Hi there,
I'm trying to create a pattern like the one found in the image, but on a cylinder. Basically a hexagonal grid where each hexagon has a soft "scoop" taken out of it. Does anyone have any insight on how to do this?
Hi there,
I'm trying to create a pattern like the one found in the image, but on a cylinder. Basically a hexagonal grid where each hexagon has a soft "scoop" taken out of it. Does anyone have any insight on how to do this?
Hi Jason,
I didn't match your scoop very well but you can generate the pattern you are looking for using Variable Pattern. I made the attached model in 2016 but the screenshots should help you if you have 2015 (the first year Variable Pattern was out).
Hope this helps get you going.
Jody
Thanks Jody, this is helpful!
Couldn't resist having a go ,, that's a nice little problem
I didn't actually put any 'dimple' in it, its just a filled surface from a hexagon drawn on a cylindrical surface
The first thing I realised was that the hexagon size had to fill a cylinder perfectly so it's based on an angular dimension.
Its parametric up to the combine. If I was going to do it again I'd probably look at making a pattern of cuts instead of building up solids, but I was just learning
Thanks, this looks promising. Could you attach the part file?
Here is surface I created then revolved. Not perfect by any means. but you might get the idea.
it'll take some trial and error to get the pattern to look like hexes on a cylinder - but thanks for the fun exercise
Took a stab at it, i probably didn't do it the best way, but i think it looks pretty close. Fun exercise!
Jason,
a revolve cut should do it. Then circular pattern it to overlap. Repeat on a new plane above to get the vertical overlap, circular pattern again. Then pattern both in the vertical. You'll need to work out the size and spacing to suit the cylinder
This is a great problem, I wish I had a bit more time to have a play. I like Bjorns idea of revolved cuts, the edges would be curved and slightly angled to the axis, but it could be patterned along a helix
Hi Rob,
If you look at the image on the original post you'll notice the edges are indeed curved. I wouldn't be surprise if the pattern was formed in a similar way.
Take a look on this.
Hope help.
Here's the model if you want to see it. I've tweaked it a little. To get a true hexagon result from from this method around a cylinder you may need to change the revolve cuts to an elliptical form in the other direction.
I only know about wood but easier to make it too
I tried patterning on a cylinder and filling the voids withsurfaces, can't get the solids to combine though.
Here is my attempt. Patterned revolve cuts, just taken a bit further.
This is what I love about this community and SOLIDWORKS. There's a ton of inventive ideas and people willing to put them forth. Great thread!
..agree,.. here is what I came up with..
Nice job you've done here, Jody
You guys all did a good job here
I just have a question as in SWW, how long would it take you? I'd like to use all samples here for knowlege base here to my engineers
I think this is it! Really cool. Thanks Paul & Bjorn.
I did my example in under 15 min. - first few minutes was just confirming my guess that the flat pattern was pattern of shallow spherical cuts. then I tried a couple variations on making the pattern of cuts on a cylinder. them played with the parameters a little to try to approach the "hexagons" on the cylinder.
Thanks, Jeremy. I"ll study your approach of modeling your part
It's interesting we always asked in the meeting each time we came up with some crazy idea - can it be done in SW
its good experience for us to learn diff. approach when modelinging complex part
..agree,.. here is what I came up with..