[nlh]

Hi it's me again,

I've attached a file that I have started as well as a couple pictures of the actual part. I have the basic shape started but do to all the other angles that need to be made I'm really stumped. I need to model this part so I can produce a toolpath with BCC2007. It's not super critical to make it exactly like the original but somewhere close. Just looking for some pointers, steps, etc to help me along.

Links to pics of actual part:

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=DSCF0008.jpg

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=DSCF0007.jpg

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=DSCF0006.jpg

http://s64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...t=DSCF0005.jpg

Thanks

[tjones]

OK,

Not an easy one (at least not on my train of thought). Maybe someone else has another way that could work out better. Without dimensions I guessed at how some of the form should be from your pictures. You should change the plane angle to alter the depth of the angled sides.

The side clearance angles are chagned from the extrude the way it was to a draft after the top was done. This was to maintain the part width but I really do not know what you have to hold.

I cleaned up the file a bit but I have to post it here as an Alibre step file.

This means you will need to import an alibre.stp file to read it. This stp file is not the type that can be read by other software but if you need it in a format like that I could send it. I am only assuming the version of Alibre you have will open this file so let me know.

The biggest trouble I had is the corner radii where the transition occurs. Not an easy place to add fillets but it should not matter for machining. If you are using a 3/4 ball endmill then the smallest radius it would machine is a 3/8 radius anyhow.

[tjones]

Give it a try with this one.

[nlh]

Thank TJones,

That last file opened fine.

[tobyaxis]

Tjones,

Your pretty handy with Alibre. How long have you been using it?

[tjones]

Just about 2 years now. And part of that time was on Xpress.

[nlh]

TJones,

New drawing as per my PM.

Thanks

[tjones]

Is this what you were needing?

I had to do a little less than perfect patch in the corners to get the angled step from high point to the side. It should not effect the bobcad code generation.

BTW: Version 10 is now released. However it may be some time before the Xpress gets updated (usually 1-2 months). But a little unknown thing with Xpress. Xpress is actually the full version with a code limitation. If you were to download the full version 10 demo and install on you system it should pick up the Xpress license on install and run in the Xpress mode.

It may be worth a try anyhow.

[nlh]

Thanks TJones,

Yes, is pretty close to what I need. Unfortunately I made an error in the last drawing file I uploaded. The large square(outer periphery) should be 2.75". I made it about 2.56" for some reason. I don't know how hard or easy that is to change. I am going to go download the V10 demo and see if maybe the next time you do a drawing I can open it up and play with it myself. I really need to learn this.

Thanks

[nlh]

I just checked the Alibre website Tjone and unless I'm missing something, the only demo currently available is V9.2. Any idea when it will be out?

Thanks

[tjones]

Sorry,

The download area has the link to the full V10 as well as a pdf files and more.

http://www.alibre.com/support/downloads.aspx

[tjones]

Well maybe not for xpress users...hmmm they caught on to the trick so I will have to try a different aproach.

[nlh]

LOL, that's alright. As soon as I can I'll purchase the full version.

When you get a chance do you think you could widen the outer periphery to 2.75". Other than that the form looks great. If It would be a help I can provide you with another drawing like the last one, only with the correct outer dimensions.

Thanks

[tjones]

Here is the updated file.

[nlh]

Thanks TJones,

That one looked like it will work great!

Thanks again!