Internal Helical Spline
Internal Helical Spline
(OP)
I am tring to model a helical internal spline using SolidWorks 2003. (Much like a nut)
The steps that I have gone through is to first create the spline geometry and then I created the spiral helical curve. I then swept the geometry through the helical curve to create an external spline model. No problem so far.
Next I edited the original spline sketch to add a perimeter circle larger than the spline sketch (in order to create the outside boundries of the nut) to change the spline from an external to an internal. - I hope your with me so far.
When I close the sketch, I get the following error
"Sweep Operation Failed to Complete"
It doesnt give me a hint at what is wrong.
I have tried using the geometry without the helix - ie. just extrude to create an internal spur spline - no problem.
To verify if it is geometry related, I have done the following:
Created a new part
sketched two concentric cicles on one sketch
created a spiral helix path
then tried to sweep the sketch of the two circles through the helical path - I get the same error - "Sweep Operation Failed to Complete"
If i eliminate the outer circle from the sketch - I can model a 3D cylinder.
What am i missing to get this internal helix made? Is this a quirk in Solidworks 2003
I used to be able to do this in SolidWorks 2000.
Any help would be appreciated
The steps that I have gone through is to first create the spline geometry and then I created the spiral helical curve. I then swept the geometry through the helical curve to create an external spline model. No problem so far.
Next I edited the original spline sketch to add a perimeter circle larger than the spline sketch (in order to create the outside boundries of the nut) to change the spline from an external to an internal. - I hope your with me so far.
When I close the sketch, I get the following error
"Sweep Operation Failed to Complete"
It doesnt give me a hint at what is wrong.
I have tried using the geometry without the helix - ie. just extrude to create an internal spur spline - no problem.
To verify if it is geometry related, I have done the following:
Created a new part
sketched two concentric cicles on one sketch
created a spiral helix path
then tried to sweep the sketch of the two circles through the helical path - I get the same error - "Sweep Operation Failed to Complete"
If i eliminate the outer circle from the sketch - I can model a 3D cylinder.
What am i missing to get this internal helix made? Is this a quirk in Solidworks 2003
I used to be able to do this in SolidWorks 2000.
Any help would be appreciated






RE: Internal Helical Spline
I’m still not sure if you’re trying to produce a male (more material) or female (less material) spline inside a hole, but either way the basic method is the same.
Create the solid “nut” with a plain hole.
Create the helix sketch with the start & stop points as required.
Create the spline profile sketch. (adding the pierce relation to the helix if needed)
Then, if you want a male spline use the regular sweep-extrude.
Or, if you want a female spline use “Insert>Cut>Sweep”.
NOTE: You may have to play with the end surfaces of the spline.
Hope this helps.
CorBlimeyLimey
Barrie, Ontario
FAQ559-863
RE: Internal Helical Spline
You have been most helpful.
The sex change method that I used previously works for spur profiles, but not for helical profiles. I guess thats what got me down that track which ended up being a dead end.
Your method worked wonderfully.
Thanks