MadModder

The Shop => Software Tools => Topic started by: waggle on April 16, 2012, 10:25:48 AM

Title: Solidworks help
Post by: waggle on April 16, 2012, 10:25:48 AM
After a recommendation on here, I have downloaded Solidworks.  I have gone through a mountain of training vids and I am doing really well with it so far considering I have no CAD experience (I have managed to do a full assembly of a versatile dividing head in less than a week).
The only things I am struggling with is adding threads to holes or rods etc.. I have found the nuts/bolts and other fixings in the toolbox but other threads are still a mystery. So far I am just using plain faces to create assemblies, and I cannot find DP spec gears - only Module.

If anyone can point me to some further training to help me sort these niggles, I will be well on the way to mastering all I need to know - for now.

Tony
Title: Re: Solidworks help
Post by: Lew_Merrick_PE on April 16, 2012, 10:50:19 AM
Tony,

The first thing you need to understand about SolidWorks is that it is an intrinsically metric system.  If anybody has implemented gear routines using Diametral Pitch, I am unaware of it.  However, you can use the relationship: M = 25.4/DP or DP = 25.4/M (where "M" is the Module and "DP" is the Diametral Pitch) to create inch-based gear.  The other thing to be aware of is that the contact angle in SolidWorks defaults to 25°.

Does this help?
Title: Re: Solidworks help
Post by: waggle on April 16, 2012, 11:01:50 AM
Yes, very helpful. I can now stop hunting in vain for something that doesn't exist and get on with learning more about other features.

Cheers Lew
Title: Re: Solidworks help
Post by: Lew_Merrick_PE on April 16, 2012, 11:18:27 AM
Tony  --  OK, you also want to know about  threads.  Look at the Hole Wizard.  It includes (drilled &) tapped holes as well as commonly drilled holes.  For external threads, look for Cosmetic Threads.  You may be helped by http://www.solidworker.com/ for some examples.
Title: Re: Solidworks help
Post by: waggle on April 16, 2012, 11:22:32 AM
Thanks again Lew

That will be my project for later this evening.  :coffee:

Tony