Surfacing in Solidworks 1

[davidneedshelp]

I am trying to use the 'filled surface' command in solidworks 2005, but keep getting the error message 'Boundary is open and cannot be patched.Ensure there are no gaps in the boundary or use a closed boundary.'

Sounds simple but the 3 patch boundary lines I am using each have relations 'intersect' and 'pierce' at their endpoints and therefore the boundary should be closed.

Any tips on overcoming such problems?

Thank you for any help.

 

[Theophilus]

This is a hack, but it works.

I normally extrude a surface instead of using mere lines/curves in such areas. If you need a compound curve, extrude a surface (curved, straight, whatever) a set distance and extrude a second surface up to that one. Trim the surfaces where they collide to form an edge--this edge can be converted to a composite curve, which can be used as a good boundary.

That's a little more complicated than you may need, but it always works and I don't know more details about your situation to simplify things.

By the way, I don't think you'll need to go through all this trouble in SW 2007.

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[davidneedshelp]

Thanks Jeff.

Unfortunately I am drawing an existing component. The 3 boundaries which I am using to create the patch are each curves - one in x-plane, one in y and one in z.

David Brown

 

[Theophilus]

David, the method I outlined will work to do what you need by converting the curves into something that will work with the patch feature (composite curves). You may be able to select your curves and translate them into composite curves without all the hassle, but I don't know what sort of curves you're talking about.

If your curves are each on the X, Y, and Z planes, it sounds like you're making a corner piece. That should be simple if your curves are already where you want them. Simply extrude a surface away from the direction you want to fill, using each curve. Use the edges of the surfaces as your boundary for the fill, and you'll be able to patch in your surface.

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I don't use surfaces much at all, but if the patch boundary should be closed, does that not mean that the end-points should be coincident ... not pierced or intersecting? Wouldn't the portion of line extending past an intersecting lines end point make the sketch "not-closed".


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

 

[Theophilus]

Yes, that's correct. The points need to be coincident (or perhaps pierced).

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[davidneedshelp]

Thank you Jeff and CorBlimeyLimey - this has worked.

David.