Boolean operations are fundamental tools in implicit modeling that allow you to create complex geometry by combining, subtracting, or intersecting bodies. This guide explains how to use the Boolean Union, Boolean Subtract, and Boolean Intersect blocks in nTop.

Applies to:

• Implicit Modeling
• Boolean Operations

Boolean Union

The Boolean Union block combines multiple Implicit Bodies into a single body, with an optional blend feature.

1. Navigate to the Modeling tab in the ribbon and select the Boolean Union block.
2. In the Implicit Body List, drag your Implicit Bodies into the 0: and 1: inputs.
3. (Optional) To add more bodies, click the + icon in the Implicit Body List.
4. (Optional) To apply a fillet between the bodies, adjust the Blend radius value.

Note: If you don't see real-time updates when changing the Blend radius, you may need to enable high-performance graphics. See How to Enable High-Performance Graphics Card Settings for instructions.

Boolean Subtract

The Boolean Subtract block removes the volume of one or more Implicit Bodies from a primary body. An optional blend can be applied to the resulting edge.

1. Navigate to the Modeling tab and select the Boolean Subtract block.
2. Drag the body you want to subtract from into the Primary Body input.
3. In the Implicit Body List, drag the body (or bodies) you want to use for subtraction into the 0: input.
4. (Optional) To subtract with more bodies, click the + icon in the Implicit Body List and add them.
5. (Optional) To apply a fillet to the subtraction edge, adjust the Blend radius value.

Boolean Intersect

The Boolean Intersect block creates a new body from the shared, overlapping volume of two or more Implicit Bodies.

1. Navigate to the Modeling tab and select the Boolean Intersect block.
2. In the Implicit Body List, drag the Implicit Bodies you want to intersect into the 0: and 1: inputs.
3. (Optional) To intersect more than two bodies, click the + icon in the Implicit Body List.
4. (Optional) To apply a fillet to the intersection edge, adjust the Blend radius value.

Example File

• Download the nTop file used in this guide.

See Also

• How to blend TPMS types together
• How to Mirror an Implicit Body
• Using the Filter and Sort Block