I been trying to do this in shark, so i have use the thicken solid tool first an then shell the part, that, of course, have a lot of inconveniences.

All other modeling software that i been used have the option to invert the direction of the shell inside and outside, unless i missed something, there is no way to do this on Shark.

So an option for invert the shell direction is really necessary. I think it is by far more useful that the "keep the core" option.

Any one else agree on this?


Luis G.

Object info for a shelled object gives a data entry for each face, so you can use different shell offsets after the fact, but not with thickness, so I agree. Other softwares I use shell inwards and outwards, but don't allow different face thicknesses as simply as Shark/VC shell does. If the behaviour of the thickness tool was harmonised with the shell tool's features, I'd be happy with that, too.
The "keeping the core" option is redundant for shelling outwards, a copy of the original IS the core in that case, but it can save some steps shelling inwards, for example to trim a solid that's going to be added to the shell after the shelling action.

Luis.
Sorry, but I really don't understand what you are trying to do here. I don't see how you can shell to the outside of a part as there would be no material for the tool to work on. If you are just trying to make a larger/smaller version, then would Scale or perhaps Offset Face be a better choice of tools?

Martin.

I would agree that having the option for out/in/center shelling can be useful and a number of CAD do have that.

In VC/Shark, I simply remove the face(s) for the opening, then use the Thicken_solid which allows direction.


- Steve

NickB Knows


This is what i Mean



This is the way i been solving this but it take about four extra operations:
converto to surfaces
delete one
join the remaining surfaces into a open model
thick the solid

Some times, won't work this way

Any one else here want/need this feature implemented?

Luis G.

Try this, Luis. Copy in place, then marquee select the model with the thicken tool, then subtract the copy. A little simpler, doesn't need conversion to surface, nor removal of a face if the object is closed. Interesting, and another inconsistency, that a negative figure in the box shells inward for the thicken tool. Actually, doesn't shell inwards, but offsets the face inwards. That's a heap of fun, it offsets an internal face outwards too, and if the figure takes it through the surface, it opens the shell! I haven't had experience with high-end apps, but that has potential to do a lot that simple shell won't.

Most of them are sheet metal kiosk, atm's, cabinets, and internal hardware, and several times i had to make a enclosure or holder for a part that i use as start reference and had to thicken or "negative shell" the desired model.



Yes, i done some times this way , as well without copy, just thicken the model and then shell it with the open face that i Need.



I do several times, I am agree that some how the things can be done and Shark have a very nice collection of tools for modeling, I just pointing at the convenience of have a tool that I had seen (and use) in other software that it is quite useful, and save some extra steps.

I am kind of lazy
:)