Creating a CUT on a HELIX in SW2003

[Tim00001]

I'm using SolidWorks 2003, and I am trying to create an accurate Self Tapping Sheetmetal Screw. I can create the Helix and the thread profile sketch. I can even create Extruded threads using the SWEEP command. The only thing I can't do is CUT the thread profile along the HELIX path.

Is it even possible to Cut Extrude along a HELIX in SW2003. If it is possible, HOW IS IT DONE????

Please HELP!!!

Thanks.
TB, Portland, OR

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Use Insert > Cut > Sweep

Assuming you are using SW2004, by default, the icon is not included in the Features toolbar, but can be added to it.
RMB on a clear toolbar space then select Customize > Commands > Features then drag the Swept Cut icon onto the Features toolbar

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Doh ... sorry, I'm not awake yet ... just saw the reference to SW2003 ... but I believe the second paragraph still applies

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have

 

[SBaugh]

http://www.scottjbaugh.com/Design_Portfolio/SW Models.htm

The second to last model i thinkl is a SW03 model that shows you how to make a true thread. It also shows you how to fake them for better perfromance.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[MadMango]

Just a word of advice. If you are planning to make this screw for purposes of using it as a common fastener in a SW assembly- Don't.

Helix-based features are resource hogs, and after placing a few of these into your assemblies, you will see a huge performance decrease. You best bet for fasteners is to use Cosmetic Threads, or some other faux threads.

If you go here-

http://www.scottjbaugh.com/Design_Portfolio/Contributed SW models.htm

and scroll all the way to the bottom, you'll see a few PowerPoint presentations I created on hardware models., second to last one. It explains all this.

Of course, if the threads are mission critical to your design, then by all means follow the advice of [blue]Scott[/blue] and [blue]CBL[/blue].

Ray Reynolds
"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949
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