Springs

Draw springs.

This function allows you to draw a predefined spring, or specify and create a new spring definition.

The Mechanical Setup option defines the default line styles and pens to use.

Make sure that the drawing units are set to "mm" (millimetres) before using the mechanical toolkit functions.

Procedure

1. The Springs definition window displays.

2. Select a predefined spring from the drop-down list, or fill in the relevant information, and then click OK.

3. You can add your own spring definitions by clicking Add, and then entering the relevant data. The spring definition is saved when you click OK, or select another spring definition from the list.

If you modify an existing spring definition, you are asked to save it. Select No to avoid changing the original spring definition.

4. You are prompted to:

Indicate the position of the Spring side view

5. Indicate the point where the centre of the one end of the spring must be positioned.

6. If you have selected the Automatically align the side view checkbox in the Spring definition, the spring is rotated to align with the nearest object. If not, you are prompted for a rotation.

Rotate Fastner

7. A popup menu displays with the following options.

8. If you select the Enter Rotation option, you are prompted to:

9. Type in the required angle and press [Enter] or click Enter .

10. The spring is drawn in side view, at the specified angle.

11. You are prompted to:

Indicate Spring centre for plan view

12. Cursor hold is active at this point, which allows you to specify a position for the plan view of the spring, that is aligned with the axis of the spring side view. Indicate a centre point for the plan view.

13. You are prompted to define an additional point for the rotation of the centreline axes of the plan view:

Enter a point on the Spring plan view centreline for rotation

14. In the example below, a point is indicated at a 45 degree angle to the spring centre point (shown by the "x") so that the axes are drawn at a 45 degree angle.

15. The side view and plan display together below.

Using the Repeat Option

The repeat function is used to draw multiple equidistant copies of the spring.

Linear

To draw multiple copies of the spring in a straight line:

1. Select the Linear option.

2. Enter the number of springs you want to draw.

3. Now enter the distance between the spring centres.

4. Click OK and follow the prompts,

Polar

To draw multiple copies of the spring in a circular arrangement:

1. Select the Polar option.

2. Enter the number of springs you want to draw.

3. Select either the Spacing or PCD option from the list box.

• • If you select Spacing enter the distance between the spring centres.

  • If you select PCD enter the PCD of the circle on whose circumference the springs will be arranged.

4. Click OK and follow the prompts.

The side view is not drawn if you select the Polar repeat option.