What is the purpose of creating Surfaces?

[Anonymous]

So far, I found that surfaces can be used for splitting parts and creating a
start/finish "lines" for extrusions. Any other reasons for creating
surfaces?

Suggestions, tips and errata are all welcomed!

[Anonymous]

Airfoil, boat hull, anatomy, consumer products to name a few (million).

Jim Strenk wrote:

>So far, I found that surfaces can be used for splitting parts and creating a
>start/finish "lines" for extrusions. Any other reasons for creating
>surfaces?
>
>Suggestions, tips and errata are all welcomed!
>
>
>
>

[Anonymous]

In many parts it's simply not possible to create the surfaces that are
needed. Many times solid modelling tools simply can't create the results
needed. Complex drafts and fillets are a good example of this.

Some processes can be done easier when working with surfaces. Creating the
strip layout and the tooling for a progressive die can be done easily using
surfaces.

There are many products that have to have the control over the surface
geomtery. Automotive exteriors have to have a certain shape, curvature,
tangiency, and tolerance to get that great reflectance that looks so good on
the showroom floor. Aerospace has to have extreme control for aerodynamic,
strength, and other issues.

And if you've ever had to clean up an iges file surfaces have come into
play.

Joe Bartels

[Anonymous]

Inventor surfaces are a "work in progress".

Many of us who have been using CAD tools for a long time remember the days
of "surface modeling" where you defined a "solid" by creating a series of
surfaces which bounded a volume. Most solid modelers today rely upon a
feature-based approach to building solids.

There are still shapes that require advanced surface definition.

There are individuals "out there" who work with data described in complex
and powerful surface modeling tools who exchange surface data with those of
us who use easier tools - but we still need these complex surfaces (to trim
to for example).

The Inventor surfacing tool kit is getting more powerful with each release.


Gary R. Smith - Inventor Team
Autodesk DSD - Manufacturing Product Design
Portland, OR