SolidWorks For Making Models??

[Saggateron]

OK for to start off with SolidWorks is a professional modeling tool for creating fully detailed models of essentially anything, from an F1 racing car to a robotic arm.

What I'm asking is has anyone any idea if this could be used to model armor?

I think it'll work, to that end has anyone anything they'd like me to have a go at modeling in 3D, my main requirement would be lots of reference pictures and a rough size(actual).

(Please note that I am a full time student so any projects may take a long time.)

Has anyone tried this? please let me know, I'm online usually once a day.

Thoughts, comments, opinions are all welcome!

PS - Moderators if you think this belongs anywhere else please feel free to move it.

 

[ventrue]

OK for to start off with SolidWorks is a professional modeling tool for creating fully detailed models of essentially anything, from an F1 racing car to a robotic arm.

What I'm asking is has anyone any idea if this could be used to model armor?

I think you answered your own question there. Now obviously you'd want to actually do something with the model once it's complete, which means that you'd need the capability to turn it into blueprints (not sure if or how you can do that) or save it in a file format that Pepakura Designer or any other program or device you want to use (CNC etc.) understand. At least the latter should work technically, but from what I understand there are a few details to keep in mind while modelling models you want to use for such purposes.

But I'm not a digital artist and my knowledge of CAD and modelling software pretty much ends with drawing lines and boxes, so what I just wrote is probably total garbage :-D

 

[rundown]

I've seen models being made in solidworks before here. But they were all Guns. No helmets to be seen.
I'ts not really the best way to go for papercraft. But it can work.

 

[nesbitt101]

I'm currently modelling the Operator Helm's Night Vision Goggles in Blender, with a mediocre amount of success (it's my first time trying to use this program). Want to have a shot at it?

Here are some ref pics. The top view is at a slight angle, sorry about that.http://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x466/Owen_Nesbitt/NVG%20Ref%20Pics/

Good Luck

 

[Saggateron]

Ok nesbitt101 ill have a shot at the night vision goggles, it'll be slow going but i'll start tonight thanks for the input

 

[Saggateron]

I'll definatly have a go at saving some files in .pdo format. I think i might be able to export the models to maya and from there make some blueprints

thanks again

 

[Saggateron]

OK so heres the first model of the goggles so far they are not finished but its as much as i can do this evening i can post the file if you like http://cid-610dec62df463c26.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=play&resid=610DEC62DF463C26!1281

 

[nesbitt101]

That looks well better than my effort already!

 

[Thyjos]

I have only got pro engineer and solid age at home, but i think i can do this with that programmes too.
So you save the "normal" 3d file (.part/.asm) and transfer it with another programm to pdo?
I would be really very interested if that works out!

 

[Saggateron]

I have only got pro engineer and solid age at home, but i think i can do this with that programmes too.
So you save the "normal" 3d file (.part/.asm) and transfer it with another programm to pdo?
I would be really very interested if that works out!

As far as i know you can export into another 3D software package like maya however I've yet to verify if this can be done and how easy it will be. As soon as I know for sure I'll let you know!

 

[bevbor]

You do not need maya or other heavy artillery to convert Solidworks models to pepdesigner readable things.
In Solidworks you save your final model as VRML format file (in options do not forget to set VRML 97 version) and then all you need is one-step conversion of your .WRL file to .OBJ file with absolutely free application - MeshLab.

Cheers

 

[Saggateron]

that looks great thanks a million mate i'll try it out asap
thanks again