I am trying to work out the best way to create a 3D printed spring that is extruded from a flat 2D series of S shapes. I started by creating 5 circles and then a line tangential to each one, then cut the inner curves. The problem started when I tried to select all the lines and offset them to 0.25mm one both sides of the line. I would only allow me to select 2 lines and a curve at a time then finally cap the ends so that I could extrude it. Is there a way of connecting sketch nodes to make one polyline? It was very long winded selecting each section and offsetting on each side if the line. I would assume there must be an easier way? My picture shows my methodology and at the resultant shape.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Solved by jeff_strater. Go to Solution.
I think the problem is these white dots in your center set of curves:
Those indicate that the lines and arcs are not connected. Offset will chain connected curves, but will stop if it does not find a connected curve. Use the Coincident constraint to connect them.
Yep thanks for that, I should have known better. I put tangential constraints on each line and that sorted it.
sometimes it's easier to use simpler sketches. for instance from this sketch-
you can get this-
most of the work is done in the modeling space.
Thin extrude would be easier than using offsets:
This was started with a slot. Dimensions were added. One arc deleted and one added. To complete the spring use a rectangular pattern.
ETFrench
@mail8YLTP wrote:
That looks interesting, can you attach your file please so I can work it out easier...
here you go. I meant to attach it before. this was just a first go, I would likely work out something a bit more elegant if I put some thought into it.
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