Creating Helical Spring

I am trying to create an helical spring in solidworks.
How can I draw the spring with the correct pitch.
Plus - How can I make the drawing parametric so that
I'll be able to change the wire diameter, spring diameter and pitch easily.
Thanks.

 

[swertel]

Have you tried using the Helix command?

It is on the Curves toolbar. If it doesn't show up, then go to Tool-->Customize, Commands tab. Scroll down and select Curves from the Categories menu and drag the Helix icon to a displayed toolbar.

This is the method I use:
Create a sketch and draw a circle at the mean diameter (halfway between the ID and OD of the spring based on the wire diameter).
Rebuild (exit) the sketch.
Select the sketch from the FeatureManager and click the Helix icon.
Fill in the dialogue box.
To create the wire, create a plane at the edge of the helix and sketch a circle of the wire diameter.
Sweep the circle along the helix.

Email if you have questions.

--Scott Wertel
scottw@interfaceforce.com

 

[swertel]

P.S.

If you want springs that are not axial, download the helix Excel program from Mr. Jones at

http://www.nhcad.com.

Every SWX user should have this site bookmarked.

Also, actually modeling a spring will seriously bog down your system. You may just want to "fake" it in with a hollow cylinder.

--Scott