4 Replies Latest reply on Dec 11, 2014 3:36 PM by Jamil Snead

Creating a surface from 2 sets of intersecting curves

Mike Sanford Dec 10, 2014 8:06 PM

I'm struggling to create an accurate surface from intersecting curves and hope you can help. We created two sets of cross-sectional curves in the x and y direction of a part using a CMM machine. Now I need to create a surface, extend that surface out on each edge, and thicken it. Using Boundary Surface I'm able to select the curves in one direction, and with lots of massaging, create a poorly modeled surface that I can't modify. When I try to insert the second set of curves in Direction 2 I get **error** ImportedCurvexx.

I've brought the curves in as IGES and Parasolid with the same results. I can also bring these in as sketches, but I'm unable to manipulate the curves because I need to maintain the dimensional accuracy. The screenshot below shows the sketches from the top view. These curves are fairly flat.

Am I using the right command? Does this require some in-depth modeling knowledge? Thanks.

Re: Creating a surface from 2 sets of intersecting curves

Jamil Snead Dec 10, 2014 8:35 PM (in response to Mike Sanford)

At first glance I would say a boundary surface is the best bet. Is it possible that due to rounding or conversion the curves don't actually intersect? That would cause problems for a boundary surface.
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Re: Creating a surface from 2 sets of intersecting curves

Mike Sanford Dec 11, 2014 10:54 AM (in response to Mike Sanford)

None of these curves are intersecting - forgot to mention that. They're within .003" of each other, but they don't intersect. I can bring also the data in as points.
What commands would I use with points?
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Re: Creating a surface from 2 sets of intersecting curves

Mike Sanford Dec 11, 2014 11:39 AM (in response to Mike Sanford)

On second thought - I've reviewed the posts on importing points and believe that this is beyond my skill level. I don't have Scanto3d and don't write macros. It seems like my best bet is to use the curves in only one direction with Boundary Surface and try to clean up the surface so that I can create a solid.
Any other ideas would be helpful. Thanks.
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- Re: Creating a surface from 2 sets of intersecting curves
  
  Jamil Snead Dec 11, 2014 3:36 PM (in response to Mike Sanford)
  
  Your idea of just using the curves in one direction might be the way to go. Another possibility if this is a one-time need is to upload the point cloud data and have someone with Scanto3D make a surface for you. I believe I have it but I have never used it, but I'd be willing to give it a try.
  
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