In my last post I described how you can use the Chamfer command (the same one you use in 2D) to create chamfered edges on 3D models. But what if you want to create rounded edges on your 3D model? Use the Fillet tool… the same one you use for 2D design! Don’t you just love when things make sense? You can access the Fillet tool from the Modify panel of the Home tab. It’s in the same button flyout at the Chamfer tool so if you used the Chamfer tool last, you’ll have to open the flyout to access the Fillet tool.
After launching the Fillet tool, you select the 3D object you want to fillet. It doesn’t matter where you select the object because you’ll be prompted to select the edges you want to fillet later. First, however, it prompts for a fillet radius. I entered a value of 1 to create fillets on the air hockey paddle and I selected the two edges highlighted in the following image.
If you want to create additional fillets at a different radius, you’ll need to repeat the Fillet command (just as you do in 2D design). For the air hockey paddle, I’ll repeat the Fillet command using a radius value of 3 and selecting the edge as shown in the image below.
The resulting model has smooth edges. The fillets and chamfer (from my previous post) are embedded in the composite solid. Fortunately, they are still editable. That’s e-d-i-t-a-b-l-e not edible (although I guess you could argue that some fillets are edible). In my next post I’ll show you how to edit fillets and chamfers. Any guesses?
Key Concept:
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Use the Fillet tool to fillet the edges of a 3D model.
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