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THE BLUE BOOK About Solid Edge V14 Chapter 3 -- The Surfacing Menu Comma
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3.0 THE SURFACING
MENU COMMANDS
I wish that I had a dollar (U.S. currency) for every time that I have
heard someone say:
"I can't use Solid Edge because it doesn't do surface
modeling."
I would be so rich that I would be out at Pebble Beach, California,
teeing up the golf ball.
I have been doing surface modeling for years (that's about how
long every job seemed to take back in the old days), and anyone
that wants to do surface modeling is either:
A) Certifiably crazy, or
B) Doesn't understand how the Solid Edge Surfacing
Menu can be used in the modeling process.
The Solid Edge Surfacing menu can be used in the Part and Sheet
Metal modules to help create parts that make even the expensive
CAD software jealous.
3.1 SURFACING MENUCOMMANDS
To access the Surfacing menu, you can click the RIGHT mouse
button on any menu in the Main Toolbar or the Features Menu,
and select Surfacing as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1
This will open the Surfacing menu, which runs down the left side
of the screen, next to the Features Menu. The Surfacing menu is
shown in four parts to better fit the format of THE BLUE BOOK
in Figure 2.
Figure 2
Look at the commands shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3
These commands are:
BLUESURF SWEPT SURFACEBOUNDED SURFACE EXTRUDED SURFACE
REVOLVED SURFACE OFFSET SURFACE
COPY SURFACE.
Look at the commands shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4
These commands are:
BLUEDOT TRIM SURFACE
EXTEND SURFACE DELETE FACES
STITCHED SURFACE SHOW NON-STITCHED EDGE
REPLACE FACE.
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Look at the commands shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5
These commands are:
KEYPOINT CURVE CURVE BY TABLE
NTERSECTION CURVE PROJECT CURVE
CROSS CURVE CONTOUR CURVE
DERIVED CURVE SPLIT CURVE
NTERSECTION POINT.
Look At the commands shown in Figure 6.
Figure 6
These commands are:
DIVIDE PART BOOLEAN FEATURE
NSERT PART.
3.1.1 The BLUESURF
Command
WHAT: The BLUESURF command.
WHERE: The BLUESURF command is located at the top
of the Surfacing menu. It is shown in Figure
Figure 7
HOW: The BLUESURF command is used to create a
surface by using several cross sections. It works very similar to the
LOFTED PROTRUSION command.
The Ribbon Bar for the command is shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8
The first command on the Ribbon Bar is the BLUESURF
OPTIONS command. This command opens the BlueSurf Options
window, which is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9
The Advanced tab of the BlueSurf Options window is shown in
Figure 10.
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THE BLUE BOOK About Solid Edge V14 Chapter 3 -- The Surfacing Menu Comma
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Figure 10
The SmartStep commands in the Ribbon Bar are shown in Figure
11.
Figure 11
The commands are:
CROSS SECTION STEP, GUIDE CURVE STEP,
INSERT SKETCH STEP. CANCEL/FINISH.
In the CROSS SECTION STEP, you select the 2-D curves that
will be used to create the BLUESURF. After selecting a cross
section, you can check the green check mark, or right mouse click.
This will let you select the next cross section.
If you have a Guide Curve, you can select the GUIDE CURVE
STEP button on the Ribbon Bar and then select up to three GuideCurves. The Guide Curves must intersect the cross sections.
Figure 12 shows three cross sections and three guide curves.
Figure 12
The resulting surface is shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13
Once the surface is created, the GUIDE CURVE STEP can b
used to extract curves in two directions that match the contour
the surface.
To extract curves that match the contours of the surface, theGUIDE CURVE STEP lets you place reference planes throu
the surface. The reference planes can be placed in the usual w
that you create reference planes. The reference plane comman
will appear on the Ribbon Bar as shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14
Look at the surface model that is shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15
It was created by the three sketches that are shown highlighted
Figure 16.
Cross Sections
Guide Curves
Cross Sections
Guide Curves
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Figure 16
The two new sketches that are shown in Figure 17 were added to
he surface after the surface was created with the INSERT
KETCH STEP command.
Figure 17
The sketches running in the opposite direction shown in Figure 18
were also added by the INSERT SKETCH STEP command.
Figure 18
The sketches that are added in the second direction are considered
as Guide Curves. The original sketches and the sketches added in
the first direction are considered Cross Sections.
When the new sketches are added to the model, the surface is
regenerated and the surface is then controlled by the new sketches
as well as the original sketches.
WHY: When you need to create a surface model that matches
cross sectional data, the BLUESURF command can do that for you easily. Also, the BLUESURF command gives you the ability
to add additional curves to the surface if additional control is
necessary. There is no other command that can do this.
EXAMPLE 1: Look at the surface model that is shown
from the top view in Figure 19, right view in Figure 20 and iso
view in Figure 21.
The curves shown in Figure 22 were used to create the surface.
Figure 19
Figure 20
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Figure 21
Figure 22
3.1.2 The SWEPT SURFAC
Command
WHAT: The SWEPT SURFACE command.
WHERE: The SWEPT SURFACE command is loca
on the Surfacing Menu. It is shown in Figure 23.
Figure 23
HOW: The SWEPT SURFACE command is used to cre
a surface model. The surface created is a construction element
can be used with many other solid and surface modeling
commands to help define the shape of the model.
The SWEPT SURFACE command works just like the SWEP
PROTRUSION command. For more information about the
SWEPT PROTRUSION command, see THE BOOK ABOU
Solid Edge.
Point UsedAs Cross Section
Point Used
As Cross Section
CrossSection
GuideCurve
GuideCurve
Point UsedAs Cross Section
Point Used
As Cross Section
CrossSection
GuideCurve
GuideCurve
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3.1.3 The BOUNDED
SURFACE Command
WHAT: The BOUNDED SURFACE command.
WHERE: The BOUNDED SURFACE command is
ocated near the top of the Surfacing menu. It is shown in Figure
4.
Figure 24
HOW: This command creates a surface from boundary
lements, like SKETCHES or edges of other surfaces.
The Ribbon Bar for the command is shown in Figure 25.
Figure 25
The first command is the SELECT EDGES STEP. In this stepou select the edges that will bound the new surface. When the
dges have been selected, you can use the second button, which is
he SELECT TANGENT FACES STEP, to control the tangency
f the new surface along the edges that you selected. This option is
ot relevant unless you are selecting edges of surfaces to create the
BOUNDED SURFACE.
WHY: This command can be used to easily create surfaces
with unusual shapes.
EXAMPLE 1: Look at the surface shown in Figure 26.
t was created with the BOUNDED SURFACE command using
he SKETCH that is shown in Figure 27.
Figure 26
Figure 27
EXAMPLE 2: Look at the three surfaces and two
SKETCHES shown in Figure 28.
Figure 28
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A fourth surface can be added on top of the model using the
SKETCHES and the top edges of two surfaces. The new
BOUNDED SURFACE is shown in Figure 29.
Figure 29
EXAMPLE 3: Look at the two surface models that are
shown in Figure 30. Notice that two sketches connect the corners
of the surfaces.
Figure 30
The BOUNDED SURFACE command can be used to create a
surface between the two surfaces. In Figure 31, the third surface
was created by using the two sketches and the edges of the
existing surfaces.
Figure 31
3.1.4 The EXTRUDEDSURFACE Command
WHAT: The EXTRUDED SURFACE command.
WHERE: The EXTRUDED SURFACE command islocated in the upper part of the Surfacing menu and is part of
fly-out menu shown in Figure 32.
Figure 32
HOW: The EXTRUDED SURFACE command is used
create a 3D surface model. The surface created is a constructio
element and can be used with many other solid modeling
commands to help define the shape of the model.
NOTE: The EXTRUDED SURFACE command works
like the PROTRUSION command. For more information abo
the PROTRUSION command see THE BOOK About Solid
Edge.
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3.1.5 The REVOLVED
SURFACE Command
WHAT: The REVOLVED SURFACE command.
WHERE: The REVOLVED SURFACE command is part
f the fly-out menu that is shown in Figure 33.
Figure 33
HOW: The REVOLVED SURFACE command is used to
reate a 3D surface model. The surface created is a construction
lement and can be used with many other solid modelingommands to help define the shape of the model.
NOTE: The REVOLVED SURFACE command works just
ke the REVOLVED PROTRUSION command. For more
nformation about the REVOLVED PROTRUSION command,
ee THE BOOK About Solid Edge.
3.1.6 The OFFSET SURFACECommand
WHAT: The OFFSET SURFACE command.
WHERE: The OFFSET SURFACE command is located
n the fly-out menu shown in Figure 34.
Figure 34
HOW: The OFFSET SURFACE command can create a
urface that is parallel to the selected surface. You can control the
istance of the offset, and the offset can be zero.
The Ribbon Bar for the OFFSET SURFACE command is shown
n two parts to better fit the format of THE BLUE BOOK in
igure 35.
Figure 35
The Smart Step commands are:
SELECT STEP,
OFFSET STEP, and
CANCEL/FINISH.
In the SELECT STEP, you can select the types of elements
shown in the Select field in Figure 36.
Figure 36
When the surface is selected, the OFFSET STEP becomes active.
In the OFFSET STEP, you set the Distance in the Distance field,
as shown in Figure 37.
Figure 37
You can also select to REMOVE BOUNDARIES or to SHOW
BOUNDARIES of the surface that is offset. This is done with the
buttons that are shown in Figure 38.
Figure 38
WHY: When you are creating complex surface models, the
OFFSET SURFACE command can be quite handy to use. The
OFFSET SURFACE can help you creating CUTOUTS or
PROTRUSIONS on the model with the OFFSET SURFACE
being used as the From/To surfaces in the EXTENT STEP of the
modeling commands.
EXAMPLE 1: The OFFSET SURFACE command
can create surfaces with an offset value of 0.00. This can help you
when working with complex surface models, like cutting text out
of a contoured surface model, like the one shown in Figure 39.
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Figure 39
Also, the OFFSET SURFACE command now supports the
removal or internal boundaries. This will also help you when
creating models like BIG BAR Soap, a manly deodorant bar.
To create a model like BIG BAR, you can start with two
Construction Surfaces like those that are shown in Figure 40.
Figure 40
A PROTRUSION can be added with a From/To EXTENT usingthe Construction Surfaces. This is shown, with the Construction
Surfaces hidden in Figure 41.
Figure 41
The front and right views of the model are shown in Figures 4and 43.
Figure 42
Figure 43
ROUNDS can be added to the model to soften the corners. Th
shown in Figure 44.
Now the fun part starts. To cut the letters into BIG BAR requi
little thought process, but it is easy because of the OFFSET
SURFACE capabilities.
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Figure 44
You need the letters first. Create a SKETCH using the reference
lane that runs through the center of BIG BAR. The SKETCH
rofile can be created with the TEXT PROFILE command,
which is accessed by selecting Insert, Text Profile from the MenuBar . The Text window used in this example is shown in Figure 45.
Figure 45
The BIG BAR SKETCH is shown in Figure 46.
Figure 46
The OFFSET SURFACE command can be used to offset the top
surface of the model .200 deep into the model. This is shown in
the right view in Figure 47.
Figure 47
The CUTOUT command can be used to remove the material that
shapes each letter with a From/To EXTENT. This is shown in
Figure 48.
Figure 48
Big Bar Sketch Text
Surface Offset IntoModel
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This is shown in the right view in Figure 49. Notice how the
CUTOUT goes into the model until it hits the OFFSET
SURFACE.
Figure 49
Figure 50 shows the completed Big Bar.
Figure 50
It almost makes me want to jump into a nice hot bath and clean up.
The bathtub is shown in Figure 51. The same modeling technique
of using a From/To EXTENT with a surface model can be used
to create the bathtub.
Figure 51
3.1.7 The COPY SURFACE
Command
WHAT: The COPY SURFACE command.
WHERE: The COPY SURFACE command is locate
the fly-out menu shown in Figure 52.
Figure 52
HOW: The COPY SURFACE command creates a copy
surface. The surface from which the copy is created can be a
surface model or a surface from a solid model.
The Ribbon Bar for the command is shown in Figure 53.
Figure 53
The first button is the SELECT STEP command. In this step
select the surfaces you want to copy and then select the green
check mark to OK the selection.
The REMOVE INTERNAL BOUNDARIES and the REMO
EXTERNAL BOUNDARIES commands, which are shown i
Figure 54, can be used to have boundaries removed from the c
when it is created. A boundary is an edge on a surface. If the
Letters Penetrate Model SurfaceAnd Stop At Offset Surface
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urface was originally created and modified, the copy may change
f you use the REMOVE EXTERNAL BOUNDARIES
ommand. The REMOVE INTERNAL BOUNDARIES
ommand will copy the surface without internal holes.
Figure 54
WHY: In advanced modeling scenarios, you may need to
opy a surface to set up the creation of a complex feature. Also,
ou may need to remove boundaries from the copy to set up
From/To surfaces when creating PROTRUSIONS, or other
oundary elements.
EXAMPLE 1: Look at the model shown in Figure 55.
Figure 55
A copy of the surface is shown in Figure 56. A copy of the top
urface is shown with internal boundaries removed in Figure 57.
Figure 56
Figure 57
Notice that the square hole has been removed from the surface
with the internal boundaries removed.
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3.1.8 The BLUEDOT
Command
WHAT: The BLUEDOT command.
WHERE: The BLUEDOT command is located in the
upper portion of the Surfacing menu. It is shown in Figure 58.
Figure 58
HOW: The BLUEDOT command creates special Control
Point between curves that touch or intersect. The curves must
physically touch and the BLUEDOT will keep the curves
connected at that Control Point . The BLUEDOT can be placed at
endpoints of curves or sketches, or along curves. Notice the word
Curve. In Solid Edge, a curve in not an analytic element like a
line, arc or circle. The curve must be created by theCURVE
command, KEYPOINT CURVE command, or converted from an
analytic element with the CONVERT TO CURVE command.
After a BLUEDOT is placed on two curves, the position of the
BLUEDOT may be edited, or moved. When the BLUEDOT
moved, both of the curves will change to stay connected at the
BLUEDOT.
WHY: The BLUEDOT can be used in the design of complex
surfaces that are mode from a network of curves. The BLUEDOT
edit capability gives you the ability to modify the shape and
positions of the curves and keep the curves connected. When the
curves are modified, the complex surface will also be modified.
Without BLUEDOTS, this type of surface creation and
modification would be next to impossible, unless you called me
for help.
EXAMPLE 1: Look at the set of curves shown in
Figure 59.
Figure 59
The BLUEDOT command can be used to create connect poin
the intersections of each curve as shown in Figure 60.
Figure 60
EXAMPLE 2: You can edit the position of the
BLUEDOT by shortcutting on a BLUEDOT and selecting
Dynamic Edit as shown in Figure 61.
Figure 61
BLUEDOTSBLUEDOTS
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This will show the BLUEBOT Ribbon Bar . It is shown in two
arts in Figure 62. You can use the X, Y and Z fields to key in an
bsolute position of the BLUEDOT. This absolute position is
ased on the location of the COORDINATE SYSTEM in the
model (where the three original reference planes all cross).
Figure 62
f the DELTA (triangle) command is used, the Ribbon Bar will
hange to the one that is shown in Figure 63. This will allow you
o key in movements of the BLUEDOT relative to the current
osition of the BLUEDOT.
Figure 63
Notice the dX, dY and dZ fields.
When the position of a BLUEDOT is changed, the curves will
eact to the movement. You can control the way the curves move
y using the Curve 1 and Curve 2 fields in the Ribbon Bar .
The types of movements are:
Shape Edit – This may change the shape of the entire curve when
ou move a point on the curve.
Local Edit – This will change only a limited part of the curve that
es near the edit point. If a middle point on the curve is edited, the
nds will remain stationary.
Rigid – This prevents the curve from moving. This is used when
ou want one curve to change and the other curve to remain
onstant when modifying the BLUEDOT.
Look at the set of curves and BLUEDOTS shown in Figure 64.
Figure 64
If the central BLUEDOT is selected for an edit, you will see a
COORDINATE SYSTEM as shown in Figure 65.
Figure 65
If the point is moved in the delta Z direction with the Shape Edit
option set on both curves, the results will be as shown in Figure
66.
Figure 66
This is shown again in the front view in Figure 67. Notice how the
Shape Edit option allowed the curve to become non-symmetric.