Making holes/Boolean function

Blackwidower · 25th January 2017, 01:49 PM

With previous versions of AC3D I was able to make as many "holes" or "shapes" in a 3D object as needed using the Boolean->Cut away function. With AC3D version 8 it only allows me to use that function on an object once. If I try to make another "hole" with the Boolean ->Cut Away function in the same object I receive a message stating "Boolean: invalid object/s - for solid Boolean operations, both objects must be 3D and closed (no open edges). Use Object->Boolean->Knife to cut shapes from open objects." But using the Object -> Boolean ->Knife function leaves the inside of the object visible through the "hole", unlike the cutaway function.

So I guess my question would be, is this functioning as intended? If so, it's not a good change with this version 8 because it takes so long to make many "holes" in a simple cube as compared to previous versions.

Any info would be appreciated. What am I missing? I've been using AC3D since version 4 and I am very familiar with it's operation.

Andy · 30th January 2017, 10:17 AM

I'm pretty sure the boolean code wasn't changed. Very big or very small objects may give different results (due to floating point precision).

Reusing boolean resuilts for more booleans is generally not advisible. (And it's not just AC3D that struggles with this complex function - most non-solid 3d modelers do.) It can be done but you may need to fix holes and remove open seams etc.before you can reused the object.

You may have already seen : https://www.inivis.com/3dprinting.html which has some good tips on how to keep objects closed (since 3d printing needs this too)

If you can post an exampe of what you are making, I should be able to make some suggestions.

Blackwidower · 30th January 2017, 11:01 AM

Thanks for the info Andy. I have found other ways to do what I need, such as revolving an object.

25th January 2017, 01:49 PM	#1
Blackwidower Junior Member Junior member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 4	Making holes/Boolean function With previous versions of AC3D I was able to make as many "holes" or "shapes" in a 3D object as needed using the Boolean->Cut away function. With AC3D version 8 it only allows me to use that function on an object once. If I try to make another "hole" with the Boolean ->Cut Away function in the same object I receive a message stating "Boolean: invalid object/s - for solid Boolean operations, both objects must be 3D and closed (no open edges). Use Object->Boolean->Knife to cut shapes from open objects." But using the Object -> Boolean ->Knife function leaves the inside of the object visible through the "hole", unlike the cutaway function. So I guess my question would be, is this functioning as intended? If so, it's not a good change with this version 8 because it takes so long to make many "holes" in a simple cube as compared to previous versions. Any info would be appreciated. What am I missing? I've been using AC3D since version 4 and I am very familiar with it's operation.

30th January 2017, 10:17 AM	#2
Andy Administrator Professional user Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 4,565	Re: Making holes/Boolean function I'm pretty sure the boolean code wasn't changed. Very big or very small objects may give different results (due to floating point precision). Reusing boolean resuilts for more booleans is generally not advisible. (And it's not just AC3D that struggles with this complex function - most non-solid 3d modelers do.) It can be done but you may need to fix holes and remove open seams etc.before you can reused the object. You may have already seen : https://www.inivis.com/3dprinting.html which has some good tips on how to keep objects closed (since 3d printing needs this too) If you can post an exampe of what you are making, I should be able to make some suggestions.

30th January 2017, 11:01 AM	#3
Blackwidower Junior Member Junior member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 4	Re: Making holes/Boolean function Thanks for the info Andy. I have found other ways to do what I need, such as revolving an object.