How to add a thick layer to all surfaces of a part

[Ralph2]

I have a fabricated (5/8 plate) assembly that needs to be coated with 1 inch of rubber on all faces. I have made a model of the steel structure and then one of the rubber. Then made and assemble of the two, mated in the correct position and used that as a base for my drawing.
But.. this seems rather convoluted and wonder if there is an easier (more professional)way to accomplish this. I played with the Insert > Surface > Offset feature that would be perfect.. if it made a solid segment.
Any other thoughts / solutions on how to add a layer 1 inch thick (of a different material) to a part / assembly.

Thanks for your time.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Create a multi-body part by creating a zero-offset surface, and then thicken that surface.

Another method is to copy the original body (the 5/8" plate) and then use the Shell command with the Shell outward option to create the coating.

 

[Eltron]

You can offset the surfaces then thicken them using the Thicken command. Or you can do two offsets, one a 1" and one at 0", and knit them together. It really depends on your design intent and file management constraints.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[Ralph2]

Thanks.. I will try that / those ideas.

 

[Ralph2]

The "thicken" command was perfect. Thank you both.