Use of Sweep and Loft Command in AutoCAD 3D

In this blog, we’ll discuss about the use of Loft and Sweep Command in AutoCAD. These two commands are very important to know for all AutoCAD users. Let me start this discussion with a brief introduction of AutoCAD. It is just to make things clear for all readers.

Let’s Say Hi to AutoCAD

As an architecture and interior design course student, I explored a lot in AutoCAD. And I found that it is the easiest tool to learn in the CAD field. In my point of view AutoCAD is useful in almost all the engineering sectors. Whether you say Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, use of AutoCAD is in every CAD sector. Yes, also in architectural interior designing.

Doing my training in leading architecture and interior design software, I learned the various uses of AutoCAD. It can create quick and perfect 2D plans. Not only this, it is able to make 3D drawings too.

I just love this software because of its simple tools and commands.

Hey, let’s come back to our blog topic that is Loft and Sweep Command in AutoCAD 3D.
Here is brief Introduction about both Loft and Sweep commands just for the basic understanding.
The Loft command creates the 3D surface or solid section. It connects with two or more cross section areas or two or more profiles together. So, it creates a 3D surface by 2 or more curves or cross-sectional areas.

Now we start a short intro about the Sweep command.

Sweep command makes a 3D surface or solid section by extending (to make something longer or larger in space) a 2D shape with along or same path. The shape profile will move and aligned perpendicular to the or on a same path.

Coming on the detailed explanation now.

Loft Command in AutoCAD 3D

Basically, Loft command is used in AutoCAD 3D. In this we solid the surface by which it is passed through more than 2 cross-sectional areas. Or profiles with a blend or transition. In this the cross-sectional area will be in same shape.
Here are some key points that we should know about Loft command:

• The loft command is different from the sweep command as in it a line is drawn from one point to another along a 3D object surface.
• For using the Loft command, we can select the series of cross-sectional areas. As its result shape will transform into solid or surface.
• We can see a preview of the lofted object before hitting the enter for the better result.

Some Steps for Applying the Loft command are:

• Click loft command.
• Select the point option in object.
• Specify a loft start point or starting point.
• Select a Loft first, second and
• The third cross section area.
• Press Enter key twice.

Some uses of the Loft command are:

• We can use it to build up the curvy design where more than 2 curves are there.
• We can use in to create the 3D solid where more than 2 cross-sectional areas are given.

So, basically, Loft command is used in AutoCAD for create a shape that joins or connects the transitions or completes a smooth transition between two or more profiles.
Because of the loft command we can convert 2D surface into solid 3D surface.
In Loft the Guide Rail and centreline are made. In guide rail line helps in making a precise and straight 3D solid. In Centreline the line will divide the 3D shape in 2 equal portions.

Sweep Command in AutoCAD 3D

The Sweep command is another popular command that every AutoCAD draft man should know. Sweep repeats or continues the created line, arc, circle in a straight line, curves and ellipse or in a same path.
This command draws a line straight from a particular point and connects it to another on the same plane/plot. It sweeps a 2D object in a closed or open path into 3D.

Some Steps for Using Sweep Command in AutoCAD

• Make a circle at the endpoint of any selected object.
• Select the sweep command. It is in Ribbon panel.
• Now select the object you want to sweep.
• Press Enter.
• Now select the sweep path and press enter.

You are done.

Main Uses of Sweep Command in AutoCAD 3D are:

• Useful for creating solid and surface from open profile and closed curve.
• Also creates line arc and area in a similar path and draws line too.
• Useful for creating solid 3D object on a same path whether it is open or closed.

The sweep command is useful we have to continue the already made pattern. Pattern will continue in closed path as well as in open path with the continue pattern. We can sweep 2D polyline, 2D solid, Arc, Circle, Ellipse, Line, Elliptical Arc in a continued pattern. It will be on a circular path or straight closed path or open path.

Summary

• Sweep Command : Creates a 3D shape by extruding a 2D object along with 2D and 3D path. The closed plan can be twisted or tapered as it extrudes. The Sweep command is the default method for creating 3D object in AutoCAD.
• Loft Command: Loft command creates a 3D shaped by drawing on a curve from one point to another point of an object. The loft command is more complex than the sweep command. It requires more steps to creates a similar path on same cross-section area.

Closing Words

So, I found both of these commands useful specially for 3D drawings in AutoCAD. The main difference between the sweep and loft is that the sweep creates a line that follow a surface while the loft creates a curves or arc.

Author Introduction

This blog is written by myself (Tarun). I Completed my AutoCAD training from ADMEC Multimedia Institute and It was wonderful experience. I do my studying in Mechanical Engineering. I did my AutoCAD Course very well under the guidance of Nishu Sir. As I do my learning in Mechanical sector that’s why I choose AutoCAD. I did my AutoCAD in 2D as well as in 3D formation.