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Modelling on top of a 2D Image

Modelling on top of a 2D Image

Modelling on top of a 2D Image

(OP)
Hello all,

I took a high-res picture of a mechanical arm and I want to model all the parts of it.

My only gripe is that some of the parts have a rather complex shape (on 2 perpendicular faces) and I think it'd be easier for me if I could "trace" over the shape and then extrude it.

To do this, I assume I'd have to set the scale of the solidworks part to the scale of the image.  Is this possible?

Is there a better way of doing this?

RE: Modelling on top of a 2D Image

the modern way:

1. create sketch, use one known line for scale & position
2. insert sketch picture

The old-school way:

1. Find a tool named 'glass2k'
2. Set SW to software opengl (only needed if you have a firegl or quadro videocard)
3. Change SW window transparancy to your liking
4. Find correct scale and model away

Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer
Searching Eng-Tips forums

RE: Modelling on top of a 2D Image

FYI ... SolidWorks part models are always created at full scale. The scale if the image would be set to as near full size as possible and traced manually.

SW08 will have an auto-trace function.

cheers

RE: Modelling on top of a 2D Image

or use the scale function to scale your basic part bodies afterwards (only handy if you trace the part for reference and don't want to make changes later on).

Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer
Searching Eng-Tips forums

RE: Modelling on top of a 2D Image

If possible, take a photo of the object with a scale next to it as ref.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 3.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 04-21-07)

RE: Modelling on top of a 2D Image

Another usefull bit of knowledge: every camera has the least fish-eye effect at max zoom, so zoom in as far as possible and increase distance to object to compensate. This can help quite a bit.

Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer
Searching Eng-Tips forums

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