Lofting allows you to create 3d solids based on cross-sections – we show you how in our Autocad 3d courses. 
The example shown here is of a simple valve housing. The order you select the cross-sections affects how the 3d solid is created. Another good example of the use of lofts would be in boat-building – in fact the term loft comes from the strips of wood used to measure boat parts which were stored in the boat-shed’s loft area.
To create the Valve Housing above: in your Top view create a circle 22mm radius, for example. In the Front view draw a line 20mm upwards, and copy the first circle to that point. Return to the Top view and draw another circle 32mm radius – this is drawn automatically on the X-Y plane. Therefore tilt the drawing and Move this circle to the top of the line. Alternatively you can first change the Current Elevation by typing elev into the Command line > Enter. Note that the default is 0 > type 20 > Enter twice. Change the elev to 65 and draw another circle of radius 32mm. Change the elev to 75 and draw another circle of radius 24mm. Change the elev to 95 and draw another circle of radius 24mm. Draw another circle (same elevation) of 21mm radius. Change the elev to 110. Draw another circle of radius 21mm. The drawn circles represent the cross-sections.
Then go to the 3D Make panel > Loft. Or Draw > Modeling > Loft, or Modeling toolbar > Loft, or just type loft in the Command window. Next select the cross-sections in the order indicated on the top left, a bit like “joining the dots”. Press Enter twice. Click on the various options in the dialog box, then select the Ruled bullet point > OK. And finally save as Valve Housing.dwg
The 3d interface in Autocad is user-friendly and easy to learn, and we take time to teach a broad range of applications in our classes including modeling, materials, lighting and animation. See many examples of our clients’ work on our Facebook page. For more information there are lots of resources on the web, but try the Autodesk site to begin with: www.autodesk.com. Support options and user forums are also available from the home page.
Other related Autocad 3d Blog Posts:

• Autocad 3d introduction
• Autocad 3d modeling
• Autocad 3d blocks
• Autocad 3d commands
• Autocad 3d basics