book

SolidWorks® Surfacing and Complex Shape Modeling Bible

Name: SolidWorks® Surfacing and Complex Shape Modeling Bible
Author: Matt Lombard
ISBN: 9780470258231

by Matt Lombard

April 2008

Intermediate to advanced

480 pages

12h 18m

English

Wiley

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Copyright
About the Author
Credits
Preface
Acknowledgments
I. Laying the Groundwork
1. Understanding Basic Concepts
1.1. Assumed Basic Skills1.2. Concepts, Tools, Techniques, and Strategies1.3. Understanding the Difference Between Design and Modeling1.4. Summary
2. Surfacing Primer
2.1. What are Surfaces?2.1.1. Infinitely thin2.1.2. Stand–alone faces2.2. Surfacing: One Stop in the Evolution of CAD2.3. Choosing Solids or Surfaces2.3.1. Assessing strengths and weaknesses2.3.2. How to choose2.4. Surfacing Theory and Concepts2.4.1. Algebraic and NURBS surfaces2.4.1.1. U–V isoparameter curves2.4.1.2. The degenerate condition2.4.2. Trimmed surfaces2.4.2.1. Understanding the B–rep2.4.2.2. Imported geometry and Untrim2.4.2.3. Extending faces2.4.3. Mesh and subdivision surfaces2.4.3.1. Converting mesh data types2.4.3.2. Displaying surface data2.5. Understanding Curvature Continuity2.5.1. What causes edges?2.5.2. Types of curvature transitions2.5.3. Algebraic versus interpolated geometry2.6. Summary
II. Understanding the Tools
3. Sketching with Splines
3.1. Why Splines?3.1.1. Types of splines3.1.1.1. 2D and 3D3.1.1.2. User–drawn splines3.1.1.3. Converted splines3.1.1.4. Face curves3.1.1.5. Auto Trace3.1.1.6. Intersection curves3.1.1.7. Fit spline3.2. Anatomy of a Spline3.2.1. Tangency Handle3.2.2. Control Polygon3.2.3. Spline evaluation tools3.2.3.1. Curvature Comb3.2.3.2. Inflection Point indicator3.2.3.3. Minimum Radius indicator3.2.3.4. Spline PropertyManager3.3. Controlling Splines3.3.1. Drawing splines3.3.1.1. Click–click or click–drag?3.3.1.2. Ending a spline3.3.1.3. Draw a J3.3.1.4. Controlling end tangency3.3.1.5. Smooth corners3.3.1.6. Adding internal spline points3.3.1.7. Removing points, trimming and extending splines3.3.1.8. Closed–loop splines3.3.1.9. Tangency handles on internal spline points3.3.1.10. PropertyManager controls3.3.1.10.1. Existing Relations3.3.1.10.2. Add Relations3.3.1.10.3. Options3.3.1.10.4. Parameters3.3.1.10.5. Simplify Spline3.4. Fully Defining Spline Sketches3.5. Tutorials3.5.1. Tutorial 3.1: The S spline3.5.2. Tutorial 3.2: Tracing shapes3.6. Summary

4. Sketching in 3D
4.1. Getting Started in a 3D Sketch4.1.1. Using planes in a 3D sketch4.1.1.1. Using standard reference planes4.1.1.2. 3D planes4.2. Editing and Visualization Techniques4.2.1. Using the Shift–Arrow technique4.2.2. Using viewports4.3. Working within the limitations of 3D Sketches4.3.1. Limitations in 3D sketches4.3.2. Recently removed limitations4.4. Using Special 3D Sketch Tools4.4.1. Intersection Curve4.4.2. Spline On Surface4.4.3. Face Curves4.4.4. Convert Entities4.5. Tutorials4.5.1. Tutorial 4.1: Fluorescent light bulb4.5.2. Tutorial 4.2: Complex spring4.6. Summary
5. Creating Curves
5.1. Using the Helix/Spiral Feature5.1.1. Helix feature options5.1.2. Spiral options5.2. Creating a Projected Curve5.2.1. Sketch Onto Face5.2.2. Sketch Onto Sketch5.3. Curve Through Reference Points5.4. Curve Through XYZ Points5.5. Creating Composite Curves5.6. Split Lines5.7. Tutorial5.8. Summary
6. Using the Primary Shape Creation Features
6.1. Choosing Which Feature to Use6.1.1. Selecting a sweep6.1.2. Selecting a loft6.1.3. Selecting the Boundary surface6.1.3.1. Smoothness6.1.3.2. Curve arrangements6.1.3.3. Trim with connectors6.1.3.4. Other issues with the Boundary feature6.1.4. Selecting the Fill surface6.2. Using Sweeps6.2.1. Orientation and Twist Type options6.2.1.1. Follow Path6.2.1.1.1. Path Alignment Type6.2.1.2. Keep Normal Constant6.2.1.3. Follow Path and 1st Guide Curve6.2.1.4. Follow 1st and 2nd Guide Curves6.2.1.5. Twist Along Path6.2.1.6. Twist Along Path With Normal Constant6.2.2. Merge Tangent Faces6.2.3. Show Preview6.2.4. Merge Result6.2.5. Align With End Faces6.2.6. Guide curves6.2.6.1. The Pierce constraint and feature order6.2.6.2. Consumed curves, rollback, and reuse6.2.7. Thin Features and Solid Sweep6.2.8. Start and end tangency6.3. Using Lofts6.3.1. Using loft profiles6.3.1.1. Using the Drag Sketch option6.3.1.2. Using Add Loft Section6.3.1.3. Using the SelectionManager6.3.2. Start and end constraints6.3.3. Guide curves6.3.4. Using the centerline parameters6.3.5. Options6.3.5.1. Merge Tangent Faces6.3.5.2. Close Loft6.3.5.3. Preview6.3.6. Right Mouse Button menu options6.3.6.1. Connectors6.3.6.2. Mesh preview6.3.6.3. Zebra Stripe Preview6.3.6.4. Opaque and Transparent Preview6.4. Using the Boundary Surface Feature6.4.1. Using the Curve Selection boxes6.4.2. Using connectors6.4.3. Curves Influence Type6.4.4. Options and preview6.4.5. Display6.5. Using the Fill Surface Feature6.5.1. Edge settings6.5.1.1. Alternate Face6.5.1.2. Apply To All Edges6.5.1.3. Optimize Surface6.5.1.4. Preview options6.5.1.5. Constraint curves6.5.1.6. Resolution Control6.5.1.7. Options6.5.1.8. Reverse Direction6.6. Summary
7. Using Advanced Fillets
7.1. Differentiating Fillet Functions7.1.1. Arc–based fillets7.1.2. Spline–based fillets7.2. Using Fillet Options7.2.1. Constant Radius fillet7.2.1.1. Multiple Radius fillet7.2.1.2. Setback fillet7.2.1.3. Selection options7.2.2. Variable Radius fillet7.2.3. Face fillet7.2.3.1. Curvature Continuous fillet7.2.3.2. Constant Width fillet7.2.3.3. Hold Line fillet7.2.4. Full Round fillet7.3. FilletXpert7.4. Fillet Best Practice Recommendations7.5. Tutorial7.6. Summary
8. Shelling
8.1. Thinking about the Manufacturing Process8.2. Using Shelling Options8.2.1. Removing faces8.2.2. Multi–thickness shell8.2.3. Shell Outward8.3. Diagnosing Shell Problems8.3.1. Error Diagnostics8.3.2. The Check tool8.3.3. Repairing the model8.4. Shelling Manually8.5. Tutorial8.5.1. Tutorial: Troubleshooting and manual shelling8.6. Summary
III. Using Secondary, Management, and Evaluation Tools
9. Using Secondary Shape Creation Features
9.1. Using the Dome and Shape Features9.1.1. Similarities between the Dome and Shape features9.1.2. Differences between the Dome and Shape features9.1.3. Dome9.1.4. Shape9.2. Using the Indent Feature9.3. Using the Radiate Surface9.4. Using the Ruled Surface9.5. Tutorial9.6. Summary
10. Working with Hybrid Features
10.1. Moving Between Solids and Surfaces10.1.1. The three faces of hybrid modeling10.1.1.1. Identifying sequential hybrid modeling tools10.1.1.2. Identifying simultaneous hybrid modeling tools10.1.1.3. Identifying hybrid features10.1.2. Modeling efficiency10.1.2.1. Sketch elements = solid faces10.1.2.2. Comparing four methods10.1.2.2.1. Alternative method #1 — Solids10.1.2.2.2. Alternative method #2 — Up To Surface10.1.2.2.3. Alternative method #3 — Cut With Surface10.1.2.2.4. Alternative method #4 — Indent10.1.2.3. Comparing methods to shorten the wall10.1.2.3.1. Nested loop cut10.1.2.3.2. Up To Next cut10.1.2.3.3. Cut With Surface10.1.2.3.4. Replace Face10.1.2.3.5. Move Face10.2. Extruding to Surfaces10.3. Lofting Between Surfaces10.4. Using Thicken for Bosses and Cuts10.4.1. Removing an edge between faces10.4.2. Using sub–surfaces to thicken small areas10.4.3. Thickening corners10.4.4. Thickened cuts10.5. Using Replace Face10.6. Using Advanced Options of the Fill Surface10.6.1. Merge Result10.6.2. Merge Result and Try To Form Solid10.6.3. Fill and Delete Face10.7. Using the Wrap Feature10.7.1. Wrap options10.7.1.1. Using Pull Direction10.7.1.2. Using Scribe with surfaces10.7.2. Wrap limitations10.8. Tutorials10.8.1. Tutorial 10.1: Plastic clip10.8.2. Tutorial 10.2: Finial10.9. Summary
11. Managing Surfaces
11.1. Copying, Merging, and Moving11.1.1. Offset/Copy Surface11.1.2. Knit11.1.3. Move/Copy11.2. Changing Boundaries11.2.1. Trim11.2.2. Untrim11.2.3. Delete Hole11.2.4. Extend11.3. Tutorial11.4. Summary
12. Using Direct Editing Tools
12.1. Using Move Face12.2. Using Delete Face12.2.1. Delete and Patch option12.2.2. Delete option12.2.3. Delete and Fill option12.3. Using the Freeform Feature12.3.1. Setting up the Freeform feature12.3.2. Moving the points12.3.2.1. Avoiding teeter tottering12.3.2.2. Moving points with control12.4. Using Flex12.5. Using Deform12.5.1. Deforming Curve To Curve12.5.2. Deforming using a point12.5.3. Deforming with Surface Push12.6. Tutorial12.7. Summary
13. Managing Bodies
13.1. Organizing Bodies13.1.1. Using body folders13.1.2. Naming bodies13.2. Visualizing Bodies13.2.1. Hide and Show bodies13.2.2. Isolate13.2.3. Using colors and appearances13.3. Combining and Moving Bodies13.3.1. Combining solid bodies13.3.2. Combining surface bodies13.3.3. Moving bodies13.3.3.1. Translating and rotating by the numbers13.3.3.2. Positioning bodies using mates13.3.3.3. Copying bodies13.3.3.4. Insert Part13.4. Deleting Bodies13.5. Tutorial13.6. Summary
14. Evaluating Geometry
14.1. Using Model Quality Evaluation Methods14.1.1. Verification On Rebuild14.1.2. The Check tool14.1.3. Feature Statistics14.2. Using Shape and Continuity Evaluation Methods14.2.1. Curvature Combs14.2.2. Curvature display14.2.3. Deviation Analysis14.2.4. Zebra Stripes14.2.5. Reflectivity/Specularity/RealView14.2.6. Tangent Edge display14.2.7. Face Curves14.3. Using Plastics and Machining Evaluation Methods14.3.1. Draft Analysis14.3.2. Thickness Analysis14.3.3. Undercut Analysis14.3.4. DFM Analysis14.4. Tutorial14.5. Summary
IV. Using Specialized Techniques
15. Modeling a Ladle
15.1. Getting Started with a Complex Model15.1.1. Mapping major shapes to features15.1.2. Preparing the layout15.2. Modeling from the Available Data15.2.1. Modeling Area 1: the bowl15.2.2. Modeling Area 2: transition15.2.3. Modeling Area 3: handle15.2.4. Modeling Area 4: the cap off15.2.5. Using the SelectionManager15.3. Tidying up the Loose Ends15.4. Summary
16. Modeling a Trowel
16.1. Modeling the Handle16.2. Modeling the Scoop16.3. Summary
17. Modeling Blends
17.1. Modeling a Plastic Cover17.2. Tinkering with the Solid17.3. Modeling a Stool Concept17.4. Patching Bad Geometry17.5. Summary
18. Modeling a Plastic Bottle
18.1. Laying Out the Task18.1.1. Starting point affects results18.1.2. Modeling scenarios18.1.3. Modeling the unknown18.2. Building the Model18.3. Creating a Thread18.4. Checking the Volume18.5. Summary
19. Modeling Decorative Features
19.1. Modeling an Egg–and–Dart Pattern19.1.1. Modeling the egg border19.1.2. Modeling the egg19.1.3. Modeling the dart19.1.4. Comments on the construction19.2. Modeling a Woven Pattern19.3. Modeling a Flower–Trumpet Finial19.4. Modeling a Fleur–de–Lis Decorative Piece19.4.1. Building the first lobe19.4.2. Building the second lobe19.4.2.1. Controlling the U–V angles19.4.2.2. The 3D sketch19.4.3. The belt19.4.3.1. Curve Through Reference Points19.4.3.2. Mirror and Trim19.4.4. The base19.5. Modeling a Scroll19.6. Modeling a Botanical Shape19.7. Summary
20. Modeling Overmolded Geometry
20.1. Understanding the Overmold Process20.2. Modeling a Toothbrush20.3. Summary
21. Working from Digitized Data
21.1. Creating an Orange Juice Bottle21.1.1. Accessing point cloud data21.1.1.1. Options without ScanTo3D21.1.1.2. Options with ScanTo3D21.1.1.2.1. Creating surfaces21.1.1.2.2. Creating curves21.1.2. Model an orange juice bottle from a scanned data reference21.2. Creating a Cast Iron Skillet Handle21.3. Summary
22. Using Master Model Techniques
22.1. Understanding Master Model Tools22.2. Differentiating Multi–body Parts and Assemblies22.3. Using Push Type Master Model Tools22.3.1. Using the Split feature22.3.1.1. Details concerning the Split feature22.3.1.2. Using the Split feature to create assemblies22.3.2. Using the Save Bodies function22.4. Using Pull Type Master Model Tools22.4.1. Using Insert Part and Mirror Part22.4.1.1. Details concerning inserted parts22.4.1.2. Details concerning mirrored parts22.4.2. Using Insert Into New Part22.5. Tutorial22.6. Summary
23. Post-Processing Data
23.1. Presenting Ideas with PhotoWorks23.1.1. Selecting where you are on the continuum23.1.2. Investing time23.1.2.1. The "we gotta have it now" image23.1.2.1.1. Perspective23.1.2.1.2. Shadows23.1.2.1.3. Edge Display23.1.2.2. The five–minute warning23.1.2.3. Quick renderings23.1.2.4. A more considered rendering23.1.2.4.1. Subject matter23.1.2.4.2. Environment23.1.2.4.3. Lighting23.1.2.4.4. Realistic materials23.1.2.4.5. Shadow quality23.1.2.4.6. Depth of field23.2. Communicating with eDrawings23.2.1. Choosing the appropriate format for your data23.2.2. Applications for eDrawings23.2.3. Finding the functionality23.3. Using 3D Instant Website23.4. Using PowerPoint as a Communication Tool23.5. Rapid Prototyping23.6. What about Fully Dimensioned Prints?23.7. Summary

Overview

If you want to gain proficiency and expertise with SolidWorks surface modeling, this is the resource for you. You'll learn how to apply concepts, utilize tools, and combine techniques and strategies in hands-on tutorials. This Bible covers the range from sketching splines and shelling to modeling blends and decorative features. Complete with professional tips and real-world examples, this inclusive guide enables you to coax more out of SolidWorks surfacing tools.

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