Hole pattern on curve surface

[Anonymous]

Hello,

For the first time I need to create bent material rather than typical flat parts. I'm trying to find a post on how to achieve holes normal to a surface that follow a pattern.

See attached a simple test file in which I tried the 3D sketch thinking it would be a good start but since I really don't know how to approach the problem I'm totally out of ideas. I need to drill a first and last hole at 25 from each end, then create a pattern from the first hole at 300 c/c.

I've got a lot of curve parts to create and machine and would graetly appreciate some help on the technic to use.

Thanks a lot.

[blair]

The easiest would be to start with the Sheetmetal template. Create your flat pattern, add your holes and then bend the plate using the bend command. You will require two bends. Start with the bend line in the middle of the plate on a sketch, and bend one side. Then share the sketch and bend the other side.

You could also create a curved surface place your holes and then thicken and convert to Sheetmetal so it can be flattened. 

Both methods will produce a flat pattern with normal holes when flat. If you put holes in a curved item, the holes will appear normal when the item is bent but you will have "cone" shaped holes when flattened. 

[Anonymous]

Hi Blair,

My exact situation is not a simple bent plate so I cannot use the sheet metal. I have to drill countersunk holes following a pattern on miscellaneous curved die extrusions. Is there another way to achieve the desired result?

Thanks,

[JDMather]

Curve Driven Pattern might be a solution.

[j_weber]

Hope it is not to late, but I create the pattern in the part enviroment and not as sheet metal.

Look a my solution and I hope it helps.

[Anonymous]

j.weber

I can't open your file since my version of Inventor is probably older than yours. I'm using 2014 and get an REs stream error. Could you save the file for me to access it unless the feature you use is not available in 2014.

Thanks,

[JDMather]

You are still working on this a month later? 

Why not simply attach an example file here and end all doubt?

[ravikmb5]

See This Post

if it helps You

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-general-discussion/how-do-i-place-the-hole-on-a-45-angle-and-...

[Jonathan.Landeros]

I can't see your file where I am (can't upload/download here), but I had to create a pattern on a curved piece of metal, similar to a cover on a pipe.

I couldn't get the holes to go the direction I wanted to consistently, so I ended up creating points, and patterning those, since I could get those.

With that patterned, I placed work axis on the point, parallel to the surface, and then placed the holes using the "on point along axis" option.

I hope I'm not off base, not being able to see your file, but I thought this might be food for thought.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hello,

First I want to thank you all for your input on my problem. Finally it was easier than I thought thanks to a colleague.

This solution is based on our production workflow and maybe not applicable for everyone.  Like I said it fits our purpose and is an existing Inventor tool easy to use when you understand what it means/does.

I've calculated the degree corresponding to the spacing I need based on the arc length and the radius. This can be done using math formulas or a sketch which is more visual for me then use the Circular Pattern feature. Placement qty in our line of work is not important but spacing is. Enter the spacing degree you need in the field and click on the double arrows to select the Incremental Positioning Method. Basically this will pattern the initial hole using a fix angle as much as you need.

Hope this can help others.

[JDMather]

Curve Driven Pattern does this without any calculations.

[j_weber]

Hi Josy,

becaus I was yesterday not in the office, i send you today my suggested solution of your question.

Now it is in 2014-format.

I think your question is solved but i hope you look at my part and hope it helps

by

Jörg