4.2.3.6 Groove (ger. "Einstich")

In this exercise you'll learn about the feature Groove. It is used to create grooves on shafts.

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Open the model boss, if you created it previously, and save it as groove according to the naming convention. Otherwise create the model groove and add a cylinder with the following dimensions to it:

Dimension	Value [mm]
Diameter	20
Height	50

Additionally place two bosses concentrically on the cylinders flat sides:

Dimenison	Value [mm]
Diameter	10
Height	20

(refer figure "Cylinder with bosses")

Select the feature Groove .

Within Groove, select Rectangular.

The window Rectangular Groove (refer figure "Menu Rectangular Groove") requires to select a surface for reference. Click the cylinders mantle. (refer figure "Referenced surface")

Then you have to enter the grooves dimensions:

Dimension	Value [mm]
Groove Diameter	15
Width	2

Confirm with OK.

Hint:

A disc appears on the screen. It only represents the positioning of the groove. (refer figure "symbolical groove")

 

You now have to position your groove within the window Position Groove.

First, click the outer edge of the cylinder and then the outer edge of the groove.

The window Create Expression pops up. Enter the value 24mm.

Confirm by clicking OK.

The groove is created subsequently. (refer figure "finished groove")

Create both other types of grooves in random spots:

• Ball End
• U Groove

Similar to the previous explanations.

Enter the following dimensions for the U Groove:

Dimension	Value [mm]
Groove Diameter	15
Width	6
Corner Radius	2.5

The Feature Groove is especially suited for simple and small grooves on shafts, like grooves for o-ring seals, etc. (refer figure "example for grooves")

Hint:

You should avoid creating big sections of shafts by using a multitude of grooves on a long cylinder. (Although this would be a modeling orientated strategy, in this case there are other, simpler ways). The better way would be to place bosses on top of each other, since their size and positioning can easily be adjusted later on.

This shows the difference between pragmatic modeling in a CAD-system and methods for production. In production sections of a shaft are created by milling down from a cylindric body.