3D Sketch - XYZ - Loft - Multiple shaped profiles

[artnmotion]

I was asked to reverse engineer an old drawing for a Linear Shaped Charge (fractures jet canopies).

In order to accomplish this, I created a 3D Sketch (using XYZ data). Along this 3D Sketch I added multiple Sketch Planes for the profiles (some circles, some odd shaped - the odd shapes will have flats for mounting - kinda like an ellipse with a flat and a slight rotation).

I then Lofted.

Issues:
Loft crashes
Loft has issues transitioning from one shape to another.
Loft twists

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[rbpmc]

You will have to add connection points ( blue dots )along the loft to help SolidWorks add some intelligence to your loft intent, it's probably twisting and intersecting. Solidworks can't visualize how the loft is going to direct itself. Also, in some cases where you are trying to loft from a large profile to a smaller profile along a curve, I think the rounding errors get in the way and it can collapse. At least it's been a case that I've come across before.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

If the axis & circle truly intersect the mouse cursor should pick up the intersection, but the easiest way is to place a point on either one (axis or circle) and then create a constraint to the other.