sketchless solids 1

[jackk]

We just came across a CATPart that contained several solid Pads that did not have parent Sketches as a sub-branch in the tree. When we edited the Pad, the profile field showed "Complex"

We later discovered that many Part Design features can be made "sketchless" by using an existing face as the profile.

Is anyone doing this as a standard modeling practice?

Are there any advantages to "sketchless solids" ?

 

[itsmyjob]

Sketch is a nice tool to define Profile for Solid, but as you've found out, it is not mandatory.

I've made pad from surface or even JOIN or other wireframe element. Sometimes Sketch is simply not the best tool to define a profile.

Sometimes intersection or projection in a sketch is not associative with 3D, while the same projection or intersect with the plane of the sketch is associative...

Eric N.
indocti discant et ament meminisse periti ​

 

[solid7]

Agreed, Eric.

I use many pads without sketches, especially if it is an "up to" operation, and doesn't require a flat terminal face.

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[slcad]

Sometimes intersection or projection in a sketch is not associative with 3D...[/quote itsmyjob]

I don´t know exactly if this is a rule, but what I noticed about non-associative intersections/projections inside a sketch: whenever the result of the projection/intersection is made of more than one contour (closed or not), it would make it non-associative. Beside that, I still find the sketch as being the best option (there are exceptions of course), since I think you have the best control over the geometry.