<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: Getting Started Tutorials - MechDesigner > Tutorial 15: Patterns - Indexing-Chain example > Step 15.5: Add a Solid to Chain-Link |
We use the Pattern tool to make copies of Solid elements.
We will add one Solid element to the 'Tool-Part'. The 'Tool-Part' is one of the two Parts in the RPR Dyad. We renamed Step 15.4 one of the Parts in the RPR dyad to 'Tool-Part'.
There are two methods to add a Solid to a Part. You can do the two methods to each Part.
•Use the Part-Editor to add a sketch-loop to give the shape of a Tool, then add a Profile/Extrusion element that becomes the Solid.
•Edit a CAD-Line to import a part or assembly document from SOLIDWORKS®.
You can also:
•Import a DXF File; then convert DXF Lines or Circles to MechDesigner sketch-elements and sketch-loop; and a Profile/Extrusion to the sketch-loop.
•Edit a CAD-Line to import an STL file from other CAD.
STEP 1: Add a Measurement FB between the Pin-Joints
As you cycle the model you will see the length variation between the Pin-Joints is from 100mm to 93.55mm. |
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The distance changes: •from 100mm when the Part is along the straight length of the Belt •to a minimum of 93.55mm when Part moves around the arc/pulley of the Belt. Thus, we must add a short 'slot' to the Tool-Part. The images shows the sketch for the tool-holder. There is a short slot - (not easy to see in the sketch). |
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Now the shape of the Solid Extrusion is complete: There is: •one Profile •three holes: othe hole for the Pin othe hole for the Slot othe hole for the Tool-holder |
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Here, I have added: •a Profile and Extrusion to give the shape of the tool-holder •a Hole through the Tool-holder You must pass a hole through each extrusion, unlike more sophisticated CAD. |
Parts from SolidWorks® can have much more design detail. To do this: 1.Import an Assembly onto one CAD-Line. or 1.Use the Part-Editor to add more CAD-Lines to one Part 2.Import different CAD files on to each CAD-Line. |
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1.Open SOLIDWORKS; and design a chain link (remember to Add a Coordinate System) 2.Save the SOLIDWORKS Part, if necessary 3.In MechDesigner, edit the CAD-Line of the Part that is in the Dyad, attached with a Pin-Joint to the Y-Slider1 4.Use the CAD-Line dialog-box > SOLIDWORKS tab > 5.Import from SOLIDWORKS > 6.Read Part/Assembly button 7.Import Part/Assembly button Also import a Pin for the Chain-Link |
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