Drafting and Dimensioning in Solid Edge Tutorial

Ally PLM has created another wonderful Lunch Bytes Solid Edge video tutorial. This time the topic they cover is Solid Edge drafting, dimensioning, and annotation tips and tricks. More detailed topics include how to create drawings in Solid Edge, how to create a quicksheet template, how to add different views, how to create dimensions and annotations, how to make sheet metal callouts, and more. Watch this awesome Solid Edge tutorial below:

CATIA Lego Training Download

I’ve long looked for a good LEGO CAD program and today I’ve finally found one. John B Cearns, founder and

owner of Solid Engineering Solutions, has created an outstanding exercise to help students learn how to use CATIA’s Assembly Design workbench while being super fun at the same time.

While building the Lego model you’ll learn how to use catalogs in CATIA to create different Lego blocks in 3D. Not all the parts required to make the Four Wheeler and Rebel Wrecker are present in the CATParts folder. There are 72 parts missing from this folder but they have provided 12 tabulated parts for you to use to easily create the missing 72 parts. Step by step instructions are provided in the documentation for both sets.  The Four Wheeler contains 102 different parts and the total parts are 338. The Rebel Wrecker contains 123 different parts and the total parts are 468.

The free download contains all instructions necessary to assemble the Four Wheel and Rebel Wrecker. Or, if you just want to build the physical Lego sets you could just do that as well using these instructions. Get them here:

 http://www.solengsol.com/solid_engineering_downloads.htm

After you have created these two CATProduct models, there is a wealth of Kinematics joints you can perform on them: Revolute Joint, Cylindrical Joint, Spherical Joint, Rigid Joint, Universal Joint, Gear Joint, Cable Joint, and Rack Joint. The Lego parts also use a relation law created by a Multiple Value User Parameter to define the color: PartBody.Color = PartBodyColor.

This exercise is a great example if you want to use CATIA or other CAD software as a Lego design software. Many different bricks can be created from the template of a few using catalogs. All around, I highly recommend checking out this tutorial because, as I said, it is a lot of fun and very educational too (and it's free)!

Download the Lego CAD files and instructions here:http://www.solengsol.com/solid_engineering_downloads.htm
Please note: CATIA V5 R19 is required.

How to Insert Symbols in Excel

I've created a new "How To" video tutorial showing you how to insert symbols, like the degree sign, into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, using three different methods including the character map.

How do you simulate rolling in CATIA?

This is anupdate of an older post. I've created a brand new tutorial with step-by-step instructions detailing how to use CATIA V5's DMU kinematics workbench to simulate a rolling object.

First, in assembly design, create a new product and insert two new parts, one name Wheel and the other Ramp. 

I've explained this before but as a real quick overview, to create my ramp I used three sketches (overhead, side profile, and rotation about itself sketch) and combined them with laws. The wheel is a simple sketch and pad command. On my ramp I have two parallel curves 5mm apart. On my wheel I also have two parallel curves offset from each other 5mm. I added a point to one of the edges of the wheels so you can see it spin around in a circle when we simulate it. 

Add a Fix constraint to the ramp to ensure it does not move. It's absolutely vital that the curves on the wheel and the curves on the ramp are tangent to each other. Even a 0.001 gap and it will not work. Use coincidence restraints to pair them together if you have to. Also make sure your ramp is nice and smooth and much bigger than your wheel.

Now it's time to go into the DMU Kinematics workbench. Create a new mechanism and set the ramp as the fixed part. I can constrain all degrees of freedom using only two joints. The first joint is a roll curve joint between curve 1 on the wheel and curve 1 on the ramp. This is a length driven joint meaning you will input the rolling distance over time from the start point. The second joint is a slide curve joint between curve 2 on the wheel and curve 2 on the ramp.

Once you get the hang of it you can simulate more complex systems, like a full-scale roller coaster! 

CATIA KINEMATICS ROLLING TUTORIAL VIDEO: 

View my Introduction to CATIACATScript Macros Video Tutorial.

Solid Edge Synchronous and Ordered Modeling Video Tutorial

Ally PLM released their latest Lunch Byte video tutorial, this time covering the topics of synchronous and ordered modeling. These videos are meant to showcase some of the feature of Solid Edge that you may not be aware of. Watch the embedded tutorial below to learn about how synchronous modeling accelerates the design process allowing for fast and flexible edits.

Learn AutoCAD for Dummies Review

AutoCAD is one of the leading 2D software used by engineers, architects, and designers. AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies quickly brings readers up-to-date on the latest version with all the new additions and revisions to the program. This book includes great colored illustrations and tutorials to help users better understand the material. This book was a huge help to me, someone used to running AutoCAD 2005 when I needed to, but am now making the upgrade to AutoCAD 2012. Believe it or not, even with model based definition where data is contained with 3D models, I am still needing to go to AutoCAD from time to time to whip up a quick drawing for a fixture or jig. As a mechanical engineer, it never hurts to stay up to date on the latest software available and this book is a great way to do that.

I do want to note this book is written specially for Windows users (sorry MAC peeps).

Purchase AutoCAD 2012 for Dummies and start learning how to use AutoCAD today!

Dealing with Different Versions of CATIA

Only one version of CATIA V5 can be registered with Windows at a given time. If you have R16, R17, and R18SP2 installed on your PC, only one of these is currently registered. You can find which one is registered by looking at the directory when you register. To automate a specific version of CATIA you first have t register that version with Windows. Here are the steps to un-register or re-register a CATIA V5 version:
 
1.        Reboot your pc
2.        Open a command prompt
3.        CD to the unload directory of the version of CATIA you want to un-register (i.e. “c\program files\dassault systemes\B15\intel_a\code\bin”)
4.        Run the command “cnext-unregserver”
5.        Open up the task manager and wait until the “cnext” process stops running (which may take a few minutes)
6.        CD to the unload directory of the version of CATIA you want to register (i.e. “c\program files\dassault systems\B16\intel_a\code\bin”)
7.        Run the command “cnext-regserver”
8.        In the task manager again, wait until the “cnext” process stops
9.        Open up VB and check that the correct version is registered
10.        Please note this only needs to be done between full releases and not service packs!

Solid Edge - Simulation Express Tutorial Video

Welcome to another edition of Ally PLM's Lunch Bytes series. This time their topic in this edition is simulation express. Watch the video tutorial below:

Let's Go Design Episode #5: Chassis Design and Assemblies

In the last episode, we discussed weldment features and sketch techniques. This time, we move closer to the final overall CAD design of our Hot Rod Baby Buggy. We watch as Jeremy hot-wires the golf cart motors to show how the aluminum tracks perform flawlessly.

In this episode, Jeremy takes us through:

The Overall Design: Jeremy shares 80% of the CAD design, complete with a 3D model of a dad placed in the center. He shows us the fenders, talks about key components underneath the buggy, and creates a battery compartment using sheet metal.

Sustainability: We use SolidWorks® Sustainability to compare material selections for the fenders of our buggy - sheet metal vs. plastic.

The Assembly: Jeremy shows the basic build and sub-assemblies. He puts together the steel base weldment, aluminum floor, components from the golf cart’s electrical system and finally powers the tank treads.

Watch Episode #5 now at LetsGoDesign.tv

How to automatically take a picture using a catscript

Catscripts can be a powerful tool when needing to automate processes in CATIA V5. One common process which is helpful to automate is when you want to take a screenshot of a .catpart or .catproduct with a white background (to put into a powerpoint or Excelfile). This sounds like a daunting task if you are new to VB programming. I find the best thing to do is to break down this large, challenging project into smaller, more manageable tasks. Let's think about each stage we want the macro to complete:
1. Reframe on the part
2. Hide the specification tree
3. Change the background color to white
4. Take a screenshot and save it as a JPEG file
5. Change the background display color back to what it was
6. Unhide the specification tree
Now, if we take each of those steps one at a time it's not so big of a problem. I'll be explaining each of these steps in the next couple of posts starting with step one today- how to automatically reframe (or fit all in) on the part in CATIA. We'll create each step individually then combine them all into one CATScript at the end.  This tutorial will also help you learn visual basic programming and will help you write your own CATScripts.
First, go to Tools>Macro>Macros. Click "Create" and change the Macro language to CATScript. Enter a name for your macro. Copy and paste the following code.

Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()

Dim specsAndGeomWindow1 As Window
Set specsAndGeomWindow1 = CATIA.ActiveWindow

Dim viewer3D1 As Viewer
Set viewer3D1 = specsAndGeomWindow1.ActiveViewer

viewer3D1.Reframe

Dim viewpoint3D1 As Viewpoint3D
Set viewpoint3D1 = viewer3D1.Viewpoint3D

End Sub

What does all of the above actually mean? A CATIA VBA program or “macro” consists of a
“Subroutine” named CATMain(), called out with the line Sub CATMain(). Variables are “dimmed” (declared) and then “set” (given a value). Variables are “dimmed” as a type. A type is either a “primitive” type (single, double, integer, string, etc.) or an object type (more complex). 

Stay tuned to learn more in our next article... 

Theo Jansen Machanism Matlab Code Download Updated

The matlab code for the Theo Jansen mechanism has been updated and is now available for download. Also, in exchange for using my code I would appreciate your help by subscribing to and promoting the site and sharing it with your family, friends and coworkers. Please subscribe to my YouTube page and consider following me on Twitter. Thanks!

Theo Jansen matlab code file download

How to simulate rolling kinematics tutorial

How do you simulate wheels rolling down a hill or track in CATIA? A reader recently asked if I could put together a tutorial for the kinematics rolling simulation that I created. This may not be extremely detailed but should give you a pretty good idea of the steps to take when trying to simulate rolling in CATIA. This was one of the preliminary tests I ran before attempting to simulate my entire roller coaster model. Download the kinematics rolling powerpoint tutorial here.







How to simulate rolling in CATIA DMU kinematics workbench tutorial.ppt download

AutoCAD 2008 Video Tutorial

Here is a pretty good video tutorial for using AutoCAD 2008 which includes the Autocad interface, toolbars, pull-down menus, command line, accessing commands.

Theo Jansen Mechanism Matlab Code M-file

 A few readers have requested the full m file for the Theo Jansen mechanism. I've uploaded it here. If the download won't work for you lease me your email address and I will gladly send it to you. Please don't just copy the file. This is meant for reference only. In other words, figure it out on your own!

http://cadsystemshelp.blogspot.com/2010/04/theo-jansen-mechanism-matlab-code.html

Theo Jansen Mechanism Matlab Code.doc download 

*7/22/2011 download link should be fixed now!

How do you create a composite part in CATIA Composites Design workbench?

First of all, before we begin getting into creating parts I want to review some information and notes about composites.

What is a composite? Composites = Matrix (resin) + Reinforcing Material (Fiber)

Types of resin include: Polyester, Vinylester, and Epoxy.

Type of fibers include glass, carbon, Kevlar, and aluminum.

Why use composites? Benefits include: reduced weight, high strength and stiffness properties, high thermal and corrosion resistance, and a good fatigue life. What are the manufacturing technology benefits from using composites? Tailor ability, flexibility, and part number reduction.

How are composites manufactured? There are several different methods:

• Fabric Hands Lay-up – monolithic type or sandwich structures
  
• Tape Laying – large composite structures
  
• RTM – complex shapes
  
• Fiber Placement – large composite structures
  
• Filament winding – mandrel shapes
  

What are some of the cons and challenges of using composites? Number one factor is cost; the raw material can be expensive. There's also a large upfront investment required for manufacturing facilities and equipment. Composites are hard to model due to their unpredictable behavior. Manufacturing cycle time can be longer than machined or sheet metal parts. There are also health hazards and reusability issues.

Composite Terminology

• IML=inner mold line. Corresponds to top surface of a composites part
  
• NCF=non crimp fabrics
  
• ETBS=Edges to be Staggered
  
• EOP=Edge of Part
  
• MEOP=Manufacturing Edge of Part
  
• EEOP=Engineering Edge of Part
  
• Rosette=axis system
  
• TL=thickness law
  
• SS=Stacking Sequences
  

There are two primary methods of creating a composite part in CATIA Composites Design workbench: grid and zone

For the grid method the part is divided up into a grid. Each section of the grid has a name (C1, C2, etc.). Each section of the grid is then given a defined thickness law. The thickness law says how thick the material will be in that zone. This is done by indicating the number of plies in each direction. Example:

Thickness Law 1's material will be Carbon 0.4. # plies in the zero degree direction = 8, number of plies rotated 45 degree = 8, number of plies rotated -45 degree=8, number of plies rotated 90 degrees=9.

Looks like this in Excel which is then imported into CATIA.

#
TL1	0	45	-45	90	default
Carbon 0.4	8	8	8	8	0

Thickness laws can be applied manually or imported through an Excel table.

Be sure to become a follow of this blog and stay tuned for more about composites!

How do you render an image in Solid Edge?

Do you need to know how to render a 3D model into a marketable high-quality image? Well, check out the videos below for all you need to know about the rendering options in Solid Edge!

CATIA Kinematics Tutorial Download

You can now download my CATIA Rolling Simulation in DMU Kinematics Tutorial. Click here!


Kinematics Tutorial.ppt

How to simulate rolling with CATIA DMU Kinematics?

A reader recently asked if I could put together a tutorial for the kinematics rolling simulation that I created. This may not be extremely detailed but should give you a pretty good idea of the steps to take when trying to simulate rolling in CATIA. This was one of the preliminary tests I ran before attempting to simulate my entire roller coaster model.


(Download the rolling in kinematocs tutorial here)

Every time you use kinematics something needs to be fixed, so the rest of the assembly moves in relation to the fixed part. In this case, the track will be fixed. Set the assembly up in assembly design then switch to the DMU Kinematics workbench when you are ready to begin simulating. You can see the constraints I used in the screen shot. It is very important to pay attention to the degrees of freedom of the system. When dealing with large assemblies, I often fully constrain the entire assembly and then go back in later and delete the constraints where I want a part to be able to move, in order to not be confused. 

Here are the joints I used to create the connected wheel rolling kinematics simulation.  To create these constraints, click “Assembly Constraints Conversion” wizard.  Create a new mechanism then click “Auto Create” and it will automatically create joints based on the constraints in the assembly. Next, you need to manually create the roll curve joints between the wheels and the track.

 

In order to create a roll curve joint you must have two curves that are tangent to one another. Here, you can see the sketch on the wheels is tangent to the sketch on the corner of the track. Double click on one of the roll curve joints and toggle the “Length Driven” option. This is your input. After you click ok you should get a message that reads “The machanism can now be simulated” and the degrees of freedom of the system  (DOF) should be zero.

In order to apply gravity to your simulation you need to create a sketch  called a “trace law.” This is essentially a graph of distance which respect to time, with the horizontal axis being time and the vertical axis being distance. A straight line gives a linear relationship, or a constant speed. Change the graph to an exponential curve and you now have acceleration.

Now you should be able to simulate two connected wheels rolling down a hill with gravity. Any questions?

SolidWorks Tutorial: How to Draw a Bolt

How do I add threads to a part in CATIA V5?

Here is one way that you can add threads to a part like a screw in CATIA:

1.First select the tap/thread icon

2.Setup initial conditions
3.Setup driving functions

4.Add design table and check your work

Pick Lateral Face and Limit Face,

Enter in Thread Diameter, thread Depth, and pitch,

Add formulas to diameter and thread depth