What is a ʼRevolveʼ in Rhino?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

In Rhino, a Revolve creates a surface or polysurface by rotating a curve around an axis using the Revolve command. The most common professional method is to revolve a clean 2D profile in a standard viewport, then control options like Solid=Yes when the profile reaches the axis. It does not work well with bad or open profile geometry.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your profile curve does not touch the axis where a closed form is expected, Rhino may create an open surface instead of a closed solid. A slightly misdrawn profile or wrong axis pick is a very common cause of failed watertight geometry for manufacturing.

How to Use Revolve in Rhino

  • Command: Revolve

  • Shortcut: Revolve

  • Quick Steps:

    1. In a standard viewport such as Front or Right, draw or select the 2D profile curve, then run Revolve from the command line or Surface menu.
    2. Pick the start and end of the revolve axis, or use the viewport to define the axis precisely.
    3. Set the revolution angle, then choose options such as Solid=Yes if the profile touches the axis and you need a closed solid.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Solid=Yes/No

  • Expert Setting: This option adds end caps when the revolved shape is valid for closure. Use Solid=Yes only when the profile and axis support a closed volume; otherwise Rhino will return an open surface or fail to make a valid solid.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The profile curve is open, self-intersecting, or does not properly meet the revolve axis, so the result cannot form a clean surface or solid.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The curve or a reference object used to define the axis is on a locked layer, making selection or axis definition fail.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Solid=Yes is used when the geometry does not actually close at the axis, or the revolution angle is incomplete when a full closed form was intended.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run SelOpenCrv to find open profile curves, repair them, then rerun Revolve with Solid=Yes only if the profile correctly reaches the axis.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Revolve for turned, symmetrical parts like bottles, shafts, and housings. Avoid it for asymmetrical forms or dirty imported curves; clean the profile first for reliable solids.

FAQ

Can Revolve create a solid in Rhino?
Yes, if the profile and axis allow a closed volume and Solid=Yes is valid.

Do I need a closed curve to use Revolve?
No, but open curves usually create open surfaces rather than solids.

Can I revolve only part of a shape?
Yes, set a revolution angle less than 360 degrees.

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