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Subtracting one part shape from another

Subtracting one part shape from another

Subtracting one part shape from another

(OP)
To subtract one part shape from another you have to insert the part whose shape you need into the main part. Then select Insert/Feature/Combine.

Then Solidworks asks you for the orientation of the inserted part. It has a translation menu and a rotation menu. But I found that I can use only translation, or only rotation, but not both.

I thought that was kind of strange since one would like to orient the cutting part anywhere on the cut part.

Has anyone experienced the same thing?

Is there another way to achieve the same thing?
 

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

What are you trying to do, make a mold, use the Flex command?  If not, you can create an assembly of both parts, then simply edit the other in-context.  When you are happy you can leave or delete the in-context references.  Read through the SW Help files for any unfamiliar terms I might have used.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

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RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

You can also use mates to locate the inserted part ... unless you have an older version of SW.

cheers

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

Look for the "Launch Mates Dialog" checkbox when creating or editing an inserted part.

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

Do you see a Constraints option?

cheers

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

(OP)
MadMango: I want to subtract an interference of two parts from one of the parts.
CorBlimeyLimey: Can SW 2008 mate parts in a parts file (not an assembly file)?
I don't see any Constraints option in the part file I'm working in.
 

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

To find the interference, I am assuming you had your parts in an assembly.  If you were in an assembly, you should have used Mates to constrain your parts in space and relative to each other.  If that is the case, you should be able to select your part and Edit Part.

Asking if you can "mate parts in a parts file" makes me think you are new to using SolidWorks.  You might want to spend some time completing the built-in tutorials.  They are really good for getting people productive.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

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RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

(OP)
MadMango: I'm not new to SW. I was responding to CorBlimeyLimey who said that I can mate the parts in a Part file. I'm thinking that maybe he meant that in  SW2008 you can mate parts in a Part file.
I'm NOT in an Assembly file; I mentioned several times that I'm in a Part file. Did you ever try to insert another part into a part file? Try it.

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

(OP)
Eltron: It's not a mate dialog that pops up but a positioning dialog that does. As I said, I can use that dialog to position the new part in X,Y&Z or rotate it around 3 axes, BUT NOT BOTH. That's my problem: I need to position AND rotate the cutting part.

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

Maybe try a two-step process then.  Insert your part into an empty part file and get it situated how you would like.  Then insert that newly situated part into the part you want to cut.  Seems like a couple of combinations of mates and translation/rotations should be able to get you where you need to go.  Although what MM originally suggested with the in-context assembly edit is pretty elegant as well.

Dan

www.eltronresearch.com
Dan's Blog

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

SW09 definitely has a mate function for an inserted part in a part. I thought SW08 could do the same, but I don't remember for sure. I can't find a reference to that function in the SW09 What's New pdf, so I assume it was introduced earlier.

cheers

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

(OP)
JMarv: I guess my problem is that I'm using SW 2003 which does not have a mate function in a Part file.
The dialog that I get is for translation and rotation of the cutting part (see attached).
The bug is that I can enter translation values, but as soon as I select the rotation menu to enter rotation values the translation I entered before is deleted (and vice versa for starting with rotation values).
Thanks y'all for your help.

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

You can definitely do it in SW2006.  I just did.  see the attached picture.  There is a check box to "launch move dialog box".
 

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified COSMOSWorks Designer Specialist
Certified SolidWorks Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist
 

RE: Subtracting one part shape from another

I see you are using SW2003.  I kinda think the mate functionality was added around 05-06.  Sorry.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional
Certified COSMOSWorks Designer Specialist
Certified SolidWorks Advanced Sheet Metal Specialist
 

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