Surf and Code: BlueSurf: Modeling a Fountain Pen Nib

In this tutorial you learn :

How to model a Fountain Pen Nib using the new BlueSurf command of Solid Edge

How to use the project curve command

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.

Full index of Solid Edge surfacing tutorials on this blog is here.

Drawing the profile - side view Start with creating a sketch in the the y-z plane.
The details Draw an arc with included angle of 134 degrees and radius of 38. See figure. This is the section towards the tip of the nib.
Parallel Plane Create a plane parallel to the y-z plane at a distance of 158. This is the length of the nib.
The Other End On the new plane, draw an arc with included angle of 134 degrees and radius of 25. See figure. This is the section towards the base of the nib where it fits into the pen.
The BlueSurf Click the BlueSurf tool on the surfacing toolbar. Select the bigger arc and click accept on the ribbon bar. Then select the smaller arc. Both - correct and incorrect – ways of picking the second arc are shown in figure. Pick in the correct way.
BlueSurf Created Click accept Preview and Finish buttons in that order. A BlueSurf will be created as shown in figure.
Parallel Plane Create a plane parallel to the x-y plane at a distance of about 130.
Profile - top view In the new plane, sketch the top view profile of the nib as shown in figure. Also make sure sure that the two profiles are well connected on all sides. Do not draw a line on the side indicated by red arrow in the figure besides i.e. keep the nib profile open A closed profile creates problem later when trimming, since, it divides the surfaces into five different zones and Solid Edge is unable to decide which one to remove. Using an open profile for the nib divides the bluesurf into just two parts and one of them (the outer) can be easily trimmed.
Project Curve - Curve Step Select the Project Curve tool from the Surfacing toolbar. Select the top profile of the nib as the curve to project. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Project Curve - Body Step Select the Bluesurf as the surface to project on.
Project Curve - Direction Step Point the arrow towards the Bluesurf and click. Click Finish on the ribbon bar.
Project Curve - View It Click the Visible and Hidden Edges tool on the Main toolbar to see the projected curve.
Trim Surface - Surface Step Select the Trim Surface tool from the Surfacing toolbar. Select the Bluesurf as the surface to trim.
Trim Surface - Curve Step Select the projected curve as the trimming curve. Click accept on the ribbon bar.
Trim Surface - Side Step Indicate the arrow pointing away from the nib as the part to trim off. See figure.
Surface Trimmed The Bluesurf is trimmed as shown in figure.
Surface to Solid Click the Thicken tool on the Features toolbar. The Thicken tool is in the same flyout as the Thin Wall and Thin Region tools. Select the Trimmed Bluesurf as the surface to thicken. Use a small value of 1 mm to thicken in any direction.
The Ball and the Cut The final steps are : 1) Create a Revolved Protrusion of a D-shape for the sphere at the tip. 2) Create a Cutout that slits the front part of the nib.
Give the Finishing Touch Create another Cutout as shown in figure besides.
The Nib is Ready A very realistic looking nib is ready using very few steps in Solid Edge. Latest offerings from www.CADVertex.com