Lofting between 2 shapes using a path HELP!!

[Greendamo]

miller handrail.dwg

Have a look at the file i have attached.

Can any body tell me why it wont let me loft the 2 rectangles using 1 of the paths?

i need to extrude along that path to produce the right shape for machining.

 

Many thanks in advance

Damian

[Partyball]

What is the size of the rectangle you are trying to do? 78 x 90?

Edited September 17, 2010 by Partyball

[Greendamo]

Yea that correct 78mm x 90mm

[Greendamo]

Anybody????

[SEANT]

AutoCAD’s lofting functionality is somewhat temperamental.

 

I recommend simplifying the lofting guides, create perpendicular lines, LOFT, then THICKEN.

ViaThicken.dwg

[Greendamo]

Thanks Seant.

The only problem i have is that the sides of the finished shape has got to remain vertical. Basicly you shoud be able to fit a perfect rectangle all the way along the extruded shape:wacko:

 

Damian

[hoss]

If you could create the "path" in your drawing as a Helix and then sweep the rectangle alongside the helix you get what you need

Just an idea !!??

[hoss]

I redraw the path as 3d poly and used it to sweep the rectangle, but the problem is that it turns towards the end

i give up

[Greendamo]

Ok I got it in the end..

I used the method SEANT used by drawing perpendicular lines and then Lofting them to form a surface.

I then extended the sides 10mm and then Unioned them togeather and offset it down by 78mm.

Finaly i projected the lines fron the 2D plan to both surfaces and the deleted the surfaces to leave the curves.

You can surface the lines to make it solid but i only need curves to inport to AlphaCam to tool path.

Thanks guys

Hopflly this method will help you in some way in the future :D:D