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FreeCAD: Lofts and Sweeps

[last updated: 2023-12-07]
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Command & Operation notes
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    Standard Disclaimer: Very rough...

    Both lofts and sweeps can be used to create similar models. So far in my understanding, the difference is that a loft makes a linear transition between two sketches, and a sweep can make a curved transition.
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  • Loft:
    • Basic demo: JWID
      • Create a new drawing, select Part Design workbench
      • Create two closed sketches, in planes parallel to each other (not co-planer)
        I created a circle and a long rectangle
      • Select Part workbench
      • Part --> Loft
        In Available profiles column, click on first sketch
        Click Right-arrow to move sketch to Selected profiles column
        Repeat for second sketch
        Click Create Solid - click OK
          If you don't select "create solid," then you'll create a shell that transitions between the two outlines
      • This operation creates a new Body in the model tree
        See "dealing with multiple bodies"

    • Sweep:
      • Using the demo drawing from Loft above,
        If I create another sketch, in a plane perpendicular to the planes of the first two sketches,
        and in this new sketch just have a single line,
        with endpoints on the planes of the first two sketches,
        then: Part --> Sweep
        move first two sketches into Selected profiles column
        click Sweep Path
        click to select line created in new sketch
        click Done - OK

        The same object is created as in Loft.

        ?????
        Cannot repeat this. Locks up completely when I click sweep path ...

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