Simple Outline Example

grabcad

A question came up on my Spartan Helmet model. "How was the outline around the helmet made?"Spartan Helmet RemakeI've created this simplified example. Please keep in mind that this is an example... I am perfectly aware that this shape COULD have been completed with two revolves instead :)Just roll through the feature tree and follow along (This is a 2016 model).Step 1: Make your desired shape whether it be a helmet or a ball.Step 2: Sketch the shape you'd like to have wrap around the surface.Step 3: Use a Split line to create new model faces on the surface.Step 4: Use the Knit, or Offset surface tool to create a surface body.Step 5: Insert - Boss/Base Thicken. This will thicken your surface into a solid body.I usually use the "middle" direction option.You can turn on the Merge option if you are adding mass. If your plan is to remove material, uncheck the Merge box.Step 6: This is only if you wanted to remove material. In step 5, don't merge the bodies. Now you can Insert - Feature - Combine. Choose the subtract option, and you'll be able to remove material (the indent command works great as well, it just depends on the options you want.)Warning....This is a really fast way to make features like the outline around the helmet, but it is not "perfect". Often you'll find the Thicken command will cause an uneven result.Please look at the recent Airplane Part I posted, as it shows another method to create an outline with a swept feature using the tangent option. Unknown Part for a Plane (?)I also used this method on my two spaceship models to create some of the details on the "wings" and "fins".https://grabcad.com/library/dmb-87-quick-decent-dive-bomber-striker-1https://grabcad.com/library/subspace-submarine-shadow-1