Emboss or create a pattern on a Freeform surface

[Anonymous]

The pattern on the side has to be embossed (?)

I have attached the part. I need the pattern on the side of this mouse embossed in the part. I am not sure how to go about doing this since Embossed is not working as I intended. What can be the work around since the surface of the part is also wrapped.

[kelly.young]

Hello @Anonymous thanks for attaching the part. The screencast shows one method on how to accomplish creating holes on a surface:

Let us know if that helps. 

Please select the Accept Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I don't think Inventor Freeform can help much in this case. If I were you, I would create a workplane on top of the face. Next, create a sketch on the workplane. Create pattern of points covering the face. Then create a 3D Sketch and project the 2D sketch points to the face.

Lastly, create a dimple at one point. And, populate the dimple with Sketch-Driven Pattern command.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think you see from the pictures that those aren't holes, just pattern pressed on the plastic. It has nothing functional to it. I guess gripping is a function too. Well, they aren't holes but I guess I can work with the idea. Let me try something and I will get back to it.

[Anonymous]

The holes aren't being a problem. The problem I am having is with the outline around the holes. Lets see if I can work with the suggestion. I will report back.

[Anonymous]

In the attachment ( File name - Part 4.ipt), I have successfully made two solids, and I tried subtracting Solid4 from Solid3. I really thought it will now not be a problem anymore but 😐 . Any ideas now? Neither sculpt (cut) nor combine (subtract) worked.

[Anonymous]

Can you check my post above and gimme some idea now? Thanks!

[TheCADWhisperer]

I would start from scratch and improve the original Form feature - it appears to be a bit “rough” to me.

[kelly.young · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous The issue is that the Patches for the outside and inside walls bow. To ensure that the walls are straight extrude the edges as a surface, then trim. Using the 2D Sketch that is away from the outside face will ensure you cut everything and don't leave a small spot on the surface if the patch doesn't cover it exactly.

See the attached part, hope that helps. 

Please select the Accept Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

MVP!

I don't even know why I didn't think of that. Thanks. You saved the day for me. I feel so dumb 🤕. This solves the issue so beautifully. Now onto smoothing the solid and refining the base solid. Working with Freeform is so easy and so difficult at the same time. Haha. Thanks again!

[kelly.young]

@Anonymous glad that helped out. For the holes, you might want to employ the setup @johnsonshiue suggested using Sketch Driven Pattern. 

Please select the Accept Solution button if a post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Just posting to show the result of your help haha.

I completed it a while back.