QUICK TIP: Horizon Modeling for Smoother Surface Transitions

Surface modeling can be challenging, especially when you are trying to create smooth surface transitions. Often, tangent transitions are not smooth enough. In this QUICK TIP, Jason will show you how to create smoother surface transitions (G2 surfaces) using a technique called Horizon Modeling.
SPOILER ALERT: You get more dropdown menu options if you loft from surface to surface instead of from sketch to sketch...
Note: For over 10 years, I have been calling this technique the Lockart method after my good friend and mentor, Chad Lockart. Thank you for teaching me this Chad!
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This video was created by Jason Lichtman

[@bwilliams1815]

First ever loft function worked great. Main reason our company is transitioning to Fusion is the support and vast resources like this. Keep it up. Great video!

[@rikykid87]

I appreciate the simplified approach, but probably a basic introduction to the meaning of G0 (position continuity), G1 (tangent continuity) and eventually G2 (curvature continuity) could lead to a more solid awareness of the community. That would also explain easily the "implied tangengency" feature called "direction" while creating a loft from sketches only (wich can be useful some times, avoiding to extrude surfaces when is not strictly necessary).

[@bergamt]

Since your horizon surfaces are straight lines in the loft direction, won't enforcing C2 curvature force your loft to infinite curvature radius at the ends? I don't think that's what you want for an object like this.

[@easyriderj]

Joel Bernstein this method isn’t perfect. The goal here is to show that lofting from surface to surface has advantages over sketch to sketch. Many people out there don’t know that surface to surface gives the user more options

[@chrish1645]

That was my thought as well.

[@TylerBeckofTECHESPRESSO]

Thanks Jason!

[@ArmoredAircraft]

thank's for this tipp , in my design , often the loft function failed , i will try this technique soon

[@ericcsuf]

Great tip, but I'm confused. Do we call this the Lichtman Method or stick with Lockart Method?

[@easyriderj]

The real name is Horizon Modeling. However, I highly recommend calling it the Lockart Method. I do!

[@rlockwood2]

So now I can ensure g2 continuity to a surface that gets removed? sweet.