topic Welding edges in AutoCAD Forum

Welding edges

ccsEWS8Z — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 23:06:21 GMT

I have a problem that I have not been able to figure out. I have 2 flat pieces that will be made of flexible materials. I want to "weld" (for lack of a better term... another could be "stitch together") two curved edges. When these two curved edges are "welded" together the flat pieces will become a single 3-d quasi bowl shaped piece. In Mechanical Desktop, I can create a work axis, but it only curves the pieces around the axis, and not create the bowl sort of shape.

To complicate the matter, after these two pieces are "welded" other pieces will be "welded" to the other curves further modifying the shape of the original bowls.

Here are the first two pieces, and wanting to "weld" the green lines

Re: Welding edges

leeminardi — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 01:13:17 GMT

This is a very difficult CAD problem to solve with a program targeted for such applications. I'd venture that is is impossible with AutoCAD. For the 2D shapes to be manipulated in 3D such that the edges come together to form a seam some distortion of the shapes is necessary. If the task were done in the physical world with paper, leather, or plastic, the material would stretch or shrink to make the fit possible. It is difficult in AutoCAD to change the shape of a spline without changing its length. Attacking this problem in 3ds Max I would probably use bones to keep the spline's length somewhat constant but then it would be difficult to control the shape without major distortion. Perhaps it could be done with Max's cloth features. Try a search of "3ds Max cloth modifier".

Re: Welding edges

DumR0 — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 08:23:21 GMT

Hi,

My suggestion is to make the 3d object that you want, then flatten it with special program, ex: Inventor, you will obtain the flat pattern for your 3d object.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-design-validate/flatten-sheetmetal-cone/td-p/7807240 might help