4 Replies Latest reply on Aug 1, 2013 5:27 PM by Carlos Moreno

Driving Surface-Offset

Carlos Moreno Jul 15, 2013 2:12 PM

I am using solidworks 2012. Is there a way to drive a surface offset, either by relationship, or selecting a dimension? It seems like the surface offset feature only allows you to type in a number.

I have a sweep I want to perform, but I want the sweep path to pass through a particular point in the profile. In order to do that, I need to offset a surface from an existing surface through that point. Right now, I have to manually figure out the distance of the point, and then type that into the surface offset. And if I change the model, I have to repeat the process to rebuild. I'd like to drive the offset distance either by relating it to a dimension, or a relationship, but it doesn't seem possible.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Re: Driving Surface-Offset

Anna Wood Jul 15, 2013 3:09 PM (in response to Carlos Moreno)

Could you create a sketch (2D or 3D) and place a driven dimension for the offset, then create an equation to set your offset distance?

Add whatever construction geometry to your sketch to allow you to add the dimension.

Might need to to a couple ctrl-q rebuilds to get the surface offset to update.

FWIW,

Anna
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- Re: Driving Surface-Offset
  
  Carlos Moreno Jul 15, 2013 3:13 PM (in response to Anna Wood)
  
  Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but the surface offset feature itself doesn't seem to accept anything but a number in its blank, no equation, no dimension name, no relationships. That's what I'm struggling with.
  
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  - Re: Driving Surface-Offset
    
    Anna Wood Jul 15, 2013 4:48 PM (in response to Carlos Moreno)
    
    Double click on the Offset in the Feature Tree. Over in the UI you should see a dimension that you can edit and I beleive add an equation or link, etc.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Anna
    
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    - Re: Driving Surface-Offset
      
      Carlos Moreno Aug 1, 2013 5:27 PM (in response to Anna Wood)
      
      Hey, I finally got around to doing this. Worked as you promised. Thanks are in order.
      Please have an internet beer on me.
      
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