Hinge and Channel Curves

Objective: Learn how to place the hinge on one side of the earring and how to prepare the curves for the inner channels.

Line for the Hinge

Switch to the “Curve” tab and create the line for the hinge.

It could go at the bottom, but in this case we’ll place it on one side.

With OSnap and the Perp option enabled, you get a perpendicular line between the two reference curves. The exact position is left to the modeler’s discretion.

Hinge Command

Go to the “Components” tab and click on the “Hinge” command.

• Select the solid.
• With the help of OSnap, click on the midpoint of the line.

The hinge axis is displayed. Confirm the command and the hinge stays in place.

Margin Lines

Since the hinge axis has to stay solid, draw lines that keep the channels away from it for added strength. Leave a clear margin near the axis.

Clean Up the Curves

Select the projected curve on the left side and click on “Explode”. Delete the inner curve so it doesn’t conflict with Push and Pull.

Type show in the command bar to bring back the hidden curves.

Copy and Mirror

Select the inner curve and, while holding Alt, use the gumball to copy it 0.6 mm away.

Then use the “Mirror” command to reflect it to the right side: type 0 as the mirror center, hold Shift and click on the top. Finally, hide the central curve.

Video Lesson

Next Step

Next, we’ll use these curves to create the inner rails of the earring.