Making an arch wire
I'm an orthodontist and I'm trying to create a 3d model of an orthodontic archwire. I'm only a novice at 3d modeling. Could someone guide me on the best way to create one. The archwire cross section would be 0.018 x 0.025 in. and the arch would have a depth of approximately 5 inches and a width of 3 inches.
1 Answer
There are a few ways to do it, but the most intuitive is probably a "sweep" or similar feature. A sweep uses a profile (your cross section) and a path (your attachment). The cross section is 'swept' along the path.
I've attached some images to help describe it. Note it could be done in a continuous single sweep, but it's often advantageous to use symmetry and only build half of something that can be mirrored, such as in this example.
