Can't make spline into 3d extrusion...

[TurboLS]

So I have this crazy lookin polygon thing that i drew in 3d space. However, when i try to extrude the face, it doesn't work. I am trying to subtract it from another three dimensional solid and i've been stuck at this point for a while.

Any recommendations??

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

It would make it much easier if we could see what you are doing;
faq559-1100
or
faq559-1177

 

[SBaugh]

So you have a spline... is it closed or open? Also sounds like its in a 3D Sketch... if so, then try and give it a direction first (using and AXIS, construction geometry, etc...).

3D sketch geometry must be given a direction before it will Extrude\Cut etc...

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
faq731-376

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Are you trying to extrude the spline or create a surface bounded by the spline?

 

[TurboLS]

I'm trying to actually cut an extruded 3d solid made with the spline from another solid. I'll see if I can post it up in the next day or two. Thanks for the help.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Are you trying to do this in a multi-body part or an assy

 

[TurboLS]

multibody part. basically, it's a few cylinders of different diameters with some shapes cut out of them.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

In that case, try using the Combine function.

 

[TurboLS]

Here is the pic of what i'm trying to do.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Sorry, that doesn't really help much. Are you trying to cut a key slot into the shaft?

Maybe zip and post the actual parts.

 

[TurboLS]

Yes, I am trying to put a slot in the shaft that follows the contour of the spline. It is currently centered on that plane. I would like to extrude it 2mm in two opposite directions and subtract the extrusion from the bigger cylinder.

I'll see if I can host the file.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Why not just create a regular cut-extrude instead of trying to subtract a solid?

 

[dezignstuff]

Extrude a face? Interesting.

If you want a slot that follows the spline around the surface of the cylinder, like a cam slopt, you could sweep a rectangle along the 3D sketch. It could be a Wrap feature will help you get what you want. If you just want to make a hole shaped like the spline, just use an extruded cut. Of course there are about a dozen ways to do both of these things, including surfaces and solids, each with a bunch of caveats for when they will or won't work, also depending on what it is that you're trying to accomplish.

The first step is always learning how to ask a question properly.

Why did you decide to use a 3D sketch? What is the function of the part?

 

[TurboLS]

The slot needs to be taken out of only a small section of the cylinder. i.e. it does not need to wrap around the entire circumference of the circle.

Also, this is part of a mechanical assembly that will be fabricated. I was told the parts have to be done in 3D solidworks, so i'm going on about one month of working knowledge.

I will try your suggestion of the regular cut-extrude and see if that works.

Thanks again for the tips.

 

[rfus]

So many ways to skin cats in SW. You could create that profile in a 2d sketch, use an extude up to body, or surface, or next without merge solids checked. Then you can use a body move copy to bring this solid down in to key the shaft, and you could use the subtract or use an indent feature.... or Use a swept cut. You could use a cut with surface. Having a map in your mind of how you are going to accomplish something is really what takes a while to learn.

RFUS

 

[SBaugh]

You are making this much harder then it needs to be... if you are making a cut on the shaft then use a plane that allows you to cut in the direction you want and make a 2D sketch (DO NOT USE 3D Sketch Command) and cut the model using that sketch.

Just because someone told you it must be done in 3D, does not mean you have to use the command 3D sketch... it just means your models have to be in 3D space.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
faq731-376

 

[TurboLS]

Good news! I finally was able to make the spline contour and extrude it in a separate "part." I inserted it into the other drawing and am now trying to place it to i can subtract the splined part from the cylindrical part.

However, for some reason you guys probably know, the move, rotate, and basically all the movement commands are grayed out. any tips??

 

[TurboLS]

i finally figured out that the "move" command was under Insert>Surfaces... What idiot programmed that one in???

anyway, i accidently made a new thread about my accomplishment, but i wanted to thank everyone for their help...

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

We may be misinterpreting what you are trying to do, but as Scott stated, it sounds like you're making this much more difficult for yourself. I'm intrigued (read "very nosey") ... can you zip and post the models involved?
faq559-1177

"I inserted it into the other drawing ..."
I assume you mean "the other part (solid model)". A drawing is the 2D representation of a model.

 

[TurboLS]

Yes, I inserted the one solid into the other solid and subtracted the smaller one.

Now, I'm moving on to another part. I'll post up some shots perhaps this weekend.