I’m trying to model an iPad case and have the final model in both an open and closed position. I’ve modeled it flat, but now cant seem to have it shown closed for a render. Any suggestions? I tried to use the flex command and didn’t get good result. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Solidworks Question
Tags: Q&A
You can also model them as separate parts and use the move/copy bodies tool to rotate the lid from closed to open. You can still use a loft to connect the two bodies, if needed, and make a configuration for each lid position. This is the method I use when modeling something with a simple living hinge. Have it closed for nice finished ID renderings, and have it open for the tool maker (since that’s the molded position.)
Thanks Dave! I got it figured out.
Ah, good question Stephen!
The trick is to model the two pieces separately. Lets call the part that wraps tightly around the iPad the ‘sock’, and the bit that covers the screen the ‘lid’.
The ‘sock’ is going to be the trickiest bit to model, in all likelihood, so I would do that first. Then comes the lid, the angle of which can be driven with a single sketch line. Design it so that changing the angle of the sketch line adjusts the angle of the lid.
Once that’s done, just use a ‘loft’ feature to connect the sock to the lid, and you’re golden. When you move the sketch curve, the lid moves, and the loft updates the flexible connection.
Does that make sense?
Cheers,
Adam
Thanks Adam! I’m just worried the ‘lid’ is fairly complex with pockets,cut-outs, and also a raised logo and will not be able to form to the new sketch with all the extra geometry. I’ll give it a shot and see what happens. Thanks