Over lay mesh with parts

[andrew091267]

Hi forum i have a situation where i would like to overlay parts onto a mesh to see if they are a reasonable fit. The only way that i can think of doing this would be to model the mesh in a part studio then add the parts and the modeled base mesh into an assembly and fit them up. At the same time can a mesh be imported and parts be fitted to it to save time in making a model of the mesh. I know it can be done but looking at the best way to go about it. All help much appreciated.

[ShayaGhanbar · Accepted solution]

Did you try to import the mesh model to Inventor? 

Does the mesh model have planes or flat surfaces? 

[mcgyvr]

Can you show examples of what this "mesh" may be and what these "parts" may be?

"mesh" is very generic..

[TheCADWhisperer · Accepted solution]

My personal preference would be to:

Import the mesh with proper units and then verify some known distances to make sure scale is correct.

Start with the easiest to measure parts, especially mounting points that interact with other parts.  (ex fastener holes)

Model in final position as multi-body solids so that as minor dimensions changes are needed for parts to match up for assembly it is easy to make the dimensional changes. (keep in mind realistic manufacturing tolerances - we cannot make perfect parts)

If the file size gets too large resulting in too much lag - repeat the process in a new file reproducing only a few critical sketch dimensions from first file.

When finished go to Manage>Make Components to push out the individual parts and assembly (if you have to use more than one master multi-body because of slow-down in response, break up the process into logical sub-assemblies).

[andrew091267]

Hi CADWhisperer  What i done was import the mesh into an assembly file and then mated the plates in their position on the mesh. I was not to concerned with the surface being flat as when fitted in the field they can be dogged down. the main concern was area coverage if its within a few mm. It has been  a challenge reverse engineering someone elses work because you don't know what they have covered up and due to wear, the surfaces are far from what they were when new. I'm not sure if using the mesh is the correct work flow but we have a working tolerance of  + or - 30mm.  

[andrew091267]

Hi Shaya in the end that is what i done. Imported the mesh into an assembly and mated the parts. The majority of surfaces are flat some with slight curves. The main concern was area coverage. Thank you for your reply it all helps 

[andrew091267]

Hi Mcgyvr i have an obj file in one of my other posts but can re send if you are interested. Thanks for replying