Any way to IMPRINT multiple lines onto a single solid?

[lamensterms]

Hey guys,

 

Just discovered the IMPRINT command... noticing that it will only imprint a single object at once.

 

Does anyone know how to enable the command to IMPRINT multiple lines onto a single solid?

 

Thanks for any help.

[ReMark]

You can't force an option that isn't there.

 

Show us an image of what you're working with.

[JD Mather]

... IMPRINT multiple lines onto a single solid?

 

PE J before Imprint?

Search here for 8-ball example.

[ReMark]

That's a good solution for lines that connect to each other but what if they don't?

[JD Mather]

The OP will have to define true design intent - otherwise it becomes a game of 20 questions.

That is why I phrased in the form of a question. PE J before Imprint?

 

I don't have a solution for your scenario.

 

But while I was thinking about Imprint - there is another example besides the 8-ball I posted here a while back

http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/content/CAD238/AutoCAD%202007%20Tutorial%2012.pdf

[ReMark]

The command itself specifically asks the user to "select an object" (singular not plural). Other than your suggestion re: PE > J the only other options are a curve, region, body or another 3D solid as far as I can tell. The user cannot select a group or even a block for that matter. It appears he is stuck.

 

We've both asked for something to see but the OP has not been forthcoming thus we wait.

[JD Mather]

It used to be that you could only Imprint a solid onto a solid (and this is still true if not planar).

I thought maybe a Union of disjointed solids might be a possible solution, but without more information.....

[lamensterms]

Hey guys,

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply. It seems we are living in different time zones, so I have not been at my computer while this discussion was taking place.

 

I have attached a picture of what I am hoping to achieve. The idea is to imprint a HATCH pattern onto a 3D SOLID (which is grating) and then create and isometric view using FLATSHOT. The imprinted hatch pattern will be shown as hidden lines, when obscured by 3D SOLID in foreground, and can be discarded.

 

 

Thanks again for the replies.

 

Hatch Imprint.pdf

[ReMark]

Why go through all the bother of imprinting the hatch pattern on a 3D solid to begin with? Create a 3DFace and apply your hatch pattern.

[SEANT]

Why go through all the bother of imprinting the hatch pattern on a 3D solid to begin with? Create a 3DFace and apply your hatch pattern.

 

That would negate the ability of using FlatShot, but a DXB printer could be set up to get the 2D Iso view print the OP requires.

[ReMark]

Why aren't you creating a true 3D solid grating?

Edited August 15, 2013 by ReMark

[JD Mather]

Apply a cosmetic "Material" to that face.

So all you need to do is split the face with the curve and then apply the material.

 

Well, I don't know how this works with flatshot, but that is what we commonly do in Autodesk Inventor to keep file size down (as opposed to modeling an actual meshing). Inventor even allows for transparency area so you can see through the mesh (except of course for the lines) even though it is really solid.

[lamensterms]

Hi again guys,

 

Remark - there are a few good reasons not to model true grating..

- trying to reduce file size.

- the hatch pattern is only needed (and wanted) to be partially shown, as displayed in the example I posted, rather than a complete/extensive hatch.

- the modelling add-on (ProSteel) that we use only allows grating to be modelled as 'plate' type shapes, if I were to create a solid to represent the true grating shape... The ProSteel intelligence of the SOLID would be quite limited. These ProSteel solids are then convert to ACIS for FLATSHOTting.

 

So for general purposes, it is just not practical for us to develop a full, complex SOLID for grating.

 

JD - can you please elaborate on your suggestion of a cosmetic material? My limited knowledge of materials really only applies to rendering.

 

SEANT - could you also please explain how I would go about setting up a DBX printer to achieve the result?

 

Thanks again for the help guys.

[SEANT]

First, a DXB Plotter needs to be installed via the Add-a-Plotter Wizard. See image.

 

 

The setup a new Layout using that plotter. Add a viewport with the Shade Plot set to "Legacy Hidden". I also set DISPSILH = 1, to remove the tessellation that AutoCAD adds to curved surfaces.

 

 

When a plot is generated from this setup it creates a file with a .dxb extension. Save the file to disk. Now, a DXBIN command will insert the flattened geometry, complete with the proper lines hidden. See attached DWG.

DXB.dwg

[lamensterms]

Awesome, that worked great, exactly as you described.

 

Thanks so much for the help SEANT, that will make a huge difference in our office.

 

Thanks again.

[SEANT]

You're welcome. I'm glad it helped.