Spiral spring automated?

Support Modeling
1

Hi!

I’m trying to create a series of springs shaped like an hourglass (upholstery spring). The modeling itself is not that difficult, but I need to be able to control the thickness of the coil as well as the diameter of the “turns” in the spring, as there are varying sizes.

Was hoping for an addon that could do the trick and make the job a lot easier.
I’m working on a specific project and it is important that I can change the dimensions easily for each spring, as the guy I´m working with is very particular about final result.

cheers

Chapel

2

Add Curve Objects addon has spirals http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Extensions:2.6/Py/Scripts/Curve/Curve_Objects

Also screw modifier http://www.blender.org/manual/modeling/modifiers/generate/screw.html

3

latice_spring.png809×584 78.4 KB

To get a spiral - add circle, in edit mode V rip vertex, use Proportional edit to shift up the rest of vertices. Add and apply Array modifier, remove doubles.

4

can do with my script
set the height you need between turn
then simply a matter of making it a curve and adding extrude or bevel curve

happy bl

Attachments

sp1.JPG586×657 15 KB