ArtCAM Tutorials J.C.Lee 2007

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Spin : Design a Clock Face

The Spin command (in the Relief toolbar) allows you to create ‘swept’ 3D forms based on a 2D sketch of the cross section.

Spin generates a relief by spinning a vector around a centre line to create a round form. You can choose to have an end profile which is different from the start profile. It is also possible

to apply a z-modulation profile to create some very unusual Spin forms (the shape moves up and down as well as around!).

Clock Face Example:

Create a new ArtCAM model – 200mm x 200mm

Use Snap Grid Settings in 2D View pull

down menu to set a 1mm grid. Ensure Snap to Grid

is selected.

Pull in Guidelines from top and LH side of screen to indicate centre of model

Zoom in to LH centre of model

Starting from the centre of the model, use the

Create Polyline tool in the Vector toolbar to draw a single, connected chain of lines that shows half of the cross section of the clock model

(Remember to stay within the drawing area.)

Open the Spin wizard in Relief toolbar

Click on vector (LH mouse button) to select the vector line you have just drawn.

Click on Select box in Spin wizard box

ArtCAM Tutorials J.C.Lee 2007

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.

Check that ‘anchor point’ (shown by a green rectangle) is at centre of

model – if not click Move anchor

point to other end box.

Check that half arrow heads are

inside your model – if not click

invert curve in z

Click Next

Click End profile is same as start

profile

Click Next

Click Sweep through 360 degrees

Click Next

In following screen, assume no ‘z’

modulation required – click Next

To complete Spin – make sure

Add is selected – then select Spin

Your ‘Spin’ model can be seen

in the 3D View window

ArtCAM Tutorials J.C.Lee 2007

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Things to try: Your clock face probably needs something to show where the numbers are. Try creating a

vector shape at the 12 o clock position and then using Rotate Copy to create your design. The example below uses simple circles – but your design could be any shape.

Does the position of all the numbers on a clock need to be shown? – how would you use

Rotate Copy to just put vectors at 12, 3, 6 and 9 oclock?