IntelliShape Shelling Properties

Use the controls on the Shell properties sheet to perform a shelling operation on an IntelliShape.  Shelling is the process of hollowing out an IntelliShape.  This feature is handy for creating containers, pipes, and other hollow objects.   When you shell a shape, you can specify the thickness of the remaining walls.

 

All the options on the Shell properties sheet are explained below.  Several options refer to the sections of a shape.  These are the 2D cross-sections that determine the form of every IntelliShape.  When you create a custom shape through extrusion , spinning , sweeping , or lofting , you use the 2D drawing tools to create a cross-section.

 

On the Shell properties sheet, the surfaces of a 3D shape are categorized into three different groups or sections.  These are:  

  • The start section.  This is the section that was created with the 2D Technical Drawing tools.  It is marked by an arrow that points in the direction of the operation.

  • The end section.  This is the section that appears at the opposite end of the shape after extrusion, spinning, sweeping or    lofting.

  • The side section.  This section connects the start and end sections.

To determine the start section of a 3D shape, select the shape and look for the arrow mentioned above or the position of the anchor (only applies to shapes that have not had the anchor repositioned).

For symmetrical shelling in which both sections are either open or closed, it is not necessary to differentiate between the start and end sections.  In cases where you want one end open and the other closed, the choice may be arbitrary.  However, the difference becomes important if a particular end must be open or closed.

The Shelling type properties determine if shelling occurs and defines the process used to hollow out a shape.

  • Shell this shape.  Check this box if you want to hollow out the selected shape.  

  • Wall thickness.  In this field, enter the desired thickness of the shape’s remaining walls after the shelling process.  Use a value greater than zero.

  • End section open.  Select this option if the shelling process should extend through the end section of the shape, leaving it open.

  • Start section open.  Select this option if the shelling process should extend through the start section of the shape, leaving it open.

  • Shell through side face.  Select this option to shell a side of a shape.  

  • Show Formulas.  To view the formulas that produce values on this properties sheet, check this box.

The Stop shelling at part surface parameters determine the amount of material removed.  For example, you can stop the shelling process at the point where one object meets another.

  • Start section.  Select this option if you want the start section to conform to the surface of another object.  This option is useful if you are shelling an object that extends into another one or to direct the shelling process to follow a curved surface.

  • End section.  Select this option if you want the end section to conform to the surface of another object.  See the previous   option for more information.

Use the Multi-shape shelling options if the shelling process should extend beyond the normal limits of the start and end sections.  This technique is useful for transforming two shapes into a single hollow part.  

  • Start offset.  In this field, enter the added shelling distance beyond the start section.  

  • End offset.  In this field, enter the added shelling distance beyond the end section.  

  • Side offset.  Enter the added shelling distance beyond the selected side.  

IntelliShape shelling only affects the specified shape, whereas part shelling effects all shapes within the part.

To shell an IntelliShape using the IntelliShape Properties sheets:

  1. Right-click the shape at the IntelliShape editing level .
  2. From the resulting pop-up menu, select IntelliShape Properties.
  3. Select the Shell tab of the IntelliShape Properties.
  4. Select the Shell this Shape option.
  5. Select which, if any, section(s) should remain open.
  6. In the Wall thickness field, enter the desired value.
  7. Choose OK.

You might need to use the Orbit Camera tool for a clear view of the hollow interior of the shape.

 

Results of shelling a block IntelliShape

 

NOTE:  When a hole IntelliShape is shelled, material is added around its perimeter.

 

Results of shelling a cylinder hole shape dropped on a block