Hello to all!
I need some CAD design advice. I am doing a project in which I need to design a pattern around a concave surface. (See attached images)
I am mostly using Alias and SolidWorks for modelling.
Can anyone help me in how I can solve this modelling issue with any of the previously named softwares?
Thank you!!
Cheers!
Fran
Looking at that image makes me dizzy.
It appears to me you have two patterns, one along a curve and the other in an XY direction.
I also see it as a pattern that’s slightly angled and then cropped into a square shape.
Does it need to be in the 3d model? You could create a map in Photoshop/Illustrator and use it as a bump map or displacement map in a rendering software, it could be easier than modeling the texture directly in Solidworks.
Thank you guys!. Unfortunately needs to be a CAD model, because it is the front grill of an air filter device… Previously I did a Photoshop over a render.
I am looking into Rhinoceros + Grasshopper. If it does not work, I will have to simplify the pattern.
[ Deleted ]
Thank you Keno!, I am trying something similar with Alias!
Francisco, I am an expert modeler in this.
The displacement map idea is interesting in general - there is a program called ZSurf which converts 2D bitmaps to 3D IGES surfaces and does not do a bad job up to a certain amount of detail. For this pattern I would opt for manual 3D modeling though.
The first step for any pattern design job is reflect back to the client, usually with a sketch, 1. How is the pattern going to be mapped on the target surface/solid and 2. What is the geometrical build-up of the intended pattern, since it can be interpreted in different ways - with this surface - are they cylindrical strands like a woven basket around the concavity, or are all surfaces concave like ripples in the water - it’s like the inverted mask illusion - do you see what I mean? Also take manufacturability into account.
If it’s threads, it can easily be done with Rhino+GH - you can create the base curves, divide curves, displace every even-numbered vertex one way and every odd-numbered vertex the other, combine the displaced points, interpolate curve and then a pipe curve.
You can also do this in Solidworks, you can project curves onto your surface and then run a sweep with circular profile. If it’s all concave surfaces, it will need to be done manually through lofts - see if you can make it radially symmetric to save time. Make a modeling plan before you start, and prevent things from having to be trimmed off later.
Hello Guys,
At the end, the pattern idea changed just a bit from the original concept…
I did it totally in Alias. I used the Tubular Offset tool, and after that a lot of trims to achieve the basic idea.
Thank you for the help!
sweet, glad you got it figured out.
