3D coils

[proguy]

OK- So I'm an expert Pro/E user and have recently been asked to learn Solid Works for vendor relations .
I need to create something similar to the coil in this picture

http://www.kinetivision.com/images/pipe_coil.gif

I can't get a helix to wrap around the pipe path and I don't see the "variable section sweep with trajpar" functionality used to create this type of geometry in Pro/E anywhere in SW 2000. Any technique would be appreciated.

THX

 

[DetroitPickles]

Proguy...

Trajpar? In SW? There is no trajpar in SW. If there was, SW would be a bit better than it is. Being a former CEP with PTC (Pro/E), I miss trajpar. I can't even do an oscillating washer in here.

If you want to do that in SW, you have to wait for more of a SW helix expert than I, or cancel those vendor relations. For some things, why do backwards?

Mr. Pickles

 

[MadMango]

Take a look here:

http://www.nhcad.com/old/html/download.asp

Then scroll down untill you see the <helix.xls> file for download. I think you might be able to use this. &quot;The attempt and not the deed confounds us.&quot;

 

[proguy]

Thanks for the help madMango. The file is helpful in at least 2 ways. It shows you can do it if you have enough info, such as the equation of the pipe path, since it is not in a plane and is bent in 3D. It also shows me the limitations of SolidWorks. I am surprised by this. I have heard nothing but praise for this software from people changing from it to pro/E. After creating a pile of models and reading extensively it seems SolidWorks is extremely limited in advanced modeling capabilities. It is excellent for small projects but I miss those Power features of Pro/E.
THX again

 

[2Dto3D]

Well, I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for, but I found a bent spring swept around a composite curve on the SolidWorks subscription service site. It was created by applications engineer Matt Lombard of CADimensions. If you give me your email address, I'll send it to you. Charley Leonard
CSWP

http://www.2dto3d.com