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Parametric Modeling
Create parametric sketches, geometry, and PolyNURBS with construction history and variables.
PolyNURBS
Create free-form solid geometry that is smooth and continuous.
Shell & Offset
Use the PolyNURBS Shell & Offset tool to offset the vertices of PolyNURBS part bodies and optionally shell the bodies by connecting copied offsets.

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Discover new features and enhancements.
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New to Inspire? Learn the basics here.
Tutorials
Start using Inspire with our interactive tutorials.
Parametric Modeling
Create parametric sketches, geometry, and PolyNURBS with construction history and variables.
- Construction History
  View and edit the construction history of your model.
- Variables
  Create and assign variables to parameterize a model. This allows you to quickly iterate and compare design concepts by tweaking the values of the variables.
- Global References
  Global references are the global origin, axes, and planes shown in the modeling window. They can be helpful when creating and defining your model.
- Sketching
  Create and edit 2D parametric sketch geometry.
- Geometry
  Create and modify parametric surfaces and solids.
- PolyMesh
  Create polymesh objects from other types of geometry and results.
- PolyNURBS
  Create free-form solid geometry that is smooth and continuous.
  - Editing PolyNURBS
    Edit vertices, edges, and faces to modify the shape of a PolyNURBS object.
  - Primitive
    Use the Primitive tools to create a single PolyNURBS solid or surface, either around a selected object or as the starting point for a new model. This is the tool you should start with if you want to build PolyNURBS geometry without wrapping or paving.
  - Fit
    Use the Fit tool to automatically create a new PolyNURBS part on top of existing geometry.
  - Wrap
    Use the Wrap tool to quickly wrap a PolyNURBS solid around an optimized shape. You can create multiple PolyNURBS cages, and bridge the face of one cage to another. You can also wrap a hole or negative space.
  - Pave
    Use the Pave tool to create faces manually on an existing object.
  - Move Bodies
    Use the Move Bodies tool to translate, rotate, or align PolyNURBS bodies.
  - Mirror Bodies
    Use the Mirror Bodies tool to mirror PolyNURBS bodies across a symmetry plane.
  - Add/Remove (+/-)
    Use the Add(+) and Remove(-) tools to modify an existing PolyNURBS cage by adding or removing blocks. This allows you to quickly build the basic shape of a PolyNURBS object.
  - Split
    Use the Split tools to split a cage with a loop or split a single PolyNURBS cage face.
  - Bridge
    Use the Bridge tool to create a bridge between two or more faces of either the same PolyNURBS cage or different cages.
  - Sharpen
    Use the Sharpen tool to control sharpness along the edges of a PolyNURBS. Four levels of sharpness are available, and you can set the sharpening factor manually or automatically.
  - Repair
    Use the Repair tool to close a hole in a PolyNURBS cage.
  - Shell & Offset
    Use the PolyNURBS Shell & Offset tool to offset the vertices of PolyNURBS part bodies and optionally shell the bodies by connecting copied offsets.
  - Shape Variable
    Use the Shape Variable tool to define which directions PolyNURBS cage points can move during PolyNURBS optimization.
  - Subdivision Surface
    Convert a PolyNURBS part to a subdivision surface for faster exit from PolyNURBS tools.
Implicit Modeling
Create implicit models with primitives, lattices, point clouds, fields, offsetting, Booleans, inverting, smoothing, morphing, and filleting.
Structures
Set up your model and run a structural analysis or optimization.
Motion
Set up and run a motion analysis, plot the results, and export the results.
Fluids
Prepare and run a computational fluid dynamics simulation.
Design Explorer
Evaluate designs by using geometric variables and applying a design-of-experiments (DOE) or optimization method. We recommend fully constraining your sketch when sketch variables are used in the design exploration.
Manufacture
Set up and run a basic porosity or thinning analysis.
Print 3D
Prepare and run an additive manufacturing simulation, and export a file for 3D printing.
Rendering
Adjust the materials and environment of objects in the scene to create a photorealistic image.
Inspire Python API
Learn how to access the Inspire Python API including online help, quick start demos, and the Extension Manager.
Reference
View the glossary, frequently asked questions, and errors and alerts.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.

Shell & Offset

Use the PolyNURBS Shell & Offset tool to offset the vertices of PolyNURBS part bodies and optionally shell the bodies by connecting copied offsets.

Shell a PolyNURBS Part

Offset duplicates of bodies after removing their selected faces and connect the duplicates back to their original bodies with thin walls.

On the PolyNURBS ribbon, select the Shell & Offset tool.

Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.
Select a PolyNURBS part to edit.
In the guide bar, select Shell.
Select a cage face to remove, then enter the Wall Thickness. Faces added to the selection will also be removed. The thickness value is applied to the remaining faces.
A preview of the shelled PolyNURBS part is displayed.
Optional: To apply the shell in the opposite direction, select Reverse .
Click Apply to confirm the preview and keep the shell.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Offset PolyNURBS Bodies

Move body vertices inside or away from their current positions.

On the PolyNURBS ribbon, select the Shell & Offset tool.

Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.
Select a PolyNURBS part to edit.
In the guide bar, select Offset.
Select a body to offset, then enter the Offset Distance. You can add bodies from the part to the selection. The offset distance is applied to selected bodies.
A preview of the shelled PolyNURBS part is displayed.
Optional: To apply the offset in the opposite direction, select Reverse .
Click Apply to confirm the preview and keep the shell.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.