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Midpoints in bends on a tube

Hello all. I was wondering if anyone could explain how to get some of these points in this drawing, and hopefully help in getting a dimension.

For this part, I would create a plane on the left end of the part, followed by cylinders for each straight. Then a plane on the right side. Next, I would construct a pierce point for plane 1 and cylinder 1 which would give me midpoint 1. Then construct an intersection point between cylinder 1 and 2, and that would be midpoint 2. I would continue this for the rest of the tube until i get to the last pierce point giving me midpoint 7. I have learned that i can create a cast point on cylinder 2, and it will give me midpoint 2.2; however, I have not yet been able to figure out a way of getting any of the x.1 midpoints.

That is where my question starts: How can i get these .1 midpoints? I feel like I've tried every combination of picking two cylinders and all the different types of points, and have had no luck in getting them. I have XYZ coordinates for these points, but more importantly, i have length-of-straights dimensions that are taken as a measurement between for example 1 to 2.1. This is a crucial measurement to the fit/form/function of our part, and as of now, i have absolutely no way of checking it.

My second question is this: Almost every part we have has a dimension for mid 1 to mid 7 across the Y-axis (as shown). But they will also dimension in this case, the top of cylinder 1 to the bottom of cylinder 7 (relative to the Y-axis) across the Y-axis. Every time i try to measure Cyl 1 to Cyl 2 across the Y-axis (with plus diameter getting me the closest), I never can seem to quite get a passable measurement.

Any help in either of these matters would be greatly appreciated.
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  • Think of how the bending machine works, it -

    1 feed out the first straight of the tube,
    2 make the first bend
    3 feed out the next straight
    4 possibly rotate the tube
    5 make the next bend
    6 repeat from 3 until done

    Each point set of three consecutive intersection points defines the bending plane for the included bend, so we need to repeat: [construct plane, level to the plane, construct circle, construct pierce points] for every set of instersection points (1-2-3, 2-3-4, 3-4-5, 4-5-6, 5-6-7), startplane and endplane intersection points included.


    It would seem to me, that assuming i have an alignment already, it seems unnecessary to construct planes out of my midpoints (gotten from the intersection between the cylinders) to use for the circle. However, if it IS necessary, can you explain that in a little more detail please?


    As circles are 2D features, not 3D, we need a correct workplane when we measure or construct a circle. The first three intersection points form the bend plane (for the first bend), and so the bend radius circle must be constructed in this workplane. Unfortunately, in PC-DMIS circle construction can't reference a separate feature as working plane (as is possible when measuring a circle) , so we must do the level before construction.

    The lines you had labeled planes were achieved from the midpoint on either side of the cylinder (Or as a cast line based off that tube). Which would be the more accurate/reliable? Using the midpoints or the cast line to construct the plane?


    No lines were intentionally labeled planes, they are the cylinder center lines (or start point to end point, it's the same thing).

    Secondly, Considering i am creating a 2-d feature, would i be correct in thinking i need to be in a workplane looking DOWN at the circle, in a way similar to as if i was looking at your first picture?

    Exactly!

Reply
  • Think of how the bending machine works, it -

    1 feed out the first straight of the tube,
    2 make the first bend
    3 feed out the next straight
    4 possibly rotate the tube
    5 make the next bend
    6 repeat from 3 until done

    Each point set of three consecutive intersection points defines the bending plane for the included bend, so we need to repeat: [construct plane, level to the plane, construct circle, construct pierce points] for every set of instersection points (1-2-3, 2-3-4, 3-4-5, 4-5-6, 5-6-7), startplane and endplane intersection points included.


    It would seem to me, that assuming i have an alignment already, it seems unnecessary to construct planes out of my midpoints (gotten from the intersection between the cylinders) to use for the circle. However, if it IS necessary, can you explain that in a little more detail please?


    As circles are 2D features, not 3D, we need a correct workplane when we measure or construct a circle. The first three intersection points form the bend plane (for the first bend), and so the bend radius circle must be constructed in this workplane. Unfortunately, in PC-DMIS circle construction can't reference a separate feature as working plane (as is possible when measuring a circle) , so we must do the level before construction.

    The lines you had labeled planes were achieved from the midpoint on either side of the cylinder (Or as a cast line based off that tube). Which would be the more accurate/reliable? Using the midpoints or the cast line to construct the plane?


    No lines were intentionally labeled planes, they are the cylinder center lines (or start point to end point, it's the same thing).

    Secondly, Considering i am creating a 2-d feature, would i be correct in thinking i need to be in a workplane looking DOWN at the circle, in a way similar to as if i was looking at your first picture?

    Exactly!

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