Introduction
Once you have a 2D sketch, you turn it into 3D geometry. FluidCAD provides several operations for this, each suited to different modeling tasks.
Extrude
extrude() pulls a sketch upward (along the plane's normal) into a solid. It's the most common way to turn a 2D profile into 3D geometry.
Cut
cut() removes material from existing solids. It is a shortcut for a subtractive extrude (extrude().remove()). Sketch a profile on a face, then cut into the solid.
Revolve
revolve() rotates a sketch profile around an axis to create a solid of revolution — think of turning on a lathe.
Loft
loft() creates a smooth transition between two or more sketch profiles on different planes. It's useful for shapes that change cross-section along their length.
Sweep
sweep() moves a profile along a path to create a solid. It's used for pipes, rails, and any shape that follows a curve.
Fillet
fillet() rounds edges with a given radius, creating smooth transitions between faces.
Chamfer
chamfer() bevels edges with a flat cut, creating angled transitions between faces.
Shell
shell() hollows out a solid, leaving walls of a specified thickness. You pick which face(s) to remove — these become the opening.
Import
Importing a STEP file
Export
FluidCAD exports your model as a STEP file. The export happens automatically through the viewer — use the export button in the viewport toolbar to save the current model.
Color
color() applies a color to faces or entire solids:
Parts
When you build models with multiple components, auto-fusion can work against you — you don't want a bolt to merge into a bracket. part() creates isolation boundaries so components stay separate.