Moving a part origin to Center of Mass

[TitaniumLeg]

Hello all,
When done modeling a part is it possible to move the part so that the parts center of mass is at the origin? Or is it possible to set up the part from the begining so that the part origin updates as the center of mass changes (as features are added). I guess it depends how you look at it.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Titanium Leg

 

[rfus]

The one time way would be as follows:

Tools->Mass Properties, then use Body Move/Copy to move the part in the x,y,z by the negative of the center of mass value. Your center of mass will now be at the origin.

 

[ctopher]

If you use the 3 default planes (fron, right, top) for any type of mating/alignment in an assy, you will have errors with this.
My suggestion is always create the part with the origin on the mounting surface, center of the part. When you show center of mass, it will tell you how far from the origin.

Chris
SolidWorks 06 5.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 02-10-07)

 

[TitaniumLeg]

Awesome,
Thanks very much for the input.

rfus - Your suggestions is exactly what I was looking for.

ctopher - Could you please expand on your comment regarding problems if I follow rfus's suggestion when using the part in an assembly. Maybe an example scenario.

Thanks again.
TL

 

[ctopher]

If you use the front plane to create your first sketch of the part, then mate that part in an assy using the front plane (the front plane goes through the origin), the part can move or you can get mate errors if your part moves in relation to the origin. (I'm using the front plane as example)

Chris
SolidWorks 06 5.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 02-10-07)