I am a ViaCAD 2D/3D newbie - maybe this question is trivial or I misunderstand something very basic. When I build a solid, I usually do a surface profile in 2D, and extrude it. Once extruded, is the 2D surface profile necessary to keep, or can I delete it? It appears that the extrusion is a new object and that the 2D surface profile remains as its own object, too. Further, I see that the 3D object makes reference to the 2D surface profile, but if I delete the 2D surface, the 3D solid still remains. What is the use of the 2D surface after the extrusion?

My goal is to export my solid model in an AutoCAD compatible file to be manufactured on a 3D CAD milling machine.

Well, any help or insight would be quite appreciated! I want to "graduate out of the newbie class!"

Thanks - Brian

Also the 2D line work is associated to the 3D part for size and position modification.

For example: If you draw a circle and extrude it into a cylinder, you can then change the diameter of the circle which will automatically change the cylinder. Also if you move the circle, it will move the cylinder.