SolidWorks - Zebra Stripes

Zebra Stripes. Some of you might have come across to this function and was wondering what the purpose of this function is. For those who haven't seen it yet, you can access this function from Evaluate ribbon > Zebra Stripes.

The function of zebra stripes is to simulate the light inspection. This inspection is typically used to inspect the surface of a car. Light inspection is done by shining parallel lights unto the inspected surface. The reflection of the lights would form a contour on the surface, making any imperfections easily detected.

The Famous Light Inspection Photography on Aston Martin Bodywork
Source: Christopher Furlong, Getty Image

When the zebra stripes function is activated, a contour profile is shown on all surfaces of your model. Even this function might not be particularly useful for solid modelling, it is a very useful function to make good surface model.

Below is an example of using the zebra stripes function to identify your surface model.

Bad Model. Notice discontinuities of the stripes between top and bottom door panel.
Spiral or circular pattern indicate that the surface has dent/bulge

Good model. Notice how the stripe flow smoothly between the front and rear door panel.

Gallery - Nissan Fairlady 350Z in SolidWorks

All right, this is the first car model that I created in SolidWorks using surface modelling. Wasn't really the best car to choose for the first time. Pretty complex shape and lots of curvature. I haven't really learnt how to create smooth surface modelling back then, so there's pretty much disconnected surface in this model. But overall, it was pretty satisfying after completing my first model :)

Enjoy!

Isometric view. See how much features is needed!

Front Bumper, head light and Tyre

Side View

Fornt View

SolidWorks - Creating Plane

On the creation of new parts, by default the parts would have three default planes automatically created by SolidWorks, which are the Front Plane, Top Plane, and Right Plane. 

If required, additional planes can be created by selecting Insert > Reference Geometry > Plane. Or it can be accessed directly from the Features ribbon. 

To create plane in SolidWorks, users can specify up to three references to create the new plane. The reference can be either an existing plane, surfaces, edges, axis, or a point. A few example of commonly used reference is shown below.

1. Offset from existing plane

Only one reference is required. New plane that is created is parallel to the initially selected plane at specified distance. Commonly used for loft feature.

Plane created at 50 mm away from the Top Plane

2. Plane at an angle from existing surface

Two references are required, one is a plane or a surface and another is an axis or an edge. The axis/edge selected would be the intersection of the two planes.

Plane at 30 degree angle from the selected surface

3. Plane that pass through three points

Three references points/vertex are required. The plane created will pass through all the three points.

Plane passing through all three selected vertex