Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 214 AutoCAD and Its Applications—Advanced Mesh objects can be created using one of these methods: • Construct mesh primitives (MESH command). • Convert an existing solid or surface into a mesh object (MESHSMOOTH command). • Construct mesh forms that are ruled, revolved, tabulated, or edge-defi ned objects (RULESURF, REVSURF, TABSURF, and EDGESURF commands). • Convert legacy surface objects into mesh objects using commands such as 3DFACE, 3DMESH, and PFACE. The tools used to create and modify meshes are found on the Mesh tab in the ribbon. The commands used to create mesh primitives are similar to those used to create solid primitives, which are discussed in Chapter 2. However, mesh primitives have face mesh objects that are divided into smaller faces. These divisions are based on tessellation division values (smoothness), as discussed in this chapter. NOTE NOTE A mesh model is a unique type of object in AutoCAD. A mesh model is a type of surface model, but it is different from a procedural surface model or a NURBS surface model. Unique construction and editing methods are used with mesh models. AutoCAD procedural surfaces and NURBS surfaces are precision surfaces, which makes them rela- tives to solids. Procedural surfaces and NURBS surfaces are discussed in Chapter 10. PROFESSIONAL TIP PROFESSIONAL TIP The RULESURF, REVSURF, TABSURF, and EDGESURF commands are available for creating mesh forms. These commands are not discussed in this chapter. Other surface modeling methods are typically more useful and provide more fl exibility in editing. Refer to Chapter 10 for detailed coverage on surface modeling. Tessellation Division Values Tessellation Division Values Tessellation divisions are the basic foundation for the smoothness of a mesh object. Tessellation divisions on a mesh object consist of planar shapes (faces) that fi t together to form the surface. See Figure 9-2A. These divisions display the edges of a mesh face that can then be edited. Figure 9-1. Constructing an ergonomic mouse as a mesh model. A—The basic mesh primitive. B—Using editing tools, the mesh is reformed. C—The completed mesh model. A B C