Complex 3-D Geometry
Complex 3-D Geometry
(OP)
I am attempting to design the body an injection moulded wrist worn watch.
In order to increase the aesthetics of the product, I have tried using a 3D sketch to create an three dimensional outline of the unit to make its appearance less blocky. I then use Boundary Surfaces and Surface Knit to turn it into a solid, then use Extruded Cuts to hollow it out and add other similar details.
The issue is that my 3D sketch is extremely unstable, seemingly reaching a critical mass of complexity where any addition or change to the sketch results in over constrained or unsolvable geometry. I would estimate their are approximately 100 sketch entities in the 3D sketch. I have tried deleting all relations in the relations manager, and "Fix"ing all the sketch entities, but this is obviously not an ideal solution.
I presume that this design methodology is not very good. Does anyone have any advice, or articles they could link to on proper 3D design practises for complex shapes?
In order to increase the aesthetics of the product, I have tried using a 3D sketch to create an three dimensional outline of the unit to make its appearance less blocky. I then use Boundary Surfaces and Surface Knit to turn it into a solid, then use Extruded Cuts to hollow it out and add other similar details.
The issue is that my 3D sketch is extremely unstable, seemingly reaching a critical mass of complexity where any addition or change to the sketch results in over constrained or unsolvable geometry. I would estimate their are approximately 100 sketch entities in the 3D sketch. I have tried deleting all relations in the relations manager, and "Fix"ing all the sketch entities, but this is obviously not an ideal solution.
I presume that this design methodology is not very good. Does anyone have any advice, or articles they could link to on proper 3D design practises for complex shapes?






RE: Complex 3-D Geometry
RE: Complex 3-D Geometry
If you can project your elements between 2D sketches that will be more stable and controllable, too.
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RE: Complex 3-D Geometry
Dan
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RE: Complex 3-D Geometry
Search Google for Ed Eaton Curvy Stuff Tutorials Dimonte Group, and also Mike Wilson SolidWorks and these older tutorials.
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RE: Complex 3-D Geometry
I think trying to do it all in one sketch is a problematic approach for a few reasons:
Model stability becomes an all or nothing problem.
It's a house of cards when you try and change something.
Hard to use configurations & design tables.
Hard to make & compare variations by turning features on & off.
RE: Complex 3-D Geometry
TOP
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RE: Complex 3-D Geometry
I broke up the sketch into 6 2D sketches, and the design is now far more robust and easier to edit.
Thanks everyone!