Place an identical (complex) smaller shape in a larger shape

matthira · 1 Jun 2015, 02:00

I'm very new to this so I apologize if this is a stupid question. I'm working on this custom lapel pin 3D print based on my monogram logo (an anchor. I have advanced knowledge of 2D vector work but I've never experimented with 3D.
Anyway, I got this far:

But I wanted to spruce it up a little. I was going to add a triangular shaped engraving pattern inside the border, so I thought the best way to go about that would be to scale down the outline of the shape and manipulate it into a triangle to intersect the main body. The problem is when I scale it down, this happens:

It doesn't line up properly.

Is there a better way I should go about doing this? I'm trying to make it a little more elegant and less plain so I think this would be a step in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

File:
http://sketchucation.com/forums/download/file.php?mode=view%26amp;id=131341

File

Dave R · 1 Jun 2015, 02:35

Instead of scaling, you might try Offset. It'll take a little clean up but it can be done as shown. I would suggest you first install TIG-Weld from the Sketchucation Plugin Store and use it to weld the edges so the can be selected as one.

matthira · 1 Jun 2015, 02:39

Thanks for the reply! Wow, okay I will try that I wasn't aware that was an option. Do you have any suggestions on how to turn that smaller face now into a triangle I could use to engrave the larger anchor? Thanks again!

I'm not seeing how you used the offset tool on the hole towards the top. It appears it only works on outside edges?

Dave R · 1 Jun 2015, 09:56

I'm not sure what you mean by a triangle. Do you want to cut a small V-groove following that offset edge?

You can offset to the outside of a curve. In this case you'd do that in a separate step.

As for the V-groove, if that's what you want, use those offset edges as paths for Follow Me. I'd split the anchor in half and work on that. Then copy and flip along the red axis to make the other half.

For what it is worth, the only plugin I used at all on your model is TIG-Weld. Everything else was done with native tools.

pilou · 1 Jun 2015, 10:29

@unknownuser said:

I'm not seeing how you used the offset tool on the hole towards the top. It appears it only works on outside edges?

Maybe it is made in 2 pass ?

@unknownuser said:

I'm not sure what you mean by a triangle

I believe he wants subdivide the surface!

Dave R · 1 Jun 2015, 12:48

@pilou said:

I believe he wants subdivide the surface!

With "a triangle"? One triangle?

pilou · 1 Jun 2015, 12:55

Not very clear indeed!

Box · 1 Jun 2015, 13:59

Pilou, although I speak a variety of languages, I don't answer technical questions in another language unless I really know and understand the nuances of the question.

Jean Lemire · 1 Jun 2015, 16:33

Hi folks.

Maybe the triangle is a bevel all around.

This can be done using a triangle and the "Follow me" tool.

Make sure that the model is large enough to avoid generating very small facets that will not close automatically, leaving holes in the model.

Just ideas.

matthira · 1 Jun 2015, 18:38

Hello all yes sorry for the confusing question but I did mean a triangular bevel tracing the interior of the shape.

matthira · 1 Jun 2015, 18:52

You have all really helped me a lot. I've made a lot of progress for someone who just started this yesterday. I made it to here:

I assume there is a way to create a bevel from those faces I've made? Would it be best to make the large anchor one face, and to use the smaller lines to intersect it and make a bevel from that?
Many thanks again!

Dave R · 1 Jun 2015, 19:18

I'm still not understanding what you want exactly. Do you want the V-groove like I showed? Or maybe a recessed center area with a bevel around the edges? Is there any chance you can find a picture of something that has a similar detail and share that?

matthira · 1 Jun 2015, 21:13

Yes a V-shaped groove is all I'm looking for. I'm sorry I'm complicating it so much!

Dave R · 1 Jun 2015, 21:25

So just what I drew and showed in my previous image?

Dave R · 1 Jun 2015, 21:37

Draw a triangular profile and use Follow Me to extrude it along the offset edge. As I mentioned before, divide the anchor and the path in half since they are symmetrical. After you've made the V-groove in the half, copy and flip to make the other half.

It would be wise to make the triangle a fair amount larger than the desired V-groove and then only push the bottom "point" into the anchor as far as you need. this will leave some faces extending above the surface of the anchor which will make Intersect Faces work better and make it easier to clean up.

matthira · 1 Jun 2015, 22:26

Wow that's exactly what I'm trying to accomplish. I don't understand what you mean by draw a triangle profile but I will look into the "Follow Me" feature now. Thanks!

Dave R · 1 Jun 2015, 22:52

I think you'd be smart to start with something considerably more simple than this anchor and learn the basic tools such as Follow Me. You need to have these fundamentals down so you can actually understand what it is that you're doing when you work on this model. The profile is the shape you'll extrude along a path with the Follow Me tool.