Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam.garcia
Just for curiosity's sake, are there any resources on the internet that neatly describe how to effectively use FEA on a model? I've tinkered around with it a bit in Solidworks, but it's hard to estimate the applied forces that will be experienced by this gearbox.
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I know Inventor has a fairly good tutorial system that I learned FEA from. I don't know if the package of SolidWorks you are using includes an FEA add on (I think it's called Simulation). It's very possible that there are good tutorials for SolidWorks out there.
I would recommend leaving more material than you think is necessary. While it may be tempting to try to shave every gram possible out of a gearbox, there are many easier (and safer) ways to cut weight (aluminium gears, shafts, thinner plates, etc.). I would go with a safe half inch.
Also, keep in mind, there are alternatives to pocketing. You can chose another type of machining feature that can cut more material while maintaining strength, such as webbing.