Extrude multiple lines from a sketch as surfaces

[Joe_Banger]

Hi Gang!

I'm having difficultie

I have a sketch with multiple lines (a box girder).

I want to extrude them out to make a surface representation (this goes into engineer department for FEM).

At the moment i can only do one at a time, then have to make sketch visible again, then do again and again.....

Is there a way to extrude multiple lines on the one sketch?

Thanks let me know if i need more specifications!

[MariaManuela]

Hi..

Unfortunately I think it is not possible.

If you think it's easier than extrude multiple lines, export the Inventor sketch to Autocad and then extrude all the lines in one single operation.

[JDMather]

Convert strategic lines to construction and Project Geometry these to a new sketch.

Might be able to get it down to 2 or 3 extrusions.

[wilkhui]

Hi Joe,

Sorry you're finding this is slowing you down. I know this is creating more work for you, but could I ask you to post this functionality as a suggestion to the IdeaStation?

I thought of a 'hack' workaround: join the sections of your sketch temporarily, extrude it using Surface Extrude and then use Delete Face (without Heal) to get rid of the surplus. I made a quick video here to demonstrate what I mean, let us know if it doesn't help.

Best wishes,

Indy

[Joe_Banger]

Thank you indi

i find the workarounds unacceptable so have posted the idea as you describe

happy times to you this easter.

[wilkhui]

Hi Joe,

Sorry to hear that the workarounds aren't satisfactory and thanks for posting this to the IdeaStation. And happy Easter to you too!

Thanks,

Indy

[heath.ritchie]

Can you please post the link to the idea on the Idea Station? I want to give a +1 vote!

[blandb]

Maybe I am simplifying this too much, but if you have a model of your box girder part, can you not just derive that as a surface and use it?

[heath.ritchie]

Hi, I made a Screencast of the problem we (I) have:

I want to Extrude Multiple Surfaces from one Sketch in one action.

My lines in the case are not linked and cannot be extruded (as a surface or solid) in one action because they are not connected in the same loop.

All lines are to be extruded the same distance in this case. I don't mind that they end up as separate surfaces afterwards, I just want less clicks to do get the individual surfaces.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Heath,

This is indeed an Inventor limitation. It has something to do with the inability to create multiple surface bodies in one feature. Mathematically and technically, it should be doable. But, for whatever unknown reason, it was decided that one feature can only create one surface body. We have heard requests of enhancing the ability but we have not found a good solution yet. In the meantime, you will need to Extrude repeatedly.

Many thanks!