@boofredlay said:

@jql said:

...http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=61363

Ooo, forgot about Flowify.
This was much easier.

Model with step by step attached.

Awesome thanks! I did find a few issues with my model and started over and this time the alignment was perfect. Thanks for your help, I just sent it to the 3D printer and he said the file was good. PHEW! So excited to see the results. I realize this isn't something most people will need but it will be a huge thing for me. (long story what it is, not sure if people would be that interested!)

Thanks again, I really appreciate your help, that video was great and it was also super helpful seeing your file.

Lee

@jql said:

You've simplified the hole's geometry to a plane. That simplifies everything but doesn't bend the shape as it should. So there's no actual aproximation to what it is in reality and in my opinion doesn't solve the true issue in discussion.

However if it fits your objectives it's a perfect solution and congratulations are in order.

Even so, you could try this plugin here:

http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=61363

yes exactly you are right... every time I would bend the geometry in the dome it would pull the edges and distort the thickness. Maybe this plugin would have worked, I will investigate it further and thanks for the suggestion!

[quote="boofredlay"]Here is the tutorial on Youtube: https://youtu.be/sQJoDYOCM0M

This is one way to do it. I am sure there are probably others.

http://youtu.be/sQJoDYOCM0M

Well it took me a while but I think this is the best I can do! I ended up using your method boofredlay, as the other way created a distorted pattern at the bottom which I couldn't fix, although I did find using the curve tool easier to get the shape. In the end I just couldn't fix it.

With your method, I couldn't smooth the edges at the end like you did, it just distorted all the cutouts... any suggestions? The file is 22M yikes! Here is the link if that helps: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u9kzyhuvujywxho/pattern_v11_final.skp?dl=0

A huge thanks to you for your help and sharing ideas! I would never have even gotten this close without it!

Lee

@boofredlay said:

Have you tried the method I used in the video I posted up. That way allows for you to have your pattern along the taper at the bottom.

I started it but I couldn't get my pattern to match the top and bottom and have edges connect, I think I need to do the same pattern you did to make that work. I will try it!

Still making progress, I got my geometry all figured out, just need to accept the fact that I have to change the pattern as I go down. Maybe just a few simple leaves going back and forth for design and then of course I have to punch the holes. I am happy I got the pattern even just 2 rows of it at the top. Also hoping that I can round it off after I am done so it doesn't look so jagged.

Thanks again for your help and ideas, they have been very helpful! Still not done but getting there!

sorry I deleted this post and updated it below.

Well I am making progress but still issues that seem a bit too complicated for me to figure out. Maybe I need a more simple pattern.

Link to file: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zovsd033cyixims/pattern_v4.skp?dl=0

@boofredlay said:

@jql said:

Check the following gif.

This is great JQL however when you have to trim the edges because of the overlap the original pattern is destroyed. I have been struggling with the right angle to make the shape "wedge" to a point so no trimming is necessary.

What if you trim the shape at the beginning with the original strip. Starting the trim at the same spot the shape starts to bend and then ending it at the width for the bottom circle ratio. It would possibly give a bit more control over the scaling of the pattern but the angle would only work if it was a uniform arc. Is this right?

@jql said:

Check the following gif.

I was just struggling with that part. Great how you used the bend tool again to create that triangular shape at the end. Lets see if I can pull it off now... lol

Using a single plugin: shape bender...[/quote]
JQL, how did you go from the step on the right to the one on the left?
[attachment=1:3hjnzs8x]<!-- ia1 -->Capture.JPG<!-- ia1 -->[/attachment:3hjnzs8x]

It looks like perhaps he scaled it to match the size of the triangle?