Shell : Options and Results

Access: Open this function from one of the following locations:

Click the button in the toolbar.
Select Solid > Objects > Shell from the menu bar.

Turn a solid object to a shell or add thickness to an open object.

Required Step 1

Pick a solid object. An open object may also be picked. If only one object exists, it will be automatically picked.

Required Step 2

Pick the open faces and set the parameters.

Specify open faces, shell direction, and global shell thickness. If you do not pick any open faces, the object will be hollowed only in the middle.

Global Thickness

Set the global thickness value for all selected faces. Local (non-uniform) shell thicknesses values can be set for specific faces in the Optional Step 1; see below.

Inside

This is a dropdown list of options which defines the shell direction. The following options are available:

Inside	Material is removed from the existing object. In other words, the external walls of the shell are the same as the external walls of the original solid. See the examples below.
Outside	The shell is created outward from the existing object. In other words, the internal walls of the shell are the same as the external walls of the original solid. See the examples below.
Both Sides	Offsets the shell wall equal distances to the inside and outside of the part. In other words, the external walls of the original solid are offset equally inwards and outwards. See the examples below.

Note: If you are creating a shell on an open object, a direction arrow will appear indicating an inside or outside direction. You can either click the arrow to toggle the direction, or select the Inside / Outside option from the dropdown list.

Examples:Examples:

A shell is to be created on the solid object shown below.	Inside: Material is removed from the existing object.

Outside: The shell is created outward from the existing object.	Both Sides: Offsets the shell wall equal distances to the inside and outside of the part.

Complete Result

This is a toggle option Complete Result / Partial Result, that enables you to select a partial result in cases where the operation fails.

Complete Result	This is the default option and is always displayed first. If the Complete Result operation fails, the Conflict Solver is displayed informing you of the problem and recommending that you rerun the operation using the Partial Result option.
Partial Result	The Partial Result is similar to the complete result, except for faces in some areas which prevent the complete result operation.

Examples:Examples:

Shell Partial - open object:	Partial Result

Optional Step 1

Set local (non-uniform) shell thicknesses values for specific faces. See Optional Step 1. By default, all faces are offset by the same amount - the Global Thickness value specified in Required Step 2.

Note: The Non-uniform shell is available only for closed solid objects (it is not available for open objects).

When you have finished setting parameters and picking open faces, press <exit><exit>(middle mouse button).

If this is the final result, click OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

When completed, the Shell feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.