How to build complete process assemblies

GrabCAD Tutorials

6 May, 2016 07:53 PM

1. OPTIONS
1.1. Orienting Parts for Assemblies

Before making design alterations it is important to have a strategy for the build
orientation. Orientation of the mating components can affect the fit of the
assembly and will determine the necessary clearances.

1. Step 1:

   To achieve the most accurate fit, it is critical to position all mating components
   in the same manner relative to the XYZ axis (Figure 2). Choose an orientation
   for the entire assembly and build all components in the same orientation, as if
   they were assembled. Orient the mating surfaces in the X/Y plane whenever
   possible. The X/Y plane is the most accurate plane and is thus the best plane
   to orient critical mating surfaces.
   

   

2. Step 2:

   1.2. Design

   Once the build orientation has been selected, the proper clearance can be
   designed into the part. This can be accomplished with the use of 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software, STL editing software, or Insight™ software.

   There are different clearance requirements based upon the FDM system and
   the alignment of the assembly features in the build.

3. Step 3:

   2. PROCESS
   2.1. Assemble and Export the 3D CAD Model
   STEP 1: Determine the orientation of the assembly.

4. Step 4:

   STEP 2: Arrange components to create an assembly. Ensure the orientation
   matches the desired build orientation (Figure 2).

   NOTE: Ensure support material can be removed if using a break-away
   support material

5. Step 5:

   STEP 3: Confirm individual part clearances are in accordance with the
   information listed in Tables 1 and 2. Make any necessary changes.

   NOTE: Use appropriate clearances (radial or diametrical) where appropriate.
   

   

6. Step 6:

   STEP 4: Save all components of the assembly in a single STL file.

   NOTE:
   1) Check for interferences between parts.
   2) Faceting can affect part-to-part clearances. For details, see the
   Best Practice: CAD to STL.
   3) Take note of the scale used when exporting. This will have to be
   matched when importing into the Insight software.
   

   

7. Step 7:

   2.2. Confirm Clearances
   STEP 1: Configure the modeler.
   NOTE: Import using the appropriate scale.

8. Step 8:

   STEP 2: Open and orient the STL. Confirm that the assembly is oriented as
   it was designed.

   NOTE:
   1) Do not scale a complete assembly in Insight software as this will also modify the clearances.

   2) Do not rotate a complete assembly in Insight software (so that it is in different orientation than when it was designed) because the clearances were designed for a specific build axis.

9. Step 9:

   STEP 3: Click to create part curves using the current parameters.

10. Step 10:

    Click to create supports for the current job.

11. Step 11:

    Click to create toolpaths.

12. Step 12:

    STEP 6: Under the Toolpaths menu, select Shade toolpaths (Figure 3).
    

    

13. Step 13:

    STEP 7: Right click anywhere in the viewport and select Snap-Measure
    from the menu. Drag the cursor to measure the clearance between
    model toolpaths (Figure 4).
    

    

14. Step 14:

    STEP 8: Confirm that the clearances are in accordance with the clearances
    listed in Table 3.

15. Step 15:

    STEP 9: View the individual layer slices by clicking on the icon to view
    the layers from the front.

16. Step 16:

    STEP 10: Confirm that a support layer exists between model layers (Figure 5).

17. Step 17:

    STEP 11: If the clearances and support layers are correct, proceed to step 12.
    If the clearances are incorrect, modify the 3D CAD model
    accordingly and repeat procedures 2.1. and 2.2.

18. Step 18:

    STEP 12: Assemblies procedure complete.

19. Step 19:

    3. TOOLS & SUPPLIES
    3.1. Software:
    • 3D CAD software
    • Insight software (Document developed with Insight 9.0)