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So awhile ago(Over a year) I was asking around the forums for help on how to make a chain. All this time later, I actually am taking a class on Solidworks, and asked my professor how this would be possible. Here ya go.
(Yes, I know there is no chain tensioner. Yes, I know there is a better way to do the drive train. Yes, I know there are better design functions, ways, and ideals. No, I don't care. This is simply for the CAD. 
)
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04-10-2011 01:21
Hawiian Cadder
Re: pic: Chains - They are possible in SW
Care to share how you did that? Every time I model chain it causes a ton of system crashes (my computer is probably to blame there, unless there is an automated tool that I dont know about). What mate did you use, the path mate works ok, but mating every piece gets tedious, Is there an auto mate tool that I am unaware of?
04-10-2011 02:00
msimon785
Re: pic: Chains - They are possible in SW
Forgive me for whatever Inventor terminology I might use. I am a dedicated Inventor user.
A question- Is the chain a Flexible Design Accelerator? In the sense that the constraints allow the links to mesh with the sprocket effectively and consistently?
In other words, I'd probably have no problem modeling the chain as an assembly. The goal would be to get the chain to be actually functional.
Thanks.
04-10-2011 12:37
M. Mellott
Re: pic: Chains - They are possible in SW
Nice work! The rendering is beautiful--I thought it was a photo, so I had to look back and really check out the detail when you said it was CAD. I love the droop in the chain!
What version of SW is this?
04-10-2011 20:40
Rion Atkinson
Re: pic: Chains - They are possible in SW
Sadly it is not functional. I've yet to figure out how to do that, though I will be trying over time.
In SolidWorks there is a Chain/Belt Tool. I used that, then copied the sketch and put it in its own part file. I then dropped the part files for the two different types of links. (Inner link and outer link) I constrained them to the sketch line. I then used a "Curve Driven Pattern" to pattern them around the sketch curve. (Make sure to make them tangent, otherwise they won't curve round the bend) I then "deformed" the sketch adding arcs in order to get the correct amount of links to fit right, and added the half link to save space. It wasn't an "exact" science, but it would definitely tell you how make chain links you need. No more guessing.
I then saved it as a part, and just constrained it to the sprockets inside the assembly.
I used SolidWorks 2011/12 Student Version as supplied by Oklahoma Christian University to all of their students.
-Rion
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