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Shaping a face like a desert dune
Hi all,
I'm relatively new to 3D modeling, and I'm currently trying to create a base for two camel figurines I bought on vacation in Egypt. I want to model a desert dune, but I'm having trouble figuring out how to properly shape the curved surface. It needs to flow smoothly along two curves, and I haven't been able to get it right.
So far, the best method I've found is splitting the surface twice and applying face blends where needed, but I'm sure there must be a better way.
Here’s the link to my project:
Onshape project link
Comments
https://learn.onshape.com/courses/introduction-to-surfacing
Have a look at this Featurescript - Sculpt Face
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/b8730d44070bc0466ad80444/v/77aba03fc0bf992a7e4f44c8/e/4d25c05bc32c9ea6f74209d6
You could use a series of cross sectional sketches. connect the sharp edges with 3d splines and then use the loft feature using the sketches as the loft faces and the 3d splines as the guides to control the edges. red lines might be your section sketches and the blue lines as guides.
Oh my gosh. I think you have just answered my prayers for my work with converting mesh scans to smooth surfaces. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Im a newbie so my advice may not be fully correct. But IMHO you chose wrong program for that purpose. There are 2 types of software for creating 3d models - typical CAD and "sculpting" apps.
Onshape is typical CAD software, like Fusion 360, Solidworks, SolidEdge, FreeCAD etc. which means its focused on creating models strictly constrained with dimensions, like some parts, tools, assemblies. It is targeted for engineers.
And you need a software focused more on free scuplting than strict dimentions. Which means programs like Blender, 3ds max, Maya etc. Those are targeted for artists. People use them to create various game, movie and cartoons figures and animations. I think the easiest one to begin with is Tinkercad. And then you can try out Blender. Its widely used in industry, so it's proffesional level sofware yet its famous for having quite steep learning curve so you'll probably need to spend some time with it to get the basics. And it's free (unlike very expensive 3ds max or Maya 3d).