What is the best tool for tracing?

[HeavenlySolid]

In SW 2004 how can I used a BMP of JPEG file in the background of a sketch to help me trace an image? What is the best tool for tracing?

Once the tracing I done I would delete it.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

http://www.WinTopo.com

has a free raster to vector conversion program. You could use it to create the outlines and then import it into a SW sketch & edit it to suit.

 

[meintsi]

One method I used in the past is to create a solid with 1 face large enough to hold what you want to copy.

Select the face, create a new sketch, and using the "insert picture" toolbar icon (not the 'menu command' for this - for some reason the last time I had to do this, the two commands yielded different behaviors), add the image.

With 2007, there is an "insert sketch picture" command.
Not sure with which version it appeared.

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

 

[roguewrench]

If I understand you question. it would depend upon the profile you are trying to trace. Lines and Arcs are the best for control in SW2004(SW2006/2007 you have more control/dimensioning over splines which make life a lot easier). Again depending on your sketch I start with circles and lines to get the over all shape then I start trimming and dimensioning form there.

When you import you image make sure to move it some you will have a good datum point for reference. I try to put a hole, corner on the origin or if there is a straight edge I make that parallel with a plane.

I hope this help you out.


CJ Goodrich
Product Design Engineer
Leatherman Tool Group
Portland, Oregon

 

[Theophilus]

I often use splines for tracing logo text with curves, combined with lines or arcs for their respective geometry. I've found splines easier to work with on curvy stuff because they're much easier to adjust--and have traced many logos, etc. over the years.

Once I have the logo traced, I'll normally extrude the feature with the sketch to produce a flat surface. I'll open a sketch on that surface, convert the entities to regain the outline again, and close the sketch. Simply copy this sketch where you need it and use the +/- tool in the sketch toolbar (show it if you don't see it) to resize in small increments wherever you need it. You can then work with the logo or whatever any place you need it while keeping a single part file of your original trace--no need to delete the BMP.

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[HeavenlySolid]

Great answers, thank you all!!!!


CorBlimeyLimey

Does "WinTopo Raster to Vector Converter" have any spam or any funny malicious ssoftware inside? Can it be trust it?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I have used it often without any problems and I have not heard of any problems from other users either. There is a link to a WinTopo user group at the site but I have never used it.