Copy Array Along Path tool...have a look.

Bob James

Thank you Simon: I can really understand the process now.

However, you and I have a different definition of "fast and easy".

simon le bon

@thomthom said:

Should try that with Remus' catenary curve...

[plugin]Simple Catenary Curve
../ this is done.
(I will explain latter-- 'm tired)

Have a good night SCF fellows *s

Click Draw

Anyone care to figure out what I am doing wrong. Not quite sure the proper setting for the axis on the component...See attached.

Thanks,

Jeff

segment_component.skp

Click Draw

That is great! I believe I understand. Basically, position the axis in the center so that the front and back end pivot at the same angle. I assume you just have the adjust the first and last component so they line up properly? Thanks again. I'll try it again. Merci Simon!

Cheers,

Jeff

Chris Fullmer

And drawing inspiration from this thread, I just wrote a quick little script called component stringer. You can download it here:

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=180&t=23616

It does essentially what Simon is showing.

Chris

simon le bon

Hi Jeff (big work had taken me out of reply)

Thank you for trying. It is interesting because it shows me what I have to explain further (but it's a "WorkInProgress" also to me! ).

The very basic theory to understand is that our components are not aligned to segments of the curve but are drop on faces (perpendicularly ).

You have focused an important point: the first and last faces are perpendicular to first and last segment of the curve. So they represent a particular case. If we want a very precise result, we have to realign them with the same angle of the others

Second thing important to understand in doing this way: The process remain aproximativ . Not depending of the variations of the curve, the welding is "à peu près"!!

Your component was empty from axes and significant Construction Points. I have added them.

Your are right. The position of component's axes is absolutely fundamental. the good origin is pointed to be positioned on the apex of the triangles(?english~~)

Your curve, your component, your chain!

simon.

Ecuadorian

Thank you, Chris!

simon le bon

Hi Chris,

It's a great pleasure to discover that you were looking apart silently and suddenly come to drop a top cool tool! Component Stringer

You have decided to make the components follows the lines rather than faces.

@chris fullmer said:

Was TIG working on something that would replace a single line with a component and use the line scale and orientation to determine the scale and orientation of the component? Something about that sounds familiar...

Chris

The result is that this tool is wonderful for necklaces

And we have not to use it for imbricated components

One more time, many thanks to you dear Chris,

*simon

Ecuadorian

So, Jeff, how is that SketchUp model of Doc Ock coming along?

Click Draw

Hey Miguel,

I might be able to do the arms now but I'll still suck at modeling Doc Oc. I need to put way more hours in to organic shape modeling!!!

Hope everyones weekend is going well....

Cheers,

Jeff

Ecuadorian

Have you tried importing a Make Human model into Wings 3D or Silo and tweaking there? Then you can import the Wings 3D model to SU and add the robotic arms.

Click Draw

I'll for sure check those out, thank you. I would still like to get decent at organic in Sketchup though. Here is a quick try at Chris's new ruby. I love it! Nice to be able to edit the component and see it update instantly. Thanks again Chris!

Jeff

simon le bon

I pursue the study of my proceeding despite Chris's "Component Stringer" because for the moment(But Chris is working to the speed of the iron horse!!), I think I can master better -the welding of components imbricated, -the mix of various components along the path, _the mix of components following the path with components invariant in orientation.

@bob james said:

However, you and I have a different definition of "fast and easy".

Here is a realtime video (no editing) to show how fast is the process.
We start with a curve and a component.

*simon

simon le bon

Some help to produce the component to copy along a path.

I)Put the good axes:

If it is for you like for me , positionning axes of the component I want to copy along a path is not so evident.
So, make a cube, make it as a component, and......
[flash=500,405:284ps2pd]http://www.youtube.com/v/z81CNzCE4V0[/flash:284ps2pd]

II)How to conceive a chain link:
Using one or other method to produce a chain, necklace and many others fences and so on, you will need to think about the shape of the links.
Here is my tip. Just think to draw a portion of curve with the smallest radius you think you are going to use for your path...
[flash=500,405:284ps2pd]http://www.youtube.com/v/PG8aK7fC2LA[/flash:284ps2pd]