Introduction to FreeCAD Part 8: Curved Surfaces

Learn to create curved surfaces and organic shapes in FreeCAD using advanced tools like the Curves workbench, B-Splines, Mixed Curves, and the Gordon Surface Tool. Follow along as we model a computer mouse and unlock new 3D modeling possibilities.

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Introduction to FreeCAD Part 8: Curved Surfaces

In this episode of our FreeCAD tutorial series, we dive into the art of creating curved surfaces and organic shapes using FreeCAD's advanced tools. While FreeCAD is a powerful open-source CAD software, modeling intricate, curved geometries can be challenging due to limitations in its default toolset. We'll explore how to overcome these hurdles by utilizing additional workbenches like the Curves workbench and mastering techniques with B-Splines, Mixed Curves, and the Gordon Surface Tool. This is the eighth video in our 10-part Introduction to FreeCAD series. You can find the FreeCAD files and mouse images used for this tutorial in this GitHub repository: https://github.com/ShawnHymel/introduction-to-freecad The written version of this guide can be found here: https://www.digikey.com/en/maker/projects/intro-to-freecad-part-8-creating-curved-surfaces/9e0af94621c247138a44892f44deb767 We start by discussing the challenges of designing curved surfaces in FreeCAD and how the Curves workbench can significantly enhance your modeling capabilities. You'll learn how to install this essential add-on and integrate it into your workflow. With the Curves Workbench at our disposal, we set out to model a computer mouse—a perfect example of an object with complex organic shapes and smooth surfaces. Using reference images, we guide you through importing and scaling them within FreeCAD to serve as a blueprint for our design. We then move on to creating the mouse's outline by sketching with B-Splines, ensuring precision and smoothness in our curves. You'll learn how to generate 3D curves from 2D projections using the Mixed Curve Tool, allowing us to create a more accurate and intricate model. The highlight of this tutorial is the application of the Gordon Surface Tool. We'll show you how to prepare rails and ribs from your sketches and use them to generate complex surfaces that form the body of the mouse. This powerful tool enables you to create surfaces that would be difficult to achieve with standard lofts and sweeps, expanding the possibilities of what you can design in FreeCAD. Finally, we cover how to solidify your model, converting the surfaces into a solid object that's ready for further detailing or 3D printing. You'll learn how to check your geometry for errors, integrate your model into the Part Design workbench, and add features like holes or pockets. By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to create complex curved surfaces in FreeCAD, opening up new avenues for your 3D modeling projects. Whether you're a hobbyist looking to enhance your 3D printing designs or a professional aiming to expand your CAD skills, this video provides valuable insights into advanced FreeCAD techniques. If you have any questions or want to share your creations, leave a comment below or create a post on social media using the hashtag #FreeCADCurves.