Part features
About part features
A part is a list of features. Meridian calculates the features in order. The model browser shows the list. When you change a value, Meridian calculates the model again.
Feature values are named parameters, for example Extrude1_Distance. You can drive a parameter with an expression or with a rule. Refer to Parameters and rules.
Create features
These features start from a sketch profile. Each one can make a new body, or join, cut or intersect an existing body.
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Extrude | Adds or removes material along a profile. |
| Revolve | Turns a profile about an axis. |
| Sweep | Moves a profile along a path. |
| Loft | Connects two or more profiles. |
Make an extrude
- Make a sketch with a closed profile. Refer to Sketching.
- On the Features tab, click Extrude.
- Select the profile.
- Enter the distance.
- Select the operation: new body, join, cut or intersect.
- Accept the feature.
The property panel shows a live preview while you change the values.
Holes
The Hole feature adds holes of these types:
- Simple
- Counterbore
- Countersink
- Spot face
A hole can have thread data.
Primitives
A primitive adds a body with a standard shape. You do not need a sketch.
- Box
- Cylinder
- Sphere
- Cone
- Torus
Modify features
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fillet | Rounds the selected edges. |
| Chamfer | Bevels the selected edges. |
| Shell | Makes a body hollow with walls of one thickness. |
| Split | Cuts a body with a plane. |
Patterns and mirrors
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rectangular Pattern | Repeats features or bodies in rows and columns. |
| Circular Pattern | Repeats features or bodies about an axis. |
| Mirror | Copies features or bodies to the other side of a plane. |
You can make a pattern of a pattern. The count of a pattern must be a whole number from 1 to 2500.
Work features
Work features are reference geometry. They help you place sketches and features.
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Plane | Adds a work plane. |
| Axis | Adds a work axis. |
| Point | Adds a work point. |
Change the feature history
Right-click a feature in the model browser to change it:
- Edit Feature changes the values of the feature.
- Suppress stops the feature from computing.
- Move Up and Move Down change the order.
- Move End of Model Here computes the model only up to the selected feature.
Meridian gives persistent names to faces and edges. These names help later features keep their references when you change an earlier feature.
Import meshes and STEP bodies
Select File > Import to add the bodies of an STL, OBJ or STEP file to the part. You can use an STL or OBJ mesh as a reference body or as a solid body.
Material and mass
- To set the material and the colors, select Tools > Model > Material.
- To see the mass, volume, area and center of gravity, select Inspect > Mass Properties.
Export a part
Select File > Export to export the model as STL, OBJ, 3MF, XML, PNG or SVG. STL can be ASCII or binary. The XML file is a summary of the model.
To export a STEP file, use the command line: meridian export part.mpart --format step. Meridian writes exact B-rep STEP AP242. Refer to Command line.