10 Replies Latest reply on Feb 21, 2013 7:42 AM by Karthik A

    Imported curves as a sketch

    Karthik A
    Karthik A Dec 27, 2012 3:28 AM

      Hi,

      I am trying to import a curve from *.dat file to solidworks. I am using the "curve through xyz points" option and the curve is dislayed in the drawing window. Then, i could not extrude the curve or use any other features on the curve. Pls advice

        • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
          Jerry Steiger
          Jerry Steiger Dec 27, 2012 10:10 AM (in response to Karthik A)

          Karthik,

           

          Curves are kind of special entities in SolidWorks. You will probably need to open a sketch and use "Convert Entities" to get usable sketch elements. If the curve lies in a plane, you can use a 2D sketch. If the curve does not, you can use a 3D sketch.

           

          Jerry Steiger

          • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
            Mark Kaiser
            Mark Kaiser Dec 27, 2012 10:18 AM (in response to Karthik A)

            I'm not a curves expert, but I tried to import your curve on a plane in a part, and got the error message shown in the picture.  Looks like you have some clean up to do on the curve points before it is useable?

             

            curve.png

              • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
                Karthik A
                Karthik A Dec 28, 2012 2:30 AM (in response to Mark Kaiser)

                Mark,

                 

                I also got the same error. I found out that the points when copied to an excel sheet lose the digits after three or four decimals and it is rounded to the nearest whole number.

                 

                Thanks.

                  • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
                    Jerry Steiger
                    Jerry Steiger Dec 29, 2012 11:36 AM (in response to Karthik A)

                    Karthik,

                     

                    It sounds like you need to change the formatting of the Excel spreadsheet. I think you probably need to set the cell format to "General", rather than "Number", or use "Number" with as many places as your original numbers require.

                     

                    You should probably take the "Correct Answer" off of my first post, since it doesn't really seem to have helped much, if any.

                     

                    Jerry S.

                      • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
                        Karthik A
                        Karthik A Dec 30, 2012 1:47 AM (in response to Jerry Steiger)

                        Jerry,

                         

                        I have fond your idea useful and it did show up some error but thats due to the improper format in excel. So the suggestion you gave worked. Now the import is done, can i any way manipulate the sketch, i.e. airfoil (like copy it and paste it) in another plane or scale it down inside solidworks like we do in CATIA.

                          • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
                            Jerry Steiger
                            Jerry Steiger Dec 30, 2012 5:22 PM (in response to Karthik A)

                            Karthik,

                             

                            You might be able to use the Proportional Spline option to scale a Spline which is built off of your curve using Convert Entities. That would allow you to scale the spline in a particular sketch. (Just check "Proportional Spline" in your Property Manager for the spline. After that you can move the sketch around. Fixing one end allows you to scale it by dragging the other.)

                             

                            You might also be able to make a Block out of the spline and then scale the Block. Blocks would also be good for moving it to another plane. Derived Sketch will also allow you to copy it to another plane.

                             

                            I don't have access to SolidWorks right now, so the above is based on possibly faulty memory.

                             

                            Jerry S.

                              • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
                                Karthik A
                                Karthik A Dec 31, 2012 2:35 AM (in response to Jerry Steiger)

                                Hi Jerry,

                                 

                                I am not able to find the option of proportional spline. And i have found out an alternate to scale the curve by using move entities option, But there is a small problem, i cannot move the spline in the third direction. If i use 3D sketching, scaling option is missing. Is there any way to use both in the same sketch, either 3d sketch or 2d sketch.

                                  • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
                                    Jerry Steiger
                                    Jerry Steiger Jan 4, 2013 6:03 PM (in response to Karthik A)

                                    Karthik,

                                     

                                    Left click on the spline. The property manager will show up on the left. Check the box to the left of "Proportional" at the bottom of the Parameters.

                                     

                                    Jerry S.

                                      • Re: Imported curves as a sketch
                                        Karthik A
                                        Karthik A Feb 21, 2013 7:42 AM (in response to Jerry Steiger)

                                        Hi Jerry,

                                         

                                        I am getting problems with the Wing model using loft surface command. The thing is, I am trying to make a wing of varying chords (blended wing body) and i am importing the airfoil as curve and convert it. Then i scale it according to the chord, but in this process when i try to create a lofted surface between these varying chord airfoils, the body is forming sharp edges and not smooth or rounded. Any suggestions to scale the airfoil alternatively or forming a surface between these airfoils without any cornered edges.

                                         

                                        Thanks,

                                        Karthik.

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