Srink solid by frame profile

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I'm new to Autocad and want to know if there is a way of doing following transformation to solid:

Please note that I want to do that transformation for other solids with much more complicated shapes. So I'm looking for a method that works for any solid regardless of its shape and properties. By the way, how is this transformation called in theory?

I'm using Autocad 2017 for Windows 10 desktop.

Thank you.

[natasha.l]

Hello @Anonymous, 

Sorry for the delay. The 3d modeling command for this would Loft. Creates a 3D solid or surface by specifying a series of cross sections. The cross sections define the shape of the resulting solid or surface. You must specify at least two cross sections. Loft cross sections can be open or closed, planar or non-planar, and can also be edge subobjects. Open cross sections create surfaces and closed cross sections create solids or surfaces, depending on the specified mode

Please "Accept Solution" if a reply or replies have helped resolve the issue or answered your question, to help others in the community.

[beyoungjr]

Lofting is a great suggestion by @natasha.l  as long as you have the right profiles to target.

However if you are trying to "transform" from one shape to the other and do not have profiles you may be using the wrong software.

The example you show can be described as an XY scale at the top of the solid model in a transitional function.  If the  original model were developed in Inventor you could modify things at the sketch level and the model would update as you make alterations.

If you are married to AutoCAD (fine in my opinion), you could "Extract Edges" from your initial model, then modify the edge profiles as desired, then re-Loft.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for replies. My current task is more complicated than I've shown on the first picture. That was just to explain my idea.

So actually I need to transform the following object with no profiles and loft:

I don't know if extracting edges helps. And as you can see there is no way to re-loft. Correct? So my understanding is that it's impossible to transform in Autocad, correct?

Thank you.

[beyoungjr · Accepted solution]

Ok so this looks like approx. 288 objects (8 levels of 36 pentagonal shafts) laid in a pattern.  I cannot make out the point of convergence in the center but it appears as thought each object terminates as a point or very tiny pentagonal shape near the center.

Lost would be a useful tool in creating one of the shafts an array of objects would be necessary for duplicating.  This would be the same process in a parametric modeling application so to simply "transform" is not an option.  This would be an edit to the base sketch and subsequent operations in ANY modeling application.

Its a re-design in AutoCAD.

Not a very good example of transforming a solid model when it is clearly made up of multiple models.  Inventor and others would require mods at various points along the design tree.

[Anonymous]

So it means I should begin from scratch creating parametric model. It something new for me and first need to learn. Also I still didn't get the difference between Inventor and Autocad and if it's worth switching while I'm still at the beginning.

[beyoungjr]

In a true parametric modeling application you have a design tree, model tree, browser, or modeling history (different terms, same meaning).  This tree keeps a running progression of all actions performed.  If you create a sketch of a circle on the XY plane, then extrude that circle to a cylinder, you will show the sketch and the extrusion as the order of operations.  If you alter the sketch the model will update.

In AutoCAD you certainly follow steps to create your model but the steps are not recorded in a progression so you cannot simply make a change in the tree and see the end result updated.

I have taught both AutoCAD and Inventor for several years and I believe that it is an equal task to learn each fully and effectively.  There are some similarities in construction techniques but the environments are far different.

I am still not 100% clear on your goals.  The first and last project you proposed are extremely different and would require vastly different approaches.  I think you would do well to focus on learning one of the applications that you feel suits your needs best and study well before confining your thoughts to any specific project.

If 3D solid modeling is your true goal then Inventor may be your better choice.

Cheers,

Blaine