Unveil the secrets: a foolproof guide to drawing spring washers in solidworks
What To Know
- In the “Sketch” tab, select the “Circle” tool and draw a circle to represent the outer profile of the spring washer.
- Select the outer and inner circle sketches as the profiles and set the extrusion distance to the desired thickness of your spring washer.
- The size of a spring washer is determined by the diameter of the fastener and the thickness of the washer.
Spring washers are essential components in various engineering applications, providing tension and preventing loosening of fasteners. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the detailed steps on how to draw spring washers using SolidWorks, a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software. By following this tutorial, you will gain the skills to create accurate and detailed spring washer models in SolidWorks.
Step 1: Create a New Part File
Begin by launching SolidWorks and creating a new part file. Select the “Part” template and click “OK” to create a new part document.
Step 2: Sketch the Outer Profile
In the “Sketch” tab, select the “Circle” tool and draw a circle to represent the outer profile of the spring washer. Set the radius to your desired outer diameter.
Step 3: Sketch the Inner Profile
Next, draw another circle inside the outer circle to represent the inner profile. Set the radius to your desired inner diameter.
Step 4: Extrude the Washer Body
Select the “Extrude Boss/Base” tool in the “Features” tab. Select the outer and inner circle sketches as the profiles and set the extrusion distance to the desired thickness of your spring washer.
Step 5: Sketch the Split Lines
Switch to the “Sketch” tab and create a new sketch on the top face of the washer body. Draw two parallel lines extending from the inner circle to the outer circle, dividing the washer into two equal segments.
Step 6: Extrude the Split Faces
Select the “Extrude Cut” tool in the “Features” tab. Select the split lines as the profiles and set the extrusion distance to half the thickness of the washer. This will create the split faces on the washer’s surface.
Step 7: Create the Coils
Switch to the “Helix/Spiral” tool in the “Features” tab. Select the inner circle as the center axis and the outer circle as the path. Set the pitch and number of coils according to your desired spring washer design.
Step 8: Save the Model
Once you have completed the drawing, save the SolidWorks part file using a suitable name.
Tips for Drawing Spring Washers
- Use the “Dimension” tool to ensure accurate dimensions throughout the drawing.
- Consider using the “Mirror” tool to create symmetrical features.
- Utilize the “Fillet” tool to smooth sharp edges and improve the aesthetic appeal of the washer.
- Save your drawing frequently to avoid any potential data loss.
Recommendations: Mastering Spring Washer Design in SolidWorks
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you have now gained the skills to draw spring washers in SolidWorks. This knowledge will empower you to create custom spring washers for your engineering projects and applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a spring washer?
A: Spring washers provide tension and prevent loosening of fasteners by distributing the load over a larger surface area.
Q: What materials are commonly used for spring washers?
A: Spring washers are typically made from resilient materials such as steel, stainless steel, and beryllium copper.
Q: How do I calculate the correct size of a spring washer?
A: The size of a spring washer is determined by the diameter of the fastener and the thickness of the washer. Refer to industry standards or consult with a supplier for specific guidelines.