Outline · [ Standard ] · Linear+ 6 identical pieces?

[tlehnhaeuser]

Ok, heres a riddle for anyone interested. I have created this shape, now I want to split it into 6 identical pieces for manufacturing. However, when I split the part to create the section (green part) and reposition it to form the complete shape it will not line up.
I am not entirely sure what part of the puzzle I'm missing.
If anyone can help. It would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, I am told from client that SolidWorks cannot create this part and it can't unfold it to a flat either. So I'm 99% there, just 1 % throwing me off.
I would love to rub it in this guys face if possible.

thanks
Tom

PS Carlo, I think this is right up your alley!!!!


 Kendall_1145.ics ( 2.5mb ) Number of downloads: 285


This post has been edited by tlehnhaeuser: Mar 4 2011, 01:35 PM

[Cary OConnor]

Hi Tom,

Using the original surface shape:

Place Iso curves at 16.666666666666666666666666666667% increments (100/6).
Copy the curves up.
Create ruled surfaces between the curves.
Trim the surface (using split all) and keep all sections.
Create a Surface from the split faces.
Unfold the surface using the Unfold Surface/Solid Tool.

Attached is the surface constructed model.

Cary

 Kendall_1145a.ics ( 2.58mb ) Number of downloads: 237

[tlehnhaeuser]

Hmmm gotta figure out your way. the only problem is the client wants the final sections to be like the green parts shown in the original image.
tom

[tlehnhaeuser]

I think I may on the trial. if I use 100/12 then I get the middles. Thank you!

[tlehnhaeuser]

Ok new twist to this, the client wants the bends to 1.75" radius on insides.
I have attached scene and image showing where I need to apply tangencies. Since all the curves need to be on the same diameter, so I am bit stumped how to get the tangent points as indicated in image.
any feedback is welcomed.
Tom


Attached thumbnail(s)


Attached File(s)
 Kendall_1145.ics ( 2.71mb ) Number of downloads: 223

[Cary OConnor]

How did you determine where the curve hit the circular curve? If you make a point there (and move the curve away a little), then you can use Parallel to Edge End or Parallel to Edge and pick the point. Then move the curve endpoint back to that location. Then adjust the value.

It would be a Nice ER to add the Ctrl-Alt to work in those right-click options to avoid the extra move steps.

Cary

[tlehnhaeuser]

How did you determine where the curve hit the circular curve?

The point is a visual guess, hence the need for a tangency. I know about the End Parallel but it still relys on the estimated point of tangency.

tx
tom

[Cary OConnor]

Not sure I follow. That curve is a spline. The spline needs to be connected at a point. At that point, you can make the spline tangent to the curve it is connecting to. So if you make a true point on the Circle where you want it to connect, then you can connect the spline to be tangent to that point. Otherwise the spline can be any tangent it wants around a circle (there is no given direction where).

Cary

[tlehnhaeuser]

I inderstand what your saying, but let me put it this way.

I have the two "circles" that are actual "bent" along a diameter. then I want to draw a "line" that is "tangent" to the two circles, however the "line" is "bent" along the same diameter. That make sense?

Honesty, I could guess where the point would be and then have the "arcs" maintain a parallet to end, this make change the bend radii slight and on this I could probably get away with it. However, if this part needed to be 100% accurate, not sure how it would be achieved.
Tom

[IronKevin]

Sounds like you would have to draw all this in a 2D Sketch then use the Wrap command to wrap it on the cylinder.

[tlehnhaeuser]

Thanks Kev,
Not sure how I would do that, I will have to try to test.

However, I have completed this job to much amazement of the client who tried several other designers who use SolidWorks and all had failed before coming to me.

He is so impressed, that I think he will look to purchase IronCAD in the near future.
The parts are on the CNC and should see the results next week.

thanks all for the help.
I have attached a video of my complete work.
Tom
 job189.7z ( 1.02mb ) Number of downloads: 268

[Cary OConnor]

Looks Cool! Glad you were able to complete it. Now go get them to give you a reason not to buy

Cary

[cborer]

Tom!
Very Cool!
Impressive!
How did you do that?
Carlo

This post has been edited by cborer: Mar 19 2011, 04:17 AM

[tlehnhaeuser]

Hi Carlo,
REquired some learning curve on my part as to what some the more advanced surfacing tools actually do.
As it turns out the use the Iso-parametric surface tools was CRITICAL to the accuracy of this part. Without it, I probably would not have been able to make this.
I cant supply the files, but heres a snapshott of the construction geometry I created to build this part.
Cheers
Tom

[cborer]

Hi Tom
I thought you wouldn't offer the file!
I would do the same!

Looks like some work!
Thanks
Carlo

[tlehnhaeuser]

Hi Tom
I thought you wouldn't offer the file! 
I would do the same! 

Looks like some work!
Thanks
Carlo

If it was mine, I consider it, but this for a client. when completed it will be high polished aluminum. If I can get a finished picture show you.

Actually, creating the construction geometry was easy and the 3D curves as well. the hardest part was getting the parts spilt perfectly to be able to make this piece with 6 IDENTICAL pieces. After many trial and error using split tool, that was not the answer, the answer ended up being after creating the SURFCASe was to create 2 Iso-parametric curves on the top and bottom surfaces to use in loft then the loft surface as a cutter.

T

[cborer]

Cool!
Thanks Tom