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How do you draw a 3-d thread and a 3-d spring in solidworks

How do you draw a 3-d thread and a 3-d spring in solidworks

How do you draw a 3-d thread and a 3-d spring in solidworks

(OP)
Hi all,

I have solidworks2000.  How do you draw a 3-d spring and a 3-d thread.  

Better yet if one is already done I like to get a down load of it.  

thanks

blau

RE: How do you draw a 3-d thread and a 3-d spring in solidworks

Just realized that the file I posted is SW2003, so you will not be able to open in SW2001.

Basically, threads and helical springs are made by sweeping a profile sketch about a helix.  You can find information about how to  make a helix in the help file.  It starts with a 2D sketch of the helix diameter.

For the profile of the sweep, use a sketch on a plane that is normal to the helix.  Create the plane by using "normal to curve" in the plane tool, selecting the helix endpoint and the helix curve.  Then use Insert --> Base/Boss --> Sweep to create.

When using a helix for a sweep, I find it useful to make a copy of the helix using 3D sketch and convert entities.  The reason for this is that if a helix curve is used as a guide for a sweep, the endpoints of that curve become unavailable to select for future reference.

Good and evil: wrap them up and disguise it as people.

RE: How do you draw a 3-d thread and a 3-d spring in solidworks

Springs get a bit more ticky if you need special end configurations, like compressed last coil, flat ground ends, etc. however you can do it with a couple of extra features, though it is a pain.  If you use LOTS of the springs in an assembly, it is useful to have two configuration in each spring.  Helix is a SLOW entity and if you have a simple cylinder/tube config. to represent them for most of the time and switch configs to the pretty version only when you need it, life will be much faster.  A very dramatic demonstration of this was given at the first SW World.

For screws, please if you are not already doing so, do yourself a favor and make a simple revolve whenever possible.  Only use a true helical thread when you absolutely have to.

3/4 of all the Spam produced goes to Hawaii - shame that's not true of SPAM also.......

RE: How do you draw a 3-d thread and a 3-d spring in solidworks

Unless you're in the business of designing the springs or thread - you'd probably be better of with a simple cylindrical extrusion - showing the critical dimensions. I'm assuming you're using these springs as part of an assembly. You can make in-context features in the fake-spring so that is springs with your assembly.


We'll raise up our glases against evil forces.
Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses!
T.K.
tatejATusfilter.com

RE: How do you draw a 3-d thread and a 3-d spring in solidworks

Spring or Thread the idea is still the same. You make a helix, then you make the profile, then you sweep them together. Whether you do a boss or cut depends on how you made those 2 features.

Since you can't Download my files because they are made in SW03 (Just realized you are on SW00) You would have found a bolt that had 2 configurations. 1 config showed you how to make a true thread with a Helix. The other one showed you how to make fake threads, which are better like TateJ has pointed out. All you have to do there is create a revolve extrusion around the body of your bolt with a thread looking profile.

With Springs, yes they can be tricky but the same concept is still there as with threads. If you are making a spring like a bed frame spring then yes those are harder. Because you have to make not only the helix, but before you can extrude a profile along that helix, you have to make each end then turn the whole path into a composite curve so you have one entire path.

If you go to the SW website and log in under subscription support I'm pretty sure they have some and I think they are from older SW packages.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
When in doubt, always check the help

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