Generative Art in AutoCAD

[jwoo10]

Is there a way to use or apply generative art in Inventor or any other CAD software programs?I am currently working on a project for rock climbing holds. I need to be able to randomly generate different rock climbing holds with different gritty textures on the holds. Is there any easy way to do this? Please and thank you!-Jenny

[mcgyvr]

I think what you are asking is how to apply a "real" texture to a 3d part in Inventor?

Is that correct?

If so what for?

"typically" one would just call out an industry standard finish (PM or SPI,etc...) to be applied to the injection mold in the drawing?

Or do you just need to apply a texture for rendering/visualization purposes?

[cbenner]

I think the OP may be asking aboiut generating random geometry as well as applying these textures to that geometry... like rocks?  Is this correct?

[petestrycharske]

Jenny,

If you are working in Inventor, you could try to link to a spreadsheet that has some parameters mapped to it.  Within Excel there is a random number generator and you could set up a table and round each random number to correspond to a different hold and texture.  The Excel output could then be read into Inventor and then you could have each type of hold modeled and using conditional suppression (right click on the feature and choose properties) turn off the holds not required.  See the image below.   You could then save a copy of each part as a random state and place into an assembly.  Run the random number generator in Excel and see what happens.  So you would end up with a few parts and a matching spreadsheets that could be used over and over again in a new assembly, as long as you make copies or perform a pack and go of each assembly iteration.

Might be an approach to try.  If you have questions, I could try to whip up an example, but won't be able to do it until early next week.  Otherwise, I will try to answer questions as best as I can.  Came up with this idea, based on a random lunch generator I developed years ago to help my indecisive design team figure out where to go for lunch...  Silly, but effective.  Hope this helps and have a most blessed day!

Peace,

Pete

[jwoo10]

That would be awesome if you could give me example! 

[LT.Rusty]

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@mcgyvr wrote:

I think what you are asking is how to apply a "real" texture to a 3d part in Inventor?

Is that correct?

If so what for?

"typically" one would just call out an industry standard finish (PM or SPI,etc...) to be applied to the injection mold in the drawing?

Or do you just need to apply a texture for rendering/visualization purposes?

---

Too bad Mudbox isn't in the product design suites anymore ...  😞

[petestrycharske]

jwoo10,

My apologies, but my July has been jam packed, so sorry I couldn't get you an answer more quickly.  Anyway, here is a simple example of what I was thinking.  There could probably be a more efficient method within iLogic, but I am not super proficient with iLogic yet.  One could also enhance this method by creating a master spreadsheet that sets the values for each individual part spreadsheet or drives the random number generator.  If you have any questions, I will try to do better at getting back to you   Hope all is well and have a most blessed day!

Peace,

Pete