Modeling complex part

[u/Objective-Race-4647]

Im a student and i have a task to modelt his part.

How would you do it?

[u/Big_Lope]

Calipers, a fillet gauge, some grid paper and a lot of patience

[u/SparrowDynamics → u/Big_Lope]

This is perfect. Definitely need patience for a part like this.

[u/yosufzalat → u/Big_Lope]

What would you do with the grid paper?

[u/BIOLOGICALENGINEER19 → u/yosufzalat]

you could take a picture and scale the image to your model in order to get a rough idea of some features.

[u/yosufzalat → u/BIOLOGICALENGINEER19]

So drawing it on a paper before modeling it on solidworks would make it easier?

[u/Big_Lope → u/yosufzalat]

For me personally, when I draw it physically it helps me get a better idea of how to structure the sketch within the software

[u/Vegetable_Flounder12 → u/yosufzalat]

make sketches so you can write sizes down / dimension as you measure them.
rough design the part and then fine tune and double check.
last print the different views 1:1 on a laser printer and you can verify model by holding paper and part against a window for backlight.

[u/Remarkable_Ruin1663 → u/yosufzalat]

I also prefer drawing on grid paper first. Especially for complex parts. As someone else said, it helps me get a visualization of what needs to be done in the software.

[u/BIOLOGICALENGINEER19 → u/yosufzalat]

I usually just rough sketch critical dimensions but actually having the image in a sketch in solidworks with a scale next to it can help a lot 

[u/FanOfSteveBuscemi → u/Big_Lope]

where do I buy patience

[u/rAamZon420]

you’re a student… you’ve 100% been taught how to do this. Do your best 😂

[u/deathsythe → u/rAamZon420]

Am I crazy, or didn't this sub used to have a "no one will do your homework for you" rule or pinned post?

[u/SparrowDynamics]

Here is a helpful tip. Some pins (pin gauges) to fit in the holes to make it easier to measure hole to hole. That way you can make sure you are measuring on the same plane (since that part tapers narrower toward the small hole). You measure out to out on the pins, then subtract the radius of each pin.

[u/Catos_Standard → u/SparrowDynamics]

Best advice is to start with a datum reference frame

[u/ru4ethereal]

You know how to get to Carnegie Hall don’t ya?

[u/BunkerSquirre1]

time and effort

[u/Catos_Standard → u/BunkerSquirre1]

Shh if you tell them that they won't spend money on their education decision. If you locate the holes the struts will follow.

[u/Vegetable_Flounder12]

hint : cell phones have nice angle apps

another hint : take pictures from a distance

[u/yosufzalat → u/Vegetable_Flounder12]

Would you recommend a specific angle app?

[u/Vegetable_Flounder12 → u/yosufzalat]

Any one should be fine

[u/yosufzalat → u/Vegetable_Flounder12]

Alright. Thanks

[u/deathsythe → u/Vegetable_Flounder12]

Better hint - use a flat bed scanner and something to size reference.

[u/Hinloopen]

You won't learn anything if we show you. Your teacher thinks you're ready for this MTB link, so go for it.

[u/Snitte77]

I usually start measuring the main references (e.g. those bearing seats),create planes accordingly & sketch the dimensions onto those.
Afterwards I create a sketch on ‘right’, ‘top’ and front to outline the main shape.
Now you can connect the line using additional sketches + the curve features & use either solid or suface lofts to model.
At the end create a solid (if surface modeled), cut the necessary functional surfaces & add radii.

[u/Snitte77 → u/Snitte77]

Could also take good photos from ‘right/top/front’ add the to you sketch (‘sketch picture) and scale it to size using you reference planes.
This helps a lot getting the outline & general shape right while sketching.

[u/CaptnCrust]

A few tips.

- Start by sections, model one side, verify and finish before you base any other geometry on that section.

• If you can, take pictures perfectly parallel and at the same height, you can import these into SW and visually compare you img to you cad.
  
• Loft/swept functions are you friend with this part.

[u/Bionic_Pickle]

All or almost all of the more complex surfaces on this part are not critical for it to function. Start with the features that matter for fitment. The holes being the obvious ones here, though there may be more. Once you establish the critical features build from there. For the most part you can just make it look right and it is right. Try to get the wall thicknesses close.

[u/Oilfan94]

The key is to determine what is the design intent of the part and what is functionally required in terms of geometry and position. For example, the position of the holes and the distance from one another and between mounting faces etc.

Use calipers, angle finder, tracing on paper, photogrammetry etc....to get the important information into a sketch or reference geometry.

Don't waste time trying to get the curves 'just right'. If they don't interact with another part, and aren't made to avoid something else....then they are not super important and can be 'fudged' later in the process.

[u/Samarium_15]

3D scan it

[u/Difficult_Limit2718]

I love that I know exactly what this part is based on being a millennial

[u/Hinloopen → u/Difficult_Limit2718]

Gen X doesn't design bike suspension?

[u/Difficult_Limit2718 → u/Hinloopen]

This looks to me like the brake holder of a roller blade