Zip ties?

imants_smidchens · July 2020

I'm working on a CAD project for our robotics team, and we've taken to using zip ties for not only wire management, but also for attaching lightweight components in places where a custom 3D printed mount (or something similar) is less practical. However, in previous years we haven't taken the time to add screws/bolts/chain, let alone zip ties.
I'm trying to implement better CAD practices across our team - leaving no screw un-CAD-ed, we found an excellent chain/belt featurescript, but I'm at a loss for how to do zipties.
Is there a featurescript out there I'm unaware of, or is there a better way than creating unique, custom, in-context parts?

imants_smidchens · July 2020

one thing I'm considering is using the wire featurescript to create a replication which approximates the dimensions, would this be a valid way?

john_mcclary · July 2020

if you want to show your zip tie then I would draw a box to represent the head.

Draw circle or a box with a spline to create a path for your strap.

Configure your shape as needed.

Then draw your strap rectange and sweep along your path

mahir · July 2020

Alternatively, if you are creating assembly drawings you can just call out the zip tie locations via flag note.

john_mcclary · July 2020

Right, that is all I would do in a professional environment. The model itself is just fancy fluff for the marketing department.

fnxf · July 2020

Have a look at this: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/bd1ab9b3ce22193d6cab1fcb/v/5cddd092347747326f80ba5a/e/1585fa2a8d699d6318e9a552
Maybe a bit complicated- but if you'd just take the "Part Studio Zip tie" and put it in a stand-alone document, you'd be ready to insert this in any assembly. The diameter of the zip tie can be adjusted during assembly. Feel free to copy and improve

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5022071/uploads/editor/am/7199wpwwns9p.png

EvanReese · August 2020

I think folks are right that they aren't strictly necessary. The only reasons I can think that you'd really care to have them in there are:

identifying potential collisions
renderings and other images
personal satisfaction

but if I were doing this, I'd do something like @fnxf suggests and make a single configured zip-tie part to bring into the assembly. I might suggest adding several configs. One table for the sizes you know you'll have (could be small, medium, large) and also the diameter it's going around.

fnxf · August 2020

I would add

4. assembly instructions

5. correct BOMs

Good suggestion, @Evan_Reese. In my experience, small and large are enough, e.g. 120 mm and 250mm length. And I'm really a fan of the new Q-ties from HellermanTyton: https://www.hellermanntyton.com/products/cable-ties-inside-serrated/q120i/109-00053

EvanReese · August 2020

fnxf said:

I would add

4. assembly instructions

5. correct BOMs

excellent additions!

trevin · November 18

I have my zip ties added as items so they are in the BOM but I haven't been able to figure out how to add a mass to an item so I can get an accurate mass for the assembly. Is it possible to add mass to items?

john_mcclary · November 20

No, items are just there for BOM reference.

There really isn't much value in calculating mass for something so trivial.

If it was critical, you don't know exactly how much of the zip tie was used, etc. So, you're better off weighing the final product rather than calculating it in CAD anyway.

S1mon · November 20

Zip ties are very light, but for things like drones, every gram could be a second(s) of flight time.

john_mcclary · November 20

https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/123488#Comment_123488

right, that's why I'm saying it should be weighed after the fact.

If you end up throwing away 80% of the zip tie length when you trim it.. what good would a mass for the full length help?

if you really need to get that level of mass. You're better off modeling the tie for each place, then assign a material to it.

martin_kopplow · November 21

If you use configured Zip Ties, the weight will be pretty accurate, for the config would only use the part that is not cut off. I know many don't model fasteners at all, but in tight environments (small enclosures, many moving parts) it is crucial to have all the possible collisions and intended mounting sequence properly considered and documented. And BOM, of course!

Also, when vibration is an issue, there may be dedicated mounting points for the Zip Ties, which need to be designed. I'd always want to put a zip tie model in there just to make sure that slot or hook isn't misunderstood or misused by anyone.