What would cause this? 2

[CMorehead]

When I try and fillet some button holes that are in the top cover of my model it causes the sketch that I used to make the buttons to go dangling. The sketch for the buttons are just offsets of the holes in the top cover. The top cover fillets fine but it destroys the button sketch and I can't figure out why.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Can you post an image faq559-1100

or the relevant parts faq559-1177

 

[CMorehead]

http://www.mydatabus.com/public/belinda/SolidWorksProblem.zip

 

[JMirisola]

If you referenced the edge of the button hole to create the button, then you're loosing the reference edge when you fillet it.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

 

[CMorehead]

I offset the edges to create the buttons.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Well, no problem here!

I just opened the assy, went into Edit Part mode on the Top Cover, selected the face containing the button holes, set the fillet to .02" (with constant radius option) and clicked the tick. The button sketches were not affected at all.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Correction ... I was just filleting the top surface. If the bottom surface is filleted I see the problem you are having.

A workaround ... create an assy layout sketch and use it to create the buttons and the button holes. Because the layout sketch elements are only used for converted or offset references, it will not be altered by subsequent part features, so dependencies will not be lost. A layout sketch in the Top Housing could also be used.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Referencing the button hole sketch (to offset for the buttons) instead of the button hole feature edges would also be a quick-fix alternative workaround.

 

[CMorehead]

CorBlimeyLimey, would it be fair to say that the mistake I made was picking up a ton of external relations that I didn't want? I suppressed all the external relations in the button sketch and now everything works. Is it acceptable modeling practice to just remove these external relations and next time be sure not to pick them up to begin with? I'm really not very comfortable with how external relations work and how to get full control over them. Is there a tutorial available on external relations or do I just need to keep modeling and pay my dues? Thanks for your interest and your help.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

There are several schools of thought on how and when to use references, and whether they should be maintained or broken. It very much depends upon the product being created and whether it or it's components will be re-used elsewhere or frequently modified.

I maintain the references if the assy will be modified frequently and/or if its components will not be used in other assemblies. If I were in a multi-user environment I would probably break the refs in all cases.

Hopefully others here will post their preferences, and reasons for them, so that you can make an informed decision as to what best suits you, your company and the product.

 

[JMirisola]

Personally, I refrain from using external references. I've been bitten once too often. But, that pertains to what it is I design and may not hold true for others. While I may need the holes in part A to line up with part B, they're there own entities and need to exist as such. Thankfully, my parts don't change all that often. Where I involved in a business where the parts were changing often, I might be inclined to lean the other way.


Jeff Mirisola, CSWP
SW '07 SP2.0, Dell M90, Intel 2 Duo Core, 2GB RAM, nVidia 2500M

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Thankfully, my parts don't change all that often. Where I involved in a business where the parts were changing often, I might be inclined to lean the other way.

There are sooo many responses to those statements going through my head .... if only this weren't a public forum ...

 

[CMorehead]

Thanks for your input Jeff.

CorBlimeyLimey,

"There are sooo many responses to those statements going through my head .... if only this weren't a public forum ..."

Post them with another name? Post them on a uncensored usenet group like comp.cad.soldworks with another name?

Just post them!

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

comp.cad.solidworks !!!! Go wash your mouth fingers.

 

[CMorehead]

Any source of information can at times be very helpful. I try not to limit myself.