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Zip ties?

imants_smidchens
imants_smidchens Member Posts: 84 EDU
in Community Support
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?

Answers

  • imants_smidchens
    imants_smidchens Member Posts: 84 EDU
    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
    john_mcclary Member, Developers Posts: 4,093 PRO
    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
    mahir Member, Developers Posts: 1,324 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Alternatively, if you are creating assembly drawings you can just call out the zip tie locations via flag note.
  • john_mcclary
    john_mcclary Member, Developers Posts: 4,093 PRO
    Right, that is all I would do in a professional environment. The model itself is just fancy fluff for the marketing department.
  • EvanReese
    EvanReese Member, Mentor Posts: 3,019 PRO
    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:
    1. identifying potential collisions
    2. renderings and other images
    3. 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. 
    Evan Reese
    The Onsherpa | Reach peak Onshape productivity
    www.theonsherpa.com
  • fnxf
    fnxf Member, User Group Leader Posts: 147 PRO
    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
    EvanReese Member, Mentor Posts: 3,019 PRO
    fnxf said:
    I would add

       4. assembly instructions

       5. correct BOMs
    excellent additions!
    Evan Reese
    The Onsherpa | Reach peak Onshape productivity
    www.theonsherpa.com
  • trevin
    trevin Member, pcbaevp Posts: 6 PRO

    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
    john_mcclary Member, Developers Posts: 4,093 PRO

    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
    S1mon Member Posts: 4,433 PRO

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

    Simon Gatrall | Product Development, Engineering, Design, Onshape | Ex- IDEO, PCH, Unagi, Carbon | LinkedIn

  • john_mcclary
    john_mcclary Member, Developers Posts: 4,093 PRO
    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.

    image.png
  • martin_kopplow
    martin_kopplow Member Posts: 1,536 PRO

    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.

  • imants_smidchens
    imants_smidchens Member Posts: 84 EDU

    oh sorry i forgor about this thread

    ended up writing a janky custom feature for it

    snag it here

    https://cad.onshape.com/documents/1916fc024819252e0598d659/v/491a4940a6b927aea52f768b/e/cd4e167e2b624f0303fcd83a

    Screenshot From 2025-11-21 02-09-30.png Screenshot From 2025-11-21 02-04-34.png
  • john_mcclary
    john_mcclary Member, Developers Posts: 4,093 PRO
    https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/comment/123505#Comment_123505

    That's cool!

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