How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
(OP)
Hi,
I saw this controller add-on online this weekend while doing my normal web browsing (post was about bad PR from the company, but that's beside the point), and I was wondering about the technique used to "vacuum form" the part. It doesn't appear that they used a traditional vacuum form, but rather had a CAD model (or 3D scan) of a controller and was able to make the neatly contoured device with that. If I had a model or 3D scan of a part with complex geometry like the XBOX controller, how would I go about creating a contoured "indention" in another part/assembly in Solidworks so that it would have that nice glove-like fit?
Here's the link to the product I'm talking about:
http://www.avengercontroller.com/picture.php
Any tutorials or even the proper name for this technique would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I saw this controller add-on online this weekend while doing my normal web browsing (post was about bad PR from the company, but that's beside the point), and I was wondering about the technique used to "vacuum form" the part. It doesn't appear that they used a traditional vacuum form, but rather had a CAD model (or 3D scan) of a controller and was able to make the neatly contoured device with that. If I had a model or 3D scan of a part with complex geometry like the XBOX controller, how would I go about creating a contoured "indention" in another part/assembly in Solidworks so that it would have that nice glove-like fit?
Here's the link to the product I'm talking about:
http://www.avengercontroller.com/picture.php
Any tutorials or even the proper name for this technique would be appreciated.
Thanks.






RE: How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
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RE: How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
If you have a SW model. If not, the 3D scan is your option.
You could also do a surface offset of zero, then thicken to make the part.
Various ways to do things in SW.
Chris
SolidWorks 11
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
RE: How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
RE: How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
Basically you would have to create the top surface of the controller, use the dome feature to build a bubble around the buttons and a sweep to build a bubble around the arms. From the top surface edges extrude down to the backing. Then add necessary draft as a last step.
TOP
CSWP, BSSE
www.engtran.com www.niswug.org
www.linkedin.com/in/engineeringtransport
Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
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RE: How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
The cavity tool will work for the things I want to do with it. I was aware of it before, but it was always presented as if it was only useful if you were actually making a full injection mold rather than just trying to get a negative of the part.
RE: How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
The cavity tool doesn't require making a full cavity either.
You could also use the dimple tool in sheet metal although I've never used it on something that complex.
TOP
CSWP, BSSE
www.engtran.com www.niswug.org
www.linkedin.com/in/engineeringtransport
Phenom IIx6 1100T = 8GB = FX1400 = XP64SP2 = SW2009SP3
"Node news is good news."
RE: How to "vacuum form" an existing part to make a form-fit accessory
Doug