Draw 3D arc point to point
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This is an interesting puzzle. I just had a thought that we need some method of flattening the curved surface to allow drawing the sloped line and then rolling it back up. I envision something a bit like the way the Scale tool can be used with components for avoiding the small face issue. For example, if I want to draw a small item with detailed curves--a small, turned knob for example. I will draw the profile and a Follow Me path. Then I make all of that geometry a component, copy it and scale up the copy by 100 times or something. I then open the large copy for editing and run Follow Me. After the operation is complete, I close the large copy and delete it. The original copy which is still the proper size been made with no holes in it.
So, could a plugin be created to flatten out a copy of a component without flattening the original instance?
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If you want a linear slope I see no problem with Shape bender.
You will need some extra plugins:
-BZ tools
-Weld#1 draw your three arcs
#2 weld them
#3 select the resulting curve, in context menu choose BZ convert to, choose polyline segmentor, choose how many segments.
#4 select your curve, in entity info look at its length, let say 1000.
#5 on red axis draw a triangle length 1000 height ,let say 400 then make it a group.
#6 on red axis draw a line length 1000.
#7 apply Shape bender, note that you may have to use arrow keys to get the result you expect. -
Something like this?
[flash=800,600:2f3ymz0f]http://www.youtube.com/v/LzuiBX-N7Fc[/flash:2f3ymz0f]
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My experience here with trying to use TOS inferencing is that the same inference, drawn from the same edge, can lead to seemingly contradictory results, though both can be 'logical'.
The first segment is drawn, sloping up, and the second is meant to continue this as if tangent. The continue along edge inference is locked and the resulting line slopes up and then down, even though the first was only sloping up. It is as if at some point the tool says OK, this line is sloping down, which of course it is: any up sloping line is also sloping down from the other end. -
That sure looks like it, Rich.
Fredo Tools Curvishear. I will go-a-looking.
Thank you.
And thank you, gilles, I will try that.
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Rich
I wasn't looking for this, however, you demo was impressive. It is hard to keep up with all the plugins and what exactly they will do.
So thanks Rich
Ken
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Curvishear !!
I forgot this one, yes too much plugins. -
oh wait.. if curvishear is doing it then I guess I didn't actually realize what you wanted.
I was picturing 3 different radius arcs being tangent at the start point then being applied to a curved surface..
(which is possible to do btw.. just not with plugins (yet))please ignore my post in the thread
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Your post was not and will not be ignored. The surface was made from the 2d arcs as something upon which to more easily build the 3d arcs and indeed seemed to get most of the job done: TOS then had a surface upon which to draw and I still think could do it. But CurviShear obviates the need for the surface, and I really wanted the 3d arcs alone, anyway.
Tanks again to all tipsters.
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Well, shoot! I forgot about Curvishear, too. How in the world is anyone supposed to remember all these plugins, anyway?
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@unknownuser said:
It is hard to keep up with all the plugins and what exactly they will do.
Ditto to that! I have less than 30 plugins installed but have tested everyone and keep them sorted by category so I can easily install when needed.
@unknownuser said:
please ignore my post in the thread
Every method has merit. Mine was the lazy way.
@dave r said:
I forgot about Curvishear, too
Does that mean you owe me a pint?
Happy Paddy's Day everyone
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Yes, I do and if you're on your way, I'll get it poured.
Happy Paddy's Day to you, too.
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@charly2008 said:
Hi,
@unknownuser said:
@matt
that's already possible with tools on surfacewhich tool in TOS are you using? arc on surface?
if so, try using a simple line on surface.. click on the start point then the end point and that's it.
be an arc)I Have tried it with the line but it does not work. I do not know if I did something wrong.
I'm with you Charly. I've tried this before also and found that drawing an arc on surface with TOS makes the tool get confused especially if the curved face is totally not in view of the user... [ie: having to orbit the model to continue drawing.]
I do like Rich's use of Curvishear though; that could be the way to do it.
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