A very frequent problem that I have that is currently unsolved is the following:

I import a lens system from Zemax in STEP and then have to build a mechanical assembly around it. This generally involves placing the lens in a tube, often with the lens being held in by a retaining ring. Something similar to this is shown on the ThorLabs site in the cross section picture: http://thorlabs.com/NewGroupPage9.cfm?ObjectGroup_...

My question is, how do I mate the lens with the retaining ring? Currently I mate them concentrically and then move them very close to each other and fix the location, but this is a very messy approach. Selecting the lens surface and the closest circle from the retaining ring and mating them as coincident is not something Solidworks considers valid.

Thanks.

In the lens, extrude a cylindrical surface the same diameter as the contact diameter of the retaining ring up to the curved face of the lens. Then mate the end of the cylindrical surface with the contact edge of the ring.

@CorBlimeyLimey

Clever!!

Splitting the curved face at the contact diameter would be easier and would work just as well.

You could also use the Project Curve tool to place a 3D sketch onto the curved surface and use the sketch for the mate.

@CorBlimeyLimey,

Now you're just showing off! Very cool.

Thanks :)

absurdity,

What I often do with lens spacers and clamps is turn on the profile sketches of the lens and of the spacer/clamp. These should mate nicely.

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JHG

drawoh's solution is what I did. I also added an axis, and drew points on the profile where I wanted the mates to go. CBL's approaches are more elegant.

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Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2011 SP 4.0
HP Pavillion Elite HPE
W7 Pro, Nvidia Quaddro FX580