Sweep
Table of contents:
Introduction
Sweep
Exact Mode
Solid Mode
Let's talk about the Sweep tool. In other applications, similar functionality is commonly referred to as Sweep, Sweep Along Path, or Path Extrude. While the naming may vary, the function remains the same: it creates new geometry by sweeping a selected profile along a defined path, generating a continuous surface based on that trajectory.
In SelfCAD, the Sweep tool can be found in the Tools section of the main Toolbar. It requires you to select two profiles, one for extrusion and one for a path, to then generate a new surface or solid that follows the exact curvature of that path. In practice, this allows users to model pipes, rails, wires, decorative trims, structural frames, patterned elements, mesh-like structures and repeated components aligned precisely along curved trajectories.
Unlike Modify or Deform tools, the Tools category focuses on workflow-enhancing operations that generate or transform geometry in structured ways. Sweep bridges sketching and solid modeling while also supporting controlled duplication along curves. In this article, we'll explore how to use the Sweep tool effectively and create geometry along custom paths.
Create and select objects
The first step of using the Sweep tool is selecting the profile or a model that will be swept (Followed) along the Path, and then select a profile that will serve as the Path. You can add profiles with the help of Freehand and 3D Sketch tools, and select them by either left-clicking on them in the workspace or by selecting them in the Object Management section, in the right-side panel. The second option has an in-built search engine, which is extremely useful when you are working with multiple objects.
Once the profiles are drawn and selected in the correct order, you can activate the tool itself. To activate the Sweep tool, you need to choose it from the Tools drop-down list in the Main Toolbar or use a shortcut by using the 'T+S' combination on your keyboard. This way, you will open a Tool Setting Panel with all of the customizable options for this feature on the left-hand side of your screen.
Sweep: Exact Mode
Exact is the first, default mode available for the Sweep tool. It’s similar to the Follow Path Extrude mode, with the main difference being that the sweep automatically detects the best possible angle of rotation for the profile. It's perfect for rails, pipes, and more, as long as there are no sharp edges or path intersections, as in such cases, it can create self-intersecting faces, thus breaking your object. When that happens, switch to the second, Solid mode.
It's a simple option that inverts the profiles' function. Enabling it swaps the extruded profile for the path, and the path for the extruded profile.
Sweep: Solid Mode
Solid is the second, volume-based mode of the sweep tool. It extrudes one profile along the second one, and rebuilds the object to keep it manifold. It's slower than Exact mode, but when Exact mode creates overlapping geometry as a result of sharp corners or path intersections, Solid mode merges everything to create a manifold mesh.
Smoothness
It sets the level of detail for the object. You can set the value higher to make a smoother, more detailed surface, or lower it to create a simpler, low-poly object.
Swap path and profile
It's a simple option that inverts the profiles' function. Enabling it swaps the extruded profile for the path, and the path for the extruded profile.
And that’s about it for the Sweep. After reading this article, you should know the basics of this tool and how to use it, and know about its different applications. Of course, depending on the selected Profile, and Path, you will get slightly different results, but the underlying principles of this tool will stay the same.
That's all I have for you today. I wish you success in your future projects. See you, and stay tuned for more content to come.