Weights and Center of Gravity
Weights and Center of Gravity
(OP)
For the first time I need to use the weights and center of gravity features in Solidworks. My particular application the weights don't have to be perfect and the center of gravity just needs to be pretty close.
If I assign weights to each indvidual part and I have material set right in my weldment assembly, can I trust the weight that comes out of Solidworks in the master assembly.
I did a quick hand calculation and came up with about in 8% differnce, where solidworks was actually a little higher (this is good for me)
The center of gravity was about where I expected to be.
I quess the question is can I trust it?
My assemblies right now are pretty simple, but they won't be in the future. And I am actually moving lifting points based on the center of gravity.
Cadnutcase
SW 2006
If I assign weights to each indvidual part and I have material set right in my weldment assembly, can I trust the weight that comes out of Solidworks in the master assembly.
I did a quick hand calculation and came up with about in 8% differnce, where solidworks was actually a little higher (this is good for me)
The center of gravity was about where I expected to be.
I quess the question is can I trust it?
My assemblies right now are pretty simple, but they won't be in the future. And I am actually moving lifting points based on the center of gravity.
Cadnutcase
SW 2006






RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
I was reviewing my model and there were several places that I cheated on a couple of small things, and I think that is where my 8% differnce is coming out.
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
Accurate enough to bet your job on.
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
If your hand validation is within 8% (and conservative, to boot) and the CG is about where you know it should be, you should feel pretty confident in your results.
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RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
So far I have built 2 jobs in Solidworks, so far less errors and problems that I had in 2D autoCAD.
Thetick,
I can overide and assign mass properties to my individual parts. Is this not a good thing?
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
A) You really know the weight, and
B) You know the part isn't going to change.
It's kind of silly though; why would you not just provide the density and allow the program to do its thing?
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RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
I don't want to draw compressors or chillers or valves down to every last nut and bolt. I would be here forever.
cadnutcase
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
How do you like the piping feature? I think it is a little tough to work with, but still good.
RE: Weights and Center of Gravity
with the kind of work i am doing, piping has been very efficient. No way I would be able to make 1000+ parts assembly in 10 hours without it... if your doing pipes, its a must have.