Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Trimech-Main-Site-Group-Navigation Solid-Solutions-Group-Navigation Javelin-Group-Navigation Solid-Print-Group-Navigation 3DPRINTUK-Group-Navigation Trimech-Enterprise-Solutions-Group-Navigation Trimech-Enterprise-Solutions-Group-Navigation Trimech-Advanced-Manufacturing-Group-Navigation Trimech-Staffing-Solutions-Group-Navigation
With over 35 years of experience, the TriMech Group offers a comprehensive range of design, engineering, staffing and manufacturing solutions backed by experience and expertise that is unrivalled in the industry. The TriMech Group's solutions are delivered by the divisions and brands shown here, use the links above to visit the group's websites and learn more.
x
Search

How to model the Beau Jeu Ball in SOLIDWORKS

Monday June 27, 2016 at 2:11pm
How to model the UEFA Euro 2016 Football in SOLIDWORKS using tools such as split lines, surfaces and patterns!
The Beautiful Game Ball. At least the translation of Beau Jeu. So how can we model this up in SOLIDWORKS?

Will we need complex surface tools? Weird lofts? No! We use a split line or two, copy a couple of surfaces and pattern, pattern, pattern. So let’s get started!

Step 1: Draw a sphere 220mm diameter

This is the standard size of the competition ball, at least as far as google would tell me.  I shelled the ball to be just 3mm in thickness. I could calculate the exact thickness to get the correct weight, but 3mm will do for now. Either use a thin feature or a solid and the shell command. I’ll leave you to do this under your own steam.

Step 2: Create a ‘square’ face

If you examine pictures of the ball you will see that it is made of just 6 pieces. So we will start with two simple cuts. Here we are creating a version with 6 identical ‘square faces. The lines are equal in length and perpendicular to each other. The tips are horizontal too. I tried to use as little sketch geometry as possible.

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Step 3: The Split

Now comes the ‘fun’ bit. We need to create the shape for the actual face. We only have to do a small section, but we will make sure it matches up as nicely as we can.

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

We want a 3D sketch. It is easier if we draw the constriction lines first. We then use the spline on Surface to create a three point spline. Start at the corner and click near the middle of the face and then we want to pick up the end of the construction line. Don’t worry too much about the middle point we can always do back and drag it to a better position. Ensure that the spline is tangent to our construction line. Next for the Split Line command. It is under the Curves button on the Features Tab.

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

If all has gone well then the model should look like this:

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Step 4: Copy and Thicken

We want to use the offset surface tool here. It is on the Surfaces tab of the command manager. If we set the offset to 0mm, we will create a copy of the two top faces. Once this is done we delete the original body. Its work is done here. We can then Thicken (Surfaces Tab) the faces. Do not use Merge Result! We will then have two bodies in our part (shown in different colours for clarity):

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Step 5: Pattern the Cuts

We need an axis that passes through the Front and Right planes. Then we use a circular pattern to add three additional copies of the ‘cut’ body.

 SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Then we will use the Combine command to Subtract the patterned bodies from the large piece.

 SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Do not delete the RED part. We still need that! Also you may want to go back and tweak your spline to ensure a nicer central cross.

Step 6: Finish the section

Now we need to finish our section, so to start we will use Move/Copy Bodies to rotate the RED part 180 degrees. Use the edge at the corner as a reference.

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Then we use another circular pattern to add the remaining parts:

 SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

And Combine and add a fillet to finish the section:

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Step 7: The final patterns

Now we just need to pattern the sections to create a solid ball. Here we create an axis from the origin to a sharp corner of our part and use that for a circular pattern of the body.

 SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

We now have half of the ball. You could repeat the last step to try to add the remaining faces, but we can do it with just one more circular pattern. First create the Axis: 

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu BallT

This goes from the origin to the Vertex that is half way down the ‘tongue’. We can then use a circular pattern to finish our ball:

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Conclusion/Penalty Shoot out

So there we have it the Beautiful Game Ball. If we tweak the shell thickness we could get an accurate weight for the ball as well, or perhaps we could use Flatten surface to find the cut shape required for the flat leather sheet. With that done I think I can go and watch some football!

SOLIDWORKS Model -  Beau Jeu Ball

Get a SOLIDWORKS quote today to take advantage of our special offers ending 30th June.

Related Blog Posts

A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Dynamic Previews to
Learn how to create 3D Documents and generate dynamic form previews in DriveWorks.
Approaching Part Numbering in SOLIDWORKS PDM Profe
Part numbering is often approached by designers without necessarily considering the purpose of a part number within an organisation the wider supply chains.
How to Import Connectors in SWOOD Design
Discover how to use the Connector Library Exchange tool to import & export connectors between different installations of SWOOD Design.

 Solid Solutions | Trimech Group

MENU
Top