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DriveWorks Pro 21
Primitive Model

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Primitive Model

A Primitive Model is a 3D base shape that can be added to a 3D document.

Primitives allow for the dynamic procedural generation of various simple 3D geometries from within a 3D Document.

The Primitive Model Types available are:

  • Cube (will be added by default)
  • Sphere
  • Plane
  • Dome
  • Cone
  • Cylinder

Each Primitive has its own parameters that can be controlled from the Information Panel and by rules in the Parameter Panel.

Add a 3D Primitive Model

  1. In the 3D Document add a Node to the Root structure.
  2. Right click on the Node and select Add Entity> Geometry> Primitive Model
  3. A Primitive Cube will be added to the scene.

    This can be changed, in the Primitive Model Type option, from the Information Panel.

Information Panel

Scale

The Scale of the Primitive functions independently of the Transform entity's Scale property by setting the scale of the Primitive geometry itself during its generation.

  • Default X value: 1
  • Default Y value: 1
  • Default Z value: 1

Primitive models are inserted centrally about the X, Y and Z coordinates.

Each Primitive is sized, by default as follows:

Primitive Model TypeXYZ
Cube1 meter1 meter1 meter
Sphere1 meter1 meter1 meter
Plane1 meter1 meter0 thickness
Dome1 meter1 meter1 meter
Cone1 meter0.5 meter1 meter
Cylinder1 meter1 meter1 meter

To change the default size of a Cube primitive, for example, into a 0.5m x 0.75m x 5mm (0.005m) rectangle, adjust the Scale properties as follows:

  • X = 0.5
  • Y = 0.75
  • Z = 0.005

Latitude (Sphere and Dome)

How many latitudinal segments the generated primitive will have.

  • Default value: 10
  • Minimum editor/rule value: 2
  • Maximum editor value: 100
  • Maximum rule value: 1750

Longitude (Sphere and Dome)

How many longitudinal segments the generated primitive will have.

  • Default value: 20
  • Minimum editor/rule value: 3
  • Maximum editor value: 200
  • Maximum rule value: 3500

Sides (Cone and Cylinder)

How many sides the generated primitive will have.

  • Default value: 20
  • Minimum editor/rule value: 3
  • Maximum editor value: 200
  • Maximum rule value: 2000000

Smooth Normals (Sphere, Dome, Cone, and Cylinder)

Whether the normals of the generated primitive are smoothed.

Works independently of the Normal Smoothing functionality found elsewhere in the product by using a different technique to calculate normals during the geometry's generation, as opposed to modifying normals post-generation.

  • Default value: True

Generate Base (Dome, Cone, and Cylinder)

Whether the generated primitive has a base.

  • Default value: True

Generate Top (Cylinder)

Whether the generated primitive has a top.

  • Default value: True

Two Sided (Plane)

Whether the generated primitive is two-sided.

  • Default value: False

Mirror Back Face (Plane)

Whether the UVs of the second side of the generated primitive are mirrored.

Only applicable when Two Sided is enabled.

  • Default value: False

Appearance

Select an Appearance applied in the 3D Document to use on the Primitive.

Export

Allows the generated Primitive to be saved out as a Drive3D file.