Creating a Kicking Tee for the Rugby Lions Series – Modelling Walkthrough

Modelling Walkthrough

Master Modelling

As the adjustable kicking tee design we chose to create comes in two pieces that screw together we decided to use the master modelling approach to allow for linked geometry and dimensions between the top and bottom parts.

Master modelling is a technique where you model multiple parts as bodies within a single part file and then later save them out for use in an assembly. The parts that you create link back to the original model so they are easy to update together, in-context assembly modelling is also an option for creating linked parts but there are some subtle yet important differences that we go into here.

Creating the Base

To model the bottom section of the tee we started with with a revolve to create the general shape of the model, then used a shell feature to hollow out the part and remove the bottom face.

Kicking-tee-main-dimensions

A simple line sketch was converted to a rib feature, with its ends rounded off using a Full Round fillet, the full round fillet allows for a smooth curve for without needing to input a specific radius, this makes it quicker to set up and means it will automatically change if the width of the rib changes. The rib feature was then patterned around the model.

Kicking tee rib

Creating the Top

The Top section of the tee was created, again using a revolve. Relations and equations were used to reference the top section to the bottom, so that any changes made in future would carry through. When creating the revolve ‘Merge Result’ was unchecked, to ensure this would create as a separate body.

Kicking tee second body dimensions

Once the second body had been created, extrusions were added to allow the ball to be held on the tee, and to help with aiming. A dome feature was used on the extrusions at the back of the tee.

Kicking tee dome

Adding the Threads

Threads then needed to be added to the model, an extrude thread to the top section and a cut thread to the bottom. A custom thread profile was created in a new file and saved as a SOLIDWORKS Library Feature Part, to allow it to be used in the Thread command.

Kicking tee custom thread

Back in the master part, the thread command was then used on both bodies, along with revolve bosses and cuts to terminate.

Kicking tee explode thread

Creating the Assembly

Once some fillets were added to complete the modelling, the solid bodies were renamed and a Save Bodies command used to export them to individual parts and an assembly.

Kicking tee save bodies

In the assembly, screw and limit distance mates were added to show the range of motion of the tee.

Kicking tee second assembly mates

Modelling the Rugby Ball

A rugby ball was needed to show its placement on the tee. The ball is made up of 4 identical panels stitched together. Surface revolve and thicken features were used to create one of these panels, and circular pattern used to copy the rest.

Kicking tee rugby ball surface

The Split Line feature was then used to divide faces and allow different appearances to be added to them. Decals were also added to the ball before it was placed into the assembly along with the tee.

Kicking tee rugby ball decals

Using SOLIDWORKS allowed us to design, refine, and visualise the tee and ball in a realistic field setting, ensuring both functionality and professional presentation.

Kicking-tee-render

More Rugby Lions

Check out how MECAD designed their kicking tee using XDESIGN a cloud based Sub-Division modeller that links directly with SOLIDWORKS and is perfect for creating organic shapes quickly.

Medcad rugby 3d printed tee

We’ll be posting again soon about how we used SOLIDWORKS Plastics to optimize the manufacturing parameters for our kicking tee so check back shortly! Next week we will move onto our third and final challenge, creating the Rugby Lions Trophy!

Rugby lions trophy

Finally we will be hosting a joint tips and tricks webcast with MECAD using all the models we’ve created for these challenges on August 6th 2021, we will share more modelling advice as well as showing how we created the renders and animations using SOLIDWORKS Visualize and more. We hope this will be useful to any SOLIDWORKS user so if you’re interested please sign up here!