i recently posted my ornament project in the Users Showcase (call for screenshots). I used the following FreeCAD version:
Code: Select all
OS: Windows 10 (10.0)
Word size of FreeCAD: 64-bit
Version: 0.20.28611 (Git)
Build type: Release
Python 3.8.13, Qt 5.12.9, Coin 4.0.0, OCC 7.5.3
Locale: German/Germany (de_DE)
Installed mods:
* CurvedShapes 1.0.1
* Curves 0.3.0
* DynamicData 2.45.0
* fasteners 0.3.38
* ThreadProfile 1.81.0
This technique produces error-free solids and can be used as an alternative to Chris_G's excellent Sweep2Rails command of the Curves Workbench. All you need is the Sketcher, the Part Workbench and my little Python script DistibuteProfilesOnRails.FCMacro (see attachment). This macro can be used to sweep a profile allong two rails. As a requirement, you need the profile sketch mapped to the rails sketch via external support lines. You can find step-by-step instructions in the attached PDF documentation. The macro basically performs a deep copy of the profile sketch and moves the copy along the rails sketch using the mapping parameters of the support lines. It creates a group folder with the generated profiles. What you do with the profiles is up to you. I usually loft them manually or with another macro of mine for comfortable lofting of profile groups.
I also have a technique and macro for adjusting profile dimensions (height, width or other profile details) along the mapping parameters for even more shape control during modeling by mapping function values to the generated profiles (comparable to the float curve mapping widget of Blender). Just let me know if you are interested in further hints and instructions.
Have fun with the tutorial.