Opening the tutorial file (optional)

If you successfully completed Part 1, proceed to the next step: Making Space for the Grip Detail below.

If you were not successful in part 1, open the file called showergel_part2.wire, located in the wire directory of the CourseWare project. This file contains the completed model from Part 1.

Making Space for the Grip Detail

To make space for the finger grip, you will split the body surface and discard the part which will be replaced by the grip feature.

Because the isoparms on the surface are at a convenient location, you can use the Detach tool to split the surface at an isoparm. You can snap to a particular isoparm, using the (Windows) or (Mac) key.

Before detaching, delete the construction history of the surfaces.

1. Maximize the Perspective window.
2. Choose Pick > Object and select all the surfaces.

   

3. Choose Delete > Delete Construction History and answer Yes when prompted.

   

   NoteDetaching leaves a good quality edge on the surface. However, it is not reversible, so we recommend you save before using Detach!
4. Choose the Object Edit > Attach > Detach tool. Hold down the (Windows) or (Mac) key and select the isoparm shown.

   

   TipMove the mouse to check that the detach tool has locked on to the isoparm.

   The isoparm is highlighted and a Go button appears.

5. Click Go to detach the surface.

   

6. Choose Pick > Object and select the smaller piece of surface.

   

7. Press the key to delete the small surface.

   

   A curve has been provided on the GripCurves layer to define the profile of the finger grip.

8. Turn on the visibility of the GripCurves layer by selecting Visible from its layer tab menu.

   

   

Creating the Birail Surface

Now, you will create a Birail surface for the finger grip. The Birail will be tangent to the edge of the body surface and tangent to the shoulder surface. It will match the curve at the base with positional continuity, and have Implied Tangency on the finger grip curve, where the surface will later be mirrored.

1. Choose Surfaces > Swept Surfaces > Rail Surface . Double-click the icon to open the option box.

   In the Generation Curve section, choose 2.

   In the Rail Curve section, also choose 2.

   

2. Choose Position for each of the four Continuity options (you will change these after the Birail surface is created).

   If any of the Rebld boxes are checked, click in them to remove the check.

   

   TipThe Rebld option can improve the parameterization of an edge, typically a trimmed edge. As all your edges and curves have good parameterization, you don’t need to use it in this case.
3. You are prompted to select the edges of the birail. Select the curves in the order shown:

   

   The birail surface is created.

   

   With the surface still selected, and the option window still open on screen, you can now adjust the continuity options at each edge.

4. Change the following continuity settings:

   gen2	Tangent
   rail1	Tangent
   rail2	Implied Tangent

   

   The surface is rebuilt with the new continuity settings.

   

5. Choose Pick > Nothing to deselect the surface and use diagnostic shading to evaluate the design.

   

   TipUse the Show menu on the window pane to turn off the model and the grid. Remember to turn them on again when you remove the shading.

   

Creating the Base Surface

The base of the bottle will be created as a flat plane.

1. Choose Surfaces > Planar Surfaces > Set Planar .
2. You are prompted to drag/select curves. Drag a pick box over the two base curves.

   

3. Click Go to create the planar surface.

   

   TipThe space bar can be used as a short cut instead of clicking Go.
4. Make sure that all the surfaces are assigned to the Bottle layer.
5. The curves are no longer needed, so turn off the visibility of the GripCurves layer.

Save your work

1. Save your work in the wire directory of the Lessons project.
2. Name your file myshowergel2.wire.