Subtracting material for powder coating

[cinnamongirl]

This may sound like a novice question. I have a part that's going to be machined and then powder coated. Which SolidWorks tool do I use to subtract material (approx. .003in.) to make up for the powder coating so that the finished product will be close to the desired size?

I've used the "Insert > Face > Move.." Is this the best tool for this? Thanks.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The simplest method is probably to create an Offset Surface, and then do a Thickened Cut.

 

[cinnamongirl]

Thanks for the suggestion, but the "Face > Move" actually did the same thing in one step.

Just to be clear, I'm creating a part (and drawing) for a part that's going to slightly shrunken so that it will fit once it is powder coated. This is the first time I've done this so I'd appreciate any advice.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

If the Move Face works for you then stick with it. I assumed multiple faces and directions were involved.

 

[BiPolarMoment]

For some reason I hadn't heard of this usage for that function so I appreciate this for instances where I order rapid prototypes and there is often a .005 overbuild in certain directions that interferes with making mating parts go together. Previously I was manually editing dimensions but this is far more convenient.

 

[cinnamongirl]

Actually the "Face > Move" function works with multiple faces and directions. You may have to select faces in different groups depending on the direction and thickness you want, but you can do more than one at a time.

The replies seem to confirm that I have indeed used the right tool.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Yes I realise the Move command can be used multiple times for different faces, groups of faces & directions, but in response to your "one step" statement, the Offset Surface and Thickened Cut would involve a total of 2 steps for all faces and directions.

 

[ctopher]

In some cases scaling the part works.

Chris
SolidWorks 11
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