Layered approach assistance - large sprayer

[BrayD]

I've been commissioned to create a file for a couple sprayers. This first one has already been made, but their supplier stopped making them and wouldn't give them the file.

Screenshot 2024-11-05 171707.png

I was asked to create drawings for that one so they can continue to make it. They also want this machine done.

zvxmvr5iii15jj02pay6v7zf.jpg

They said I could use the prior one and just add the different hood/front end if that makes things easier. Otherwise I can make an entire cut file package from scratch. Here's another angle for reference. Not a sprayer, but same base machine.

Screenshot 2024-11-05 171345.png

I've started tracing the yellow one already and have made decent progress on one layer (red stroke). My plan was to get everything traced, then allocate paths to different layers to achieve the desired effect.

Screenshot 2024-11-05 172406.png

I guess my question is - how would you approach this? Try modifying the existing yellow drawing with the green machine's hood, or start entirely from scratch? How many layers would you use, and what would your layering look like?

This is my first layered project and I'll admit I'm in a bit over my head. Decided to fire up this thread just to talk things through as I work on it.

[Joe Jones]

I think I would not COPY the original work of another person without written consent to violate his Copyright.

Why did the other guy stop making them? Do they just not want to pay his price for the finished product? He obviously has the software, and the cnc plasma table (or a laser?) to make them.

I would find out WHY the other guy stopped making them before I went forward. Beyond that, you CAN draw it from scratch. I highly suggest you use a screen recording program to DOCUMENT the creation of YOUR version, so when the other guy drags you into court, you can show the judge that you clearly drew your design from scratch.

Joe

[adbuch]

BrayD - what is the make and model of the one that you have already started tracing? I expect an internet search will turn up many different photos of that particular model which you could use for creating your file for the first one that is no longer being produced. Then If you want to change the hood on your traced result to match the second sprayer you posted - that might be easier than tracing the entire second sprayer from scratch.

When you say "layers" - I assume you are asking about creating a layered piece - a backer with different parts (layers) painted different colors and then attached to the backer? I suppose it just depends on exactly what your customer wants. If you are using Inkscape, CorelDraw, or similar drawing program then you can assign different fill colors to the various pieces to show your customer what it would look like.

David

ag sprayers.jpg

[BrayD]

This request came from one of AGCO's top equipment dealers so I assumed everything was above table.

David's input made me curious what image was used to make the first one. I was able to find a video that I'm almost certain was used to create this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VP9sMJAGBSc

A screenshot from that video.

Screenshot 2024-11-05 203354.png

I'm using Inkscape. I'll import that image and modify my path to match. That should address Joe's concerns. The green sprayer is just their newer model. Perhaps I can find a similar demonstration video that I can grab a screenshot from while it's in the same orientation to draw the hood.

[adbuch]

I will look forward to seeing your result.
David

[plasmanewbie]

I guess my question is - how would you approach this? Try modifying the existing yellow drawing with the green machine's hood, or start entirely from scratch? How many layers would you use, and what would your layering look like?

I would start from scratch, likely end up easier in the run and you won;t be stepping on anyone's toes. I would go 2 layer max to keep it simple. Curious to see what you come up with.

[ROKCRLER]

Throwing out another option...
If you are starting from scratch, how about some scribe work with the layers similar to this?
https://plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php? ... 67#p209051

Edit:
Here is his Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9AvvyvC ... c5ZXZqaw==

[BrayD]

That scribe work looks slick! For this one, I'm just trying to get it done without adding too much complexity. If I can get this layered up and looking good I'll be a happy camper.

After studying the machines a bit more, they're entirely different. Just swapping hoods wouldn't do it justice. I found a demo video and was able to take a screenshot when the green machine was in a good orientation. I'm traveling today and had some down time, so I've been tracing it from scratch.

It could use a little more detail and clean-up, but I’m to the point that I need to decide what is going to be on which layer. I'm thinking a white backer to support everything (sprayer boom included), then a black backer layer with cutouts that will open up to that white layer (essentially windows, voids around handrails, voids in sprayer boom, white tanks on the back, etc). A second black layer on top of that for the majority of the machine. Those cutouts would appear black with depth. Good for the engine hoses, suspension, etc. Last layer would be the colored items (boom frame, silver sprayer tank, red wheels, green hood).

With that approach, I'd be looking at 4 layers. Seems a bit excessive, but I think it's the right move considering all of the detail. Happy to hear any other options if there's anything that would make my life easier.
.

Screenshot 2024-11-05 204649.png

Screenshot 2024-11-06 183152.png

Screenshot 2024-11-06 183242.png

Edit: after re-reading this I think I could do it in 3 layers. White backer, black backer, and black/green/sliver/red all on the last layer in multiple pieces.

[ROKCRLER]

That turned out great! the hubs need to be split or it will drop out, but youre there!

[BrayD]

Good call! The wheels will be their own pieces but the hubs need split for sure. Thanks for pointing that out!

[adbuch]

This looks great!
David

sprayer.jpg

[BrayD]

Perfect. The layer strategy will address the wheels for sure. This clearly illustrates that I still need to marry some paths to allow the other colored items to drop out as well.

I feel like this is the crux of the project. Allocating what gets cut together, what gets cut separately, and how it all comes together in the end.

[adbuch]

sprayer 1.jpg

[plasmanewbie]

Wow, that turned out great! Wish I could do that.

[BrayD]

David - Great idea. This is indeed Inkscape. My intent was to make them kerf-width single cuts, but doing stroke to path would allow me to widen those a bit to reveal more of the backer without much more work. I'll experiment with this.

My approach to make the layers was to combine paths manually so I'd end up with a handful of cut paths. What I'm trying to wrap my mind around now is how to handle the shared edges of many of them. For example, the white backer and the black backer will share the same perimeter for much of the part. Is there a feature that allows for easy creation of a backer without having to duplicate and modify paths?

plasmanewbie - You can! Inkscape has proven to be a fantastic program for things like this. I highly encourage others to lean into it and utilize the many tutorial threads David and other members have posted. I picked up on it very quickly.

[adbuch]

My approach to make the layers was to combine paths manually so I'd end up with a handful of cut paths. What I'm trying to wrap my mind around now is how to handle the shared edges of many of them. For example, the white backer and the black backer will share the same perimeter for much of the part. Is there a feature that allows for easy creation of a backer without having to duplicate and modify paths?

BrayD - my example here is for a single backer.
David

1.jpg

2.jpg

[adbuch]

BrayD - I would use a similar approach for multiple layers. Make copies of your competed original drawing, then break them apart and combine the internal features you wish to keep for each layer and then difference them with the outer perimeter. You can stack them on top of each other to create a preview of how your finished assembly might look. It is sometimes handy to draw a small circle on the original before you make your copies. Then you can use auto-snaps to accurately position the layers on top of each other. Then delete the small circle.

David

3.jpg

[BrayD]

Thanks for the input, David. You're always providing huge value with your posts.

I'm making good progress. I still feel like I'm fumbling my way through it, but I'm excited to be seeing results. I'll reserve posting the assembled state until I get my fill operations sorted (posted in the Inkscape forum to figure that out), but this is where I'm at so far. The reference circle was key. Super easy to separate everything and snap it into place with that pro tip.

.

layers.JPG

[adbuch]

BrayD - you appear to be making great progress with your project. I have responded to your post at the Inkscape section of the forum.

https://plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?p=241762#p241762

David

[BrayD]

Thanks again David. Your assistance in the Inkscape forum put me on the right path.

I have it all cut up for assembly in 3 layers. White backer, black backer, and colored top layer. Black, silver, green, and red will all sit flush on the top layer. Really excited about how this is turning out.

Cut Parts.JPG

Assembled.JPG

.
I know some of the features need some work, namely the driver side rear tire. I got carried way with the fill color / layering approach and put off those finer details. I'll get it tightened up and I think this one is ready to go.

[adbuch]

Cut Parts 1.jpg

[adbuch]

I've been commissioned to create a file for a couple sprayers. This first one has already been made, but their supplier stopped making them and wouldn't give them the file.

What did the original item look like? By that - I mean the finished painted part from the original supplier? Do you have a photo of that one so we can see what it looked like?
David

[BrayD]

That middle layer will be flat black (current plan anyways). The first pic in my first post is the one of the older model that has already been made. If you zoom in on the engine area cuts, It appears they used a black backer as well.

[adbuch]

I meant a photo of one of the actual pieces the previous vendor was manufacturing. In other words - a picture taken of one of the actual pieces - not a rendering. Thanks,
David

[BrayD]

That’s a photo of the actual piece sitting on a white table. Note the pile of hardware sitting in the corner on a blue shop rag.