Springs

[CNCMike]

I have been trying to draw a spring for some time now and can't seem to figure it out. I searched this forum and came up with a few threads that got me further along, but the spring still isn't working the way I'd like it.

What I'm doing is clicking on curves and selecting helix/spiral. I then select a plane to draw a circle to the diameter of the spring (centerline to centerline of the coils) in hopes of creating a .250" diameter coil along this "path" (ex. .250" dia. coil with an overall dia. of 1.250"). I am then setting the length by setting the heigth and number of revolutions. When complete I have a skelton of what the spring will be. So far so good.

Where it goes wrong is the next step. I click on sweep boss/base and then select a profile (I use the sketch of the helix I drew). I then select a path, and choose the end of the helix. I then choose twist along path with normal constant and defined by degrees. When I click finished it gives me a spring like object. It is really just a circle that spirals down which leaves me a diameter larger than I want and it also doesn't leave a hole down the center.

Not sure if this makes sense to anyone, but and help would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

[mcarvey]

Mike, I'm not sure of what you know so I'll try to go through it step by step. I appologize if I'm sounding terse.

-Sketch a circle on the front plane 1.125" in diameter.
-Insert->Curve->Helix/Spiral.
-Select revolutions, pitch, etc.
-Change the start angle to 90 degrees. Select Okay.
-This should produce a helix line that starts on the front plane and goes to the length of your spring. The start of this helix should also intersect the Right Plane.
-Select the right plane, hit spacebar, Normal To, and draw a circle at the end point .25" in diameter. Close the sketch.
-Insert->Boss/Base->Sweep.
-Click in the Profile Box, then click on the .25" circle sketch.
-Click in the Path Box, then click the helix.
-A yellow, semi-transparent preview of your spring should be generated. Click okay.
-If you're making a compression spring, you'll have to do some additional sketches/sweeps to get the termination.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

-Matt

[Kiwi]

Once you have created the helix you need to create a plane on the end tip of the helix.
Plane: Pick End Tip: Pick the Helix.
Then draw the coil profile on this plane.

[CNCMike]

Matt,
Thanks for the info!! I will give it a shot at work tomarrow and let you know how it goes.

My knowledge of Solidworks is limitied. I took a college course, but they didn't go into great detail in any one subject. For that you were on your own. I actually found Solidedge to be easier to work with. BTW, it is Solidworks 2005 and Solidedge version 19 (?) I believe.....

Thanks again, Mike

[CNCMike]

Thank you both for your help!!! Got it right on the first try.

Mike

[BUD B]

Here are some different types of springs done in solidworks good luck.

[jeffo2001]

You can also download solidworks models of springs (and many other things) from many different websites. ie:
www.3dcontentcentral.com
www.partserver.com
www.misumiusa.com
www.carrlane.com
www.leespring.com

All of these websites have very nice models of their products. Some of
them download as a SW part (*.sldprt), Others may be zipped or downloaded
as a macro.

Jeff