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The Loft feature is an important tool for surface modeling . With the Loft feature you can create organic shapes with multiple 2D and 3D sketches and guidecurves. Today we will take a look at this feature.

Open a new part with model units set to millimeters

Go to: File > New > Part 

Create a 2D sketch

Select the Front Plane in the feature tree (menu at the left side) and create a sketch by clicking on the 2D Sketch icon 

The display changes so the Front plane faces you.

Create a shape with the Spline tool

Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline 

Use multiple Spline points to create a contour as shown in the picture

Make sure that the endpoint of the Spline is connected with the startpoint of the Spline  to create a closed contour.

Click at the Sketch button in the upper right corner close the 2D Sketch 

Create a new plane parallel at the Front Plane

Go to: Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane or click at the Plane icon 

Select the Front Plane as shown in the picture.

Change the Offset Distance  into 110 mm. 

Click OK 

Create a Circle sketch

Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Circle or click at the circle icon 

Draw a circle as shown in the picture

Close the Sketch 

Create a 3D Sketch

Click at the Dropdown menu under the 2D sketch option to select the 3D Sketch icon 

Create a shape with the Spline tool

Go to Tools > Sketch Entities > Spline or click at the Spline icon 

Draw a two-point Spline without any midpoints.

Change the dimensions of the blue Spline arrow to create a curve as shown in the picture.

Close the Sketch

Now it’s time to draw the Loft

Go to Insert > Boss/Base > Loft or click at the Loft icon 

Select Sketch1 and Sketch2 as loft profiles 

Enanble the Show preview option

Drag at the green balls if you can’t see a preview

Add a Guide Curve

To define the shape of the Loft it’s possible to add (multiple) Guide Curves.

Click in the purple Guide Curve box and select 3DSketch1 in the feature tree or the model 

Click OK  to apply your Loft 

The best way to discover all the possibilities with the loft feature is to practice a lot. Do you have any questions about the Loft feature? Leave a message below and I will answer them.