help with wrapping a flat part around the profile of another part

[ndhanssen]

Hello, I am a mechanical engineer but am relatively new to SW. I learned most of my CAD skills on PRO-E. However, I am currently stumped on how to approach a modeling problem. We were previously cutting two pieces out of 18 ga steel and, using a custom template, the two pieces would be bent and welded as necessary. We are attempting to convert this part to be stamped, and so we would like to model the two pieces as one part. The top piece has a gradual convex curvature to it, and the bottom part resembles the Longhorn logo for Texas, to give an approximate idea of the shape. This bottom piece gets welded to the profile of the upper piece. I have both of these parts as flat pieces from the .DXF we used on the waterjet. Is there a way that I can wrap the bottom piece so that it follows the profile of the top piece? I would simply extrude down off the top piece and cut away the shape, but it is a rather complex shape and must be precise so that it fits onto the gas tank, which means I would likely lose the shape in trying to take the radii from the flat profile into the curved extrusion. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

It's tough to give a detailed answer without seeing the parts.
If you can post an image(s) it would help. See faq559-1100 for details.

If it is a simple curve you are trying to match, you should be able to place a bend line on the flat part & apply a bend radius to match the upper piece.

With SW (and probably most other 3D modellers) it is usually easier to create the formed sheet metal part, then flatten it for the DXF.
The Wrap feature can be used to place a flat sketch around a curved surface.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[ndhanssen]

Here is the link to a photo of the finished part. The side is a continuous part that I would like to wrap around the top. This gives an idea of the profile that I am trying to match.

https://www.klockwerkscycles.com/parts/index.php?id=46&pg=Bagger

Thanks CorBlimeyLimey for your quick response. Any other suggestions having seen the part would be appreciated.


Jesse Hanssen
Mechanical Engineer
Klock Werks Custom Cycles

http://www.kustomcycles.com

 

[J-C]

Sounds like you are starting with the flat parts, and you want to warp or wrap it into the shape. That's difficult to do. You would be better off try to just model the finished geometry the way you want it, though you won't be able to flatten the complex curved solid back into a flat, at least not without some add-in you'd have to buy.

You can extrude down and set your end condition to "Up to Face" or "Offset from Face" if you want a small gap.

Check out the tutorials on surfacing and multi bodies. that should help you get an understanding for what you want to do.

What exaclty is your end goal.


Jason

UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2005 SP5.0 on WinXP SP2
SolidWorks 2006 SP3.0 on WinXP SP2

 

[ndhanssen]

I will try to extrude the part. The reason I wanted to wrap the flat part is because I have the flat drawing already as we were working with parts on a waterjet. The lower piece consists of a series of arcs and where I am having a difficult time is in converting the arcs from the flat pattern to a cut on the profiled extrusion. Is there a way that I can draw this profile on the extruded piece itself so I can maintain the proper contours? If not, can I draw a planar extruded cut and wrap that onto the extrusion?

Once again, thanks for the quick responses.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Like I said ... you can use the Wrap feature. Check the SW Help files.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[ctopher]

Can you create a part within the assy and convert entities 3D Sketch? Extrude the new part along the path. I don't have SW right now to try and show you. (I'm working on it)

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716