Assy Cut

[aamoroso]

I have an assembly with a pool and a deck. The deck consists of 2x4's that extend out over the pool. The 2x4 are from a single model with 33 configurations. I need to cut the 2x4's to the edge of the pool, how can I do this without having to have 33 seperate cuts (the cut varies for each config)? I dont want to have to create 33 seperate part files either. Any ideas???? If I cut the parts at the assy level

 

[aamoroso]

oops I hit send, If i cut at the assy level the cut does not appear in the prt model, which is where i need it.

 

[SBaugh]

You make in-contexted cut in the assembly that will show up in the part. Check the help on in-contexting. You can suppress that cut as needed per config. You will have to edit the part in the assembly, make the sketch, make the feature, then unedit the part in the assembly. Click back to the part and you will see the cut there.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[drawoh]

aamoroso,

How do you intend to do the cutting for real?

If you install the 2x4s first, then trim them in place, to a pool-like shape, cutting at the assembly level is absolutely valid in SolidWorks.

If you intend to cut the 2x4s to size ahead of time, then you should think about some DFMA procedures, such as minimizing the number of different 2x4s, and minimizing the number of weird shaped cuts.

Failing all that, you can use a design table to control the length of your boards. You will have to work out each length individually, and it will not be parametric with your assembly.

There are all sorts of ways to abuse Microsoft Excel. Consider using an external spreadsheet to define your shape. When you have something working, copy the data, values only, to your design table.

It seems to me that a rectangular swimming pool sitting in a rectangular area can be assembled using a very small number of different 2x4s. If you want a hyperbolic swimming pool sitting in a star shaped area, it is going to cost you.

JHG