Combining surfaces to form a solid

[Josh.Dempsey]

Good afternoon, 

First ever post! I am trying to combine surfaces using UNION so that i can use the CONVTOSOLID command however whenever i try to union the surfaces, AutoCAD throws out errors (18003, 41000 etc)

Is anyone able to help please?

Please note the complicated corner surfaces were generated using the surface PATCH command

[VincentSheehan · Accepted solution]

How about this? I ended up redrawing the edges and used Loft to create the surfaces then Union worked to join all the surfaces together. I then used CONVTOSOLID.

[Johanna_Esteban · Accepted solution]

Hello @Josh.Dempsey 

Welcome to the Autodesk Community! 🥳

I tried using CONVTOSOLID from your file, and... it didn't work.

@VincentSheehan has already found that redrawing the curve with LOFT works well, however, I have used another way.

In 3D modeling, especially solid editing, it is always easier to start from basic geometries as if you were doing it with plasticine, starting a general shape and removing or adding parts to reach the desired shape.

In this case, I have used LOFT to generate the surface of the corners:

Then, I have generated a solid from that surface with THICKEN to be subtracted from the rectangle.

After making the subtraction, I must select the solid and change the "Record" menu to "None" to allow me to correct the detail easily.

Once changed, holding down the CTRL key, I select the area to correct; some red dots should appear.
Now selected it, with the delete key, you delete and correct the corner.

   

Since it is symmetrical, I have cut the model in half, and then the piece is joined with a mirror.

You will have a better chance of success than reaching a solid that becomes complex from surfaces.

Well, it's longer here than in real life.

Successes, please let us know if it works for you. 😉

[Josh.Dempsey]

Hi Vincent, 

This is great thank you. I have a few more to draw up so I will try this method on those thanks 🙂

Joshua

[Josh.Dempsey]

Hi Johanna, 

Many thanks for your comprehensive reply. This is great, I will have to practice on a few others I have to do 🙂

Joshua

[Johanna_Esteban]

Is my pleasure @Josh.Dempsey 😎