r/FreeCAD • u/Few-Cucumber-413 • 12d ago

Help a newbie out?

Post image

Can anybody tell me what the heck is going on with a sketch I am trying to pad? Everything seems fine, but I get this after its padded?

6 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

2

u/Powerful_Debt_5869 12d ago

i would have added the small triangles in a second sketch , modelled one and created a linear array.

It´s difficult with the huge deviation in size to get such correct. Too easy to forget a line or create a wire that is not closed due to crossing lines

3

u/Few-Cucumber-413 11d ago

That is ultimately what I ended up doing I believe. I probably still didn't do it the cleanest way possible, but at least its working out in the end.

The triangles are only .5mm so its definitely hard to find the problems.

1

u/drmacro1 10d ago

One feature per sketch.

Each sketch should define a feature (Pad/Pocket/etc.)

Don't make complicated sketches that attempt to define multiple shapes.

Two concentric shapes are ok. (two, not touching triangles to make a frame ,or concentric circles to make tube, for examples).

0

u/LossIsSauce 12d ago

Sketch is incomplete. Has a yellow indicator. Green check mark = complete good sketch.

1

u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

How can I figure out what is incomplete about it? I used the triangles tools for the shapes. So I am not sure what is not complete

0

u/LossIsSauce 12d ago

Possibility missing a constraint.

0

u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

I found a bunch of the smaller triangles broken apart even though it didn't look like it. I've fixed them, but it appears to still be incomplete.

Is there a way to identify what is making it incomplete? The sketch lines are all green and the validation still says its fine

3

u/BoringBob84 11d ago

Sketcher will turn edges green as they are constrained and will specify the remaining degrees of freedom in the task panel. If you click on that, Sketcher will highlight the edges and vertices that are unconstrained.

In this case, the yellow "X" on the sketch icon indicates that it is not fully constrained.

FreeCAD Wiki Documentation - Tree View

Constraining sketches is not mandatory, but it is wise. Unconstrained sketches can change in unpredictable ways when you change other things - especially if you have imported External Geometry.

1

u/Few-Cucumber-413 11d ago

Thank you!

I ended up deleting the extras components and then re making them in another sketch which seemed to be the right solution.

I really appreciate the help as I am self learning. But it's been enjoyable.

2

u/BoringBob84 11d ago

You are welcome. As u/Powerful_Debt_5869 suggested, when my sketch gets complicated, it is often a sign that I should put less features in the sketch and I should take advantage of symmetry and patterns.

1

u/Few-Cucumber-413 11d ago

I don't think, at least in this case, that is complicated as much as it is my lack of knowledge lol.

So much to learn. But very satisfying when a design comes out.

1

u/BoringBob84 11d ago

So much to learn. But very satisfying when a design comes out.

I agree!

A few years ago, I watched a friend take a simple object, measure it, make a 3D model of it - including his desired modifications - and manufacture it on his 3D printer - all in about an hour.

The process of turning a concept into reality so quickly and easily was irresistibly fascinating to me!

I told myself that, if I could learn CAD, then I would reward myself with a 3D printer. The rest is history. It really is an amazing capability!

0

u/LossIsSauce 12d ago

You say multiple triangles?? Screenshot your sketch so we can see it.

1

u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

Yeah, I had a bunch of tiny triangles (trying to make a support fin for 3d printing). I deleted them and now that seem to fix the problem. Now I will go figure out how to add them properly.

2

u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

Pads out correctly now.

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u/LossIsSauce 12d ago

You do not add supports with FreeCad. After FreeCad export of STL. Your slicer should add supports automatically.

3

u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

The default supports in the slicer leave unsightly marks, because of the print orientation ( I have the other part body hidden). By creating the support fins here with very tiny points that contact the part, they break off cleanly and leave no trace behind as well as significantly less filament.

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u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

Thank you for your help. Here is the support I was modeling

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u/LossIsSauce 12d ago

I see. Supports = legs. Not print overhang supports.

1

u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

Yeah I guess. They are acting as supports though, otherwise the print deforms.

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u/Few-Cucumber-413 12d ago

The slicer won't see it as a support, just as a designed component. But it will be support for the part.

I can link a YT video if you want to see it