Problem with 3D Solid that I need to make thicker

[karl.trolenbergV2BMK]

I have a 3d solid model of a hose that I need to make thicker, but presspull and thicken don't seem to work on it. I think it may be because of self intersection, is there a way around that because it wouldn't really matter for my renders?

I need to be able to make flatshot renders of it, so I need to keep it as a 3D Solid, and can't edit it in 3ds max which converts it to a mesh.

I have attached the model, it's the long hose and needs to be the same diameter as the short hose. Any advice would be great.

[pendean]

Hello: what do you mean by "thicker"

[karl.trolenbergV2BMK]

The longer hose needs to be as thick as the short hose.

[pendean]

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@karl.trolenbergV2BMK wrote:

The longer hose needs to be as thick as the short hose.

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do you mean this

[karl.trolenbergV2BMK]

yes

[leeminardi · Accepted solution]

@karl.trolenbergV2BMK If you have the original spline that was used to sweep a circle then just sweep a larger circle.  If you do not have access to the original spline the task becomes more difficult.

Try using SOLIDEDIT to extract an edge that runs along one side of the tube.  If it's shape is close enough to the original spline then use it to create a new tube. 

If that's not good enough then try exploding the shape and use thicken with a value of 0.00142 for all but the cylindrcal end portion (the radius you want to match),   I used this apporach for the image below.  Note that some manual editing is required in the noted area where a problem developed due to the sharp bends resulting in self intersections.

[karl.trolenbergV2BMK]

I was able to replicate what you did here, thank you for the help.

Is there a way to make autocad not care about self intersection? I can see how that would be necessary for making real parts, but for renders it is a pain. I am used to 3ds max where that is never an issue. Trying to hunt down where this occurs on lots of piping could take a long time.

[leeminardi]

You can sweep a closed shape along a 3dpoly and self intersections will not be a problem.  I think the general self-intersection problem is encountered when the task involves a operation requiring an offset. Ths is true in 2D  for offset, and in 3D when using thicken, which in essence requires an offset calculation.  There's a lengthy discussion of2D self intersections here where a good program is offered in post #123.