how do I put a dimple pattern on a non-flat curved surface

[rehannews]

Hi all, how do I put a dimple pattern on a non-flat curved surface such as a Lens in sunglasses? I don't want to put individual points as it'll take forever, I tried using "Curve pattern" command but it only works on flat surfaces, with curved surfaces, dimples start changing depth size as soon as curvature changes. Thankyou.

 

[MattBD]

How about using the wrap feature? Make a linear sketch pattern with what you want and then wrap it onto the surface.

 

[JMirisola]

Does it have to be an actual feature or could you use a texture?


Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

 

[CADGemini]

In 2007 and up you have the option to select complex curved surfaces that were generated with splines or arcs as the starting surface to extrude from. Next you will want to set the end condition to be offset from the surface you want the dimple to protrude from. Next you will have to add a fillet to round over the dimple. I added an attachment of the model I quickly generated to show this example.

Otherwise you may want to try the wrap feature as MattBD suggested.

Best Regards,
Jon Knabenschuh

Gemini CAD Solutions

http://www.geminicadworks.com

Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Solidworks 2007

 

[rollupswx]

I tried using "Curve pattern"

You should be able to use a curve driven pattern if there is some sort of regularity to the pattern.

 

[TheTick]

Sketch-driven pattern can use a 3D sketch to place points for instances.

Honesty may be the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.

http://www.EsoxRepublic.com

-SolidWorks API VB programming help

 

[fcsuper]

There's examples of golf balls if you need this for a complex rounded surface.

Matt Lorono
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
Lorono's SolidWorks Resources
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group
and Mechnical.Engineering Yahoo! Group

 

[rehannews]

Guys, I'd really like to thankyou ALL for taking time out to help me here, I really mean it. My internet was down so I couldn't respond earlier, my apologies.

I've attached a zip file that contains file Blade Dimple 1, this will show what kind of dimple I'm talking about. Basically the 3D Sketch grid of lines u'll see is where I'd like to put all dimples, excluding edges.

MattBD: I tried your suggestion, but can't figure out how to make a Dimple like cut, it only lets me make a Deboss, plz check out the file attached "Blade Dimple 1" as it shows what kind of dimple I'm talking about.

JMirisola: Unfortunately it will be something we'll try to cut in steel or make electrode. so Texture won't work.

CADGemini: Thanks for your advice and especially for the CAD file, I really didn't know how to do that so I learned. Now may I request one more thing, plz take a look at the file to see that the dimple would be Debossed and not Embossed, using your technique I was able to use Cut command instead of Extrude but couldn't ge the fillet right, check the files I attached.

rollupswx & TheTick: Guys check out the attached file Blade Dimple 1, I tried your suggestion but it doesn't seem to work. If possible may I get the file you sent the screenshot from?

fcsuper: I tried your suggestion and searched for Golfball files that I found on 3D content, I noticed their technique how they made a small flat surface inside a sphere and created 3 dimples then patterned it across the whole sphere, it doesn't work for me since I don't have a perfectly symmetrical surface.

 

[hendersdc]

Rehannews,

I think you will have better luck making solid bodies and then using the combine feature to remove them from the main body to make your dimples. Attached is a modified version of your model to show you the basic idea.