Ducting add in

[berkshire]

Does anybody hava an add in package for ducting for solidworks. I have been offered a job using Cad-duct which is an add in software package for Autocad.
I am thinking why go there, if I can do the same thing in solidworks. Now I know I can build my own library of parts to use in assemblies. But why re-invent the wheel?
B.E.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I doubt that there is. SW does not have much of an architectural following, so there will be few if any architectural add-ons.


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[berkshire]

Thanks Limey,
I was afraid of that. I guess I am going to have to use brand X
B.E.

 

[ctopher]

I had talked to SW last week about this. They said they have no current plans for this. I was also not the only user recently to ask. There is still hope.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
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[CADGemini]

I bet you could use the weldment features to create ductwork. Just have custom weldment profiles for your different sizes of duct.

I used the weldment features to create profiles of different baseboard moldings awhile back and it worked great.

Best Regards,
Jon

Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

Solidworks 2006 SP0.0

 

[berkshire]

jksolid (Mechanical)
As I said in my first post I can create a library of parts,I just did not want to do it, if someone already had.
B.E.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Are you needing flattenable sheet metal parts, or just height-width-length "tubes" for layout & purchasing. If it's the latter, it would be a very simple & quick task.

If you're looking for a "Routing" type module, obviously that would involve some serious time ... unless the Routing module itself could be easily customized. ????


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[berkshire]

CorBlimeyLimey (Mechanical)
The main requirement for this task is to draw the transformation pieces i.e. square to round, intersections,reducers etc., the height width tubes are a no brainer. Yes the parts have to be flattened. The output of the drawing is fed to an estimator for cost control, and to a cnc plasma torch or lazer cutter for fabrication. and of course as you already know the estimator wants a drawing, the CNC machine would prefer the raw output from the model. At present I am using a program called CAM works which works with Solid works to seamlessly produce a Cam output for the CNC machine. As I said I can do this.
I was just trying to avoid the work and your cannon.The company that wants the work done is using Cad-Duct I was trying to do it with what I have.
B.E.

 

[Mindnumb]

It is possible to use the routing adin for ducting, but there is some limitations with square or rectangular ducts, as the planes going along the centerline of the duct is turned 45 degrees in reference to the main planes. I have made some suare ducts by by drawing the duct part crossection sides 45 degrees (like a diamond shape) and it works all right , as long as you follow the main axes. any "scewed" ducts will be rotated some degrees round its axes... round ducts are no problem.

 

[J-C]

As someone mentioned, weldments may work. When your done, save the bodies out to there own part files and maybe you can insert bends on them to make them unflatten.

Jason

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