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How do you create a helix with a straight end?
4

How do you create a helix with a straight end?

How do you create a helix with a straight end?

(OP)
I am trying to create a coil spring with a straight tail going through the center at one end and I cannot seem to figure it out.

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

You will have to create a 3D sketch of the "tail" and then create a Composite Curve to add it to the Helix. This will create an all-in-one path for the sweep.

cheers

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

I think if you want to maintain tangency you will have to do a Convert Entities on yor helix curve in the 3D sketch of your tail.  I wasn't able to directly constrain a 3d sketch arc tangent to the helix.

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

Good point. That would be an easier way.

cheers

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

(OP)
Thanks bud I will try that.

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

(OP)
We just started using Solidworks from Auto Cad Lt and we are having some difficulties with redrawing some parts. I don't even know how to start the coil spring so if you could walk me through it step by step it would be much appreciated. We are going to start more classes next week, thank God!

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

Create a circle on the top plane the represents the overall diameter of the coil. Create your helix from that. Then, you'll create a circle on the plane that is perpendicular to the beginning of the helix. Create a pierce relationship between the center of the circle and the helix. From there, follow handleman's instructions above.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog
Dell M90, Core2 Duo
4GB RAM
Nvidia 3500M

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

(OP)
I appreciate all of your help on this matter. Thanks for the link to the 3D Cad site, that helped me out a little.

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

(OP)
Do I draw the two parts on the same page and then try and add the composite curve? When I tried this it gave me a message of not being able to adjoin disjointed curves or something like that. I also drew this as two different parts and then made an assembly out of it but I know this cannot be right. I know how to get the helix done right I just cannot get the tail piece to join up with it.

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

What do you mean by "same page"?

After creating the helix and before creating the swept solid, create a 3D sketch

1) Create the Helix and close the sketch.
2) Open a new 3D sketch and use the Convert Entities to convert the helix to a sketched entity.
3) In that same sketch add the path for the tail and then close the sketch. This will be your sweep path.
4) Create the profile for the sweep.
5) Create the sweep.

cheers

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

You are getting some good help with creating the spring, but here is some additional information about springs.

Helical shapes such as springs and threads are computationally taxing in SolidWorks.  For these types of parts you are often better served by a simpler feature that conveys the working envelope of the spring, i.e. a solid cylinder or tube.  One approach is to use configurations to switch between the true helical body and the envelope.  Then you can switch between performance and realism.

Eric

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

(OP)
Great info guys, thanks. I finally created the spring with a tail going from the end of the helix up through the middle. I just need to figure out the problem with the angle of the tail not being vertically straight and I will be good to go. Thanks again for putting up with all of this rookie nonsense.

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

(OP)
I was not able to open that file for some reason. Brings me into an nt folder instead.

RE: How do you create a helix with a straight end?

In the 3D sketch of the tail, select the "vertical" portion and then select Along Y in the property manager.

cheers

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