topic Surface Grid System in Inventor Programming Forum

Surface Grid System

HogueOne — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:34:04 GMT

I'm trying to find the most efficient way to create a surface grids like this. It's hard to tell from the image, but there's a 13mm gap between the large squares. The way I've been approaching it is with a script I've attached that assists in making grid lines. But it still requires me to split the surface a hundred times - making many many features in the model browser. I've looked into freeform modeling as it allows you to divide up a surface like this, it's just not precise. I've looked into the "Grill" tool and it's still not quite what I need. I've tried automating the process with the patch tool, it's just been a real pain. Does anybody have any recommendations for built in tools or custom tools that might help?

Re: Surface Grid System

daltonNYAW9 — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:33:48 GMT

You might be better off doing this in 3ds max, then importing it to inventor.

I made this box in under 5mins with 3ds max:

1. create a box and change the # of segments

2. select the edges and extrude them

3. export the file to inventor (.obj)

4. convert the mesh to a solid then stich it up link

Re: Surface Grid System

HogueOne — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:44:46 GMT

I've found a workaround. Sorta.

I can use the mark tool to make the grid. the end result is individual squares. the only problem is that they're not entirely stable as surface loops for my purposes. I'm going to continue digging.

Re: Surface Grid System

bradeneuropeArthur — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 22:07:10 GMT

Could one of my ideas and add-ins help you:

Post on Linked-in:

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7203866320965156864?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACqiWc4BF5OMqFCCoqYerXzAxAm8La-YWF0

Post on the Idea station:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/easy-split-trim-solid-bodies/idi-p/12818739

Regards,

Re: Surface Grid System

HogueOne — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:07:59 GMT

The linkedin link appears to be broken. I watched the video of your application in action and it closely resembles what I imagined a more automated surface splitter would be like. Splitting surfaces seems to result in more stable edge loops, but marking the surfaces appears to be far more efficient. The limitation I'm seeing with marking surfaces is that it only works on the faces of solids, and not actually work surfaces. I really wish there was a way to use the mark tool on work surfaces.