Freeform modeling lecture

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Free form modeling.

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After completing this lecture, you'll be able to

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understand freeform modeling and fusion,

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describe the freeform workflow and identify the use of freeform modeling.

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So first let's talk about what is freeform modeling.

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Freeform modeling uses a subdivision surface vertices,

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edges and faces on a subdivision surface can be edited.

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Editing a freeform body involves translating rotating and scaling selections,

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complex organic shapes can be created and edited quickly.

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So let's talk about freeform creation.

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Freeform bodies can be created with primitives or from sketches.

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Primitives are going to be created based on a

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starting shape and basic input such as length,

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width, height and face divisions,

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sketch based creation uses a single or multiple sketches

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to create the base shape for freeform modification.

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Next, let's talk about some common modification tools

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modification tools are used to adjust the shape of a freeform body,

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add geometry to a freeform body or to remove geometry from a freeform body.

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Some of the commonly used freeform tools include edit form,

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insert, edge,

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insert point,

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merge edge

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bridge,

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fill hole,

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weld vertices, crease,

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bevel, edge

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slide edge

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and flatten.

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Next, let's talk about the freeform workflow.

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It all begins with creating a shape,

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whether this comes from a sketch or using primitives.

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Next, we'll edit the shape with the least number of divisions,

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the fewer number of divisions on your subdivided body,

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the easier it'll be for you to control your shape and maintain good quality surfaces

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as needed. We can begin to add more edges for the required geometry.

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Then we can either finish the free form model as an open surface

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or we can fill in the ends which will create a solid body.

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Either these options will work fine.

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And when working in the design workspace,

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we can continue with solid or surface tools.

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So when to use freeform modeling,

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freeform modeling is great for quick

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concept generation of complex organic shapes,

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but it does have its limitations.

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Freeform modeling is direct modeling.

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So no history is captured while editing a freeform body.

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Freeform modeling is less precise than traditional

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sketch and feature based parametric modeling,

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you don't generally use freeform modeling. If critical dimensions are required,

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while freeform modeling can be used for extremely complex models,

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the more divisions the body has the harder it

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will be to control the shape with quality surfaces,

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consider the complexity of your design.

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And if multi body approach can be used when creating multiple

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freeform shapes and simply joining them together later with surfacing tools.

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So in conclusion,

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freeform modeling can be used to generate

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complex organic shapes quicker than traditional methods.

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Freeform modeling can be used to create

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surfaces and solids for further modification.

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Freeform modeling is not as precise as

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a design approach when using prismatic shapes

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and freeform modeling does not capture history and is a direct modeling approach.