What is the correct way to draw using Aluminum Extrusion stock? 2

[HeavenlySolid]

Most of the machine I work with uses Aluminum Extrusion for its frame. Let us say, for the sake of argument that I am using the 1.5 x 1.5 bar stock.

In my assemblies right now, I have to create many copies of this profile with only the length dimension being different.

I do this many copies so each part will appear in the BOM list. I know there must be a better way to work with Aluminum Extrusion stock.

Could anyone share some light as to how it should be done?

Do I need to create so many copies of the same file or not?

 

[alolesen]

Weldments!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

If the machine frame is NOT a welded assy, then check out Configurations. This would be perfect for what you describe.

If it is a welded frame then using Weldments is the way to go.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[smcadman]

Configurations, and on the BOM under "Part Configuration Grouping" check the "Display as one item number" and pick the "Display configurations of the same part as seperate items".

Flores
SW06 SP3.0

 

[alolesen]

Welding has nothing to do with it. The weldment tools allow you to define your frame with sketches and then sweep your profiles to make your frame. The cut list then gives you all the cut lengths. I do this all the time for 8020 structures. I have made weldment templates of all the sections that I use on a regular basis.

 

[HeavenlySolid]

alolesen

80-20 is the supplier I'm using can you tell me how you do it. Can you post some samples?

I will appreciate your help.

Thanks

 

[ctopher]

Have you checked with 80-20? They may have some files already setup for you to use.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[alolesen]

The first thing you should do is look up weldments in the help and figure out how to use them and how to create your own weldment templates, it's fairly simple. Here are two images; the first is my 1515 section template. I have simplified it a bit, all the small grooves were not necessary. The second image is a quick frame made with this template, you can see the sketch in the upper left corner.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6756/1515profile7ay.jpg

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/5023/1515frame2wv.jpg

You will have to play with things a bit to get your corners to trim properly but it's pretty straight forward once you figure it out. You may then create a drawing and insert a cut list. The cutlist will contain the length dimensions for each piece.

 

[alolesen]

8020 does have DXF files of their sections. That's where I started when I created my templates. You do need to do some work in order to crean them up and get them to be fully defined.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Alolesen,

It's always interesting (and often useful) to find out how others use SW. Would you mind expanding on how you go about adding other non-welded parts (fasteners, purchased products, etc) to your weldments with regard the BOM/Parts List/Cut List aspect?


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[alolesen]

You just go ahead and add pieces to your model. If they aren't created with a weldment template they will still show up in the cut list but they won't have any length data. I then use the "Description" field to call out as necessary.

 

[StefanHamminga]

Too bad SolidWorks won't transfer the properties of a part to it's cutlist item when you insert a part into a weldment part.
I allready submitted an ER for this a few days ago.


Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer/AI student

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

OK, so you are using the Weldment module to create an "assembly" (actually a multi-body part) and using the Cut List as a BOM/Parts List.

That's one of the beauties of SW ... always more than one way to get the job done.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[Timelord]

alolesen,

Just so you know, there are solid models in SolidWorks for all the 8020 stuff is in the design library. Go to: 3D Content Central/Supplier Content/Structural Systems/8020.
No need to work from DXF files.

Timelord

 

[ctopher]

I thought I saw it somewhere.
Thanks Timelord!

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[Drhinehart]

Weldment is a good way to go, but I feel it limits you if you have to make a changes later on. All I use are extrusions to build frames from and after trying the weldment idea feel that configurations along with design tables is the easiest and quickest way to get what you need. (this is also based on all the hardware required when working with extrusions)
I have a base part already set up with the min and max length in the design table of the extrusion types I use. I just copy the file down to my working folder and begin inserting and building the design table as I need different lengths. You can also take this one step further and have all the different sizes configured in one file as well, but I have different files for different types of extrusions and sizes just so I can keep them organized a little better.

I also use the Porperty Editor Macro I found at this message board to input my properties for the different configurations so they show up correctly in the BOM.

Hope this is useful, as always there are several paths to chose from to get to the same place.

DRhine

 

[Drhinehart]

Be sure to check your models that you get of the extrusions. Some suppliers are too exact with the modeling and actually have a slight concave on the sides and will present trouble if you mate the faces. The actual extrusion is made like this so when you tighten down the t-nuts they pull tight. We have to place planes all around the extrusion and mate to those to prevent any errors.

 

[Timelord]

Drhinehart,

I can vouch for the 8020 models at 3D Content Central. They advertise a 3 degree dip in the open faces of their extrusions for vibration resistance, but the models do not have this feature it so mating faces works correctly.

Timelord

 

[ctopher]

http://www.8020.net/Design-Tools-29.asp

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[HeavenlySolid]

Drhinehart

Can you post that macro, where can I find it?


"Porperty Editor Macro "