Hi Steve,

> and came a cross the merge function, I think the merge is
> what I need to solve a problem I have with a model I'm
> working on, but I have one problem how do I deform a plane
> in the manner that it shows in the help files? put a curve into it.

I think you're talking here about these images from the Boolean Merge topic in the help file?



To make those kind of rounded caps you generally want to use the Sweep command - you make 2 rounded curves that cross each other and use one as the profile and the other as the path, see some of these previous posts for some more illustration:

http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=606.4
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=3137.5
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=2909.2
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=2666.5
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=1782.4
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=4296.5


But if you're mainly focused on making a shape that is like a tube with an ellipse cross section, then it's probably better to draw the ellipse and then a path curve and use Sweep to build the shape directly as Brian shows above.

Basically if you want to create a shape that is generally tube like with some particular shaped cross sections, the sweep tool can construct that kind of thing - you draw the cross section for the profile and draw the path curve, then select the profile and run Sweep then select the path curve.

Check out the video tutorials here for some more details - Sweep is used in both the sunburst and the six-legged pod videos:
http://moi3d.com/2.0/docs/tutorials.htm

- Michael

Thanks, Bemfarmer and Michael

starting to get the hang of using MoI. After a few more hours working on some models last night, (My wife wants to start making and selling jewellery and wanted a small silver medallion for her "trade mark" with every piece ) I managed to complete 2 models that she was happy with. :) Happy Wife, Happy Life :)

Hopefully with using sweep, I'll be able to make her even more happy ;)

Cheers, Steve

Hi Steve,

> I managed to complete 2 models that she was happy with.

This is great progress!

Things should also get a bit easier and easier as you spend a bit more time with it and get more familiar with a few of the different construction tools.

It's pretty cool what you can do these days with 3D printing for jewelry.

- Michael

yer, I'm looking to try shapeways , if anyone here has had any experience with shapeways or any 3D printer that handles Silver, I would love to hear about it.

Cheers, steve

Hi Steve ...
I have done some medallions, small boxes, ear rings ... using Shapeways ...
Very satisfied ... the early ones were in plastic of various types and then I switched to stainless steel/brass and finally to gold plate ...
Nice work on their part and quite reasonable in price.
cheers,
eric

stevecim: =Happy Wife, Happy Life =

...holy words...
welcome aboard Steve !

Speaking of Shapeways, they are going to open a production facility in New York. Currently they're based in the Netherlands. Hopefully this will mean lower prices and quicker turn around time for people here in the states.

http://www.betabeat.com/2011/11/17/shapeways-plans-to-build-a-new-york-production-facility-with-that-5-1-m-it-just-picked-up/

Steve S

That's good news Steve. I'm planning to use them soon for some stainless steel jewelry I'll design in MoI.

BTW - I'm curious how strong the metal pieces are and whether you can perform machine operations on them like milling, drilling and boring where precise dimensions or smooth surfaces are required.

Ed

Sweeps worked well, The final models are nothing fancy or advanced. but they are what the boss ordered :)

here are the first prototypes upload on shapeways.












Now I just need to get the "finance Minister" to sign off on purchasing MoI :)

Ed, this woman describes the process that is used to make her metal sculptures. I'm not sure if it's the same process that Shapeways uses.

http://bathsheba.com/sculpt/process/

The 3D printer lays down layers of stainless steel powder that is held together with a laser-activated binder. The sculpture then goes into an oven for a while. The sculpture's stems are then dipped into molten bronze where capillary action draws it up into the sculpture.

Steve S

Hi steve,

> The final models are nothing fancy or advanced. but they
> are what the boss ordered :)

It looks like it's turned out well!

- Michael

Steve -

Thanks for the link - She does some amazing work. IHMO her little 3D metal sculptures are well worth the price she is asking.

Looks like she is using:
http://www.exone.com/eng/technology/x1-prometal/index.html

Maybe they have the same machine as Shapeways?

At any rate, I'll get a quote from both when the time comes.

So many toys ... so little time.

Ed

Bathsheba's works is some crazzy! Very fine use of differents 3D progs for astonished forms!

http://www.bathsheba.com/artist/links.html#software