Offset Implicit Geometry

Offset an implicit body. The offset can be made into a hollow shell.

1. On the Implicit Modeling ribbon, select the Offset tool.
   
   
2. Optional: For Visualization Quality, select from Low to Very High quality, which corresponds to a low to very high density of elements. A higher quality produces sharper geometry features but is more computationally intensive. When creating a complicated function, it’s recommended to work using a lower quality and then switch to a higher quality after the function is complete.
3. Select a body.
4. Optional: To create a hollow shell, turn on Shell. This will hollow the model and populate the region between the original and offset surfaces with material.
5. Optional: Select the shell's offset direction. The surface offset always propagates in a direction normal to the original surface.
   • Inward (negative): Offset the shell inward.
   • Outward (positive): Offset the shell outward.
   • Both: Offset the shell both inward and outward.
   • Symmetry: Symmetrically offset the shell both inward and outward.
6. Optional: Define the shell thickness.
7. Define the offset amount, which can be a constant value, a variable, or a field.
   Note: Not all fields in Implicit Modeling are true signed distance fields, where each scalar value in space denotes the precise distance to the surface. When a field is not a signed distance field, offset operations might not produce constant or precise offset thicknesses. For example, care should be taken when offsetting a surface lattice, such as a Gyroid as these are close to, but not exactly, signed distance fields.

   • Inward Distance: Define the distance to offset the body inward.
   • Outward Distance: Define the distance to offset the body outward.
8. Click OK.
9. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.