circular helical sweep?

[ProNoob]

I was asked to model a part made b y Bal Seal engineering. The part is a spring that is wrapped into a circle with ends welded together. This has acctually completely puzzled me in terms of how to model. I have no idea where to start. I know it is going to have something to do with modifying the profile of a helical sweep i think but any help would be greatly apprietiated.

Kevin
Alcoa Fujikura lmt

 

[ianp71]

Hi Kevin,
This may help..

http://www.ptc.com/cs/cs_23/howto/agf2721/agf2721.htm

(you'll need a ptc support login).
The other possible way is to model the spring as is and use warp to bend it into a circle.
Ian

 

[mjcole]

You can also create a Datum Curve from Equation and use cylindrical co-ordinates and a sin cos function to create a sweep path.

N=# number of loops in spring
Rmean=# Radius at center of wrapped spring
Rspr=# Radius of spring

theta=360*t
R=Rmean+Rspr*sin(360*t*N)
Z=Rrad*cos(360*t*N)

Use the curve as your sweep path and do an advanced sweep Swp Blend, VSS

Michael