what exactly is the benefit of 3d sketching?

[aroundhere]

I havnt found a use for 3d sketching, but im no expert. Or, I dont understand it. Does anyone use it? IF so, what for? Will it save me time?
Just one of those questions I have always meant to ask.
thanks..

 

[TheTick]

When you have a need for it, you will benefit.

 

[rstupplebeen]

There are many uses for organic shapes and routing of cables but below is a brief description of what I typically use them for.

I design parts by defining ribs like the spokes of an umbrella. I use 3D sketches to guide the shape between the spokes. This control allows for designs to be either taught (similar to an extrude to the next sketch) or inflated (like an umbrella with some wind puffing it out).

Rob Stupplebeen

 

[Eltron]

I use them all of the time for sweep paths, loft guides, routing, reference geometry, surfacing, and surface trims. Other than that they aren't very useful.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[brgriffi]

If you're in machine design and you're just dealing with simple shapes you can machine on a lathe or a Bridgeport, you probably won't find a use for them. But if you're dealing with any sort of wires or hoses, molded parts with complex geometry, etc., they are invaluable. And, of course, weldment profiles.

 

[Theophilus]

I design swoopy stuff more than plain, regular stuff, but I very rarely use 3D sketches to do so. I've found them to be generally unstable and kludgy to use, and particularly difficult to edit (fillets, for example, are too fragile and limited, and don't maintain tangency).

Instead, I'll often project a surface/curve onto another surface to get the 3D shape/path I need. Easy to edit, and my tangencies are always maintained when edited.

The few cases I have to use 3D sketches are often when combining several curves (like a helix to other geometry) in which I'll convert entities and join things. But then I convert the 3D sketch into a Composite Curve to better serve my requirements for a Sweep or whatever.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

A people governed by fear cannot value freedom.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Using a 3D sketch obviates the need for multiple planes and 2D sketches.

 

[ctopher]

Creating a part with surfaces you will use them a lot.

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[SteveMartin]

Predominantly I use them sweep paths for wire or flexible tubing runs. I've also used them for skeleton sketches and hole locations on non-planar surfaces, but there are other ways that I usually approach those requirements.

 

[aroundhere]

95% of the design I do are components that are made on lathe/mill. I do have a use for wires and bundles. I normally keep them simple because its a pain to have wires turning in different directions. Maybe this would be a good place to learn 3dsketch capabilities. Thanks guys