Parametric Molecule

[ptc-1077260]

OK, I am experimenting with some fun designs and well trying to learn a good way to pattern objects/features in a 3D space instead of just patterning holes, or pattering and projecting along curved surfaces. Long story short, I am wanting to parametricly drive some "molecules" or lattic structures. Before I hack away at this, was curious if anybody has some good tips/tricks from their learning.

Thanks in advance!

James

This link is for a google search to help explain the types of shapes I want to make. I couldn't seem to paste screen shots into this thread.

Google Images Searchhttps://www.google.com/search?q=3d+model+molecule+proe&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=995&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=_CNQVMfkMcXeoASAmILACQ&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ#tbm=isch&q=3d+model+molecule+diamond&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=SFbhYO4bSTYPGM%253A%3Bap6INHNP73h_nM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.edinformatics.com%252Fmath_science%252F...

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[ptc-810450]

Hi James,
You can select dimensions of features to increment (for example, a datum
point with X, Y and Z dimensions), then assemble or model a ball around
the first datum point and do a Reference pattern (so you end up with a
ball at each datum point), then add spoke off the first ball and pattern
again (just be careful what you dimension to when creating the ball or
spokes - only reference the first datum point or a reference that stays
constant throughout the pattern). If you want to go more random you can
use a pattern table to drive the 3 dimensions of your datum points. This
way you can use Excel to create the datum points (the centres of the
balls) wherever you want as a table.

I've only done this many years ago on an old version of ProE so don't know
the exact current terminology. If you run into problems I can give you a
bit more detail.

cheers
--
Mark von Huben

Principal Mechanical Engineer
Cochlear Ltd
1 University Ave
Macquarie Park, NSW, 2113
Australia

p +61 2 9425 5210

[ptc-1077260]

Hi Mark,

That was my first approach, but wow I need a machine upgrade to process that pattern. So than I thought to make my parameter driven knuckle and then pattern on a 2D plane and then pattern again to go across. No such luck, ProE doesn't allow double patterning of grouped items. I think I will go back to the totally driven 3D pattern with Excel table. That should be more flexible later on.

[cid:image001.png@01CFF2D4.F4F94880]

[MikeFoster]

Hi James,

If you're running into computer processing power limitations you might try using surface features instead of solids. In my experience large patterns of surfaces regenerate much faster than solids.

Mike Foster
ATK

[mlocascio]

That reminds me of the tetrahedral model that I made.