ArtCAM Tutorials

J.C.Lee 2007

2 Rail Sweep : Torch Casing

This task uses the Two Rail Sweep wizard to create a complex 'organic' form based on the Polaroid Polar Plus torch. The Two Rail Sweep uses at least two edge profiles and one cross section. This can be done simply by using the vector drawing and editing tools. Create a new ArtCAM model say 150 mm x 120mm

Use Snap Grid Settings in 2D View pull down menu make sure Snap to Guidlines is ticked. In Snap Grid Settings Set a 1mm grid and make sure Snap to Grid and Draw Snap Grid are selected.

Drag a guideline into the model centre from the ruler at the LH side of the screen Use the Create Polyine tool in the Vector toolbar to create a vector shape as shown below Use the Fillet Vector tool to create a 6mm radius at each corner

ArtCAM Tutorials

J.C.Lee 2007

Use the Node Editing tool to select the vector Right click on the top line and choose Convert span to Bezier Use the white grab handles to create a curved line as shown on right

Repeat the process for the lower line until your shape looks like the one shown on the left Now select the vector and use the Mirror Vectors tool to copy it as shown below Choose Mirror type > Right (and remember to check the box that says Copy the original vector)

You now need to create another vector that will represent the cross section of your casing. (this can be drawn anywhere on the screen) Use the Create Polyline Vector and Node editing > Convert span to bezier again to create a cross section looking like the one shown below (Note how two guidelines have been used to help construct the vector.)

ArtCAM Tutorials

J.C.Lee 2007

You are now ready to create the Two Rail Sweep Open the Two Rail Sweep wizard Select the LH vector and in the Select Control Vectors section click on Top Drive Rail > Select Repeat the process for the RH vector but this time click on Bottom Drive Rail > Select

Now scroll down the Two Rail Sweep panel until you can see Add Cross Section Select your cross section vector and click on Add Cross Section Scroll to the bottom of the panel and click Calculate Look in the 3D view to see the result which should look something like the model shown below

The next task is to add the raised area for the lens. This is done using the Merge High command as follows.

ArtCAM Tutorials

J.C.Lee 2007

First go back to the 2D view and convert the model to Greyscale from Relief Next use the Create Ellipse tool to sketch an ellipse for the raised area as shown below.

Now double click on the ellipse to open the Shape Editor Choose the rounded raise use the slider to create a deeply rounded profile Click on Merge High > Apply > Close

To see the effect, go to the 3D view, which should look something like the one below

The lens can now be trimmed back to match the body shape by zeroing everything that is coloured black using the Shape Editor

To do this double click on the black square at the bottom of the screen to open the Shape Editor (Note: This will not be the first black that appears but the one further along as shown below)

ArtCAM Tutorials

J.C.Lee 2007

In the Shape Editor, click Zero. This will return everything black back to the zero plane Your model show now look like the one below with the front of the lens trimmed to match the body

To see the effect, go to the 3D view, which should look something like the one below

Things to try:
The membrane switch is simple enough to add it just requires two concentric ellipses. The Polaroid text can also be added.