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 can I obtain my CATIA target ID?

What is a target ID? A target ID is a code calculated on your computer which identifies your computer which is then used to generate the license key for your software. This target ID is something Dassault Systems products use to license the software to your machine or to the specific server that will be running the purchased licenses from. 

How do you obtain the target ID number? There are two basic procedures to go about getting the target ID.  You can download a free TargetID.zip utility from the internet which will tell you directly what the TargetID number is.

The second method for obtaining CATIA's target ID is to follow these steps. Please note that the LUM server should preferably be a server that will remain on at all times so that all users can access the licenses at any time.

1. If LUM is not already installed, please download and install the correct version of LUM for the operating system that you are working with. 
   
2. For Windows users, double click on arkwin468.exe from the folder where you downloaded LUM.  Take the defaults and complete the installation.
   
3. Select Start -> Run and type in cmd.  At the command prompt, please type the following:   i4target –O  (Note that the O must be capitalized.)  The highlighted information listed under the LUM Target ID section is the target ID.
   

What if I do not plan to license my software on a Windows Environment?

• AIX/IBM Workstations open up a Terminal Window and type in the following;
  
  • For V5"i4target -O" (minus the quotes)for V4 type in"uname–m" (minus the quotes) and remove the zeros in the front and in the rear.
    
• HPUX/HP Workstations open up a Terminal Window and type in the following;
  
  • "i4target" (minus the quotes)
    
• IRIX - SGI Workstations open up a Terminal Window and type in the  following;
  
  • "sysinfo"(minus the quotes)
    
• SunOS/Solaris - Sun Workstations open up a Terminal Window and type in the following;
  
  • "hostid" (minus the quotes)
    

Please note that Virtual Machines CAN NOT be setup as license servers.

CATIA NC Machining Reverse Motion Fix

I am machining some parts in CATIA V5 R18 and if I zoom in on the vectors in wire-frame mode I am noticing areas where the tool is reversing a fraction of a millimeter, which has become an issue. I need to eliminate all of these reverse motions. My two major concerns are:

1. What is the easiest way to detect these reverse motions? Currently, I have to zoom in really close on the vectors, the only way I know how to see them in CATIA, which is a pain.
2. How do you avoid this reverse motion? What's the best way to fix them?

The answer to question number one is unfortunately there is no other way in CATIA to detect these tiny reverse motions. If you have some sort of post-processor that will usually pinpoint problem areas but if you don't have access to a post then you're out of luck. As far as concern number two, my guess is the surfaces are crap (especially if they are not native CATIA data and imported from some other system). You can try to rebuild them to get better results. Often times, I will delete the two axial moves using the toolpath editor. Then, I will select the icon to connect the path, select one of the high-lit points, and enter .000 as the value. This way, you will get a direct connection in machine feed. It's kind of weird, but if I want a Rapid connection, I will enter .1 as the value.

Also, sometimes, as in the example, you would end up with a small zig-zag motion. In that case, I will often delete a point if available or move a point along the direction before "connecting" it. As always, toolpath editor is last resort but I'll use it rather than spend a bunch of time fighting surfaces and machining operations. I always note in my programming log, any locked toolpaths, why, when, and what type of edit was made. It's good to keep a log using Excel for whenever you have to make "manual" edits of any sort.

How do you measure the length of a spline in Catia?

You may be wondering if it is possible to measure the length of a spline in sketcher or a 3D spline in Generative shape design. In other words, what is the length of the spline if it were straightened out. For example I have a part made utilizing the rib command and it is not made in Sheet metal design so I can't make use of the unfolded view in drafting and measure the length of that part. What do you do?

There are two methods of measuring the length of a spline which come to mind.

1. You can create a parameter called "Length" and then you would add a formula. Write length() and place the cursor between the parentheses and double-click on the spline. For example: length(`Geometrical Set.1\Sketch.1` )
   
2. In the sketch, pick the curve and hit measure item. If you don't get the length of the spline hit customize and set length to the edge group.
   

Now you know several methods of how to quickly and easily measure a 2D or 3D spline in CATIA.

What is a Mylar drawing?

Mylar is a trade name for bopet (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) polyester film. Also known as Melinex or Hostaphan, this transparent, durable material is used in food storage, insulation and sailing, but it is perhaps best known for its applications in the graphic arts, most notably for CAD drawings. A few customary drawing techniques enhance its positive attributes.


Architects and engineers use Mylar in designing their work. The schematics are drawn up, usually by a computer program such as AutoCAD, and then printed. Schematics on Mylar reflect the depth and dimension of the finished project more easily than blueprints. Once the Mylar is drawn up, these illustrations become part of the legally binding agreement between contractors, the employer and the design firm. 

   
Many companies today are in the process of taking their un-dimensioned drawings on stable-based material (Mylars) and preserving them by fully integrating the legacy Mylars into the automated work environment through digitization and subsequent storage capacities.

One frequent problem often encountered in this transfer of data is projects may require a very precise tolerance of +/-.005" accuracy over any five- or ten-inch area for the digital scanned files. The drawings are on Mylar, which is a plastic sheeting material that may be affected over the years by changes in temperature. This means that the older drawings may have stretched or otherwise changed in size, affecting the accuracy of the drawing itself. The accuracy of the final digital file is of paramount importance. These digital files are stored in an electronic repository as a permanent archive for all of our drawings. If we need to refer to these digital drawings, or print out a new paper drawing, it is essential that the measurements be as accurate as, if not better than the original Mylar drawing when it was new.

  More information on un-dimensioned Mylars:

• An un-dimensioned drawing presents the engineering definition graphically without the use of numerical dimensions.
  
• Sizes and relationships of un-dimensioned features are determined by scaling the original drawing or by scaling a stable reproduction made from it.
  
• Un-dimensioned drawing forms are identified by the letters PCM or "Photo Contact Master."
  
• Effectivity notes indicate part replacement, upgrades and modifications for various models.
  

Un-dimensioned drawings are typically used to define parts with all or a majority of tolerances plus or minus .030" or greater. This includes sheet metal parts, extrusions, cable assemblies, and wiring harnesses.

What are the components of a Mylar drawing?

• Title block
  
• Bill of materials
  

What information can be found in a bill of material?

• Part number
  
• Description
  
• Zone
  
• Quantity
  
• Material Specifications
  
• Extrusion callouts
  
• Thickness and size
  
• Flag notes
  
• Revision level
  

What are common abbreviations found on Mylar drawings?

• ECN: Engineering Change Notice
• ECO: Engineering Change Order
• PCR: Project Change Request
• PCM: Photo Contact Master
• A.N.D: Army Navy Drawing
• BDN: bend down
• BUP: bend up
• BR: bend radius
• R: radius
• TYP: typical
• JOG: joggle
• SHN: shown
• OPP: opposite
• FLG: flange
• EOP: edge of part

Download Architects Cad Drawings - CAD symbols, drawings, and details

 

Which version of CATIA program.zip free download

If you are a user of multiple versions or CATIA (R18,R19, etc) it can get quite frustrating attempting to open a R19 part in R18. Wouldn't it be great to be open to tell which version of CATIA a part was created in without having to open the part in CATIA? Well, now there is a such a program which you can download here. This software is the easiest way to know which version of CATIA a part has been created in. Run the .exe, browse and find the file and you'll see the latest version of the saved file and the minimal version to read it. Download it for free right now!

How to install :

Copy the .exe file in your directory. That's all.

It's also possible to add a shortcut to this exe in the C:\Documents and Settings\%UserName&\SendTo' directory.

In this case, you can use the right-clic Sento "Which version" menu (in the windows explorer).

Be careful ! you must install the VB6 runtime file that you can find here :

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=7b9ba261-7a9c-43e7-9117-f673077ffb3c


Click here to download: Which Version of CATIA.exe

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!