What is the best way to model potting compound?

[Timelord]

I have a model of an assembly that will have its interior filled with potting compound. I would like to be able to extract the volume from my model so I need the model to be accurate. I looked into the combine comand, but it doesn't appear to work using bodies that are not in the same part file. I have never used SW mold tools so I an totally unfamilar with them. Any ideas on the best way to approach this problem?

Timelord

 

[pdybeck]

Timelord,

I would save your assembly as a part. Choose the option to save components as solid bodies. Open up your newly saved part file. Create a feature where you extrude your potting compound. You can use up to body as the condition to end the extrude. Make sure to uncheck merge result. You should now have a body to represent potting compound. Use the boolean features (combine, subrtract, etc..) to remove the volume of the components inside this new potting body. You should be able to end up with a body that represents the internal volume. I have done this before...

Pete

 

[bvanhiel]

Is this a one-off or something you want to be parametric? If it's a one-off then I'd save the assembly as a part and use the solid body add-subtract tools to get what I wanted.

-b

 

[Timelord]

Thanks to both of you. It is a one-off and since you both came up with the same suggestion, that is the way I will go.

Thanks

Timelord