In this exercise you will learn how to draw objects that
have very complex geometry and free flowing forms such as this vase:
To do this you will need to understand what Workplanes
and Sketches mean in the context of the program and to be able to Shell
a structure.
To draw a sketch you must have a Workplane. Imagine it as a piece of clear plastic on which you draw a cross section of your object. You could a sketch on lots of pieces of clear plastic and arrange them above each other, each separated by about 50mm to show the cross section at various points on the object. We set up a series of drawings like this and then use Pro/DESKTOP to fill in the space between. To do this we use a feature called Lofting.
Open a new design. Maximise the screen.
On the Workplane that appears, draw a circle.
Click on Workplane then New Workplane. Call it Section A, select Offset and type 50 into the Offset (mm) box. Click on OK.
Click on Workplane then New Sketch. Make sure that Section A appears in the Workplane box bottom left of the dialogue box. Click on OK.
Draw another circle or an ellipse on the new workplane. Do not draw it directly on top of the circle you have already drawn. Do not make it the same size as the first circle – make it either bigger or smaller.
Repeat instructions 3, 4 and 5 two or three times, calling each successive workplane Section B, then C etc. You will have drawn a series of shapes one above the other.
Click on Select then Lines. Drag a box around all your shapes. They should turn red - if they do not try again as the Loft procedure will not work unless all your cross-sections are highlighted.
Click on Feature then Loft Through Profiles. Click on OK. You should produce a free flowing 3D form.
Click on Select then Faces. Highlight the top section of your form (it should turn red).
Click on Feature then Shell Solid. In the Offset box type 3. Click on OK. You have turned you form into a vase.
Save your work.
Open a new Album. Import the vase drawing and render it. Print the outcome.
© Jim Rowley 2002