sweep or loft 2

[atama]

Hi, I want to make a sweep that has different profiles, i.e. gets "thin" and "fat" . Is there a way of doing this with a sweep, or do I have to create a complicated loft to achieve what I want? I'm attaching a pic of the path and profiles so my question is understood.

 

[bvanhiel]

atama,

I'd do it with a loft. You cannot have multiple sections in a sweep, although you could try to control it with guide curves.

As you have the sketches defined, you could do a centerline loft without adding any new curves.

-b

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You will need to create and use Guide Curves which trace the path of matching points around the circular profiles.

Whether you use a Loft or Sweep is optional. Both have their own merits and limits. You will have to try both to see which gives the best result for your needs.

 

[TheTick]

Use a sweep! It will be a cleaner result. Loft should be a last resort.

Create a guide curve that controls the diameter along the path. In the sectionsketch, you will need to use pierce constraints. Use one to attach the center of the circle to the path. Use another to associate the circle diameter to the guide. Do this by placing a point constrained coincident with the circle and pierce w/ the guide curve.

Honesty may be the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.

http://www.EsoxRepublic.com

-SolidWorks API VB programming help

 

[Theophilus]

Sweep is better, just like TheTick said. They tend to be much more consistent than lofts in this case. Also, you'll only need a single guide curve since you're using a circle for your profile. If you use an ellipse, you can control major and minor axes with its own guide curve (I used to do this a lot for handle designs).

(This is me lately--run around and affirm whatever TheTick has already posted. )



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[atama]

Thanks guys, I'll try that tomorrow when I get the time.

 

[dezignstuff]

Sweep? No way. Use a loft. You've already got everything you need to make a loft. For a sweep you're gonna also need a guide curve. Make a centerline loft, and you might have to change the twist settings, but you'll be done in 15 seconds.

Best of luck

 

[Theophilus]

A "centerline loft"? Hey, I've not heard of that. That will take care of the lumpy stuff I normally get from lofts then, right?



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[thermoD]

Yes..I am with dezignstuff 100%..centerline lofts are more powerful and much easier than sweep..
check this out

 

[Theophilus]

That file is in 2008 format--is this centerline loft a 2008 feature (wondering why I'm not already familiar with it. ..)?



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[meintsi]

Jeff,

I know it was included in 2007. Can't remember farther back.....

Remember...
[navy]"If you don't use your head,[/navy]
[navy]your going to have to use your feet."[/navy]

 

[thermoD]

I am sorry..I don't have an earlier version..but go to loft Property Manager and check centerline parameter..It works the same as guide curve but it doesn't have to touch profiles..
basically, you select your profile, activate the centerline parameters (on loft PM) and then select your centerline sketch (normally spline)..
anyway, this an image of the file,

 

[Theophilus]

Cool--thanks! Good to know.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.