How do I modify "dumb" solids?

[mtkcomtal]

How do you work on models imported from other systems?

Example: I have a model of a welded frame imported from another system and need to make it longer. Lacking parameters, in UG I would drag a box around everything that needs to move and use "Move Face" to stretch the whole thing out.

Does SW have similar capabilities? I can't even figure out how to move a solid body within a model.

By the way, I still think rough layout and concepting can be done faster on the drawing board. Any takers on that statement?

 

[sirmick]

I agree with the last statement. Though for me a drawing board is a piece of graph paper. The precision of a computer, in my opinion, makes quick sketching feel wrong. Even when the input tools allow for it.

 

[josephv]

Hello,

Please look into an add in called FeatueWorks. It does automatic Feature recognition.

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/products/solutions/featureworks.html

cheers,

Joseph

 

[TheTick]

Look at "Insert-->Face-->Delete" and "Insert-->Face-->Replace"

To lengthen an unparamaterized tube. I would do the following:
1.) Make a datum plane where the new end should be
2.) Make a planar surface on the datum plane
3.) replace the tube end face with the new surface using "Insert-->Face-->Replace"

Like mucking fagic!

You don't fight destiny, no sir... and you don't eat crackers in the bed of your future!

 

[mtkcomtal]

Feature Works is good (althou it's an add-on, which costs more money), but often doesn't recognize features. It doesn't happen often, but I sometimse need to nudge the surface on one of these. Currently, I inport the part to UG, make the changes and export back out to open in SW again. Nice if you have access to all the software.

The replace face was something I hadn't used. It works.

However, imagine a goal post or a capitol H type structure, where all the solids are in one file. Now lengthen the cross member. How do I move the vertical post to it's new location? The only solution I can think off is to save each solid as a part and make an assembly. I suppose that's not the end of the world.

 

[TheTick]

TheTick's "Top Gun" CAD analogy:

Don't fight the plane. Fly the plane for all it's worth and fight the opposition.

Sometimes you just gotta take the long road.