Creating A Zero Thickness Baffle Using The Offset Tool

This example shows the inflation of edges using the Offset Faces/Edges tool in Edges mode. This feature can be used to create a zero-thickness baffle. In this case, a two-dimensional orifice is created in a section of cylindrical pipe.

You first select the required edges using the Selection Controls.

Then, select the required Offset Mode, which is Edges in this case. The Offset Action is set to Inflation so that the edge is inflated in only one direction. The Direction is set to Seed Point, with the point placed in the center of the pipe. These edges are inflated in a normal direction towards the center of the pipe.

To carry out the inflation, click Offset. The Graphics window updates displaying the zero-thickness baffle.

If a part curve is selected, the corresponding inflated edge is also a part curve. Also note that when inflating or translating an edge in a normal direction, the orientation of connected faces determines the direction. This orientation can cause unexpected results when inflating non-manifold edges, as the orientation of three or more edges is considered. This effect is illustrated in the example below. The blue edge is non-manifold and the pink edge is the result of an offset in the positive normal direction.