Objective:
Learn how to create planes along a curve.
Applies to:
- Texturing
- Industrial design
Procedure:
This article uses a Custom Block to create our desired outcome. If you are new to using Custom Blocks, learn how to import, modify, and update them with the following resources:
- Learning Center course:
- Articles:
1. We start with importing our CAD part (How to work with CAD bodies) using the Import Part block and converting them into Implicit Body using the Implicit Body from CAD Body block for Normal direction.
2. We will use two custom blocks in this workflow (How to open up a Custom Block and How to create a Custom Block). Next, Download these blocks and import them into your workflow.
- Spiral Curve - This custom block creates a spiral curve based on the given inputs.
- Planes Following a Curve - This custom block outputs planes spaced at the given distance apart and has a z-direction normal to the surface and an x-direction that follows the provided curve.
3. We will use the CAD Vertex to identify the geometric locations and lengths to create the spiral curve. The Properties panel has the point conversion with x, y, and z parameters. We can then use a Line Segment block to calculate the distance/ length between the points.
4. We generate a Spiral Curve on the Implicit Body based on the parameters we calculated in the above step. We then use this as an input for the Planes Following a Curve block.
5. We will now use an Orient Body block to orient the implicit body we want to pattern along the curve with the planes.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully created a knurled surface texture.
Do you still need help? Contact the support team, and we’ll be happy to help!