A quick way to build a connecting surface between two existing faces is to build a bridge between them. The Bridge command of the Creo Elements/Direct Surfacing module allows you to insert a surface that connects two existing faces:
The bridging surface can connect tangentially to either face (right graphic):
The smoothness of such a tangential connection can be weighted. A greater weight keeps the tangency at the face for longer:
A smooth connection can be created according to one of two types of tangency. The new surface can connect to the face orthogonally (within the tangent plane):
Alternatively, the surface can connect directly between corresponding points on the second face:
In addition to creating bridges between two single faces, it is also possible to bridge two sets of faces. The faces of each set must be smoothly connected along the bridging edges.
For example, this graphic shows a bridge between one face and a set of two faces:
To bridge faces,
1. Activate the Surfacing module.
a. Click File > Modules. The Modules dialog box opens.
b. On the Modules pane, click Surfacing under Licensed.
2. Click Surfacing and then, in the Advanced Surfacing group, click Bridge. The Bridge and Select dialog boxes open.
3. Type a name for the part in Part.
4. Click the edges of the first face that you want to bridge (Edgelist1).
5. Click End in the Select tool.
6. Click the first face defining the bridge (Face 1).
7. The Select tool opens again: specify the edges of the second face that you want to bridge (Edgelist 2).
8. Click the second face defining the bridge (Face 2).
9. Creo Elements/Direct Modeling creates a tangential connection to both of the bridged faces. Change the connection by choosing an option from Continuity.
◦ Positional: Connection between faces is not smooth.
◦ Tangent: Connection between faces is smooth.
▪ Adjust the weight of the tangency to Face 1 or Face 2 with the Weight 1 or Weight 2 bar. A higher weight will produce a bridge surface that remains tangential to the face longer than with a weaker weight.
▪ Specify the type of tangency between the bridged face using the Tang type1 and Tang type2 options:
▪ Dir creates a tangency that connects the corresponding points on the faces.
▪ Ortho creates an orthogonal tangency between the faces.
◦ Curvature: Connection between faces is smooth and reflections are reduced or eliminated.
10. Click Preview to see a preview of the bridge.
11. Click Reverse to flip the orientation of the bridge surface.
12. Click to complete the operation.
In addition to bridging individual faces, you can also create a bridge between sets of faces. The procedure is similar to the above; use the Select tool to select the multiple edges and faces.
Bridge. The Bridge and Select dialog boxes open.
to complete the operation.