Checking 3D Mould Drawing

[mjohnson15]

I work for a very small plastic parts manufacturer, and we've recently started working in Solidworks 2005, whereas primarily we've been doing 2D AutoCad. We've started sending our 3D Solidworks files off to mould shops in the Far East, and they will typically make a few changes to them, and send them back to us as .stp or .igs files.

The problem is, it is difficult to track down whether their "new" drawing adheres to our dimensions and specs. Is there a good and fast way to check all the dimensions in a 3D drawing?

In AutoCad, of course, its easy, as we can pick any line, angle, etc. to query its length, etc. In Solidworks, although we're relatively low on the learning curve, I don't yet know of a fast way to check the dimensions.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[handleman]

Have you tried the "measure" tool? I can't imagine querying ACAD lines is any easier than that.

 

[rockguy]

If you have SolidWorks Office or higher you can use the utilites to compare the geometry. SolidWorks will compare the geometry of the two files and show you exactly where the differences are.

Rob Rodriguez CSWP
President: Northern
Vermont SolidWorks User Group

http://www.robrodriguez.com

(updated 8/12/06)
SW 2006 SP 4.0 / SW 2007 SP 0.0

 

[dgowans]

Another thing to do is to put your original file in an assembly with the file you get back from the tool shop. Position the parts on top of one another and visually compare them. Not very quantitative, but still a valid comparison method.

I would second Rob's recommendation of the Compare Geometry utility.

 

[mjohnson15]

Thanks for the recommendations, guys.

No, we don't have SW Office. Is this the best and/or only way to do a check?

We would really like to be able to check individual dimensions. For example, a 0.03mm difference in the length dimension could be critical, and it would be important that we catch that (especially when dealing with snap fits.)

As relative newcomers to SW, we're not sure if there is something about the intrinsic coding of SW that makes it difficult to easily check dimensions. Our relatively thorough study of the Help feature sheds little light.

 

[handleman]

What were you able to do with ACAD that you can't do with the measure tool (Tools->Measure)?

Another option (assuming the part you are interested in is not a multibody part) would be to:

1. Open the IGES/STEP file and save as a SW part
2. Create a new empty part
3. Use Insert->Part to insert a copy of your original SW model
4. Use Insert->Part again to insert a copy of the translated IGES/STEP file
5. Use Insert->Features->Combine to do a subtract of one body from another.
6. Save this part, then switch which body is subtracted and Save As with a different filename.

You will now have two bodies that show all the differences between the two parts. You will be able to see instantly where the differences are and either measure the difference or go to the right area of the IGES model and measure the area of interest.

 

[mjohnson15]

Handleman:


You asked: What were you able to do with ACAD that you can't do with the measure tool (Tools->Measure)?

In answer: The ability to do quick linear, aligned, and diameter dimensions from a variety of snap points. When I try to use the measure tool, the number of snap points seems very restricted. I often can't get the program to snap on the point I'm trying to measure. Yes, I've checked that the snap configuration allows for a variety of pick points. Perhaps there something easy that I'm just too "unlearned" to know?

For instance, we would love to turn a 3D part on its side, and do quick measurements of the hub and plug section of a snap fit, to make sure everything is to spec. Because these elements are wrapped around an annulus, we currently have a bear of a time checking the dimensions across a cross section. We end up having to require the mouldmakers to submit an additional 2D file just so we can accurately check it. This slows up the process, and again leads to danger that the 2D file doesn't match the 3D file, which ultimately will be used to machine the mould.

3D in Solidworks has been a great initial experience for us, but our inability to check dimensions is a serious drawback. If it is a drawback of the program, and not just due to our ignorance, does ProE do a better job at this? We may consider switching programs if that is the case.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

mjohnson15 ... Only ACAD does things the way ACAD does things.
Most programs do things their own way.

"When I try to use the measure tool, the number of snap points seems very restricted."
I assume you mean the Selection Filter. It has 25 options ... which ones are you missing?
If you mean a grid which you can snap to, go to Tools > Options > Document Properties > Grid?Snap for more settings.

"I've checked that the snap configuration allows for a variety of pick points"
If you are having trouble selecting a specific type of element, set the Selection Filter to only the type you want, not a variety. Peronally I never use them.

"we currently have a bear of a time checking the dimensions across a cross section"
Are you making an actual cross-section? Or trying to measure over the profile? Making an actual cross-section is the better way to go. You can use an Extruded-cut in a config, or use the section tool for a simple view.

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