sweep elliptical sketch

[wfalco]

What is the best method for sweeping an elliptical sketch - such as the shape of a spoon (no handle)?

This thread is inactive and closed by the PTC Community Management Team. If you would like to provide a reply and re-open this thread, please notify the moderator and reference the thread. You may also use "Start a topic" button to ask a new question. Please be sure to include what version of the PTC product you are using so another community member knowledgeable about your version may be able to assist.

[TomD.inPDX]

I wouldn't try to get the shape of the spoon in one feature.

Typically, you would create a surface shape that extends beyond the edges and go back and trim that surface to the shape you want.

Then you add thickness or a second companion surface if you don't want uniform thickness.

Spoons are so much about style that you really want control over every aspect.

[wfalco]

I do not do much surfacing. Are you referring to using surfacing module?

[TomD.inPDX]

No, just the standard surfaces in Creo.  For instance, you can revolve a surface in the same way you revolve a solid.  You can trim surfaces and merge surfaces with other surfaces or projected curves..  If you merge an enclosed volume of surfaces, you can solidify that.

It is worth knowing surfaces if you want some stylized geometry.  I do not need it often, but certainly comes in handy when I do.

[wfalco]

Yeah - I am very weak with surfacing. I know how to offset, solidify etc. But not sure how to revolve and trim. I have attached a file. It's really more of a tanning goggle than an spoon shape. I have 3 curves. I read boundary blend tool was the way to go. But was in an old post and sample files were gone. the curves may or may not be represented properly - but they are basically the 3 I'd wish to get a by-product of a surface or solid. I am using WF4. Let me know what you think. Thanks. Wayne

[TomD.inPDX]

Goggles have a lot of varying wall thicknesses since they require structural safety.  I don't know that a single feature will make this.

Boundary blends are very powerful.  They also have a lot of hidden features like adding points to connect and guide curves.

People that venture into this either get very lucky of they have an industrial design background... in which case they probably wouldn't use Creo/WF.

In general, persistence will get you a long way.  Try it a few different ways, capture the shapes and curves you know you want to keep as references, and then try to merge these concepts onto the 3D solid.  Also be patient, nothing happens quickly in CAD.  There is nothing worse than beating a dead horse.  Just start over when you get to that point.

[wfalco]

First - I thank you for assuring me its not a simple task. Man I feel dumb when I get into these area - which is not much.

The shape is actually not too difficult. It works in var sect swp - but can't deal with the section as it will overlap.

I was told boundary blend is the way to go. I almost have it. But I may not be using correct  curves (maybe should be half?) Also the real kicker appears to be the proper usage of control points.

Yes I shall go forward. I prefer a sound conclusion rather than a hack solution....since I hope to file this one away for use in the future.

Thanks Antonius!

[TomD.inPDX]

I don't have WF4, but I made a boundary blend version of your curves.  I did a minor tweak on the curvature in the boundary blend to make it smoother.

Attached is a STEP file that should import.  Tip: divide the 1st sketch into half.  That way you can define half the part.  Use normal to the datum planes.

Selection 1 is 1/2 the 1st sketch, and the hidden sketch... the second set is just the full arch through the center.  This should come up with something close to what is attached.

[wfalco]

You got it man! Cool. Let me try per your instructions. I need to learn to do this.

[wfalco]

Sorry to be a pain in the...

But not sure I follow your instructions.Can you write them one by one using feature names? I guess an export of the curves with surface removed would help? I'd really appreciate it!

[wfalco]

I think I did it right? I did one side first then mirror it?

[TomD.inPDX]

You got it covered, Wayne?

Yes, I mirrored 1/2 the shell and merged it.

[TomD.inPDX · Accepted solution]

Just for fun...  This is using splines exclusively.

Since the shell halves were identical (and to test that they were!) I rotated the pattern rather than mirroring.

Mirror does not always update when the parent feature is changed.  The patterns do by default.

Things get pretty strange when you control each node of a spline.  But it can give you some very nice results.

Be sure to select the HD setting on the video.

[wfalco]

WOWee WOW WOW

Nice Job!

I need to watch this a few times.

I pretty much followed your first instructions. Instead of mirror, I just made 2 blends.

I then merged, thickened and used a straight extrude cut. I like the surface cut idea.

Thanks so much for all the time and effort! Your the master of this now.

Wayne

[wfalco]

I started out only using splines. But figured I am ok with arcs. Splines do get a little wicked to dimension.