Oval sweep 1

[CADShark]

Has anyone come up with an easy way to create an oval shaped helical sweep? It would be like a formed aluminum tubing. I've used a 3D sketch before but is is labor intensive.

"Perfection - a result of many mistakes."

Blair H.
SW 2007 sp2.0, HP x6400, 2.0ghz dual core xeon, 2.0 GB ram, Nvidia Quadro FX 1500

 

[JMirisola]

Look up helix in the help menu. Quick and easy...

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

 

[CADShark]

Yes I did check the help. All it mentions is spirals and variable helix. I am looking for a way of putting a helix on an oval path. And guide curves are not working.

"Perfection - a result of many mistakes."

Blair H.
SW 2007 sp2.0, HP x6400, 2.0ghz dual core xeon, 2.0 GB ram, Nvidia Quadro FX 1500

 

[TheTick]

Download "Hinge.zip" from <

http://www.esoxrepublic.com/models/>.

There is a barrel-shaped spring that may give you ideas. The spring uses a helix to generate an "auger" that intersects a conical surface to generate the spring wire sweep path.

I'm fairly certain SW2008 has better tools for this job.

 

[JMirisola]

My bad, I misunderstood your question.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

 

[CADGemini]

Blair,

You may also get some good ideas from the curve driven patterns on Mike J. Wilsons site.

Download them here:

http://www.mikejwilson.com/solidworks/files/curve_driven_pattern.zip

Best Regards,
Jon

Gemini CAD Solutions

http://www.geminicadworks.com

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

Solidworks 2007/2008

 

[CADShark]

Maybe I'm not too clear guys. Look at the attached URL. You'll see what I'm trying to do.

"Perfection - a result of many mistakes."

Blair H.
SW 2007 sp2.0, HP x6400, 2.0ghz dual core xeon, 2.0 GB ram, Nvidia Quadro FX 1500

 

[handleman]

So... what do you want to happen at the transition between radius and straight? Your problem is still a bit underdefined. Do you want the straight sides to be exactly tangent to the helix? If so, you're not going to be able to do this with a single sweep/helix/curve.

-handleman, CSWP (The new, easy test)

 

[CADShark]

Here is a bit more info. Take a look at my first attempt to create what I want using a 3D sketch and a linear pattern. I'm just asking if anyone has a simpler way of doing this.

If first you do succeed...try something harder.

Blair H.
SW 2008 sp2.0, HP x6400, 2.0ghz dual core xeon, 2.0 GB ram, Nvidia Quadro FX 1500

 

[TheTick]

I'm out. Still on '07.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

These should help.

 

[CADGemini]

Below is my attempt. I used projected curves and then created a composite curve to be my path for my sweep. Hopefully this gets you close to the final model in fewer steps.

Best Regards,
Jon

Gemini CAD Solutions

http://www.geminicadworks.com

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

Solidworks 2007/2008

 

[CADGemini]

I think CBL's Oval spring is the better way to go. I was able to create the oval spring using your dimensions in less than 5 minutes. I think either way will work for your needs. Let us know if you need any other help.

Below is my attempt using CBL's method:


Best Regards,
Jon

Gemini CAD Solutions

http://www.geminicadworks.com

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

Solidworks 2007/2008

 

[CADShark]

Thanks to everyone. CBL's Oval spring worked just fine. I apperciate everyones efforts to help me with my dilema.

If first you do succeed...try something harder.

Blair H.
SW 2008 sp2.0, HP x6400, 2.0ghz dual core xeon, 2.0 GB ram, Nvidia Quadro FX 1500

 

[bigBboris]

Guys,
How did you created 3D curve for the last sweep?
I did not get it.

Thank you.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

If you mean in the last one posted, you have to start a 3D sketch and then use the Convert Entities tool on all the trimmed edges.