I’m by no means an expert in Shapr3D, but I can usually manage most of what I need. However, I always struggle when it comes to making cables. I tried using the Sweep tool, but it took me hours, so I gave up. I’m not saying it’s a bad tool, it’s more about my limited skills in Shapr3D. I’m just wondering, is this the right tool for the job, or is there an easier way?
Whenever I need to create something like a cable, rope, or hose, or basically anything thin that twists and turns in different directions, I usually just export an image from Shapr and add the cable in Photoshop at the end. That’s been easier for me.
But for the project I’m working on now, the length and routing of the cable are crucial, so I need to model it directly in Shapr3D.
What’s the best way to create a simple round cable that bends through specific points and directions, while also allowing me to determine the final length?
Sweep is a good tool to use for this. This may work for you. Make your sweep path using the edges of solids, add fillets to bend the cable, then do the sweep along the edges. Here is an example.
If you select all of the edges, you can get the length of the sweep.
Hi Bob, thanks for the clear explanation and the video! I managed to make a cable following your instructions.
One more question: is it possible to “anchor” the ends of the cables to other objects, so that when I move the objects slightly, the cables reshapes with them?
UPDATE – 2nd question: how can I add a point to an existing cable so I can bend it slightly?
No. You can anchor using Union, but there is no automatic reshaping. You may be able to Align one end of your cable to a connector, but again, no auto reshaping. If you look at the history list of actions, you can try putting a Breakpoint before the sweep command and make an adjustment to the bodies that drive your sweep line.
There are several ways to simulate a “bend,” but you won’t actually be bending the existing cable. Like the above, you can tweak the solids to get what you want. Put in a construction plane and split one or more bodies and angle as needed. With this, you may want to add an arc or spline to connect the two pieces where you want a bend.
Another way to do it, is to split your cable at the bend, arrange the pieces as you want, the use Loft to form the little bendy part. If you make it with guide rails (see manual) you’ll get a pretty decent body to union into the two sides. A down side is you will lose the sweep curve for that portion, so you won’t have the length as easy.
Working with splines creating a item with sweep gives you a perfect control over an organic shape, and with defined source you can calculate the length. (Blue body visible for clarity).
