Most efficient way to add axes to holes in curved parts

SOLIDWORKS How To Questions
1

What is the most efficient way to add center axes to holes in curved parts?

Please see the attached example. I would like to add center axes to the 9/32" dia. holes so that I can later mate bolts to the holes in an upstream assembly.

Thanks for any replies.

curved_part_axis_CADmunity.SLDPRT (245.9 KB)

2

Best option is to use the hole wizard for the holes and place them when part is in formed up state. The holes will be circular with temp axis. But then you get the opposite problem in the flat.

3

I could do that, but then I’d have funky laser toolpaths.

SolidWorks is still very weak when it comes to curved sheet metal. I don’t see that changing, TBH.

Thanks for the reply.

4

Agreed. Wonder how other 3D CAD handle this?

5

I don’t know what it would interfere with on the production side of things, but you could create a sketch in the part and use Profile Center to mate the bolts in the top level.

Edit: Reading more about it, you might not even need a sketch?

Edit2: I played with it for a minute. Will definitely need a sketch, but I haven’t found a non-fiddly way to do it. Also, once you get a circle sketched, Concentric just works. I don’t know how to make Profile Center play well. Check out 3DSketch2 on attached file

curved_part_axis_CADmunity_response.SLDPRT (254.8 KB)

6

It ain’t pretty but…

curved_part_axis_CADmunity JAC.SLDPRT (251.0 KB)

7

@jcapriotti

Thanks. I was able to work with that concept.

I’ve done it with a 3DSketch in the past. There are two issues with that:

  1. It’s clunky, and I always find myself getting disoriented when making 3D sketches.
  2. If the radius of the part is changed, the sketch disassociates from the hole, likely due to either a bug or an oversight. Your method does not have that issue.

It would be really nice if Dassault decided to put a little effort into curved sheet metal parts.

Thanks again.