Attn: Solidworks users - question

[WheelinJR]

I'm just starting to learn solidworks 08, using it for doing some 3d models of new product as I build it.

I'm kinda sorta OK at it already, but I have some questions.

1. I know how to make an extruded circle to simulate a tube, but how do I add a notch into it?

What I am trying to do is model a control arm...1.75OD x 188W main tube and put bushing cradles on each end.

Can you steer me in the right direction?

2. Let's say I make a 3d model of a flat bracket I've made at .125" thick, how can I then put bends into it. Example, its basically a 10" long rectangle, I want to bend it 90 degrees 3 inches from one end, and 3 inches from the other end.

How?

[Begster]

I'm decent with it, but here some suggestions you could try.

1. You can put a plane through the center of the tube, running parallel to the tube, then use that plane to sketch a circle. You can extrude cut both directions and then there is your notch. If you have any problems, when I get to work tomorrow, I could play around some, and I could ask my friend I work with, he has gone through SW training and uses it daily.

2. It would probably be easier to make 3 different flat brackets that are fitted together, then fillet them. i.e. make a bracket thats 4 inches long, then two 3 inch brackets that are perpendicular and attached on the ends, then add a fillet to where they are connected.

[XJ20]

To put a notch in the extruded tube select a face or plane, make a sketch and use cut extrude.

For the bent bracket use swept base for the entire part. Create a sketch for the shape of the bracket as the path. Create a sketch of the rectangle as the profile. Then use swept base with both sketches and you will have a bent rectangular bracket.

Easy stuff, you’ll get it.

[Lowrange2]

1. What they said for this one...

2. Draw the profile view and extrude the width of the part.

That's an awesome program. You'll love it!

[WheelinJR]

So far, all the advice I've been given is over my head...mostly because of the terminology used that I'm not yet familiar with.

It's much easier to just be shown. I figured out the first parts that I've learned watching the basic tutorials packaged with the program.

[Lowrange2]

1. You know how you extruded the first circle to make the tube? You can do the same thing except cut instead of extend. You just select 'Extruded Cut'. Draw a circle on a sketch plane that runs parallel to the tube that you made. Then Select extruded cut and your distance (thru all). It should cut a notch out of the end of the tube.

2. Look at the part from the side (already bent). It sould be shaped like a U. Sketch that part onto a sketch plane. Once you have that part drawn select extrude. Then select the sketch and the distance that you would like to extrude. Viola.

[WheelinJR]

1. You know how you extruded the first circle to make the tube? You can do the same thing except cut instead of extend. You just select 'Extruded Cut'. Draw a circle on a sketch plane that runs parallel to the tube that you made. Then Select extruded cut and your distance (thru all). It should cut a notch out of the end of the tube.

2. Look at the part from the side (already bent). It sould be shaped like a U. Sketch that part onto a sketch plane. Once you have that part drawn select extrude. Then select the sketch and the distance that you would like to extrude. Viola.

Yea I know how to do that, I guess I just haven't figured out how to draw a sketch on a second plane.

As for bending sheetmetal parts, so far all the brackets I've made up I've drawn out as flat pieces. From that point I haven't figured out what to do.

I learn so terribly from reading...the tutorials work great cause they're visual and I can see it being done...go figure.

I'd really like to take some sort of training class on this program, seems like it'd be very worth my time, and maybe my bosses money haha

[Begster]

Training on it is great. My friend I work with just went through it in January, because he is a design co-op (a paid internship that we do for 6 months through our school, if you didn't know what it is), and he bust things out wicked fast, and can do some intense stuff.
I'm hoping to switch jobs with him next time we go on co-op.

The only thing is the training is just over $3,000. The program I'm going to get more training on next month is the same.


As for how to draw on a second plane. In the upper left hand window of the actual part window, there will be a name with a solid works part symbol, and a plus sign, make that extend, and when you click draw a sketch, you can scroll over a plane, and it will show it on the part. You can then highlight that plane, then sketch on it.

[Lowrange2]

I'm more and Inventor guy... Solidworks is a lot more user friendly with Mates/Constraints....Assemblies.