Attaching a sphere to each end of a swept feature?

[scout67]

This seems so easy, yet is causing us problems. Using NX9, but co-worker says earlier versions had the same issue.

We would like to attach a sphere to the end of a surface swept feature.

So our test begins:
Create a .25 dia circle on XY plane.

Create a 1" line in Z.

Using the surface swept command, use the circle as the section curve, and select the line as the guide.

Now blank circle and line.

Now place a sphere on the ends.

I know there are other ways of approaching this. This is a really basic example of our true goal which is, among other things, creating grease grooves.

The guide curve could be altered by .125 on each end, and a fillet be used, is one alternate approach. However, this is a very basic shape, yet the edges of the swept are not selectable, why?

Maybe there is a setting in the swept feature command that we are over looking?
Alignment: parametric
Orientation: typically used either fixed or vector direction
Scaling: constant
Body type: solid

Thank you.

 

[cowski]

the edges of the swept are not selectable, why?

Due to the shape you are sweeping and the nature of the swept command, you end up with tolerant edges. I assume you are trying to place the sphere by using the "arc" type and picking the 'circular' end of the swept. This doesn't work because the edge of the swept isn't an actual circle, it is a spline representation of a circle.

An alternative is to create a 'tube' feature using the guide curves and specifying the OD of the tube as desired (ID = 0). Be sure to specify the "multiple segment" option, as this will keep the cross section (and the ends) of the tube circular.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[JohnRBaker]

Or you could simply extrude a 0.25 diameter circle 1 inch and then add the spheres. Attached is a part file showing three different approaches to this 'problem', each one is just as valid as the other in terms of the final result.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[scout67]

cowski, thank you for your reply.

After I posted, I did start playing with tube, and found that, that was an option.