Create a rail sweep while controlling height profile using second guide rail

[deutirium]

I'd like to create a specific shape which I found could be easily done with a sweep (as opposed to fiddling with several lofts), however the profile scaling options aren't giving me my required profile exactly. I'm using surface sweep in this instance but I don't think it should matter. I want the height to vary at certain points and not exactly as I would get if I use the "scale" option for profile scaling. I've drawn my required heights using a separate rail but I'm unable to select it for the sweep. 

This is how the sweep looks now:

and this is the height profile I'd like, when viewed from the side:

Is there a way to do this without having to create a separate profile manually to determine the desired height at each break and lofting in steps?

[TrippyLighting]

I think your only option is using lofts. 

[etfrench]

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@deutirium wrote:

Is there a way to do this without having to create a separate profile manually to determine the desired height at each break and lofting in steps?

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That's the definition of a loft😀

[deutirium]

well yes, I'm describing the alternative (loft) which I would like to avoid doing. It's rather tedious considering I have to do this for several designs, but it seems the only way as of now.

[davebYYPCU]

What’s tedious about that set up for Loft?  You have the top, end and side sketches, to show why Sweep didn’t do it.  Tedious is drawing both sides of a symmetric sketch.

Might help…..

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! Please share the f3d file. There might be a way to create the desirable geometry much more easily without using Loft or Freeform or Sweep.

Many thanks!

[davebYYPCU]

 more easily without using Loft or Freeform or Sweep.

Listening.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Dave,

The secret workflow isn't that secretive after all, though it does look magical. A revolved shape can be manipulated by Non-Uniform Scale quite easily. Otherwise, it would take a few Lofts to do the same.

The body on the left has its Z direction scaled 0.5 (see attached f3d).

Enjoy!

Many thanks!

[davebYYPCU]

Scaling did not fit the profile.....  See message 1.

Only one Loft.

Might help.....

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Dave,

For the directions with scale factor 1, the Non-Uniform Scale should not alter the body. The profile should be retained. It seems that the body is changed in height wise and also width wise. Could you share the f3d file here? I would like to take a closer look.

Many thanks!

[davebYYPCU]

Download the canvasses from message one.

Sweep with scaling, was same result as non uniform scale, which makes total sense.

The side view profile is not similar to front view, and has to be a loft with at least one rail.

Might help….

[TrippyLighting]

@deutirium can you share your model to avoid more speculation?

Please export it as a .f3d file and attach it to a post.