How to create a 3D object by spinning a 2D profile in Rhino?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in Rhino 3D, the fastest professional way to create a 3D object by spinning a 2D profile is with the Revolve command. Draw a clean profile curve, define the revolve axis, and set the angle, usually 360° for a closed solid. Limitation: this only works well for rotationally symmetric shapes.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your 2D profile does not touch the revolve axis correctly, Rhino may create an open surface instead of a closed solid. A duplicated, self-intersecting, or non-planar profile curve can also cause failed or invalid revolve results.

How to Create a 3D Object by Spinning a 2D Profile in Rhino

  • Command: Revolve

  • Shortcut: Revolve

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Draw or select the 2D profile curve in a standard viewport, typically the Front or Right view.
    2. Run Revolve from the command line or Surface menu, then pick the start and end of the revolve axis.
    3. Enter the revolve angle, usually 360, and set the Cap=Yes option if you want a closed solid from a closed profile.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Cap
    Turn Cap=Yes when revolving a closed profile over 360° to create a closed polysurface or solid. If Cap=No, Rhino leaves the ends open, which is useful for surface modeling but not for solid workflows.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The profile curve is open, self-intersecting, duplicated, or not suitable for a clean rotational form.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The profile or axis reference object is on a locked layer, so you cannot select it properly during the command.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The profile does not meet the axis as required for a closed result, or the revolve angle is less than 360°, producing only an open surface segment.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run SelDup to remove duplicate curves, then use CrvStart or CrvEnd object snaps carefully and repeat Revolve with Cap=Yes.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use Revolve for turned parts, bottles, bowls, shafts, and any axis-symmetric geometry. Avoid it for forms that vary away from a central axis; in those cases, Sweep1, Loft, or NetworkSrf is usually the better workflow.

FAQ

Can Revolve create a solid in Rhino?

Yes, if the profile is closed and you use a 360° revolve with Cap=Yes.

What is the difference between Revolve and Sweep in Rhino?

Revolve spins a profile around an axis, while Sweep moves a profile along one or more rails.

Can I revolve only part of a shape?

Yes, enter an angle less than 360° to create a partial revolved surface.

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