Probably really simple but...

[Jacko]

How do I create a curved work plane in inventor? I'm a beginner with this package but I need to create a sketch on a cylindrical surface which I can then use to cut out a profile.

The only way I can think to do this is to create a curved plane, or indeeed curve an existing plane with the sketch on it around a profile?

Does this make sense or am I completely mad!!! I've been trying for ages now but to no avail!

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers

[Cory]

I dont have Inventor installed on my computer right now, so I can't tell you step by step how to do it, but if you look at the window on the left side that contains your work planes, you should be able to cycle through them until you reach the one that cuts the cylinder through it's diameter. I think you right click (not sure), but you definitely want to find the option that allows you to offset the work plane. Once you've found it, you can enter the radius, and the work plane will be on the surface of the cylinder.

[Doug G]

You can also sketch a radial (diameter) line on the cross-section of your cylinder, finish the sketch and then select the work plane feature. Click on the end of the line that's on the surface and then move the mouse around until you get a choice for the work plane you want. Then you can sketch on that work plane, making holes and such. I made a quick demo here (800k wmv) ...

I hope it helps.

[rmmlg]

Another way to do it is extrude a curved line using the shell extrude rather than the full extrude. The shell extrude extrudes work planes in the shape of whatever your 2D shape was, which is quite cool. You will find that anything can be done in CAD many different ways, it is a matter of which you prefer that deteremiens which you use.

[Jacko]

Thanks for all of the tips - i'll give them a try tonight when I get home and let you know how i got on.

p.s, Doug G, the link to your demo video isn't working, but I really appreciate the time taken to help me.

Thanks again

Grant

[Jacko]

I've tried all of the suggestions but still cannot get a curved workplane!

in effect I want the surface of the cylinder to be a workplane I can sketch onto, then cut the sketch out of the cylinder to a certain depth.

Any more suggestions or an idiots guide would be great

Cheers

Grant

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by Jacko

I've tried all of the suggestions but still cannot get a curved workplane!

in effect I want the surface of the cylinder to be a workplane I can sketch onto, then cut the sketch out of the cylinder to a certain depth.

Any more suggestions or an idiots guide would be great

Cheers

Grant

A curved work plane is not a plane. Planes are by definition flat. What you are looking for is a work surface. I'm not sure if Inventor does that, I've never tried. If you explain a little more about what you are trying to do, there might be other ways to go about it.

ChrisH

[Jacko]

Sorry for the confusion. just managed to work it out. I had to create my sketch in 2D on a perpendicular plane to the cylinder then emboss my sketch to a depth of 1mm into the cylinder by opting to "wrap" it to the surface of the cylinder. Long way for a shortcut!!!

Cheers to everyone who helped me out.

Grant