Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

catot
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Message 1 of 17

Input regarding T-spline connection between solids

catot
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Hi,

 

For the first time I'm trying to learn how to use T-splines properly. I've done some small simple tests before, but this time I wanted to try something more seriously, and connect two solid bodies using T-splines. Normally i work in Inventor where I do more conventional solid modelling, so this approach is new to me. I've read around in the various threads on the forum, and I've watched some tutorial/webinar on youtube.

 

The thing I'm trying to accomplish, is to connect these two round solids together using a smooth T-spline. Both the original solids two planar sides should be as they are initially, even after the T-spline is added. (but can be extended a bit towards the transition).

 

Briefly, how would you go on to connect the two solids indicated with T-splines? See example picture (which is close to what i want) and also see a model as used for my starting point.

 

Capture1.PNG

 

I've tried a bit of different approaches, used trial and error with most T-spline commands. I fail to get the transitions I want, and to get it to a solid afterwards, and finally I'm probably using way to many hours to accomplish something which is probably not that complex once you know how. At the moment i feel I'm maybe doing things the wrong way around, so I would really appreciate if any of you experts here on the forum could point me in the right direction on how to do this in an efficient and simple way?

 

 

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Message 2 of 17

TrippyLighting
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Attempting to blend a T-Spline into a Solid the way you are approaching htis is not ideal.

Assuming your T-Spline is a closed surface, when you click on Finish T-Spline (or whatever it is called) it is converted into a slid body.

you can then combine the ring bodies with the T-Spline solid bodies and apply fillets, possibly variable radius fillets for better blending.

 

If you need sharper edges at the end of the T-Spline bodies where they transition into the ring bodies, you can apply edge creases.

 

I wonder what @PhilProcarioJr has to say about this ?


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Message 3 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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@TrippyLighting

To be honest I would build this entire setup using T-Splines and no solids until the end. I would create sketches to lock my forms for the rod ends then start building. I'm really busy doing client work right now (as you probably noticed by my lack of posting here on the forums), but I will see what I can put together....



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

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Message 4 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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Ok so this is really quick and dirty but I think you will get the point....

After doing the video I figured you would want fillets on the pads so I did an extra edge loop around each edge before using the bridge tool and added fillets. The file I attached shows the newer version.

To connect two rods I would do it the same way but merge faces on the y split.

If you want the connecting rod piece to be round then just create it with the same amount of sides as your opening and do the bridge on each end...same concept.

Untitled v1.png

 



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Message 5 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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@catot

If you use the pipe command you can get results like this. Keep in mind the pipe command is driven by a sketch so the shape can be however you want it to be.

Pipe1.jpg

Pipe2.jpg



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Message 6 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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Here is a final model, you could move the Y right against the boss if you want....another thing I would like to add before closing is if this was something final for a customer I would have retopologized the control cage for the final model so I would have a nice curvature map of the surface.

Pipe3.jpg

Pipe4.jpg

Untitled2 v1.png



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Message 7 of 17

catot
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Thanks a lot @PhilProcarioJr ! Smiley Happy That screencast helped very much. I will continue to follow that approach first, then test the Pipe-command approach. I will post back with the results.

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Message 8 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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@catot

Your welcome, glad I could help.

I guess you could say T-Splines are my go to tool...I find myself constantly using them. I can't really think of anything I can't model with them.

Now if I could just get the Fusion dev team to work on some new T-Spline tools......lol Smiley Very Happy 



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

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Message 9 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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@catot

And since I didn't really answer your original question.....

The type of blend and look you will get depends on how you shape the T-Splines before converting here I will show you two but you can shape the connection anyway you want.

 



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Message 10 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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Look 2....

 



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Message 11 of 17

TrippyLighting
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This is really great feedback. Thank you for taking the time for these detailled Screencasts!`

 


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Message 12 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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@TrippyLighting

You know me, I can't resist a good T-Spline challenge....HAHA Smiley Very Happy

I enjoy helping people that have an open mind and actually want to learn.

Besides you asked for my opinion on this, I couldn't leave you hanging... Smiley Wink

I really want to do an entire training set on T-Splines....I just don't have the time right now working 12 hour days, doing freelance work and my home business....I need to find a way to quit the day job and replace it with a training job....

I have learned and figured out so much using T-Splines it's crazy....I could probably fill hundreds of hours worth of training...

T-Splines are by far the most underrated tool in Fusion...people just don't realize whats possible with them.

Cheers



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

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Message 13 of 17

TrippyLighting
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@PhilProcarioJr wrote:

....I need to find a way to quit the day job and replace it with a training job....


Yep, same here!

 


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Message 14 of 17

catot
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@PhilProcarioJr, thanks for all the additional excellent screencasts, they really help a lot when trying to learn how to perform tasks like these!

 

I'm still at the first approach you showed, but I think I've come to a level where I'm more or less satisfied with the result. I'm sure there are still things that can be improved, so if anyone would take a quick look that would be much appreciated. See below for pics and model. Will try the pipe-approach next.

 

Sculpt_Arm_2_2016-Jul-22_01-19-54PM-000_CustomizedView15136217706.jpg

 

Sculpt_Arm_3_2016-Jul-22_04-31-54PM-000_CustomizedView13602657791.jpg

 

Sculpt_Arm_3_2016-Jul-22_04-28-04PM-000_CustomizedView9323655663.jpg

Message 15 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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@catot

Another variation...T-Splines allow you to quickly test out ideas....

test1.png

test.png



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

Message 16 of 17

PhilProcarioJr
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@catot

That's what I like to see, progress...I like it and it looks like your on the right track. Keep it up!

Cheers



Phil Procario Jr.
Owner, Laser & CNC Creations

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Message 17 of 17

catot
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That's good news Smiley Happy

 

Tried with pipes for the arms, but after sketching these splines in 3D, and fiddling around a little with the intersections etc., I ended up not seeing the benefit using this approach here. I rather prefer the initial approach using more Bridge, or perhaps converting a surface loft to a T-spline.

 

Anyway, I've learned a lot from this, so thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.

 

Result so far using pipes initially (I know the curves are a bit rough several places...) :

 

Sculpt_Arm_3_2016-Jul-22_09-03-41PM-000_CustomizedView13602657791.jpg