Spring mates

[EngJW]

Just figured out how to make a spring using the helix function. Now I am trying to put it into an assembly where it fits around a shaft. However, the concentric mate will not work. I selected the sweep and the shaft surface (could not select anything else on the spring).

How do you do this?

Thanks

 

[chancey]

Try mating plains or axis.

 

[EngJW]

Thanks, that worked. I went back to the spring and added an axis.

 

[meintsi]

Adding an axis is usually best but a temp axis created by the helix works as well.



Remember...
"If you don't use your head,
your going to have to use your feet."

 

[EngJW]

What is the temp axis, or how do you find it? I'm still a beginner I think (3 weeks!).

 

[pdybeck]

From the View Menu... click Temporary Axis. This will show all temporary axis for the current document. Temp Axes are self explanatory once you see them, and very helpful.

 

[TheTick]

Helixes do not make a temporary axis.

A temporary axis is not really temporary. A temporary axis is one formed by a feature that has an inherent axis, such as a hole, cylinder, or revolve. You can use these as references for other features.

You an view temporary axes in your model by selecting them under "View --> Temporary Axes".

For spring models, I control the length with a 3D sketch that governs the axis, and create a datum axis feature through that. I also have datum planes for each of the ends.

I have a torsion spring model available at

http://www.esoxrepublic.com/models/

"Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings."--C. D. Jackson

http://www.EsoxRepublic.com

 

[Theophilus]

You can also mate using points within a governing sketch, like TheTick mentioned. I like using points and planes, since the planes allow me to orient the spring in a planar way and the points allow me to leave the mates loose for movement (in case the spring needs to move in an assembly or something).




Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

 

[MElam]

You can also "Show" the circle sketch the helix was created from and use it for mating, concentric or otherwise.