SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [113]
FIGURE 7.23
Cuts you can make with the Cut Sweep feature using a solid profile
The solid profile cut sweep has a few limitations that I need to mention:
• It uses a separate solid body as the cutting tool, so you have to model multi-bodies.
• The path must start at a point where it intersects the solid cutting tool body (path starts inside or on the surface of the cutting tool).
• The cutting tool must be definable with a revolved feature.
• The cutting tool must be made of simple analytical faces (sphere, torus, cylinder, and cone; no splines).
• You cannot use a guide curve with a solid profile cut (cannot control alignment).
• The cut can intersect itself, but the path cannot cross itself.
You can create many useful shapes with the solid profile cut sweep, but because of some of the limitations I've listed, some shapes are more difficult to create than others. For these shapes, you might choose to use regular cut sweep features. Figure 7.24 shows an example of a cam-like feature that you may want to create with this method, but may not be able to adequately control the cutting body.
FIGURE 7.24
Controlling a cam cut can be a challenge.
Workflow
Use the following general steps to create sweep features:
1. Create the path first. It may be tempting to create the profile first, but as a general rule, things work out better if you make the path first.
2. Create guide curves. Again, these work out better if you create them before the profile.
3. Create the profile (sweep cross-section) and relate it to the path with a Pierce sketch relation. Select a point in the sweep profile that you want to be driven down the path, like a bead follows a string.
4. Make sure that, as the profile is driven down the path (with the profile sketch plane maintaining its original relationship with the path), the profile has the flexibility to change the way it needs to. The sketch is re-evaluated at each point along the path. Use relative relations (parallel, perpendicular, and so on) instead of absolute ones (horizontal, vertical, fixed).
5. Start the Sweep feature from the toolbar or menu (all sketches must be closed).
6. Select the profile first, then the path. SolidWorks automatically toggles from the profile selection box to the path selection box as soon as a profile is selected, so take advantage of this automation to help you work quickly. Pay attention to any tool tip warnings or error messages that come up. If you are not able to select something, it is usually because there is something about that entity that is inappropriate for the purpose you are trying to assign to it.
7. Use the preview to check that it is performing the way you want it to. Click OK when you are satisfied with the result.
Understanding Fillet Types
SolidWorks offers very powerful filleting functions. The Fillet feature comprises various types of fillets and blends. Simple fillets on straight and round edges are handled differently from variable radius fillets, which are handled differently from the single or double hold line fillet or setback fillets. Once you click the OK button to create a fillet as a certain type, you cannot switch it to another type. You can switch types only before you create an established fillet feature.
Many filleting options are available, but most of them are relatively little used or even known. In fact, most users confine themselves to the constant radius or variable radius fillets. The following section describes all the available fillet types and options:
• Constant radius fillet
• Multiple radius fillet
• Round corners
• Keep edge/Keep surface
• Keep feature
• Variable radius fillet
• Face fillet
• Curvature continuous fillet
• Face fillet with Help Point
• Single hold line fillet
• Double hold line fillet
• Constant width fillet
• Full round fillet
• Setback fillet
• Setback fillet with variable radius