topic Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

catot — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:25:37 GMT

Hi,

For the first time I'm trying to learn how to use T-splines properly. I've done some small simple tests before, but this time I wanted to try something more seriously, and connect two solid bodies using T-splines. Normally i work in Inventor where I do more conventional solid modelling, so this approach is new to me. I've read around in the various threads on the forum, and I've watched some tutorial/webinar on youtube.

The thing I'm trying to accomplish, is to connect these two round solids together using a smooth T-spline. Both the original solids two planar sides should be as they are initially, even after the T-spline is added. (but can be extended a bit towards the transition).

Briefly, how would you go on to connect the two solids indicated with T-splines? See example picture (which is close to what i want) and also see a model as used for my starting point.

I've tried a bit of different approaches, used trial and error with most T-spline commands. I fail to get the transitions I want, and to get it to a solid afterwards, and finally I'm probably using way to many hours to accomplish something which is probably not that complex once you know how. At the moment i feel I'm maybe doing things the wrong way around, so I would really appreciate if any of you experts here on the forum could point me in the right direction on how to do this in an efficient and simple way?

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

TrippyLighting — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 19:13:45 GMT

Attempting to blend a T-Spline into a Solid the way you are approaching htis is not ideal.

Assuming your T-Spline is a closed surface, when you click on Finish T-Spline (or whatever it is called) it is converted into a slid body.

you can then combine the ring bodies with the T-Spline solid bodies and apply fillets, possibly variable radius fillets for better blending.

If you need sharper edges at the end of the T-Spline bodies where they transition into the ring bodies, you can apply edge creases.

I wonder what @PhilProcarioJr has to say about this ?

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 20:19:44 GMT

@TrippyLighting

To be honest I would build this entire setup using T-Splines and no solids until the end. I would create sketches to lock my forms for the rod ends then start building. I'm really busy doing client work right now (as you probably noticed by my lack of posting here on the forums), but I will see what I can put together....

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 21:10:43 GMT

Ok so this is really quick and dirty but I think you will get the point....

After doing the video I figured you would want fillets on the pads so I did an extra edge loop around each edge before using the bridge tool and added fillets. The file I attached shows the newer version.

To connect two rods I would do it the same way but merge faces on the y split.

If you want the connecting rod piece to be round then just create it with the same amount of sides as your opening and do the bridge on each end...same concept.

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 22:01:47 GMT

@catot

If you use the pipe command you can get results like this. Keep in mind the pipe command is driven by a sketch so the shape can be however you want it to be.

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 22:49:55 GMT

Here is a final model, you could move the Y right against the boss if you want....another thing I would like to add before closing is if this was something final for a customer I would have retopologized the control cage for the final model so I would have a nice curvature map of the surface.

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

catot — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:10:17 GMT

Thanks a lot @PhilProcarioJr ! That screencast helped very much. I will continue to follow that approach first, then test the Pipe-command approach. I will post back with the results.

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 13:26:36 GMT

@catot

Your welcome, glad I could help.

I guess you could say T-Splines are my go to tool...I find myself constantly using them. I can't really think of anything I can't model with them.

Now if I could just get the Fusion dev team to work on some new T-Spline tools......lol

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:58:52 GMT

@catot

And since I didn't really answer your original question.....

The type of blend and look you will get depends on how you shape the T-Splines before converting here I will show you two but you can shape the connection anyway you want.

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:59:40 GMT

Look 2....

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

TrippyLighting — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:24:37 GMT

This is really great feedback. Thank you for taking the time for these detailled Screencasts!`

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:39:43 GMT

@TrippyLighting

You know me, I can't resist a good T-Spline challenge....HAHA

I enjoy helping people that have an open mind and actually want to learn.

Besides you asked for my opinion on this, I couldn't leave you hanging...

I really want to do an entire training set on T-Splines....I just don't have the time right now working 12 hour days, doing freelance work and my home business....I need to find a way to quit the day job and replace it with a training job....

I have learned and figured out so much using T-Splines it's crazy....I could probably fill hundreds of hours worth of training...

T-Splines are by far the most underrated tool in Fusion...people just don't realize whats possible with them.

Cheers

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

TrippyLighting — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 16:55:44 GMT

@PhilProcarioJr wrote:

....I need to find a way to quit the day job and replace it with a training job....

Yep, same here!

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

catot — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:00:35 GMT

@PhilProcarioJr, thanks for all the additional excellent screencasts, they really help a lot when trying to learn how to perform tasks like these!

I'm still at the first approach you showed, but I think I've come to a level where I'm more or less satisfied with the result. I'm sure there are still things that can be improved, so if anyone would take a quick look that would be much appreciated. See below for pics and model. Will try the pipe-approach next.

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:00:39 GMT

@catot

Another variation...T-Splines allow you to quickly test out ideas....

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

PhilProcarioJr — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 17:03:25 GMT

@catot

That's what I like to see, progress...I like it and it looks like your on the right track. Keep it up!

Cheers

Re: Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

catot — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 21:24:13 GMT

That's good news

Tried with pipes for the arms, but after sketching these splines in 3D, and fiddling around a little with the intersections etc., I ended up not seeing the benefit using this approach here. I rather prefer the initial approach using more Bridge, or perhaps converting a surface loft to a T-spline.

Anyway, I've learned a lot from this, so thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

Result so far using pipes initially (I know the curves are a bit rough several places...) :