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CAD/creating a profile feature

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Expert: - 8/10/2010


Question

drill base
Hi,
I'm having trouble finding a way to create a surface profile that has draft, and a radius along the outer face.
Would appreciate if you can give me some tips on how to achieve this. Please view the attached image to better see what I'm talking about. Thanks
!

Answer
Hi Harvey,

This sounds like a homework assignment ... but then again I'm not sure because here in New England school isn't in session yet.

This can be done several different ways.  The great thing with working in SolidWorks is that there's no real wrong way to do it.

The way I used to teach is to think of yourself as a sculptor or a machinist ... create one section of this drill press base first (if I were doing this, I'd start with the squared section).

When working with SolidWorks when you extrude a sketch you can add a draft angle while you're extruding.  Although you need to know the angle of the draft and according to the drawing, it doesn't even look like that surface is a draft ... it looks more like just a curved surface.

I'm not sure I'd go the route of using an extrusion with a "draft" (as I mentioned, it looks like a curved face) ... I'd either start with a block 4.9375 x 7.0000 ... then I'd create a sketch of the material to be removed from the outside (using the given radius) and then cut that material and then using circular instance of the cut ... do the other 2 sides.  Then I would generate the rest of the part.

But this is just my opinion ...


I'd give you step-by-step instructions but right now I happen to be working on a computer that doesn't have SolidWorks installed on it.  But I'll probably take this with me and model it later ... just to keep my skills up to date with molds.

Brian Mazejka

Expertise

I can answer most questions dealing with SolidWorks 3D CAD/D Modeling Software. I can also answer questions dealing with the Documentation aspect of the Engineering and R&D area's. In addition to my knowledge of Solidworks, I can also answer questions regarding PDMWorks (Product Data Management).

Experience

I have been using SolidWorks 3D software for more than 10 years. I have been instrumental and successful in establishing a SolidWorks Users Group in practically every company I've worked at. Prior to using SolidWorks I used ComputerVision's Personal Designer for 7 years.

Education/Credentials
I am a Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP). I have over 20 years experience in the Engineering, and Documentation Control field. I have an ASME from Central New England College, I've also taken additional courses towards completing my BSME. I've attended numerous clinics, seminars, and conferences with regards to SolidWorks.

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