I was looking for some advice please:

I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform because
I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there to
appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been using
Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!

 Make a sketch with 500 random points and use a "Sketch" driven pattern

Mike

"Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message 
news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
>I was looking for some advice please:
>
> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform because
> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there to
> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been using
> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
> 

If I understand you correctly, you are wanting to basically fill the 
cylinder with 500 plugs?!?!

One way I can think of, but have never tried, is to use a simulation. 
Insert 500 plugs into the assembly, above the cylinder.  Fix the cylinder in 
location.  Add a gravity simulation element.  Let gravity fill the cylinder.

Let us know how this works for you.

-- 
Seth Renigar
Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
(Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
__
"Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message 
news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
>I was looking for some advice please:
>
> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform because
> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there to
> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been using
> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
> 

By the way, calculating this may take quite a bit of time with this many 
parts (if it is even possible, dunno!)

-- 
Seth Renigar
Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
(Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
__
"Seth Renigar" <srenigar.no.spam@emeraldtoolandmold.no.spam.com> wrote in 
message news:Hezlg.80958$Lg.24628@tornado.southeast.rr.com...
> If I understand you correctly, you are wanting to basically fill the 
> cylinder with 500 plugs?!?!
>
> One way I can think of, but have never tried, is to use a simulation. 
> Insert 500 plugs into the assembly, above the cylinder.  Fix the cylinder 
> in location.  Add a gravity simulation element.  Let gravity fill the 
> cylinder.
>
> Let us know how this works for you.
>
> -- 
> Seth Renigar
> Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
> (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
> __
> "Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message 
> news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
>>I was looking for some advice please:
>>
>> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
>> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform because
>> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there to
>> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been using
>> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
>> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
>>
>
> 

I apologize, I was not totally clear.  I have a clear container.  I
have to model it showing 500 earplugs.  The earplugs are simple
cylinders.  I was looking for for a end result of something looking
like i dropped the 500 ear plugs into the container.  They would be on
different axis, rotations, etc (just like in real life).


Seth Renigar wrote:
> By the way, calculating this may take quite a bit of time with this many
> parts (if it is even possible, dunno!)
>
> --
> Seth Renigar
> Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
> (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
> __
> "Seth Renigar" <srenigar.no.spam@emeraldtoolandmold.no.spam.com> wrote in
> message news:Hezlg.80958$Lg.24628@tornado.southeast.rr.com...
> > If I understand you correctly, you are wanting to basically fill the
> > cylinder with 500 plugs?!?!
> >
> > One way I can think of, but have never tried, is to use a simulation.
> > Insert 500 plugs into the assembly, above the cylinder.  Fix the cylinder
> > in location.  Add a gravity simulation element.  Let gravity fill the
> > cylinder.
> >
> > Let us know how this works for you.
> >
> > --
> > Seth Renigar
> > Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
> > (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
> > __
> > "Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
> >>I was looking for some advice please:
> >>
> >> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
> >> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform because
> >> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there to
> >> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been using
> >> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
> >> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
> >>
> >
> >

Still, the simulation seems a logical solution.  They will fall into the 
container and once they contact other earplugs, they will re-orient 
themselves to drop further.  In theory, the end result should be just like 
dropping 500 real parts into a container.  They will go, wherever...

But, like I said, I have never done this exact simulation with so many 
parts.  It may be more than your system can handle (or even any system?!?!). 
You will just have to try it and see...

-- 
Seth Renigar
Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
(Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
__
"Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message 
news:1150732336.299765.283340@h76g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>I apologize, I was not totally clear.  I have a clear container.  I
> have to model it showing 500 earplugs.  The earplugs are simple
> cylinders.  I was looking for for a end result of something looking
> like i dropped the 500 ear plugs into the container.  They would be on
> different axis, rotations, etc (just like in real life).
>
>
> Seth Renigar wrote:
>> By the way, calculating this may take quite a bit of time with this many
>> parts (if it is even possible, dunno!)
>>
>> --
>> Seth Renigar
>> Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
>> (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
>> __
>> "Seth Renigar" <srenigar.no.spam@emeraldtoolandmold.no.spam.com> wrote in
>> message news:Hezlg.80958$Lg.24628@tornado.southeast.rr.com...
>> > If I understand you correctly, you are wanting to basically fill the
>> > cylinder with 500 plugs?!?!
>> >
>> > One way I can think of, but have never tried, is to use a simulation.
>> > Insert 500 plugs into the assembly, above the cylinder.  Fix the 
>> > cylinder
>> > in location.  Add a gravity simulation element.  Let gravity fill the
>> > cylinder.
>> >
>> > Let us know how this works for you.
>> >
>> > --
>> > Seth Renigar
>> > Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
>> > (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
>> > __
>> > "Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message
>> > news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
>> >>I was looking for some advice please:
>> >>
>> >> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
>> >> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform 
>> >> because
>> >> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there 
>> >> to
>> >> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been 
>> >> using
>> >> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
>> >> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
>> >>
>> >
>> >
> 

How about taking some photos and wrapping it around the cylinder using 
photoworks?
Just a thought :-)



"Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message 
news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
>I was looking for some advice please:
>
> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform because
> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there to
> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been using
> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
> 

I just had to try this.  5 worked OK, but 20 plugs bogged down and failed.
Brian

Mike wrote:
> I apologize, I was not totally clear.  I have a clear container.  I
> have to model it showing 500 earplugs.  The earplugs are simple
> cylinders.  I was looking for for a end result of something looking
> like i dropped the 500 ear plugs into the container.  They would be on
> different axis, rotations, etc (just like in real life).
> 
> 
> Seth Renigar wrote:
>> By the way, calculating this may take quite a bit of time with this many
>> parts (if it is even possible, dunno!)
>>
>> --
>> Seth Renigar
>> Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
>> (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
>> __
>> "Seth Renigar" <srenigar.no.spam@emeraldtoolandmold.no.spam.com> wrote in
>> message news:Hezlg.80958$Lg.24628@tornado.southeast.rr.com...
>>> If I understand you correctly, you are wanting to basically fill the
>>> cylinder with 500 plugs?!?!
>>>
>>> One way I can think of, but have never tried, is to use a simulation.
>>> Insert 500 plugs into the assembly, above the cylinder.  Fix the cylinder
>>> in location.  Add a gravity simulation element.  Let gravity fill the
>>> cylinder.
>>>
>>> Let us know how this works for you.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Seth Renigar
>>> Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
>>> (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
>>> __
>>> "Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message
>>> news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
>>>> I was looking for some advice please:
>>>>
>>>> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
>>>> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform because
>>>> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there to
>>>> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been using
>>>> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
>>>> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
>>>>
>>>
> 

in theory, you will only need to show those objects which are exposed to 
visible light.  the core can be solid.  unfortunately i think the 
assy/sub-assy would be best route.  creat a small sub-assy with desired 
random pattern and pattern the sub-assy in main assy. 

Maybe, the photoworks sounds like the quickest solution, especially to
avoid memeory issues...

I could still rotate it and have the same effect..

I apprecate the help everyone!


kb wrote:
> in theory, you will only need to show those objects which are exposed to
> visible light.  the core can be solid.  unfortunately i think the
> assy/sub-assy would be best route.  creat a small sub-assy with desired
> random pattern and pattern the sub-assy in main assy.

Yeah, me too.  I thought it would be a pretty cool simulation if it actually 
worked.  I got about 12 to work ok.  I now have 20 cylinders that have been 
computing for about 1.5 hours.  Good thing I haven't needed to use SW for a 
while now.  Don't look like this is a viable solution...  But it seemed 
logical anyway... :-)

-- 
Seth Renigar
Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
(Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
__
"Brian Putnam" <bputnamq@rugbymfgq.comremoveq> wrote in message 
news:129dm08opqm3j0f@corp.supernews.com...
>I just had to try this.  5 worked OK, but 20 plugs bogged down and failed.
> Brian
>
> Mike wrote:
>> I apologize, I was not totally clear.  I have a clear container.  I
>> have to model it showing 500 earplugs.  The earplugs are simple
>> cylinders.  I was looking for for a end result of something looking
>> like i dropped the 500 ear plugs into the container.  They would be on
>> different axis, rotations, etc (just like in real life).
>>
>>
>> Seth Renigar wrote:
>>> By the way, calculating this may take quite a bit of time with this many
>>> parts (if it is even possible, dunno!)
>>>
>>> --
>>> Seth Renigar
>>> Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
>>> (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
>>> __
>>> "Seth Renigar" <srenigar.no.spam@emeraldtoolandmold.no.spam.com> wrote 
>>> in
>>> message news:Hezlg.80958$Lg.24628@tornado.southeast.rr.com...
>>>> If I understand you correctly, you are wanting to basically fill the
>>>> cylinder with 500 plugs?!?!
>>>>
>>>> One way I can think of, but have never tried, is to use a simulation.
>>>> Insert 500 plugs into the assembly, above the cylinder.  Fix the 
>>>> cylinder
>>>> in location.  Add a gravity simulation element.  Let gravity fill the
>>>> cylinder.
>>>>
>>>> Let us know how this works for you.
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Seth Renigar
>>>> Emerald Tool and Mold Inc.
>>>> (Remove ".no.spam" from my address)
>>>> __
>>>> "Mike" <mikepl333@aol.com> wrote in message
>>>> news:1150728304.491286.28600@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com...
>>>>> I was looking for some advice please:
>>>>>
>>>>> I have a container where I have modeled a simple cylinder and need to
>>>>> array it 500 times.  However, i don't want it to appear uniform 
>>>>> because
>>>>> I want it to look like someone just dropped these 500 plugs in there 
>>>>> to
>>>>> appear realistic.  What is the best function to use?  I have been 
>>>>> using
>>>>> Solidworks for 2 years and taken several classes, however this was
>>>>> never covered, nor is it in the tutorials.  Thanks in advance!
>>>>>
>>>>
>> 

Not that is that helpful to you but I thought I would mention in passing 
that Blender has the ability to import collision physics to an animation so 
you could show the plugs falling into a container and settling in a 
realistic way or just render the  final frame.Somewhere I used to have a 
short .avi showing a bowl being filled with chairs but I can't find it 
unfortunately... :o) 

Could you lay the cylinder over drop 10 plugs into a segment of the 
cylinder and copy the result to go all the way around the container? 
maybe do a couple of simulations so you get a more varied pattern?

Doug T


Seth Renigar wrote:
> Still, the simulation seems a logical solution.  They will fall into the 
> container and once they contact other earplugs, they will re-orient 
> themselves to drop further.  In theory, the end result should be just like 
> dropping 500 real parts into a container.  They will go, wherever...
> 
> But, like I said, I have never done this exact simulation with so many 
> parts.  It may be more than your system can handle (or even any system?!?!). 
> You will just have to try it and see...
>