Can Anyone Figure this out? Interesting problem...

[CyborgCNC]

Hello All,

I was hoping that some of you might be able to provide me with an idea as to how to do this, as I have tried many different ways, and I can't seem to get the results I want:

I have attached the solidworks (2007) test part on this thread. Here is the issue:

If you look at the part, you will see that the top is a surface with curves/contours. I have cut a U shaped cut on one end, and if you will notice, there is a cut all around the part, that is .1 "in" and .1 deep all around for the cut. Now here is my puzzle:

I want this SAME cut to happen in the area where there is the U-shaped cut is, however, as you will see, the surface on top there is higher. So if I was going to cut on the same plane I used for the rest of the part, that end would be cut much deeper. I want the area of where the u-shaped cut is to be cut at the same depth and dimensions as the rest of the cut around the body. In other words, I want the cut around the part to be the same, even though there might be some height differences to compensate for the surface heights. I hope this makes sense as to what I am trying to achieve :-)

Is there a way to do this? thank you all in advance for any of your ideas....

[pixburghenat]

Something like this one?


This was a quickie....
I'm sure it could be done cleaner using offset surface then trim away.

***I added test-part3.zip This one offsets the surface and the entire step is non-planar


Scott

[CyborgCNC]

THANK YOU! That is the part I was missing, the Offset from surface feature!

makes perfect sense now. I was trying to use "splines on surface" to achieve this, but this feature will NOT allow you to offset a sketch.

Sometimes the obvious things are the harder ones!

Again, Thank you for shinning the light!! Much appreciated!

[tnik]

I haven't looked at your part, but if I'm following your description correctly, you also might be able to do a swept cut..