revolving a profile about an axis. - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

savant · 12-30-2007, 03:49 PM

Does anybody recall a method for helically revolving a profile about an axis, accurately?
Here's the situation. The finished product is a column with a vine having leaves and grape relief helically wrapped around it. It must match an existing design, so building it from scratch using a 3dspline and revolve, or 3dspline and extrude, is out of the question. I have up to Auto CAD 2007, But I stick with '06 for most things.
I have the vine on file, and my intended cylinder, I just don't want to waste too much time reinventing the wheel if I don't have to. ie. slices.

I need a clean file to give to a CNC cutter to prototype it and then I've got to roto-mold several. It must be me who creates the file as I have knowledge of the requirements of it's manufacture and use. Handing it off is out of the question. CNC cutters know nothing about molding.

savant · 12-30-2007, 10:18 PM

Does anybody model in 3D?

**Teetorbilt** · 12-31-2007, 12:32 AM

I do and use CATIA. Haven't used ACad much in years. You should be able to attach a string to the outside of the cylinder, give it as many turns as you want ending at the required position and then change the string length. ACad can do it but I only used it once many years ago on a centrifuge design.

Sorry that I can't be of more help. ACad is pretty much a thing of the past for me.

savant · 01-01-2008, 06:05 PM

Thanks Teetorbilt,
CATIA MAD looks like a good path for me in the future. I like the promise of NC file automation. Of course, I still have to hash something out now.
Are there stair builders out there who have used AutoCAD for helical wreath pieces, and remember the commands? I'm trying to avoid investing time on this if there's a chance this command is out there.

hatchet · 01-02-2008, 11:06 PM

There is one way to do it with a 3dpolyline. By using the Block option in Divide or Measure. It may take some trial and error to get the correct number of objects placed. I also think it gives the option to align object. Oh and you have to have your object defined as a block first.

panthony · 01-03-2008, 10:34 PM

Common function to define a block and then a path in 3D space then have the block copied along the path.

I mainly use Vectorworks, FormZ, Corel and Adobe to achieve most of my drafting, modeling and presentational graphics. Have a seat of ADT 2006 but don't use it very often.

If anyone has questions concerning the CAD programs I'm using please don't hesitate to ask...I'll be glad to see what I can help with

Pete A.