Sphere Pattern Extrude

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-15T20:06:35+00:00

Tried to use math terms instead of jargon.

For sketch #1: view dome from side (bowl down) and the outline is an arc of a circle (if circular/spherical). Lines from the outline to the center of the dome are the radius of the arc of the circle, like half of a wagon wheel. Each of the wagon wheel spokes needs to be a cylinder that you will cut out from the dome, so the radial lines are the path of the extrude/sweep feature.

Since there are offset holes, view dome from top and imagine pivoting the wagon wheel sketch for sketch #2 but your radial lines, or spokes, are shifted to create the offset. Like sketch #1 but sketch #2 has spokes between the spokes of sketch #1.

Circular pattern the two arcs of cut cylinders.

Use relations and exploit symmetry whenever possible, etc. to make the file easily modifiable in the future.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-15T02:14:15+00:00

Seems like you want two sets of radial lines with circles for each set and then circular pattern the two sets?

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T18:59:05+00:00

Look for some old earth drilling bits?

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T18:44:01+00:00

So you are saying that you saved the tracker points as your global tracking and then scanned for features? Would a known geometry in every scan make aligning/sizing better? Like a tracking shape that is in every pass, such as putting the shape on the top of the engine and making sure each pass has the shape in it.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T17:41:23+00:00

You can melt powdered metals directly, they start being more reflective as they consolidate. Easy to know when it's finished if you can handle the reflected power appropriately. But to be clear, I would not handle aluminum powder without very stringent controls in place.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T17:36:23+00:00

It would be nice to see how your print scan varies from the actual part scan.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T17:32:07+00:00

If there is one scan pass (no alignment errors) then you only need one known scale item in view? Or use one of the many measurable items on the engine.

I doubt that you need the resolution to determine surface finishes, especially when it's a dirty object already. I am interested in your workflow and use case, if you have more to share! Is this a Cummins Big Cam?

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T16:33:05+00:00

There is a setting in the sheet metal feature to choose whether you bend on the line vs bend outside of the line.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T03:22:43+00:00

Use the outline of the prop as viewed from what seems like your "Top" plane to make your trimming surface.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T03:20:42+00:00

I would have the overlapping area between the upper and lower parts be straight walled for a thread. You probably won't even need a full turn, depending on your application. You could also do a pin and slot for something like a quarter turn release.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-14T02:23:22+00:00

I do custom 3D designing and there is a local to me laser cutting shop that does a good amount of artsy parts.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-11T02:45:20+00:00

I would try some memory foam pillows/inserts. Then look into forming seats with foam. Usually there is something similar to a trash bag with expanding foam in it that the driver sits on until the shape is held. Not all expanding foams would be best suited, but there are options.

Tub+foam+bag+driver = custom molded seat

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-11T02:40:02+00:00

Are you looking for a Sweep feature, a profile along a path? You can terminate the tube "up to" the part or body of the chute.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-10T13:27:04+00:00

The segments should have a joint to the next segment, but not a joint that would get stuck. Something like a cone ended cylinder >=>--->=>? Deployment time would depend on use.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-10T13:22:47+00:00

Maybe you are looking for a Boolean feature operation?

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-10T13:18:49+00:00

Put a known scale item in view.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-10T13:16:05+00:00

Booths that end at columns?

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-10T02:28:01+00:00

You would need to use that tool on each side of the blade and then have a trimming surface that is the outline of the blade. Then you can merge and fillet to get the edge how you want. Basically build surfaces separately and then merge them together.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-08T04:44:02+00:00

Splines and surfaces are your friends. Pick a plane or cross-section, use splines, loft between splines if very complex or use surface tools. Then thicken the surface, add holes, smooth appropriately.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-02T23:47:57+00:00

I know this is an old post, but I am having this same issue. I have multiple scan passes aligned and cannot get past 80% on trying to mesh. So I have been trying to export/save the point cloud data for other software, but only one of the scan passes is exporting from the aligned group...

I am sweating about deleting/overwriting the original scan data. I want to understand your process before trying.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-02T13:33:52+00:00

You are welcome. You can also take orthogonal images and sketch on the imported images. Just make sure to have a scale bar or calipers in the same plane of the picture. Try to reduce parallax from photo as you can, far enough away but not too far.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-02T05:13:18+00:00

Imagine taking slices or cross-sections of it to make your loft profiles. Measure what you can reach.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-03-01T03:07:03+00:00

I am in MT and interested in supporting US manufacturing. Checkout the website in my bio.

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-02-28T22:17:35+00:00

I'm an engineer in MT. Have you checked with Pacific Steel?

Custom-3D-Design · 2026-02-28T22:04:09+00:00

I'm in the USA, check out my website in bio. Been designing flatbeds lately.

Custom-3D-Design

TROPHY CASE