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Booleans with Sweep Parts

philip_jarrettphilip_jarrett Member Posts: 2
Hello!

I am struggling with a project in which I have a complex, sweeped shape that was extruded along a splined path from a splined profile. The issue is that I am unable to perform any boolean operations on this part. For example, when attempting to subtract a cylinder from the sweeped part for a bolt, Onshape is unable to solve. However, when I attempted to create an example scenario for this post, I was able to successfully subtract a cylinder from a spline profile that was sweeped along a non-spline half-circle. Any ideas what might be going on?

Thanks,
Philip
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Comments

  • owen_sparksowen_sparks Member, Developers Posts: 2,660 PRO
    Hi and welcome.  It's always easier to help if you supply a link to your file.

    Details here on adice on asking for help, erm, if that helps:-
    Cheers, Owen S.
    Business Systems and Configuration Controller
    HWM-Water Ltd
  • philip_jarrettphilip_jarrett Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2019
    Owen_Sparks,

    I wanted to share but I'm technically fiddling with a teacher's CAD part and don't know if I have their permission to share publicly. However, I believe I found at least a clue as to what was going on.

    I had a spline profile sweeping along a spline path. I applied a variable fillet to an edge of the resultant part. The slot I was attempting to subtract from the principal part was passing through the variably filleted area. When I suppressed fillets, Onshape was able to solve the boolean. Then, I was able to apply a new fillet. I wonder if the variable fillet presents a challenge for this scenario.

    Thanks,
    Philip
  • Jake_RosenfeldJake_Rosenfeld Moderator, Onshape Employees, Developers Posts: 1,646
    @philip_jarrett

    It's likely that your subtraction was creating some kind on non-manifold geometry.  Here is an example:



    This sort of subtraction created an infinitely-thin portion of geometry on the part, as well as an infinitely-small connection on the top and bottom faces.  This type of non-manifold geometry cannot be constructed in Onshape.
    Jake Rosenfeld - Modeling Team
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