Hatches on 3D solids?

I'd like to hatch the curved surface of a cylinder (to represent
knurling) but it appears that the standard hatch command only works on
flat surfaces. Is there another way, or an alternative?

Thanks!

-Jeff Taylor

 

model the knurling, it wont even take that long, make a 2d poly, have it
contain the profile of the knurling then extrude it to the right length, if
you want them twisted it will take a bit more modeling but is still
possible.

Shiva

 

I don't think it is possible to accurately model in 3-d within
AutoCAD (neither are other spiral elements like screw threads)
However, I've done some cosmetic psudo-hatching for things like this,
including screw threads.

The idea is to create an arc (or for more precise work part of an
ellipse) to represent just one "cut" of the knurling, or 1/2 of a
single screw thread. This arc must be rotated in 3-d to approximate
the lines you want.

This arc is arrayed around the object for knurling. If you want a
screw thread, it gets a little messier, because you must mirrir the
arc onto the other side, then rotate that arc as well. Then then you
must copy or array them so that the results look similar to spiral
threads. Unfortunately, you can't pedit these arcs into a polyline
(since 3-D polylines can only have straight lines).

The goal in my case is only a coarse approximation Actually, to show
up well in reduced view drawings, you must make them very course to
avoid them just forming a solid black area when printed.

Generally, you should put all these lines into a block, or you will
likely end up with a lot of messy lines left behind when you move the
object without getting all those lines.

Joe Dunfee