Issues with converting to solid

[returnofthemac]

Hi all, AutoCAD rookie here. 

I downloaded the attached file from Grabcad as it's what i need to use in order to complete a project. The only problem is, i can't figure out how to turn the whole thing into one solid object. Like i said, i have pretty minimal knowledge of AutoCAD and everything i have searched, has not work. I would appreciate any and all input on this.

Mac

[beyoungjr]

Hi,

This one will take a lot of work.  I quickly added 3 more layers so I could put all of the Surfaces, Planar Surfaces, and 3D Faces on their own layers.

It looks like there are Planar Surfaces and 3D Faces to create the entire model (completely overlapped).  The surfaces just appears to extra but not a complete model like the other two sets.

After dividing them up I was unable to create a solid from either set (Planars vs 3D Faces).

I think you would have the best luck puling things apart a bit and creating individual solids to later Union.  From what it looks like the internals are all there as well.  If you want a solid for the outer shell only there's too much data considering all of the internals.  If you want the individual solids then you MUST pull it apart to create them separately.

A lot of work for a novice but could force you to learn!

I'm re-attaching the dwg with layer separations.  The 3D Faces layer is thawed so you can see the limited content.  Simply freeze and thaw layers to see the other data.

Cheers

[returnofthemac]

HI Blyoung,

Thank you for reply. To put the idea in perspective, I'm designing an ignition plate for a six cylinder engine in CAD to work around the other modifications being used that prevent just a solid piece of aluminium being used. And these are the coils that will power the spark plugs. 

I only need the very outer layer of the drawing that was attached to use as a reference when designing the plate to accommodate for the space required between the two rocker covers.

For this scenario would it be best recommended to pull the item apart, turn them into solids, and union them as you go along putting the drawing back together? Apologies if this is a "rookie" question, but this is all new to me.

Regards

Mac

[beyoungjr]

You are thinking correct... pulling all apart and removing the insides would be the best for your needs.  The surfaces that make up the label are not needed at all so dispense with them quickly.  I'll see if I can work it in the morning.  Busy tonight!

Cheers,

Blaine

[beyoungjr]

I haven't had a lot of time today but here is a really good start on reconstructing the coil as a solid.

I'm attaching the initial file that I've been picking apart as well as a clean file where I have been assembling the solids.

[returnofthemac]

Hi Blaine,

Thank you for getting back to me and starting some of the rehab.

When i said i am a rookie i meant it. I have no idea what you did or how to start the process from where you left it.

Is there a guide/resource to carry out this rehab? 

Thank you 

Mac

[beyoungjr · Accepted solution]

I finally finished!  You would truly benefit from some good study time, starting with the basics and proceeding through 3D.

I started out with a rough shape using BaseViews in Paper Space.  As I got to the more complex areas I used "Extract Edges" to get some edge lines.  This was made extra hard by the fact that the surfaces produced many more lines than I needed for developing profiles to Extrude or PressPull.

I smoothed all of the arcs into true arcs with radii.  The surface generated arcs were just too rough.  Blending the arcs to the horizontal and vertical profile lines I was able to get profile for Extruding.

Lastly I used Fillet to work my way around the model and ease all of the rough edges that were done so in the original surface model.

BTW... I generated the coil wire profile in 2D then used Revolve to get that round solid.

If you really need some color you can color the whole thing, or... open the Properties panel and hold CTRL while you select faces on the model that you wish to color.  When you have several faces selected you can use the panel to select a color.

This was a big task and I like the practice but it's not typical to get this sort of work from the forums to don't come looking for it often.

Do me a favor and mark it solved if it works for ya.

Have fun,

Blaine

[returnofthemac]

Hi Blaine,

I apologise sincerely for taking so long to respond. This just got totally side tracked.

Thank you for your efforts on this, it is greatly appreciated. Works as needed.

Is there a a recommended resource for Autocad fundamentals?

Thank you

Mac

[beyoungjr]

If you do not have time or ability to take a class somewhere then I suggest picking up an SDC Textbook for AutoCAD (many available to suit any need).  You could also work through any num,ber of tutorials in the Autodesk pages or on Youtube.

There are quite enough resources out there that a dedicated effort will pay off.

All the best,

Blaine