SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [130]
Tip
To work around this problem, you can use a loft, extrude, or revolve feature to span the gap.
When you use the Emboss option, you can set up the direction of pull and assign draft so that the feature can be injection molded. This limits the size of the emboss so that it must not wrap more than 180 degrees around the part.
Using Deboss
Deboss is just like emboss, except that it removes material instead of adding it. Figure 8.14 demonstrates all these options. The part shown in the images is available on the DVD with the filename Chapter 8 Wrap.sldprt. For each of the demonstrated cases, the original flat sketch is shown to give you some idea of how the sketch relates to the finished geometry.
FIGURE 8.14
The Wrap feature options
Keep in mind that this feature is not like the projected sketch. A projected sketch is not foreshortened on the curved surface, but is projected normal from the sketch plane. A sketch that is 1-inch long when flat will measure 1 inch when wrapped along the curvature of the surface and will measure less than 1 inch linearly from end to end.
The scribed part in the previous figure was created on a conical surface body. The surface was then thickened as a separate body and patterned.
Cross-Reference
Chapter 19 covers working with multi-bodies, and Chapter 20 covers surfaces.
The embossed cam employed a workaround with a revolve feature to close the gap that is always created when wrapping all the way around a part.
The example with the debossed text employs a direction of pull and draft so that the geometry can be molded.
Using the Flex feature
The Flex feature is different from most other features in SolidWorks. Most other features create new geometry, but Flex (and Deform, which follows) takes existing geometry and changes its shape. Flex can affect the entire part, or just a portion of it. Flex works on both solid and surface bodies, as well as imported and native geometry.
Figure 8.15 shows the Flex PropertyManager interface. Flex has four main options and many settings. The four main options are as follows:
• Bending. Establishes two trim planes to denote the ends of the bent area and specifies an angle or radius for the bend.
• Twisting. Establishes two trim planes to limit the area of the twist and enters the number of degrees through which to twist.
Figure 8.15
The Flex PropertyManager interface
• Tapering. Establishes two trim planes to limit the area of the taper. The body will be larger toward one end and smaller toward the other end.
• Stretching. Establishes two trim planes to limit the area to be stretched. You can stretch the entire body by moving the trim planes outside of the body.
Best Practice
Flex is not the kind of feature that you should use to actually design parts, but it can be extremely valuable when you need to show a flexible part in an “in use” state. A simple example would be a rubber strap that stretches over something when it is used, but that is designed and manufactured in its free state. The geometry that you can create by using the flex functions is not generally production-model quality, but it is usually adequate for a looks-like model.
Figure 8.16 shows examples of each flex option using a model of a rubber grommet. The part shown in the figure can be found on the DVD with the filename Chapter 7 Flex.sldprt.
FIGURE 8.16
A rubber grommet in various flex states
In some cases, the triad and trim planes are slightly disoriented. The best thing to do in situations like this is to simply reorient the triad using the angle numbers in the Triad panel of the PropertyManager. This is also a solution if the planes are turned in such