I have used SW2008 to design standard weldments using rectangular tubing and “I” beams and other standard sections. I now need to make a weldment out of custom items laser cut from heavy plate which is 4 to 6 inches thick. In the final weldment there are numerous components that are identical so I would like a cut list and have the ability to show the individual components on the drawing.
These weldmunts can be very large with many components when completed.
I forgot to mention that the other issue is that large cylindercial components are welded to flat plates on one end of the cylinder and there are gussets between the two. I have not seen this in the weldment stuff.
Is there a good book on Heavy-Duty Fabricated Weldments using SolidWorks?
thanks,
harbott
Chris Serran 12:13 pm on October 31, 2009 Permalink
You can show individual components in the drawing using the “Relative View” found in the drawing menu. It will allow you to select specific bodies in the part to use in the view.
Issue the command in the drawing then Ctrl+Tab to the part and select the necessary bodies and planes required for the view.
Regarding the cut list. You can insert descriptions, link to dimensions, etc. in the properties of each individual cut list item. If your drawing cut list table has the corresponding columns as those in the part than they will automatically populate.
To access the cut list item property box, expand “Cut List” in the feature manager tree, right click on the “cut list item” folder and select properties.
harbott 2:16 pm on October 31, 2009 Permalink
Chris,
thanks for the information. I think I understand what you have described.
My more basic concern is how to make the basic weldment part with these laser cut components rather than tubing and “I” beams and stuff like that.
Thanks,
harbott
Chris Serran 2:29 pm on October 31, 2009 Permalink
Even though the part is a weldment you can still sketch and model plates or anything else you need to.
I’m out of the office for the rest of the weekend so I don’t have any examples currently. I can post an example or two on Monday.
harbott 2:34 pm on October 31, 2009 Permalink
Chris,
great I would appreciate any help or example.
harbott
harbott 2:43 pm on October 31, 2009 Permalink
Chris,
how do you post an example. I could send an eDrawing of a typical part if that would help.
Again, Thanks, harbott
CBL 4:42 pm on October 31, 2009 Permalink
harbott,
Just below the Reply box, there is a Browse button. Clicking it will open a window to your computer where you can select a file to upload. A SW part will have to be zipped first.
harbott 6:15 pm on October 31, 2009 Permalink
Chris,
here is an example file of a 49.75″ OD support.
BillAttachment - 100775-2
dave spencer 6:38 am on November 1, 2009 Permalink
Sorry I have nothing to offer in this conversation but I have to say that must be one awesome laser that can cut 6 inch steel!
harbott 1:50 pm on November 1, 2009 Permalink
Dave,
it may be that use laser for thinner material and either flame or plasma for the thicker sections. I am not involved in the process to do the cutting, just the design.
harbott
Chris Serran 11:21 am on November 2, 2009 Permalink
As you can see in the screenshot, it’s possible to mix HSS components and any type of other modelling practices (extrudes, cuts, etc.). This was all done within a part document. I noticed the example you posted is an assembly.
The gussets were created with the
harbott 3:29 pm on November 2, 2009 Permalink
Chris,
Is this screen shot of a weldment where you can add Weld Filet Beads, Weldment End Caps and Gussets and stuff like that. Can I get a cut list showing the components.
If it is not confidential I would very much like to see the actual model and a drawing of the weldment if possible.
Thanks so much for your input. What is shown on your screen shot covers much on what I require.
These weldments will be part of Cosmos/Simulation studies. Once we get further down the road we want to do some optimization of some of the weldments to see if we can save weight without increasing stress.
Again thanks.
harbott
harbott 3:59 pm on November 2, 2009 Permalink
Chris,
I messed around with a setup much like you show and see that the answer to my questions are YES. The only small issue is the adding a Filet Bead where the rectangular tube radius is below the square component. The bead does not like the radius. This is not a big problem.
Again, thanks, harbott
Chris Serran 5:22 pm on November 2, 2009 Permalink
I can’t send you the model due to confidentiality and I’m in SW2009 and it wouldn’t be compatible with you.
My experience is the weld beads are too much trouble for what they’re worth. I tried them way back when and they were a processor hog, don’t know if that’s the same case now.