Trying to make a punch tool - getting error message

[merkamp]

Hello!  I have never made a punch tool before.  I followed instructions I found online (part attached).  I am running into a problem when I try to extract it as an ifeature.  I tick the box for "Sheet Metal Punch ifeature".  I then select the feature ("Revolution1") and it automatically adds the sub features.  So far, so good.  I then choose "Select Sketch" and choose the sketch directly under "Revolution1".  As soon as I name the file and try to save it, I get the following error message:  "Error in RSe clone commander" and the creation fails.

What am I doing wrong?

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! There are a few places I would do differently. First, I would establish linear feature dependency without projecting any origin geometry. It is because when placing the punch tool, the origin geometry may not make sense at the particular spot. Also, I avoid using absolute constraints like horizontal constraint or vertical constraint for a similar reason.

The sketch coordinate system needs to depend on the punch source feature, not the origin geometry.

The last fillet seems to create unwanted geometry at 0.25". I would use 0.125" instead, which eliminate the need to have the Extrusion.

Please take a look at the ipt and ide files. Let me know if more information is needed.

Many thanks!

[merkamp]

Hi back and thanks.  I suspected my 0.25" fillet was an issue.  Even though it isn't realistically correct, I changed it to 0.125" and that allowed me to create the .ide file. 

Now, due to my lack of knowledge with ifeatures, I'm not understanding how to actually use it.  I've created a sketch on the sheet metal part with points at the locations I want to insert the punch tool.  I open the Punch Tool dialog box, and select the desired file (I used your .ide file).  Under "Geometry" inventor auto finds the center marks and under "Name" it says "Face2" which, when I select it highlights a square behind each representation of the louver at each insert point.  I then select the face of the part itself which highlights (I'm flying blind at this point because I don't know what I'm doing).  After picking the face, I click on "Finish" and get the following error message: "Failed to place ifeature".  What input am I missing/doing incorrectly?

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! In your case, the punch tool requires two geometric input: a sketch center and the back face. The center point is selected by Punch Tool Insert command automatically. But you will need to pick the back face. Select the back face and the punch tool can be inserted correctly. Please take a look at the file I attached to my earlier reply.

Many thanks!

[merkamp]

It worked!  I was selecting the incorrect face.  As soon as I selected the right one, worked like a charm.  Much appreciated, johnsonshiue!