Part Command allows parts can be inserted into the tree and designed on the fly Components which are coupled into the CATProduct but dont exist as a separate entity in its own file Existing Component is used to insert an existing part or assembly into the current Product Sub-Assemblies are previously developed Assembled Products that can be inserted into a current product all at once
Coincidence Constraints: aligns axes, planes and points Contact Constraints: a tool for creating contacts between 2 planes or surfaces Offset Constraint: defines a desired offset distance between two elements Angle Constraints: A way to define an angular relationship between two elements
Fix Component: A way to FIX a part in space so that it will always remain there. Other parts can be constrained relative to a Fixed component Fix Together: Fixes two parts together (forever) Flexible/Rigid Subassembly: in a flexible sub, parts and components can be moved regardless of the fact if it (or they) are the active component
More Considerations:
Use Save Management commands because of the several links within the root tree
Save or save-as individuals in the Save Management window We can also just Save All for a full update
When modeling because of constraining issues, parts must have tolerenced dimensions added
Building An Assembly
Start Work in the Assembly Workbench We begin with a Root CATProduct We can create Components of the assembly that exist only within the Root Files We can inport Existing Components to the Assembly (parts or sub-assemblies created earlier) W/ or W/O positioning We can create Parts for the Assembly on the Fly We can create Instances or duplicates of parts We can create Numbers or Letters to Identify parts of an Assembly for BOM needs We can Manage Representation (names, associations, etc.) of the components of an assembly We can Bring in Catalog or standard components to our assemblies like bolts/nuts/pins, etc.
Because Assemblies are Multi-component products get in the habit of SaveManaging them and consider using Folders to save all of the components and parts required
Using Assbly I & properties to name it then Add Part ICON to create Part1.1 under it & then Properties/ set Instance Name to ToolPostBody
Before Setting Slot Width enter Tools Options: Set Tolerance Default to +0 -.012 Then set Slot Width 0.19; Then turn Default Tolerance Off!
After Resetting Def. Toler.; Exit Sketcher and Pocket Up to Last Then Save Manage
After Saving: Show Part 1 Attach the Compass to The Wedge and Move it Away from the Tool Post Body Part
Note: The Compass is Attached to the Wedge only it is moving! When we finish Click on the Red Box and drag it Home (upper Right Corner of View)
Make a 3rd Part BOLT- Make it as a Shaft; Careful of Tolerance Then Sketch and Pad the Head
After Chamfer its End and Save Managing for the Bolt; Un-Hide The Body & Wedge and Reposition the Bolt
Standard Parts can be added We highlight the Assembly Then Click Tool and Mech Std Parts ASME, ANSI Inch Catalogs
The set screws are inch Size Screws use x 20 1.73 headless modify for proper length and End Form (Edit Formulas)
After Adding it We can change its Name Set Screw 1 (or not) then save manage
A Second Headless Set Screw can be added By Copying this: Rt. Click it .. Copy Then Rt. Click Tool Post Product and Paste Move it where we desire
Add The ASME Nut (washer type) and Washer position them
Then Draw in the Rest of the Components: The Tool Post Screw (and make a copy); Then Adj. Screw; Finally Slotted Washer and Adjustor Nut
Once all components are Drawn and Saved We add Assembly Constraints The Heart of the Task!
First A Contact Constraint Between The Bottom of the Wedge and The top of the Sloped Surface in the T.Post Body
After Contact Constraint Between Wedge and T.P. Face A very Useful Offset Constraint Between the Front Face of the Body and The Wedge
Anchor (FIX) the Tool Post Body Then Up Date to Bring the Wedge into Position
Apply Coincidence Constraints to the Axes of the Set Screws and Body Holes And Offset Constraint To Back of Body and Screw Slots
Add The Rest of The Components & Their Constraints for Assembly on Your Own
I had previously made and saved the ToolPost Screws So I added them as components w/ Positioning
They need to have coincidence and Offset Constraints applied for proper Posing