Inventor Freeform - How to Model Rounded Surface

[Anonymous]

Hi there!

I'm new to FreeForm and trying to "grasp" a new way of modeling.

Could somebody please give me a hint on how to model the "foot" shown in photo.

I've attached so far my best approach.

The Shape is OK but I am struggling with the toes..

I am just about to have a go at adding cylinder shapes under the freeform model, will let you know how I go with that also.

 
Thank you for any help! 🙂

kelly.young has embedded your images for clarity.

[Xun.Zhang]

Hello,

This is really a big topic, just suggest you to have a complete learning path for freeform modeling. you can start with model editing and pick any geometry in freeform environment to form the shape, if you want more accuracy shape, please leverage Match edge command to make the shape more accuracy. Make sure you have already defined the 2D sketch before match edge.

Hope it helps!

[Anonymous]

Xun, 

thank you for your reply.

Question: I'll clarify my question, please, is there a "Proper Way/Free Form Modeling Feature" to model my "toes" as shown in attached photo "Model Foot Sample"?

Explanation:

- I've modeled the foot shape to the sample and I am happy with the shape in general.

- I am only struggling with "Toes".... I have modeled the toes but struggling a bit with connecting them up to the foot to make a whole piece (maybe filleting?)...  

- I tried using your suggestion the "match edge, however it is very hard to control and makes all sorts of weird, not desired, outcomes.

- I am attaching my sample from today and will try tomorrow another new approach...

Again I appreciate any advice or help.

thank you

[kelly.young]

ello @Anonymous I see that you are visiting as a new member to the Inventor Forum.
Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

When you save files I would suggest not using a comma (,) as it breaks the file when downloaded. 

Re-attached your part in a usable form and embedded your image.

As for the freeform, I would suggest getting the shape close as you can from the start, then converting, then editing and clarifying and adding more faces. Starting too big or small has it's drawbacks, getting a generic usable shape has been most helpful in my experience. 

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

[Anonymous]

Hi Kelly, thank you for your response!

I found when converting from the starting shape, the whole face doesn't convert, only parts, is there a better way to approach this?

[kelly.young · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous it is somewhat an art form, there is no real easy answer as to how to go about it. I would suggest going through some of the modeling tutorials and seeing how the commands work and then you can apply them to what you are trying to do. 

Here is a good overview video of how to get started:

The main thing is to start with a shape, even a rectangle, and then slowly defining your features and getting more detailed as you progress.

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

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the advice Kelly!

That tutorial was helpful, learnt a couple of tips I didn't previously know.  I've also found a few helpful tutorials, I guess it'll just take practice and some trial and error, plenty of errors hahah..  

I've also been using a mix of Blender and Fusion 360 tutorials then applying it to Freeform in Inventor, this might be helpful for others who are in a similar boat as myself!

🙂