SolidWorks question for you this mo

[metman]

SolidWorks question for you this morning. This is one of those we are needing some reasonable solution for in the type of business we are in. Develop a spline in a sketch. Nothing super difficult, just a simple spline freehand. We now need to fan or equally space a set of points on this spline. The points need to be equally spaced along the spline. You advice on this is greatly appreciated.
Jesus is the WAY

 

[Adrian2]

Dear Metman;

So long as the free hand spline is just 2d, this is something that is easily done with spline command using autocad. Then use the divide command to get you as many equally spaced nodes as you need along the line, then import the thing into solidworks and have fun with it.

Regards Adrian

 

[dregischan]

Metman:

Please excuse me for not comprehending the original question. When you mentioned fan a set of points equally along the spline, are you wanting equal distant arc lengths or chord lengths?

Regards,
Dregischan

 

[metman]

dregischan

I suppose we cannot truly call it arc or chord lengths since a spline is not an arc but it amounts to about the same thing I guess. We simply need a reasonable method to space a hole pattern along a splined curve. Problem being that SW pretty much pukes when it has to do anything with splines. Not to bad mouth SW because it does a lot of neat things but not with splines but hopefully in the not to distant future.

Following is the answer we received from our SW rep:
One solution might be to add a dimension (ordinate or linear) between the points on the spline and then link them together or add an equation to drive them. Another could be to draw construction lines between the points and then add a relation between the points to make them equal. Jesus is the WAY

 

[nozzlemaker]

What version of solidworks are you using?
on sw2001 you can use the insert/pattern/curve driven pattern.

sketch the spline. sketch a hole and align it one end of the spline. do the cut.
then select the curve driven pattern option. you can specify "equal spacing" on the curve and then the number of holes you need.

buddha is the WAY

 

[metman]

Thank you nozzlemaker

Your solution sound so simple that I must try it myself even tho it is a coworker who needs it. We are using SW version 2001 plus.

Leonard Jesus is the WAY