SolidWorks 2012 cannot place plane normal to curve

[KKerr23]

I am trying to draw a threaded portion onto a rod and from the tutorials I found, they use a feature of inserting a plane normal to a curve in order to do this. Did the 2012 version take this option out? I noticed that the constraint selection window for a plane has been modified compared to older versions

 

[Eltron]

Have you checked this faq? faq559-1492

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The plane creation tool although a different UI, has all the functionality and more of it's predecessor.

Just select the helix (or curve) and then one of it's end points, and the plane will (should) automatically appear.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Bear in mind though that the "thread cutting tool" sketch should be perpendicular to the axis of the rod.

 

[Jboggs]

Just curious - why are you trying to draw a thread? In my experience they normally take up a lot of memory for no useful purpose. Just call out a thread and a length. If appearances really matter, use the cosmetic thread tool.

 

[rollupswx]

What is the url to these tutorials - doesn't sound right unless they are really for something like a spring.
As noted - the cutting tool is parallel to the axis of revolution - not perpendicular to helix.
(think of setting this up on a lathe with single point cutting tool)
On the other hand - for correct cross section of something like a spring the profile should be on plane perpendicular to the start of the path.
Cite the url and step of difficult if possible.

 

[ctopher]

I rarely have the use to show threads.
The times that I do, I download the model from McMaster-Carr, then fake it if needed.

Chris
SolidWorks 11
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[rollupswx]

I rarely have the use to show threads.
The times that I do, I download the model from McMaster-Carr, then fake it if needed.

Are those McMaster-Carr threads true helical threads or just revolved fakes?
If I print the parts on an RP machine will the threads mate?

 

[SnowCrash]

Most Mcmaster threads are fake revolves so on the one hand side it looks right hand, on the other hand it looks left hand.
"on the 3rd hand . . ."


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Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2011 SP 4.0
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