Assembling cylindrical objects 4

[ttx]

Hi,
Is it possible to bring cylindrical objects into an assembly and give them an angle constraint without using a datum plane to set the angle? If I have to add one more datum plane to my assembly I am going to lose it!

thx

JW

 

[Hora]

Hi JW,

Yes it is possible. Follow me:

A. First of all create a coordinate system in the feature of the part where you install the cylindrical part or in assembly. The coord sys must be, after installation of the part we discuss, alligned with the cylindrical part's axis (let's say z-axis to be along cylindrical part's axis).

B. Install your cylindrical part using conventional methods (insert/align-mate or coord-sys to coord sys if the cylindrical part has one).

C. (FUNNY PART) From the assembly main menu choose: MODIFY -> MOD ASSEMBLY -> MOVE -> pick the coord-sys you createad at STEP A ->pick the cylindrical part you want to rotate -> choose ROTATE from the MOVE menu -> choose the axis you want to rotate about, from the ROTATE DIR menu -> enter the angle desired ->DONE ->DONE and that all.

D. Regenerate!

Now the funny thing is now if you choose MODIFY and ckick the part, PRO/E will show you a new angular dimension you just created at STEP C. You can modify anytime this dimension and the part will rotate.

I think this is one of the most powerful functions of PRO/E.

The only negative thing about this is that if you decide to re-install the part in your assembly, then the angular dimension will be lost. You must redo the STEP C.

Hope I was able to clarify you and to give you the best and the nicest solution!

-Hora

 

[Hora]

JW,

The answer above was if you want to rotate the cylindrical part around it's own axis. If you want to rotate it around an axis but not necessarily colinear with the cylinder axis, then just create the coordinate system at the center of the rotation.


-Hora

 

[ttx]

Thanks Hora,
I wasn't aware of either of these techniques - both are pertinent to my current situation.

Thanks for your detailed explanation.

JW

 

[3dlogix]

Here's another solution.

In 2001, there exists the FIX constraint which creates 6 dimensions between the part default CS and the assembly default CS.

First, position the cylindrical part in the assembly, using align, insert, whatever method you want. Then add the FIX option (the one to the left of the Default option button).

Now remove, or Uncheck the previous constraints and keep only the FIX option. Accept the constraints.

When you select Modify and pick the part, you will see 3 offset dim's and 3 rotation dim's. Pick and modify the rotation dim to get the desired rotation.

The only drawback is that the assembly and part default CS's must be aligned with the intended rotation axii of each component.

A nice advantage is that you can assemble the same part many times and use different rotation angles in the same assembly!!

Steve

http://www.3dlogix.com

 

[ttx]

Thanks Steve,
Very cool!
Some advanced assembly features that I was not aware of.

Thx

JW

 

[Tofflemire]

You can also create patterns of the part that has been assemblied to a cs, once you have moved or rotated that part/assembly, the dim becomes the driver dim for the pattern after you pick it to pattern from.

Toff