inserting image (jpg, ai, gif)

[Takami826]

I know you can insert an image to use as the background, but what I need to do is insert an image onto the face of two part models. (one is a flat surface, one is curved) My tools are paint shop pro and solidworks and the problem is they want an edrawing that rotates and shows the provided logo.

I have tried to search here but the search wouldn't work for me and I googled around but could not find anything. People are getting snippy that I don't have this done so I'm a bit under the gun to get this logo to work on the models asap.

Can anyone point me in the right direction here?

thanks

 

[Theophilus]

If you have PhotoWorks, create a decal. (I don't remember now if that will translate into the eDrawing file, but it might.)



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[Takami826]

If I don't have photoworks, what are my options? (that might be why your jpg dap container and info didn't make any sense to me)

 

[Theophilus]

Well--you could insert an image in a sketch. However, I don't think the Wrap feature will work for that (over a curved surface). Maybe try it out and see if you get any good results without PhotoWorks.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[MDGroup]

I think Theophilus gave you the best options for adding the images to your Solidworks part, and listed the limitations.

1) Photoworks can create a decal which you can put onto any surface of the solidworks part. However, as noted, the decal does not get included in the eDrawing when it is generated. (and you don't have photoworks)

2) You can insert the image into a sketch (Tools->Sketch Tools-> Sketch Picture). But (again as noted by theophilus) you cannot project the image onto a curved surface, only a flat sketch plane. And again, the image will not be included when you create the eDrawing.

The only way to get the image to appear in the eDrawing is if it is actually a feature on the part. You would need to create an actual sketch of the image you want in solidworks and extrude it into the part (or create a split line in the surface) Then you can change the color of the surfaces as needed to match the image.

Obviously, if the image is complicated in ay way, it could take an incredible amount of time to generate that sketch.

My suggestions,

Send them the e-Drawing of the part (without images/decals). Seperately send them pictures of the decals and show them where they will be located on the part. They should be able to put that together.

Or,

Copy some different views of the part into Paint Shop and superimpose your images onto the proper surfaces of the part. It may take some time to get everything to line up nicely and look good. But, this will provide a still picture of the actual part with the images as they will appear. Include the eDrawing of the part (without decal) for them to be able to rotate and I would think that should be sufficient.

 

[Takami826]

Thanks all, I appreciate everyone's quick response to this migraine-inducing 'crisis'.

What you've all told me is what I tried to explain, but people that don't work with solidworks don't want to hear 'excuses'. This is what they want and with the tools I have.

GLED, I did the edrawing mockup with a generic font and a spline/extrude of the icon and that didn't go over well. They want the EXACT logo ON the model, not what I've drawn. So I made jpgs of the models, put the logo in with paint shop pro and because it didn't rotate so they could see it in motion, THAT didn't go well, either.

Thanks again all for the feedback and suggestions.

 

[rockguy]

You could create your own custom solidworks texture from your image file and apply this to the model (it would be similar to a decal in photoworks). If you use shaded views the texture should show up in both drawings and e-rawings. The problem will be with mapping the texture in the model. SolidWorks texture controls are limited to rotation and scale. Orientating the texture (picture) correctly could be frustrating.

Rob Rodriguez CSWP

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http://www.robrodriguez.com

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/rob_rodriguez/

Eastern Region SWUGN Representative

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http://www.nvtswug.com

SW 2007 SP 2.0

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Then your alternatives are to create separate models (flat and curved) of the logo and insert them into the parts (multi-body), or to create the logos as features (solids and/or surfaces) within the parts.

How complex is the logo?

 

[magineer]

Rockguy's right, textures look good but can be difficult to position the way you want (you can control scale and angle but not x/y offset). Also textures don't map over multiple surfaces as one image. Even tangent surfaces like fillets.

If you think there will be future decal related projects then this might be a good time to ask for, no, DEMAND Photoworks.

Sounds like you've spent enough time, energy and frustration to justify the upgrade to SW office.

Then you can spend your time, energy and frustration tweaking photoworks ;-)

Magineer

 

[Takami826]

I'm improvising with projected sketches and some texturing but already the time it takes to rebuild is atrocious.

I hope there's no more of these projects, honestly.

Thanks again all for your help and work around suggestions. With more time (it's all due Monday morning)CorBlimey you're idea sounds like a good workaround, it'd be easier to scale it, too. If this goes on beyond Monday, I'll invest the time in setting this up.

My current issue is that, as of last night, they changed the designs again for the bottles and the sample packaging so I have to start over again to hear the "well come on how long does it take?"

hehe good thing I get paid for this!