Software

The Extrude macro allows you to extrude a section profile along a defined path to create a 3D model.

Watch a short (9½ minute) video demonstrating the use of the Extrude Macro.

The section profile can be defined using one or more entities of various types, or regular polygons and circles can be defined by entering appropriate parameters. Profiles can also be saved as symbols for subsequent use without the need to redefine them.

The path can be defined by tracing it out (in plan view) or by selecting various types of entities (most 2D entities and some 3D entities can be used).

Some comments from early users of this macro:

"I think Trace is a great feature however you choose to regard it. I have been experimenting with it for wrapping mouldings inside, outside, and on top of smart walls and it works very nicely for that" (Melina Boukis)

"I decided to remake ... doors using ExtrudeMacro. I took the basic flat slab pieces (stiles and panels) from the original. A profile was created from the company’s details. I extruded the profile around each of the door panels ... and literally, in seconds, it was done – just needed to move the extrusion so that the mid-height of the extrusion aligned with the mid-height of the panel slab." (Melina Boukis)

"this is shaping (pun intended) up to be a very nice set of tools" (Mark Madura)

"I had a chance to experiment with the Profile Enlargement Path. This feature facilitates wonderfully unique shapes if you follow a non-linear path like an arc" (Mark Madura)

Spirit Compatibility: This macro is not compatible with Spirit.

Get the macro

(Files need to be unzipped to your DataCAD Macros folder - see the readme file included in the zip)

Version History
v1.0.0.15	8 Oct 2021 - Initial public release.
v1.1.0.2	19 Oct 2021 - Added 'Mid Z' & 'Base PLUS' options to Path Z options. Fixed bugs that could occur when using cone/truncated cone entities as path.
v1.2.0.7	29 Jun 2022 - Added Twist options and extra Enlargement Options (option to enlarge on 1 axis only, ability to stretch a repeating enlargement profile). NonPlanar macro now bundled in zip file to allow further processing of twisted polygons.