How to emboss or engrave a sketch onto a sphere?

[Anonymous]

Hi y'all,

So I have a sphere I made for a keyring and I want to add some patterns to it. I'm unsure on how to sketch or emboss/engrave onto the sphere, though. I can't seem to add work planes near the sphere. I don't know if I'm missing something. I'm using the 2017 version. I've attached the sphere's .ipt file so that you can see it, but i don't know if that's necessary because it's just a sphere.

Thanks.

M~

[mdavis22569]

it's not possible on round  surfaces

[TheCADWhisperer]

There is a trick that can be used - but I do not see any sketch in your file to Emboss?

I would use a Revolve for a sphere rather than Form.

I recommend that you install the latest Updates for your version of Inventor.

[Anonymous]

I didn't know how to actually put a sketch onto it. I'll have a go at using the revolve tool, and I'll get back to you once I've had a go.

M~

[TheCADWhisperer]

I do not care where the sketch is at - it can be anywhere.

Put it on the XY plane.

[Anonymous]

So, I've made the sphere using the revolve tool this time. Now I need sketch my pattern out. I'm kind of confused; what should I do now?

[mpatchus · Accepted solution]

You could also use a 3d sketch to split the faces on the sphere, then thicken the split faces as you desire.

[TheCADWhisperer]

---

@Anonymouswrote:

 Now I need sketch my pattern out. I'm kind of confused; what should I do now?

---

Create the sketch that you wish to emboss anywhere in space.

Anywhere on the XY Plane (or any other Origin Work Plane).

[Anonymous]

Okay, I've worked it out. I'm using this simple striped pattern across my sphere. What's the next step (or is this even possible with the stripes)?

[Anonymous]

So how do you thicken the sections once I've split the faces?

[Anonymous]

Nevermind, I've got it

[Anonymous]

Thanks - your solution worked!!

[TheCADWhisperer]

Can you Attach your final result here - I suspect that you are doing too much work and that there is an easier way.

[Anonymous]

Here's my final result. I don't think I did too much, after I got used to using the split tool it was pretty easy. I've attached the final sphere.

[mpatchus · Accepted solution]

I'd have to agree with you @TheCADWhisperer based on the part image.

Something along these lines could easily replicate a pattern like that.

Just simply adjust the sketch geometry to suit your desired shape.

[Anonymous]

Okay. I'll keep both techniques in mind, though, and I'll use each of them accordingly. Thank you both for your help!

[mpatchus]

@Anonymous a word of advice....

Get into the habit of fully constraining your sketch geometry.

In your initial sketch you revolution line is unconstrained.

By simply dragging one of the end point, the entire part "breaks".

All of your other sketches are unconstrained as well.

Lock down your geometry with constraints & dimensions. 

Fully constrained sketch geometry makes troubleshooting parts much easier down the road.

[Anonymous]

Okay. That sounds like it would make things a whole lot easier.