Atom 3d sketch workaround then 2d fillets for pipe?

[Tony2train]

Hi I'm a new Atom user. I'm finding the program super intuitive and easy to use except I can't for the life of me figure out how to achieve precise 3d sketches which can be filleted from plane to plane. I'm trying to acheive a loft or sweep with smooth transitions, something like the beginner handlebar tutorial. Atom does not have 3d sketching. This seems to be a significant restriction. I'm sure there must be workarounds?

-Problem one how do I attach one angled line to another? I've found I can do this if create a centerline plane that is placed 100% down the line then I can start a new sketch from that new plane. The new plane is normal to line though. How do I set orientation of that plane (my next line) to my desired 3d angle?

-problem 2 is assuming I can even get the desired connected lines oriented correctly how do I then 2d fillet for smooth pipe style bends in 3d? I was able to create a sweep or loft but since sepperate line segments (drawings) were used no drawing fillet options seem to exist between them. 3d fillets did not give proper results after the fact. Perhaps if all segments are somehow joined into one drawing they could be fileted?

I'm sure someone here has a workaround I just can't figure this out. The obvious solution is an upgrade to get 3d sketching but its a high cost without paid work to offset the cost. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Joseph_L]

Hi there-

Thanks for the question, that's awesome you're a new user and doing some advanced things.

Here is an example of the bike handlebar in Atom. You're correct that you can do this in multiple parts to get it to work.


For your plane orientation problem and fillet problem, my mind goes to LRA data. This was length, radius and angle data that we would feed to tube benders at an old job I had in heavy duty diesel. Here is a part that is based on how those tube benders made bent pipe. We can establish an axis down our section of pipe and create a plane based off of that and the sketch plane that the axis is currently on. We can move the plane to whatever degree angle we need. I've attached a very random sweep to demonstrate this method, if the method is not clear let me know.


These were made in atom, and hopefully this provides some ideas to move forward with. Again, let me know how it goes for you and best of luck.

Edit: Be sure to download the attached files to see the model for yourself and step through the tree.

 

[Tony2train]

That is amazing! Thank you for the quick clear reply and the example files to follow along with. I would not have understood the words without those visuals. For me when I see I understand. This would make for a good Atom tutorial video. I feel great about my purchase.....the program is soooo much more intuitive than Freecad and actually affordable unlike Solidworks. Additionally the people working for Alibre are top notch. I have never received this kind of amazing considered and targeted support. A+

 

[Joseph_L]

That is amazing! Thank you for the quick clear reply and the example files to follow along with. I would not have understood the words without those visuals. For me when I see I understand. This would make for a good Atom tutorial video. I feel great about my purchase.....the program is soooo much more intuitive than Freecad and actually affordable unlike Solidworks. Additionally the people working for Alibre are top notch. I have never received this kind of amazing considered and targeted support. A+

Hey many thanks, I'm always grateful to hear when something is helpful- thank you for the kind words