Hi Finema, the way Burr shows by making a 2D profile curve and then extruding that and trimming the result is one good way.
Another possibility is to get the top edge split into 2 pieces and then loft between them. But that makes a surface that is pinched down to a single point on the start and end, the extruded surface is of better quality.
Another way that can be good to form caps like this is to initially construct an object that is slightly extended and simplified at the top with a regular planar end to it, and then cut off that end with the 2D profile curve by using boolean difference, that will leave the extruded imprint of the 2D profile curve with fewer steps needing to be done.
That looks something like this:
Initial shape is extended and ends at a simple top plane instead of constructed to a 3D waving curve:
Select the base solid and run Construct > Boolean > Difference and use the 2D side profile as the cutting curve. It will slice the solid into 2 pieces leaving the imprint of the 2D curve:
Delete the piece you don't want:
Often times it can be easier to construct shapes to simplified boundaries like that to make a base solid that has some extended areas in it, and then use boolean difference to cut away the parts you don't want, rather than trying to directly construct the shape to an irregular boundary right from the start.
That tends to save some time when you're able to work with solids and 2D profiles more throughout the process.
- Michael
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