Assemblies (NX, or otherwise)

[Ian Curtis]

When 1276 was in the robot building business, we operated almost exclusively off of napkin sketches and plywood prototypes. So, I never really learned to CAD, other than some pretty basic things.

I took a CAD class using NX6 last semester, and it was really really useful. Unfortunately, it stopped abruptly after drawings, and didn't delve at all into assemblies. I don't have access to SolidWorks or its lovely tutorials. Is there another source that could teach me about the right way to make assemblies. I'd prefer if it used NX, but I should be able to get a SolidWorks license when I get back on campus in two weeks.

So, long story short, where do I learn how to use/constrain assemblies properly?

Thanks!

[mplanchard]

Curtis

Go to www.solidworks.com/SponsoredDesignContest to fill out the form to get a copy of SolidWorks as a mentor. I have an RPI intern working for me this winter break. Send me a private message and I will make a connection.

Marie's crash course in Assembly Modeling - no matter what CAD software you use- but I am glad you are using SolidWorks.
1. Think small sub assemblies, how would something physically go together. Break down the robot into its functional pieces: Frame, Drive Train, Arm, Gripper, etc. Now break down the subassemblies into even smaller sub assemblies. With the Frame, make a wheel assembly. Name your subassemblies with descriptive names.
2.Reuse geometry and components. Think about symmetry, patterns, hole wizard. The Hole Wizard and Pattern Feature in a part become very powerful in the assembly - but you need to keep track of the seed feature.
3.Think about part behavior in the assembly. You want the part to move and rotate they way it will in real life. Let your mates reflect motion. Marie

[Dan Zollman]

I'm also at RPI--if you ever want to learn how to make assemblies (or do almost anything else) in Inventor, let me know and we could meet up sometime after the semester starts.

[kramarczyk]

NX Assemblies... (note I am using NX5, so instructions may not be 100% accurate)

A. Turn on assembly functionality in modeling. It can be found on the Start button.

B. Turn on the assembly toolbar if it does not default on. Tools -> Customize (mine is shown at the bottom of the screen) Alternatively you can use the functions under the Assembly option in the menu bar.

C. Add components - Assemblies -> Components -> Add Components
F1 should get you detailed context relevant help if you need it.

D. Constrain components - Assemblies -> Components -> Mate Component
F1 should get you detail context relevant help here too.

Spoiler for ***Warning***:

Constraining components will require an understanding of degrees of freedom. Not understanding this concept of defining the location of a rigid body with 3 translations and 3 rotations can lead to a lot of frustration. This is not a NX thing, it is a life thing as it occurs both in the virtual world of CAD and the physical world of actually builing stuff.

That should be enough to get you started. If you need more guidance feel free to post, PM or e-mail me.