Creating Mesh using specific XYZ Coordinates

[Anonymous]

Long story short- If I have an Excel file with numerous XYZ coordinates, how can I create a mesh on Autodesk Inventor 2021 to hit those specific XYZ coordinates?

To explain the task in more detail, I have to build a weaving fiber and then apply a mesh pattern that hits the specific XYZ coordinate points I have on an Excel file.

So far I have the external shape of the weaving fiber (shown below):

From this weaving fiber, I need to build a mesh pattern that divides the weaving fiber above into subvolumes- specifically, a mesh that forms a consistent grid pattern across 5 different cross-sections (the two ends and the 3 orange cross-sections in the diagram below).

As mentioned, the location of the grid points created by the mesh must match exactly with the XYZ coordinates given by my partner.

Please let me know how this can be achieved on Autodesk Inventor 2021.

I am attaching the Excel file of the coordinates- please note that the excel file divides each cross-section into about 200 segments and then provides the XYZ coordinates of the corners following the 1-2-3-4 convention for each segment.

[cadman777]

OK, thanx for the update.

Answers:

Q1 - Rhino is pretty easy, esp. if you already know AutoCAD. Their forum is a good place to get help. Just do some tutorials or watch some videos on YT for beginners. You'll want R7 to get quad meshing. 

Q2 - I believe the free trial allows you to save and all that. After the trial, you still have full functionality, only you can't save. It's essentially a practice program and viewer for Rhino models. You can get an educational license for a very reasonable fee. Just contact someone from McNeel and they'll tell you everything you need to know.

Q3 - Although my Inventor 2010 doesn't have equation curve, I made a spline and saved it as an IGES file and it imported right into Rhino. 

       Also, You can use Grasshopper to create an equation curve. It's really slick and not too difficult to learn. It's much more versatile than just one kind of equation curve, b/c you can use any kind of element or feature in it. Check it out on the GH home page and you'll see what I mean. I believe I linked you to a forum thread on it in a previous message.