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Re: Is Onshape right for me - Steel fabricator designing with flexible dimensions like length
I would also suggest looking at the "frames" tools for what you describe.
Here's a good example of a parametric design, in this case it's lumber but the process would be identical with steel profiles:
Re: Improvements to Onshape - June 6th, 2025
Have wanted sheet metal conical features for years.. thank you!
Re: Improvements to Onshape - June 6th, 2025
Excellent point @dirk_van_der_vaart ! here is how I would do that as if it were a true sheet metal part, with the hole stamped normal to the face https://www.veed.io/view/4e500722-a69d-4649-8421-241086045978?panel=share : This uses mate connector belonging to the bracket as an axis to mate the pin to, then the width mate is applied. There are other ways of adding width mates too which I will write some info up on for a coming tech tip.
I created a branch in the document I shared earlier. I added configurable angle to test a range of possibilities as well…https://cad.onshape.com/documents/f333c7dbc8816de5feab30cb/w/6bb72f8bd203adb0d2e6e368/e/d33cbebc8fab347ed742c337?configuration=Wall_Angle%3D0.3490658503988659%2Bradian&renderMode=0&uiState=6844b0d3977cfd4711e52ea4
Re: Improvements to Onshape - June 6th, 2025
https://www.veed.io/view/c36407cd-d64c-4230-9043-1416e0f4404c?panel=share for a quick video on width mate on a non-perpendicular situation as you mention @S1mon and sample public document: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/f333c7dbc8816de5feab30cb/w/b1d1b29ddc4fb864ef48a474/e/d33cbebc8fab347ed742c337 Let us know if that works ;-)
Re: Any tips for performance / rebuild improvement?
@sam_wehrli I second the CNC Overcut feature as Plan A.
If you end up wanting to go the derive route use Super Derive (this one can do the boolean too). Do a speed test. You're right to be wary of derive because the regen can get out of hand if you don't pay attention, but if the thing you're deriving is from a very simple part studio it can be quick, and if it's placing multiple instances it only takes the derive hit once and patterns them around, whereas CNC Overcut generates a new cylinder per edge.
I was curious myself so I did a comparison between them. Performance was similar (Super Derive was actually a bit faster), but CNC Overcut is better IMO because it:
- places the overcuts in a better location. Derive is easiest to place a cylinder right on the corner, but overcut
- automates selections making it much more robust to changes. You don't have to edit the feature every time you add a new slot.
- also automatically fillets the edges if you really need that though if you can get away without it, it's about twice as fast.
Another performance tip: you can create a configuration checkbox for "development/production" where development suppresses things that are slow to regen, like the fillets on the CNC overcut. You can set the dev one to exclude from revision mgmt and BoM so you don't accidentally use it in prod.
Re: Improvements to Onshape - June 6th, 2025
@S1mon as it turns out that you CAN solve for this condition if the cylindrical mate is appplied to the center mate connector the hole on the angled part and not the face mate connectors.
Re: Improvements to Onshape - June 6th, 2025
Width mate is yet another thing I didn't know I needed, but the Onshape team did and gave it to me anyway!
Re: Improvements to Onshape - June 6th, 2025
Cone Sheet Metal BABY! This is Huge. Seems so small but the math can be intense
Re: Improvements to Onshape - June 6th, 2025
Need to play around with the width mate, although at first glance I was surprised it doesn't seem to have "limits" so it seems like it will another mate to lock things in place, which seems less than ideal…
CAM Studio Beta Coming to EDU Enterprise
We are excited to share that CAM Studio (Beta version) is now available in our Onshape Education Enterprise plan! This feature was included in the latest release on Friday, June 6, 2025 and is the industry’s first cloud-native CAM solution of its kind. If you are an Education Enterprise user, you automatically have access to CAM Studio.
This new feature:
- Supports 2.5 and 3-axis machining strategies
- Supports a broad range of machines, cutting tools (including custom tools/libraries), and post-processors
- Has built-in machine simulation allowing users to simulate their tool paths before putting them into practice on their CNC machine
- Takes advantage of Onshape’s robust PDM capabilities to allow more seamless and collaborative development of toolpaths
To help get you started, head over to the Onshape Learning Center and complete the Introduction to CAM Studio course. Please note that while CAM Studio is not available in our other education plans at this time, we are always evaluating the features each plan contains. We look forward to hearing your feedback as you begin to explore the Beta of CAM Studio in your Education Enterprise!
Naomi_E