creating a label from a curved surface

[Scarecrow]

Hi,
I have to create a label from a curved cylinder, and it's not an easy rectangle. Is there a way to project a flat profile from a curved (recessed for the label) surface? I need to get this part done long before the prototype model arrives.
Any tips

Thanks

Gerry

http://www.scatmat.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You are looking for an "unwrap" tool?

Does the 'label' exist on a solid model?

Are you just trying to re-create the flat shape of the recessed area?



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[Scarecrow]

Just catching up with how to do all this:
My file is here, the white recessed area needs to be covered with a label.

http://www.yourfilelink.com/get.php?fid=41289

thanks

Gerry

 

[Nella95]

There's a 'wrap text' feature that comes in really handy.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Unless I misunderstand you - this is quite simple.

Make a new sketch on a plane that covers the entire recessed area (parallel to the apparent cutaway plane on your model)

Once in that sketch, select the contours you want to 'map' to that plane, then use the "Convert Entities" tool to project all those lines onto your plane.

You could then take this sketch - make it into a block - and then project it back using a 'wrap' feature.

Is that what you wanted to do?

 

[Scarecrow]

Hi Jabberwocky,
I am confused. If I were to ask a graphic designer to make me a self adhesive label to stick on the face of the part in question (in real world production). How would I get the exact dimensions of the label to the designer so that he/she could make it? Keeping in mind that the recess to hold the label was designed first.

Thanks very much so far (i feel that we're getting close to solving this)

Gerry

http://www.scatmat.com

 

[Theophilus]

You can only wrap the label cylindrically across a single axis--otherwise, you'll create a compound surface and the label will wrinkle.

So, to get the label width--across the curved surface--create a sketch that cuts through your surface or otherwise lets you see a section of the surface (convert entities or whatever). Convert the arc that makes the cylinder section. Measure the arc. Select each endpoint of the arc, then the arc itself, and you'll have the circumferal length of your label surface.

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Well, the method I described will just get you the exact shape, although the proportions may be off because it has been mapped to a flat surface.

To get the exact dimensions couldn't you use the measure tool on all four sides and use those lengths? You might have to do a bit of trig to get the proper lengths of the curved sides, but the numbers should come out well.

 

[Scarecrow]

Of course!!! I feel like such a fool, the label will totally wrinkle. Ok, still time left to redesign that to a flat rectangle, from there I know how to get the label dimensions figured out.
BIG thanks for pointing out that glaring error.

Gerry

http://www.scatmat.com