Surf and Code: BlueSurf - Modeling an Accelerator Grip

In this tutorial you learn :

How to model an accelerator Grip using the BlueSurf feature in Solid Edge

How to use the cross-curve command

The use of extruded surface

Trimming surfaces in Solid Edge

Thicken surfaces to make solids
It is assumed that you are familiar with the basics of Solid Edge Part modeling.

Index of all Solid Edge surfacing tutorials on this blog is here.

Why BlueSurf The Accelerator grip looks like an obvious revolved protrusion. The tricky part here is the grip troughs and crests which can be more easily modeled using BlueSurf.
Revolved Surface Click the Revolved Surface tool on the Surfacing toolbar. Sketch on the x-z plane as shown in figure. The sketch has two vertical lines and a horizontal line at the bottom. Also, sketch an axis as shown in figure. The sketch will revolve about the axis to form a revolved surface.
Parallel Plane Create a parallel plane to the x-y plane as shown in figure.
Position of Plane Place the new plane well above the revolved surface. See figure on right.
Sketch on the Plane Sketch a rectangle on the nascent plane as shown.
Project the Curve Click the Project Curve tool on the Surfacing toolbar. Select the rectangle as the curve to project as shown in figure. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Specify the surface Select the revolved surface as the object to project onto.
Projection Direction Indicate the direction towards the revolved surface as shown in figure.
Curve is Projected The curve is projected on the revolved surface.
Hide the sketch Click Finish on the ribbon bar. Hide the sketch. Your figure should look like as shown on the right.
Split the curve Click the Split Curve tool on the Surfacing toolbar. Select one of the projected curves as the curve to split - as shown in figure. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Who will Split the Curve Select Plane from the list on the ribbon bar.
Specify Splitting Plane Select the x-y plane as the splitting plane. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
The Curve is Split The curve is split. Keypoints appear at two places on each curve where the x-y plane intersect them.
Keypoint Curve Click the Keypoint Curve tool on the Surfacing toolbar. Move the pointer on the split curve and when the endpoint mark appears - click (see figure).
Draw the Curve Click on the corresponding point on the other split curve. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Another One Similarly, create another keypoint curve on the other side.
Trim the Surface Click the Trim Surface tool on the Surfacing toolbar. Select the revolved surface as the surface to trim.
Trimming Curves Select the four curves as trimming curves (see figure). Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Which side to remove Specify the side as shown in figure.
Surface is Trimmed The surface in the direction of the arrow is removed. The revolved surface is hollowed out.
Sketch a Spline Sketch a spline in the x-z plane.
Something Like This The figure on right should give an even clearer idea.
The meaty part Click the BlueSurf tool on the Surfacing toolbar. Select the split curve on the near side as shown in figure. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
The Guide Curve Click the Guide Curve step tool on the ribbon bar. Select the straight curve on the near side as shown in figure. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
The Guide Curve The BlueSurf is created. This surface simply closes the opening created by trim surface. It needs some more guidance.
Another Guide Curve Still in the Guide Curve step select the spline. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Preview and Finish The required blue surface (crest and trough) is created. Hide all sketches
Stitch it together Click the Stitched Surface tool tool on the Surfacing toolbar. Select the two surfaces (revolve-trimmed and BlueSurf) Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Stitch it together Solid Edge exclaims that the stitched surfaces resulted in a solid body. With no other significant button to click on this dialog, press Enter.
Stitch it together Its only after stitching the surfaces that you can apply rounds and other features to it.
Stitch it together And finally a brief summary of the commands and their sequence. Index of Solid Edge surfacing tutorials on this blog is here. Do you know what cMayoCAD is…?