Multiple helical parts in an assembly

[robinrau]

I am having trouble making drawings with more than one helical part on
a common axis. The actual part is a helix made with round wire that
has several thousand turns. Obviously creating such a part causes
problems with file size. Instead of making a single part with so many
turns i tried to detail the part as an assembly with two helical parts
of about ten turns each on a common axis.

i can create the individual parts and the assembly model with no
problem. My difficulty comes when I try to insert the drawing views
in the drawing. The drawing displays properly in wireframe mode, but
when I change to Hidden In Gray or HLR the coils look like they have
been through a meat grinder. Has anyone had a similar problem?

Any possible solutions would be most welcome.

Thank you

 

[BBJT]

I doubt this is the problem but it is something you can check. Go under Tools, Options, Performance, and image quality set the wire frame bar as high as it will go. You may want to also check the assembly and make sure that you do not have any interferences. Interfering models most of the time will not display correctly in the drawing. BBJT CSWP

 

[TateJ]

I would reccommend modeling a "simpler" part.
Then add specific information via custom properties for you BOM.
I would guess your fabricator could make this part from a "pretty picture" and some specific data.
Trying to show a thousand wire turns on a part is like trying to show screw threads - no practical need.
Remember, at the end of the day, most of us are still just making drawings for the shop.

3d modeling is super-great and loads of fun, but its easy to get all wrapped-up in the accuracy you can get in your models; and then try to get the same in an assembly.
This is a lesson I'm just now learning, I wish someone had enlightened me before now.

Let me know if you need more specific suggestions - more than happy to help.

​

tatej@usfilter.com​

aka: Little Debbie's Boy-Toy​

 

[MadMango]

Good point TateJ.

If I ever have to make a model/drawing of a spring or lead screw that is longer than 8 inches, I'll simplify the part to have helix-based features only on the ends, while the middle portion of the length is a simple solid shape. This way when I get ready to do the drawing, I can Insert>Break and have a workable drawing and model doesn't suffer any performance loss. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."