Tools for modelling a complex part

[cencinaNB2ET]

Hi,

I have tried modelling a slide that is rotor moulded ( fibreglass)

the part is a combination of sweep with rails.

it all goes well until it needs to shell.

I tried converting into a composite, each face and the stitching them up and then thickening but its not working.

Any ideas?

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! Indeed, the shell and offset fail on Slide_Test.ipt. It is because the geometry is unnecessarily complicated. The original geometry is not that complicated. Please take a look at attached part. Look at the slide. I am able to create work axes on the faces. This means they are cylindrical. So, the path consists of tangent continuous arcs, not spline. Also the slide top and the bottom faces are flat (workplanes). 

If I were you, I would remodel the slide using more simplified path (there is no need to use Guide Rail in this case). I am sure Shell and Thicken will work better.

Many thanks!

[cencinaNB2ET]

Yes,

The original part is only an idea, but yes you are right i thought about having a sketch  as a combination of tangent arcs.

See the arcs Example 1.ipt

But the side is variable meaning i still need to vary a sweep through the length ( guide-rails and path?)

I tried extruding the side profile and then just cutting the top with a sweep but shell was not possible.

So i tried again another sweep on the bottom part but it became harder to follow.

I need this model to be adaptive somehow as well.. so the height and span to increase or decrease accordingly.

[cencinaNB2ET]

Sorry

Yes it was matter of placing the shell first...

I think this is what i was after...

Tahnk you