methodology for wedm block modeling
methodology for wedm block modeling
(OP)
For those of you that WEDM flat parts from wedm plates, I've been struggling with a methodology on how best to model and make drawings of this. Here is what I came up with so far, but it's painfull
1 I have 10 parts the same thickness with fancy outer shapes and many holes in each. Everything will be WEDM'ed
2 I create a wedm block part, just a rectangular plate large enough to layout all 10 parts in and the same thickness as my parts.
3 I create an assembly model and insert the WEDM plate into it
4 I insert all 10 parts into the assembly and mate them from the plate surface and edges to positions appropriate for WEDM
5 Most of these parts have subsequent machining done after WEDM, but the individual parts are modeled complete. So when I insert them into my WEDM assembly model it doesn't make sense. (like putting the cart before the horse)
6 So I made WEDM configurations within each part model to suppress all sculpting of its features except for the outside shape. Then in my WEDM assembly I turn on the WEDM configuration. Now the assembly model and drawing looks correct.
7 finally, I have to add incontext WEDM start holes in the assembly for each part model.
So doeas this sound like I'm on the right track? or maybe there is a much better simpler way. This isn't difficult, but it is time consuming. The biggest problem is if I have to make positional adjustments to the parts in the WEDM plate design. I have to edit all the distance mates.
Tom...
1 I have 10 parts the same thickness with fancy outer shapes and many holes in each. Everything will be WEDM'ed
2 I create a wedm block part, just a rectangular plate large enough to layout all 10 parts in and the same thickness as my parts.
3 I create an assembly model and insert the WEDM plate into it
4 I insert all 10 parts into the assembly and mate them from the plate surface and edges to positions appropriate for WEDM
5 Most of these parts have subsequent machining done after WEDM, but the individual parts are modeled complete. So when I insert them into my WEDM assembly model it doesn't make sense. (like putting the cart before the horse)
6 So I made WEDM configurations within each part model to suppress all sculpting of its features except for the outside shape. Then in my WEDM assembly I turn on the WEDM configuration. Now the assembly model and drawing looks correct.
7 finally, I have to add incontext WEDM start holes in the assembly for each part model.
So doeas this sound like I'm on the right track? or maybe there is a much better simpler way. This isn't difficult, but it is time consuming. The biggest problem is if I have to make positional adjustments to the parts in the WEDM plate design. I have to edit all the distance mates.
Tom...
Tom Malinski
Sr Design Engineer
OKay Industries
New Britain CT






RE: methodology for wedm block modeling
"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
RE: methodology for wedm block modeling
We have many seats of Autocad in house and I could easily auto-nest or at least quickly manipulate the geometry using Autocads functionality (stretch / move. direct distance input), but I want to do this entirely within SolidWorks..
So I'm really looking for Solidworks methodology help rather than how to get the job done using any means possible..
thanks for your input
tom..
Tom Malinski
Sr Design Engineer
OKay Industries
New Britain CT
RE: methodology for wedm block modeling
To eliminate the extra cutting, I change line colors and set the color I want to cut to high power and slow speed, then others to low/no power and high speed, or hide them. I have cut parts and engraved text on them and marked hole locations at the same time by using different colors and low power to just mark the surface.
Crashj "more crude stuff"
--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2005 SP 4.0 (reluctant to change)
Matrox Millenium G550
AMD Athalon 1.8 GHz 512 Meg RAM
RE: methodology for wedm block modeling
Also if you create one start hole first & then pattern it, you could use that pattern when creating the Component Pattern. Then if you need to make positional adjustments, all you need do is adjust the hole pattern in the WEDM Plate.
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: methodology for wedm block modeling
Sorry if I wasn't clear, but the 10 parts are all different. The only thing that is common is the thickness
Tom..
Tom Malinski
Sr Design Engineer
OKay Industries
New Britain CT
RE: methodology for wedm block modeling
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091