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Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

(OP)
Can anyone tell me if its possible to create a flat ribbon cable in solidworks routing?

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

RE: Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

(OP)
BUMMER!

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

RE: Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

(OP)
I just did, and contacted my TTM as well.. Thanks!  In the meantime if anyone has a workaround besides what I am having to do now (sweeping and manually creating a from - to drawing with pin diagrams)  I would be most appreciative!!

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

RE: Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

Your last comment is what I have done. It's a pain, I know. Creating a model of the ribbon is easy, but if location of the connector changes it could be a PITA to fix. If possible, don't model the ribbon and add a connection wiring diagram on the dwg.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 1.1
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 10-07-07)
ctopher's blog

RE: Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

(OP)
Yes i agree!  

What I'm thinking as my next move is to actually create a custom cable in the library and name it 25 conductor ribbon and a from - to list for the pinouts. create the route in the assembly and hide it then create a part that shows the ribbon cable in its actual shape.. this way the drawing will still have all the info about the cable and the pinouts..  yep its a pain!

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

RE: Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

Maybe this will help.....it's a tutorial from SW 2005.

Modeling a Parametric Ribbon Cable in Six Easy Steps
Step 1
After downloading or creating solid models of the connector parts, modify them by adding two sketched lines that will locate loft sections of the ribbon cable part.

Step 2
Next create a cable guide part with two parallel lines sketched about .06 inches apart.

Step 3
Now create the ribbon cable assembly and place the connectors and two cable guides in this assembly.

Step 4
Insert a new component, the ribbon cable part, and exit the 2D sketch that is automatically created. Insert a 3D sketch; pick one of the lines sketched in the connector or ribbon guide part, and convert entities. Close the 3D sketch and repeat to create seven more 3D sketches for all the surface loft sections of the ribbon cable part.

Step 5
Loft a surface between all eight 3D sketches and then thicken.

Step 6
You're done. You'll find you can move the components, and the ribbon cable will up-date to the new shape. If you want a more realistic look, add a thread texture to the faces of the ribbon cable.

RE: Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

(OP)
Thanks Bagger I like this approach!

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

RE: Flat Ribbon Cables in SolidWorks Routing

You're right, Scott, it is. It even puts the folds in for you. From what I saw, they did a pretty decent job.

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

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