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Trying to Figure Out How to Draw a Rectangular Shell With Fingers Extending Inside
tom_mort
Member Posts: 38 ✭✭
I'd like to create a hollow rectangular shell into which another object can slide in and fit. I have done this in the past by just having some holes and some screws go through the two parts.
The object that is inserted can vary in size a little. I was thinking if the shell had a number of fingers extending inside at a angle they might be able to both hold the object in place and also allow them to work with some objects that vary in size a little bit. The fingers would flex like a spring. Also wondering which type of filament would be best for this, but first have to figure out how to draw the shape.
I have drawn a hollow shell and have some slots cut in it on two sides. That is where I'd like the fingers to be, when the object is inserted they would move into the area where the slots are. Here is a link to that:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/75ce9d024accbadf93f11982/w/15c1e72dea1641eb3172fe44/e/f6402a33f55e6168f21c75a1?renderMode=0&uiState=6a1a68bc7db5c27cae5c5a63
I don't know if this is an approch that would work. I did try to just do some flat sketches and try to extrude a little, then draw the angled parts and extrude some more and repeat, but got nowhere.
I see there are some sheet metal tools, I wonder if something like that might be able to create the fingers, tabs or whatever this sort of thing would be called.
Answers
It is a bit difficult to understand the intent, but you could do something like this:
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/c218dd73c6b6e904df3fe295/w/910e8233d79091f01102e025/e/635e7e5dbbb53cc9ad5c6890?renderMode=0&uiState=6a1ab8760e921b6c1a1ad371
Make your life easier by not repeating tasks manually. Model only 1/4 of a 2-plane symmetrical thing, mirror in the end. Constrain your sketches. Re-use your basic sketches instead of drawing new ones: The bottom was already included in your first sketch. The thin walls were already an option in the first extrude you did, no need to thicken.
I like a shape like this for 3d printing. The flex fingers will be stronger. I used "TPU for AMS" filament. This was a holder for billiard chalk.
Thanks. I'll take a look at both of these methods. Still trying to gather a little more info on the range of sizes I have to accomodate and finding the time to do this.
The TPU for AMS sounds like it could be useful for another project where I am making a case with a cover that I'd like to have a nice gasket type seal. Sounds like I could use one filament for the case and then switch to TPU to make the sealing surface. I'm not sure any printer I have access to that is big enough has AMS or works with TPU though, but it seems like something useful to look into.