric	project units	0	-
top_size_Y	real numeric	project units	0	-
height	real numeric	project units	-	-
top_offset_X	real numeric	project units	0	-
top_offset_Y	real numeric	project units	0	-
fix_center_X	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes X-coordinate of base
fix_center_Y	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes Y-coordinate of base
cap_top	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at top
cap_bottom	Boolean	-	TRUE	places a cap at bottom base

The property dialog of the pyramid object.

The geometry of the pyramid object.

The property dialog of the pyramid with nonzero top dimensions.

A pyramid with nonzero top dimensions.

The property dialog of the pyramid with nonzero top offset values.

A pyramid with nonzero top offset values.

Radial Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Radial Strip

TO DRAW A RADIAL STRIP:

Activate the Radial Strip Tool.
Left-click to establish the origin point.
Drag the mouse away from origin and left-click a second time to establish the radius and the first leg of the radial strip.
Drag the mouse to the desired location to define the angle of the radial strip. Left-click a third time to complete the radial strip.

PYTHON COMMAND: radial_strip(label,x0,y0,z0,radius,base_lenght,angle)

RADIAL STRIP PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
base_length	real numeric	project units	0	A nonzero value creates a flattened base
angle	real numeric	degrees	-	wedge angle

The property dialog of the radial strip object.

The geometry of the radial strip object.

The property dialog of the radial strip object with a nonzero base length.

A radial strip object with a nonzero base length.

Rectangle Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Rectangle Strip

TO DRAW A RECTANGLE STRIP:

Activate the Rectangle Strip Tool.
Left-click to establish the X/Y axial triangulation point.
Drag the mouse outward from this point to define the desired area of the rectangle strip. Left-click a second time to complete the shape.

PYTHON COMMAND: rect_strip(label,x0,y0,z0,side_x,side_y)

RECTANGLE STRIP PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
side_X	real numeric	project units	-	dimension along X-axis
side_Y	real numeric	project units	-	dimension along Y-axis
fix_center_X	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes X-coordinate of base
fix_center_Y	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes Y-coordinate of base
rect_loop	Boolean	-	FALSE	if TRUE, creates a rectangular loop
loop_width	real numeric	project units	-	-

The property dialog of the rectangle strip object.

The geometry of the rectangle strip object.

The property dialog of the rectangle loop object with a nonzero loop width.

A rectangular loop object with a nonzero loop width.

Locking the base of a rectangle strip.

The different drawing modes of rectangle strip.

Regular Polygon Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Regular Polygon

TO DRAW A REGULAR POLYGON:

Activate the Regular Polygon Tool.
Left-click to create the origin of the Regular Polygon.
Drag away from the origin and left-click a second time to define the Regular Polygon's diameter.
Drag the mouse to increase or decrease the number of sides desired. Left-click a third time to finish drawing the Regular Polygon.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: This tool creates a regular polygon with an arbitrary number of sides within a circumscribing circle of a specified radius.

PYTHON COMMAND: polygon_reg(label,x0,y0,z0,radius,n_sides)

REGULAR POLYGON PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
radius	real numeric	project units	-	radius of circumscribing circle
side_count	integer numeric	-	-	number of side of regular polygon
top_width	real numeric	project units	-	-

The property dialog of the regular polygon object.

The geometry of the regular polygon object with N = 8 (octagon).

Solid Generator

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Solid Generator

TO DRAW A PLATONIC SOLID:

Activate the Solid Generator Tool.
In the solid generator dialog, select one of the five platonic solid types Tetrahedron, Hexahedron Octahedron, Dodecahedron, or Icosahedron.
The dialog shows the number of faces, edges, nodes and the side length of the standard platonic solid of the selected type.
Specify the value of the Scale parameter based on the displayed Side Length.
Before you create the solid and add its name to the navigation tree, you have an opportunity to preview it. To do so, click the Preview button of the dialog. A yellow ghost of the solid appears in the project workspace. You can change the scale and resize the solid. Once you are satisfied with the generated solid, click the Create button to finalize its creation.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: All the solid objects generated by the solid generator are of polymesh type.

PYTHON COMMAND: None

PLATONIC SOLID PROPERTIES

Solid Type	No. of Faces	No. of Edges	No. of Vertices	Side Length
Tetrahedron	4	6	4	2
Tessellated Hexahedron	12	12	8	2
Octahedron	8	12	6	√2
Tessellated Dodecahedron	36	30	20	√5 - 1
Icosahedron	20	30	12	2

The solid generator dialog.

Sphere Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Sphere

TO DRAW A SPHERE:

Activate the Sphere Tool.
Left-click to establish the origin point. Drag the mouse outward from the origin to establish the radius.
Left-click a second time to complete the sphere.

PYTHON COMMAND: sphere(label,x0,y0,z0,radius[,start_angle,end_angle])

SPHERE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle

The property dialog of the sphere object.

The geometry of the sphere object.

The property dialog of the sphere with a nonzero start and end angles.

A sphere with a nonzero start and end angles.

Spiral Curve Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Spiral

TO DRAW A SPIRAL CURVE:

Activate the Spiral Curve Tool.
Left-click to establish the inner-radial origin of the Spiral.
Drag away from the origin to expands the inner radius (drag inward toward the origin to reduces the inner radius).
Left-click a second time to set the inner radius and create the anchor point for the outer radius.
Drag the mouse away from the second point to expand the outer radius or closer to reduce the radius.
Left-click a third time to complete the spiral.

PYTHON COMMAND: spiral_curve(label,x0,y0,z0,radius_inner,radius_outer,nturns,spiral_dir,is_dual)

SPIRAL CURVE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
inner_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
outer_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
turns	integer numeric	project units	2	number of spiral turns
ccw	Boolean	-	TRUE	if TRUE, creates counterclockwise right-handedness
dual_arm	Boolean	-	FALSE	creates a dual-arm spiral

The property dialog of the spiral curve object.

The geometry of the spiral curve object.

Spiral Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Spiral Strip

TO DRAW A SPIRAL STRIP:

Activate the Spiral Strip Tool.
Left-click to establish the origin of the Spiral Strip's inner-radius.
Drag away from the origin to expand the inner radius. Left-click a second time to set the inner radius and create the starting point for the outer radius.
Drag the mouse away from the second point to expand the outer radius (or closer to contract the radius). Left-click a third time to complete the spiral.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Checking the Inner Taper box creates a rounded taper at the inner edge of each spiral arm by drawing an exponential curve from a user-defined edge inset point to that edge's opposite corner vertex. Checking the Outer Taper box creates a rounded taper at the outer edge of each spiral arm by drawing an exponential curve from a user-defined edge inset point to that edge's opposite corner vertex.. Inset Distance establishes an imaginary offset point positioned away from the corner vertex from the inner or outer edge. The Inner Radius setting is not available when the Dual Arm option is enabled.

PYTHON COMMAND: spiral_strip(label,x0,y0,z0,width,radius_inner,radius_outer,n_turns,spiral_dir,is_dual)

SPIRAL STRIP PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
inner_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
outer_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
strip_width	real numeric	project units	-	-
turns	integer numeric	project units	2	number of spiral turns
ccw	Boolean	-	TRUE	if TRUE, creates counterclockwise right-handedness
dual_arm	Boolean	-	FALSE	creates a dual-arm spiral
inner_taper	Boolean	-	FALSE	if TRUE, tapers spiral strip from inner end
inner_inset	real numeric	project units	0	when inner_taper is TRUE, a nonzero value creates inner inset
outer_taper	Boolean	-	FALSE	if TRUE, tapers spiral strip from outer end
outer_inset	real numeric	project units	0	when outer_taper is TRUE, a nonzero value creates outer inset
taper_pointing	list: {inward, outward}	-	inward	sets the direction spiral's end tapers point to

The property dialog of the spiral strip object.

The geometry of the spiral strip object.

The property dialog of a dual-arm spiral strip object.

A dual-arm spiral strip object.

Super-Quadratic Curve Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Curve → Super-quadratic Curve

TO DRAW A SUPER-QUADRATIC CURVE:

Activate the Super-Quadratic Curve Tool.
Left-click to establish the initial X/Y diameter triangulation point.
Drag the mouse away from this point to define the desired size.
Left-click a second time to complete the superquad.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: The parameter Order changes the radius of the four corners of the super-quadratic curve. The second-order super-quadratic curve (n = 2) corresponds to an ellipse. Entering a higher value for the order decreases the corner radius and make the curve look like a rectangle with rounded corners. Checking the Rectangle box creates a rectangular curve with no corner rounding.

PYTHON COMMAND: superquad(label,x0,y0,z0,diam_x,diam_y,order)

SUPER-QUADRATIC CURVE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
diameter_X	real numeric	project units	-	diameter along X-axis
diameter_Y	real numeric	project units	-	diameter along Y-axis
order	integer numeric	degrees	2	a higher order resembles a rectangle with rounded corners
is_rectangle	Boolean	-	FALSE	if TRUE, draws a rectangle
fix_center_X	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes X-coordinate of base
fix_center_Y	Boolean	-	TRUE	fixes Y-coordinate of base

The property dialog of the super-quadratic curve object.

The geometry of the super-quadratic curve object.

Comparing super-quadratic curves of different orders.

Surface Generator

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Surface Generator

TO DRAW A PARAMETRIC SURFACE:

Activate the Surface Generator Tool.
Left-click to establish the location of the new parametric surface. A default 2D sinusoidal surface appears in the project workspace.
The surface generator dialog opens up on the lower left corner of the screen. You have three options for Orientation: XY, YZ or ZX planes. With the XY plane orientation, the parametric surface is expressed as z = f(x,y). With the YZ plane orientation, the parametric surface is expressed as x = f(y,z). With the ZX plane orientation, the parametric surface is expressed as y = f(z,x).
Enter start, stop and step values for the ranges of both coordinate variables in the selected orientation plane.
Enter a mathematical expression in terms of the coordinate variables in the selected orientation plane for the definition of the parametric surface.
Make sure to click the OK button of the dialog to complete the surface construction.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: You can always edit and modify a parametric surface after you first create it in the surface generator. The property dialog of a parametric surface object is indeed the surface generator itself, where you can change the parameter values or the defining expression.

PYTHON COMMAND: param_surface(label,x0,y0,z0,orientation,start_1,stop_1,step_1,start_2,stop_2,step_2,function)

PARAMETRIC SURFACE PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of the surface
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of the surface
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of the surface
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	0	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	0	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	0	local rotation about Z-axis
orientation	three options: XY, YZ or ZX	-	XY	the coordinate plane in which the parametric surface is drawn
start_1	real numeric	project units	0	start value of range of the first coordinate variable
stop_1	real numeric	project units	10	stop value of range of the first coordinate variable
step_1	integer numeric	project units	1	step value of range of the first coordinate variable
start_2	real numeric	project units	0	start value of range of the second coordinate variable
stop_2	real numeric	project units	10	stop value of range of the second coordinate variable
step_2	integer numeric	project units	1	step value of range of the second coordinate variable
expression	text string	-	sin(pix/5)sin(pi*y/5)	mathematical expression in two local coordinate variables

The surface generator dialog.

The default 2D sinusoidal surface created by the surface generator.

Taper Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Taper Strip

TO DRAW A TAPER STRIP:

Activate the Taper Strip Tool.
Left-click to establish the base length midpoint.
Drag outward from this point to define the desired length and angle of the base side. Left-click a second time to define the base.
To establish the height, drag the mouse away from the base to the desired location. Left-click a third time to complete the Taper Strip.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Taper Length establishes the distance between the base and top sides of the trapezoid. If the Exponential check box is checked, the two slanted sides of the trapezoid are replaced by exponential curves passing through the same vertices.

PYTHON COMMAND: taper_strip(label,x0,y0,z0,base_width,top_width,length,is_expo)

TAPER STRIP PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
base_width	real numeric	project units	-	-
taper_length	real numeric	project units	-	-
top_width	real numeric	project units	-	-
top_offset	real numeric	project units	0	A zero value creates an isosceles triangle
exponential	Boolean	-	FALSE	creates an exponential taper transition
create-half	Boolean	-	FALSE	keeps left half of taper strip only

The property dialog of the taper strip object.

The geometry of the taper strip object with exponential side walls.

A taper strip with linear side walls and a nonzero top offset.

Torus Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Solid → Torus

TO DRAW A TORUS:

Activate the Torus Tool.
Left-click to define the center point.
Drag the mouse away from the origin and left-click a second time to establish the Major Radius of the torus.
Drag the mouse away from the Major Radius construction path to establish the Minor Radius. Left-click a third time to complete the torus.

PYTHON COMMAND: torus(label,x0,y0,z0,radius_major,radius_minor[,start_angle,end_angle])

TORUS PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
major_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
minor_radius	real numeric	project units	-	-
start_angle	real numeric	degrees	0	start azimuth angle
end_angle	real numeric	degrees	360	end azimuth angle

The property dialog of the torus object.

The geometry of the torus object.

The property dialog of the torus with a nonzero start and end angle.

A torus with a nonzero start and end angle.

Triangle Strip Tool

ICON:

MENU: Object → Surface → Triangle Strip

TO DRAW A TRIANGLE STRIP:

Activate the Triangle Strip Tool.
Left-click to establish the triangles origin.
Drag away from the origin and left-click a second time to define Leg 1 of the triangle.
Drag away from leg 1, left-click a third time to define Leg 2 and complete the triangle.

NOTES, SPECIAL CASES OR EXCEPTIONS: Side 1 establish the length of first leg of the triangle. Side 2 establishes the length of the second leg of the triangle Angle defines the opening angle of the origin vertex (the angle between leg one and leg two). Hold down the Shift key while positioning the third point of the triangle to constrain the origin angle to 15º increments.

PYTHON COMMAND: triangle_strip(label,x0,y0,z0,side1,side2,angle)

TRIANGLE STRIP PARAMETERS

Parameter Name	Value Type	Units	Default Value	Notes
LCS_X	real numeric	project units	-	X-coordinates of base
LCS_Y	real numeric	project units	-	Y-coordinates of base
LCS_Z	real numeric	project units	-	Z-coordinates of base
rot_X	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about X-axis
rot_Y	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Y-axis
rot_Z	real numeric	degrees	-	local rotation about Z-axis
side_1	real numeric	project units	-	-
side_2	real numeric	project units	0	-
angle	real numeric	degrees	-	wedge angle

The property dialog of the triangle strip object.

The geometry of the triangle strip object.

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Glossary of EM.Cube's Standard Geometric Objects

Contents

Box Tool

Circle Strip Tool

Circle Tool

Cone Tool

Curve Generator

Cylinder Tool

Ellipse Strip Tool

Ellipsoid Tool

Fractal Tree Tool

Helix Tool

Hyperbola Tool

Line Tool

NURBS Curve Tool

NURBS Strip Tool

Parabola Tool

Point Tool

Polyline Tool

Polystrip Tool

Pyramid Tool

Radial Strip Tool

Rectangle Strip Tool

Regular Polygon Tool

Solid Generator

Sphere Tool

Spiral Curve Tool

Spiral Strip Tool

Super-Quadratic Curve Tool

Surface Generator

Taper Strip Tool

Torus Tool

Triangle Strip Tool

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