how can I change a 2d spiral column into 3d one?

[stenews]

How guys,

I attached a draw of a spiral column that I 'd like to make into a 3D solid.

 

Could some of you explain me a right procedure on how to do those kind of things?

 

Thanks,

Stefano.

CSP16-6.dwg

[ReMark]

 

Use the HELIX command. Construct your helix then use the SWEEP command to sweep a circle along the path of the helix.

[stenews]

Hi ReMark,

I'm glad to read your post. Thanks!

 

I can't make an helix path so that each individual spiral are tangent each other....why?

Could you show me how you create the path?

 

Second, it's not the path that I attached isn't it?

[SEANT]

I think you will find that more than one Lobe/Sweep will be required to reproduce that column. See this thread with a similar question:

 

 

 

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?57899

[ReMark]

Sorry, I never opened your DWG file. Follow the link SEANT provided.

[JD Mather]

Helix (not spiral).

Sweep the circle.

Array (polar) copies (looks to be 5 total, but can't really tell without closer inspection).

Slice or presspull or extrude subtract to get ends as shown. (keeping in mind that the 2D is a bit of simplification of real geometry)

Post back if you can't figure it out (you might see the tutorials in my signature).

Edited October 2, 2011 by JD Mather

[stenews]

@SEANT

Thanks for your reply!

it seems that more than one had the same question.

I'll try the study a bit that and I'll see what I can do with it

 

@JD Mather and ReMark

thaks to you too! mate

 

I'll try to play with it and in case I can't go out with it I'll post more question to you guys!

 

Thanks for now!

[stenews]

@JD Mather

Post back if you can't figure it out

I'm really stacked with it, could you post me back a step by step how to?

 

you might see the tutorials in my signature

which one? I mean, I surfed in your tutorial web site but I couldn't find nothing similar.

 

Thanks a lot for your help

Stefano.

[ReMark]

Did you ever check out the link SEANT posted?

[stenews]

@ReMark

Did you ever check out the link SEANT posted?

 

yes I did, and I learned a lot reading that, but I'm still having problem to understand the basic procedure on how to draw the very first part of the spiral column

The picture JD Mather did is exactly what I should be able to draw...I hope he will post me a step by step procedure...

I appreciate your help too!

[SEANT]

A Sweep - with the Twist option - is another method. The lobes on the profile may need to be “squashed” (i.e., elliptical) to make the elevation look appropriate.

 

 

 

I’m still guessing a bit here but these parameters look pretty close.

 

 

The model can be fine tuned via the Properties Panel.

Column.dwg

[stenews]

@SEANT

...these parameters look pretty close

you're right mate!

 

your interpretation looks absolutely fine to me! but how do you do that?

I need to be able to reproduce it by myself...

 

thanks,

stefano.

Edited October 2, 2011 by stenews

[SEANT]

Given that the original 2D geometry is only a rough approximation, a lot of the parameters I chose were by based on what match visually.

 

 

 

As JD mentioned, the original sketch suggests five lobes (due to approx. 2 ½ division shown on the one side). The lobes twist at about 45 degrees, so I gave the flat profile (see the region in the file I uploaded) an elliptical lobe that compensated for that twist. See this thread for additional background:

 

 

 

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?47210-sweep

 

 

 

From there, it was just a matter of matching the geometry by varying the “Twist along Path” variable in the Properties Panel.

[stenews]

@SEANT

cool! I see the link you posted to me

you had a brilliant idea to use Sweep - with the Twist option...I think I'm getting a bit more your point now

 

Thanks for your interest

Stefano

[JD Mather]

See attached image for steps.

(I reversed the image because I had the helix going the wrong direction.)

Create the helix sweep path and profile. (pitch 12.125) length > 50

 

Sweep the circle.

Polar array around the centerline 5 copies.

 

(the new array command in 1012 creates a new "array object" (might be a more precise description - but I'm not really familiar with AutoCAD anymore)

Explode the array "object".

 

Union the array.

 

Create a circle (blue) (larger than the helix) up one diameter of the profile.

Extrude the circle 50.

_intersect the two to cut of the ends to desired (50?) length.

[Denimoth]

_intersect the two to cut of the ends to desired (50?) length.

 

You could also use the SLICE command to do this if you have a reference point for the bottom and top cuts of your solid.

[JD Mather]

You could also use the SLICE command to do this if you have a reference point for the bottom and top cuts of your solid.

 

Which is why I suggested Slice in my first response in this thread.

[stenews]

@JD Mather

I'm very thank to you

I see what you mean now!

Everything in my mind is much more clear! I appreciate you help

 

@Denimoth

you're right too! Thanks mate

[3D generator]

I have step by step instructions for drawing a helical column shaft but it's too big to post here. Please feel free to contact me through the forum if you'd like a copy of it.

 

Thanks.

 

Mark

[stenews]

@3D generator

...if you'd like a copy of it.

yes, why not? it'll be great to see it

 

Thanks!