I think that I understand how to use revsurf and works on simple objects for me. I created a polyline object, closed it. I ran revsurf, selected the polyline object, selected a line for the pivot point when prompted. No love. Not sure if there is some limitation in the trial period or what. I AM able to revsurf the small circle (a spring) quite nicely, I undid it in the attached file. That also needs to be revsurf'ed.


Here is the dwg file, I was not sure how to move everything that I did from the layout1 over to the model, so i just copy/pasted it.

Anyway, this should look like a nice round oil seal, that is the goal!

thanks to anyone who may shed the light.

I tested this link, doesnt work now....i will upload again tommorow.

uploads/20100408_204311_Final.dwg
myfriendhenry2010-04-08 20:43:57

Hello myfriendhenry, you mean a complex polyline in the drawing you uploaded cannot be revsurf'ed, right? Besides, you can send the drawing to our technical mail box tech@zwcad.com as well as some description about the problem such as the version of ZWCAD you are using so that we can make an analysis and try to find a solution for you.
Thank you for your help in advance!

When you try to revsurf the object what error message are you getting?

Did you try extruding the circle along a path?Tesla2010-04-08 19:09:07

I sent the file to tech support and the version is 2009.12.31(14244). I don't see any error message (unless Im not looking in the correct place)
Here is the output:
Command: REVSURF
Select a linear entity to revolve:
Select the axis of revolution:
Angle to begin surface of revolution <0>:
Degrees to revolve entity (+ for ccw, - for cw <360>:

(nothing below this line and nothing changes in the display)
The final product should be a round oil seal, like a complicated doughnut.
Tesla> extruude along a path results in the following:
Command: EXTRUDE
Select entities:
Entities in set: 1
Select entities:
Specify height of extrusion or Path: 100
Specify angle of taper for extrusion <0>:
1 selected curves are rejected

I found the problem, I had retraced a section and the polyline was not completly open in the middle. That retraced line, appeared to split the polyline into two peices and was mucking it up. Im sure this is a rookie mistake! Thanks for ur time.
By the way, excellent software!!!
myfriendhenry2010-04-08 22:45:47

Glad to hear you found the problem.

I've made a few of my own rookie mistakes along the way. As long as we learn from them it isn't a totally bad thing.

Where are you located by the way?

How long have you been using ZwCAD?

Did you use any other CAD software prior to ZwCAD?Tesla2010-04-08 23:30:10

Yes, a rather nice and intuitive product, I really like the commmand line option when you create a script to follow. I have a grand total of about 2 hours using the product. I have never used a mech cad program before, schematic design PCB routing etc yes. Im in Sterling, VA.

Thanks for the replies.

I just started using it. Long time AutoCAD user though.

I'm north of you just outside of Hartford, CT.