Desk lamp modeling strategy

The modeling strategy for building the desk lamp model is shown below.

First, you will create a base from cylinders. Then, you will build a moveable arm at an angle, also using cylinders. Finally, you will build a lampshade using spheres, which will then be assembled onto the arm.

As you gain experience in using Alias, choosing a modeling strategy will become a natural part of your workflow.

To help you build the desk lamp model, an exercise file has been provided which contains outline sketches of the design.

Opening the tutorial file

Watch how to open files and set projects.

1. Choose File > Open to open the File Browser.

   

   The file browser window appears.

   

   If the desklamp file is shown, jump to step 2. If not, follow the next steps to set up the CourseWare directory.

   On Windows, click the arrow next to the Go field and select Projects to open the user_data directory.

   

   On Mac OS X, select Projects from the Projects drop-down list to open the user_data directory.

   

   The projects in the user_data directory are displayed. If the CourseWare project is not shown, refer to To install the courseware for use with Alias.

   

   Make the CourseWare directory the current project and open its wire subdirectory as follows:

   • On Windows, click the CourseWare directory and choose Project > Set Current.

     

   • On Mac OS X, click the CourseWare directory, click Set Current.

     

2. In the wire directory, choose the file desklamp and click Open. Alternatively, double-click the file to open it.

   When prompted to delete all objects, click Yes.

   

   NoteIf your values for construction settings differ from those in the desklamp.wire file, you are presented with a dialog box. Click Accept New Settings to use the construction settings in desklamp.wire.

   

   The file browser closes and the desk lamp exercise file appears in the Alias window.

   

   A sketch of the desk lamp design displays in the Left view. This sketch is a reference image, known as a canvas plane. You will use it as a guide to model the desk lamp.

   If the two sketches do not appear, it is because the canvas plane display has been turned off. To turn on canvas display, choose WindowDisplay > Toggles > Canvas Planes .

   TipIf you do not see any views, or the views do not take up the full view window space, choose Layouts > All Windows > All Windows .