Join our MCAD Central community forums, the largest resource for MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design) professionals, including files, forums, jobs, articles, calendar, and more.
You can do thisusing a VSS with a circle trajectory and a relation using the trajpar variable in the section sketch. There are several threads about similar surfaces if you search. Also, here's a tutorial to create this shape:
I hear solidworks can finally do embedded equations, but those same people are the dorks who told me that solidoworks has an internet manager... and the same dorks that loved solidworks in 1999.
I hate those types of people. If it weren't for motorocycles they would not be my friend.
(btw, i think its funny that everyone is comparing pro/E and solidworks! no one seems to compare pro/E against Catia or unigraphics or... and so on , but as i said before...those threads bores me anyway. )
I was just putting the one week surfacing class into a written outline.... can anyone who took the class add or subtract from this? A manager was asking for it and I've never created one for this class before.
Outline of the class.To keep the pace and intensity fast each tutorial is designed for one hour increments.
Day 1
In this day one the instructor will set the pace for the entire week. It is the goal to come close to completing the two day surfacing class that is outlined online at
The first day we will cover what Design Engine considers the basics of surfacing: the participants will discover hidden tools within IGES redefine functions using the data doctor. The same model will be rebuilt so the participants can explore all the options within the boundary blend tool. Participants will also conduct several surface sweeps in this first day. The instructor will introduce g2 continuity from a calculus perspective, then make examples to modern manufacturing. Design Engine has found that advanced users find this day extremely helpful. Along with the fact that the class is administered from a modeling technique perspective, and not like the book approach of the class from sellers of the software. This class is designed to get all the first timers more even with those in the class, that learned surfacing on their own. We usually go through 8-10 models in this first day.
Day 2
Although in the first day we attempt to complete the two day surfacing class, we often have two models/lectures left from day one to complete in this day. We complete those models and make discussions of what we learned, and how we might apply what we leaned in day one to past projects.
We cover the bounding box this day and it is usually the most enjoyable and useful part of the engineers class. Day two also covers applying surfaces onto existing solid geometry and forcing rounds on geometry to create bigger rounds. We also continue pushing boundary blend tools by applying curves and surfaces with a multitude of techniques. Compiled with what we learned of continuity issues from calculus, users start to learn of the physics of how light reflects off geometry. Once the base models have been completed for sweeps, we utilize those types of features on production models also keeping pace with the one hour increments designed to keep the pace fast. We usually go through 10 - 12 models in this second day.
Day 3
In this day we push the participants very hard with sweeps. After the instructor completes a 20 minute lecture of why designers don't like sweeps (a perfect lead in to sweeps discussions), the instructor will point out work around techniques, to where sweeps might have presented problems before. Then the instructor will go into another 20 minute lecture of everything one can do with a sweep with multi trajectories, managing pull direction for plastic models, then the class will complete those exercises for an hour. Then there is another 20 minute lecture where the instructor shares sweep functions inside ISDX, then the blend tool is compared. The instructor completes the lecture with equation run sweeps and shares weaknesses of mid range modelers such as Solidworks who can't yet use equations to drive surface geometry. The end of this day if time remains the instructor will cover everything designers can do with ISDX. Once this day is complete, the engineers are capable of talking about more advanced modeling techniques. Industrial Designers think about why light reflects off of something and engineers don't quite get that until they understand the mathematics behind it all. This day helps the engineers and the industrial designers connect. We usually create 15 models in this third day.
Day 4
Now and only after the first three days are designers and engineers who work with designers, prepared to learn ISDX. It is the instructors attempt to complete the level 6 ISDX surfacing techniques class in one day.
ISDX Surfacing techniques
http://www.proetools.com/courses/pro_surface/level6.htm
In this day, users will rebuild several of the models we built in the first day, but using ISDX this time. We focus on tangential across the mirror plane, and manipulation of the models and how light reflects off form. We discuss curvature continuity in detail and look at other modeling tools (15 minutes), like Alias, Solidworks and Catia. We push through 8 models in 8 hours to maintain the fast pace of the class. We rebuild the hood scoop and smile models using ISDX then with the fridge handle, Harley Davidson fuel tank, and continue in one hour increments till the day is complete. Day Four is usually a culmination of both the ISDX level 6 Surfacing Techniques and A Class surfacing level 7 classes.
Day 5
Although the instructor has training material for another week of training, this last day is often open for work on existing projects participants bring from work. When I teach this class I like to leave this last day open. However, if elected we could push forward with the same intensity of one hour models, where the instructor spends 10 minutes introducing the geometry deleting features, and rebuilding features then let the class room try for 40 minutes.
I hear solidworks can finally do embedded equations, but those same people are the dorks who told me that solidoworks has an internet manager... and the same dorks that loved solidworks in 1999.
SolidWorks can do equations but only recently did it take Trigonometry and discover the arcsin, arccos functions. I hate debating which sucks more but I do enjoy correcting peoples misguided assumptions. They are sometimes a good way to blow off steam as long as they don't go for 95 pages. SolidWorks does have an intent manager of sorts. If you're the kind of person who can't multitask. You either get tangent or equal length but not both. If the Quick Snap tool is selected and happens to work for the function you're using it will allow you to detect specific relations.
SolidWorks may be able to do equations but it's very hard to change them using the property manager without a concept of t or trajpar that varies from (0-1). Also nobody at SolidWorks has ever heard of a Cylindrical Coordinate system
I hated SolidWorks in 1999 cause it was a piece of sh1t software. They have done a better job more recently of developing functionality but good luck creating your own flyouts. I think the next Wildfire should give many people who don't know how to avoid cascading failures stay away from the Resolve Feature menu.
SolidWorks does allow for more control of surfaces because of it's ability to create and dimension splines in 3dsketches. As a trial I'm going to run thru the SolidWorks Advanced Surfacing book using Pro/E and compare and contrast the two.
I'll definately take a look at your Class Summaries and try to give some good feedback.
I already emailed it to the manager but I will still take feedback. What book are you talking about? It might be more fun if I buy it too and do it with you... remotely of course.I will be stuck in New Orleans for the month of August and will need something to do if I get board of Cajun princesses....
I'm eager to hear more about the equations in solid works. Edited by: design-engine
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
