CAD Model from Curve

[[Mi...]]

Hello Community,

I am faced with the task of transforming an unknown contour into a cad model. For this I got an existing part that I could scan. The resulting curve I must now bring into the Cad program "Solidworks" to be able to continue working.

I tried to export the "3D model" as stp but nothing is displayed.
I also tried to export the curve as a DXF file which also worked but I only get hundreds of single points and no spline. (I have no idea how to convert unfortunitly)

What is the best way to get a result ? Thanks for any help !!!

Thanks, Michael

[[Ma...]]

Unfortunately this is always challenging.
Using unknown contour and massive number of points it makes harder. But first of all if using unkown contour - don't shift nominals by probe radius in vector - use curve from center of probe. Then in SW - load curve data to one sketch and draw your new model on another sketch using some points from curve sketch - like this you can overcome this.

Or you can use unkown contour - then run it again, but use lower number of points ( cca 0,2 - 0,5mm - depends on shape of part ).
Then it's easier.

[[Mi...]]

Thanks for the reply!

So you mean to reconstruct the Spline by Handpicking some points ? I wish there was a way to draw the spline by connecting the points using its sequence. Would save quite some time.

[[Ma...]]

If you want a spline, then you have to have it drawn on model - then save model and reopen on drawing software ( SolidWorks need edit some settings to see all elements in model ).

DXF is indeed only cloud of points.

Steps you need to make depends on shape of a part - can not tell you exact approach unless i see a part - at least "I" can not help more without visual, or data.

[[Ow...]]

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Did you get this figured out?
Basically, right click on the 2D curve feature and choose export points, select "text" as the format, select "nominal values" and if it's a 2d curve, normal vectors are not needed so, don't select it.

Open up solidworks, create a new model, select insert at top, select curve, select thru xyz points. Load the txt file you just saved (will have to select text file from lower right hand corner of solidworks) and if the points are in correct sequential order (1, 2, 3,4,ect) the curve spline will be shown on the screen. If the spline doesn't show, then the points are not in sequential order and you have to open them up in the curve feature (in Calypso), select and delete the points that are not in sequential order (example, 1,2,3,4,6,5,7 delete 6)) and then export the points again the same way and bring them in again until they show on the screen. Another way to put the points in sequential order is , you can open the txt file you created with excel and import the points in delimited format that will bring the points in different columns and then edit it.
Sometimes, selecting the nominal data drop-down menu in the feature and then selecting "nominal geometry manipulations" and then select "actual to nominal" will reorganize the points to be in sequential order but, you have to be careful, sometimes it screws the form up.

To turn the spline in solidworks into a parametric shape that can be modified, you click to open up a new sketch choosing the plane that the curve lays on, select the spline and choose the convert entities option.

A lot to digest and there are more than one way to skin the cat but, if you have any trouble post back and I'm sure I can get you going in the right direction.

3D curves are a different story.

[[Mi...]]

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Thank you alot ! this time we did it manually but next time we will try your way.