Constraints in 3d sketch

[EngJW]

This 3d sketch mode is driving me nuts. It just doesn't seem to work intuitively. Two problems I am having:

1. Draw a horizontal line in xy plane, then from the end of it draw another line at an angle. Dimension the length of both lines and the angle- that should be enough but it is unconstrained. Attempts to add any other dimensions or relations over constrains it. Yet you can grab the end of the line and pull it in the z direction and I could not find a relation to prevent this.

2. Compound angles- a line running at an angle in the xy plane, then at a second angle out of the plane (in the z direction). You have to drag the line in the z direction and there is no way to dimension it. You can take the end point and go to properties and enter coordinates for it, but they are not locked in place if you change anything else.

There is more but I probably asked enough already. Thanks for suggestions.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You could constrain using additional geometry.

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/5444/3dsketch5tp.jpg

Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

BTW, you can also pre-place Planes & Axes & use them to constrain points.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[dezignstuff]

3D sketches are pretty rocky ground, and a few tricks might help you out.

1) When you say "in xy plane", are you getting the "XY" on your cursor or have you actually double clicked a plane to constrain the 3D sketch entities to it? If you're just getting the "XY" on your cursor, it really doesn't mean much. If you want to manually lock something to a plane, you can click it and click the plane and give it an "on surface" relation. Another trick that I use very frequently in 3D sketches is dimensioning from planes. Dims in 3D don't snap to hor or vert orientations, but you can force the orientation by dimensioning from planes.

2) With compound angles, I've found you're better off drawing construction geometry (lines on planes) to help you get two separate angle dimensions which are projected onto orthogonal planes, rather than an angle dim which is itself at a compound angle and of little use.

Good luck.

 

[Theophilus]

These are great suggestions. If you're using SW 2006, trust me, 3D sketching is MUCH better than it was.

One thing that will speed things up greatly if you have a big enough monitor. In SW 2006 look for the little box in the lower left area of your graphics window (probably says Custom or Front or something). Click the arrow to the right of that box and select Four View. You're now looking at each plane square-on, plus a trimetric view. Each view moves independently and can be zoomed or changed. This is great for quick 3D sketching with minimal confusion. Drag the border bars to the edge of your graphics screen to get rid of the extra views, or select a different view type like you did for the Four Views (selecting Single View this time).


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

 

[EngJW]

Thanks for the tips. I think I understand it better now. It still seems cumbersome to work with but experience should make a big difference.

 

[Theophilus]

I'm betting your monitor displays through a 2D plane like mine. So it is a bit cumbersome by nature, but being improved all the time as well. Stick with it and you'll be more and more productive with it.


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.

 

[smcadman]

3D sketches are definitely easier in 2006. It may be easier to draw on planes than using constraints or dimensions. To make the planes in the 3D sketcher, simply pick a plane and hold CTRL down and drag it. Double-click the planes to draw on them.

That's how I created this part in 2006 when it was still in Beta. (I couldn't find the thread I posted these originally)

http://img259.echo.cx/img259/5634/sw2006pr18ce.jpg

http://img259.echo.cx/img259/3708/sw2006pr24ez.jpg

Flores
SW06 SP3.0

 

[EngJW]

Can you put planes at angles other than 90 degrees, or do you have to draw construction geometry first?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Unfortunately, construction geometry is required to define the "rotation" axis.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[EngJW]

Thanks- I made a part last night using planes and several angles, and was able to go back and make changes. It just took longer for the first time, but everything does.