Building Complex Surface Geometry in SOLIDWORKS
Throughout these lessons, we will use various tools and techniques to build a carbon-fiber road bike frame with complex surface geometry. Software required: SOLIDWORKS 2015.
What you'll learn
Throughout these lessons, we will use various tools and techniques to build a carbon-fiber road bike frame with complex surface geometry. Bicycle frames are a seemingly simple geometry, especially when made from tubular steel or aluminum. However, when made from carbon fiber, the options for surface curvature throughout the frame, especially where transitions take place, is a challenge for many SOLIDWORKS users. We will step through the process of creating complex surface geometry by using simple tools combined strategically with more advanced surfacing features. The outcome will be one super-cool road bike frame. Software required: SOLIDWORKS 2015.
Table of contents
- Inserting an Underlay Sketch 10m
- Setting up Reference Planes 5m
- Using Sketch Patterns 7m
- Adding Contouring 10m
- Utilizing Boundary Surfaces 11m
- Creating the Down Tube 6m
- Detailing the Top Tube 7m
- Blending Surfaces Smoothly 12m
- Creating a Complex Blend 11m
- Blending the Down Tube with the Top Tube 11m
- Adding Details to the Head Tube 10m
- Using the Loft Tool 12m
- Blending the Seat Stay with the Chain Stay 12m
- Adding Mounting Geometry 5m
- Generating the Fork Geometry 12m
- Utilizing the Split Feature 11m
- Adding Fillets to Our Geometry 11m
About the author
Dave Prince is a professional Industrial Designer, born, raised, educated, and working in the Midwest, USA. With about eight years experience as an Industrial Designer, he has worked in a small consulting firm, both small and large corporate roles, as well as freelance designing and photography. He has expert knowledge in SOLIDWOKS, KeyShot, and the Adobe Suite, and he enjoys honing his technical skills. This knowledge and mindset has helped him be extremely efficient, accurate, and responsive, ... more