Creating Extrusions on top of curved component

[vactemp2022]

Hi,

I am trying to have a curved object (component) which I have derived from a basic 3D ball structure, made hollow.
So now I have my cut out surface part from this ball. Using the working plane adjacent to the balls surface, I drew another 2D sketch part and extruded it from the surface 10 mm up with the bool option creating another body.

It seems to be one of those things where I feel great to have gotten there, but not necessarily the way professionals would have done it...
That is why I am asking you for advice. Provided, that the steps done so far are ok and not going to throw a stick into my wheels later, how can I achieve to be every body placed on top, is an extrusion parallel to the curved surface?

In this example I placed a small brick on top and as you can see, the right side get more eaten up than the left side.

Any advice highly appreciated 🤔🙂 !

[kacper.suchomski]

Hi

Attach your file.

[vactemp2022]

Hm, today when I looked at the part again, I realised that I only created a block going through the surface. Nothing on top. It would still be the goal though. on flat object surfaces I would simply create another work plane. But with the bent surface, I am stuck.

[kacper.suchomski · Accepted solution]

To keep the entire body on top, use the "To" or "To Next" options in the Extrude dialog box.

[89198826955 · Accepted solution]

parallel to the curved surface

1 3D sketch

2 surface area

3 thickness

 

[SBix26 · Accepted solution]

Even easier technique for "parallel to curved surface":

2D sketch on planar face or workplane, then choose curved surface as the From face in Extrude tool.

With your part:

Note that with this technique, while the extended face is parallel to the base curve, the side faces are perpendicular to the sketch plane, so this is not always the best answer.

---

Sam B

Inventor Pro 2025 | Windows 11 Home 23H2

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! I suspect the OP would like to start the extrusion from the sphere face and end to a sphere. Edit the Extrusion feature -> click on "From" -> pick the sphere face.

Many thanks!

[vactemp2022]

Hey Guys,

actually all of your suggestions were great.

Their useful case really depends on the details and purpose of the features. Meaning, if it matters walls to be perpendicular or spreading up in a particular angle. And that does actually vary in my projects.

One thing is for sure: you solved my challenge. Thank you all very much for your advice and effort!