Creating a pattern of features / bodies along a curve is a very useful feature in SolidWorks. Previously, I discussed how to pattern features along a curve using Pro/Engineer, and the technique using SolidWorks is similar, but there are some differences in the work flow between the two CAD software packages.

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In most situations, creating cuts as solid features, a Boolean function, is the most efficient method when working with solid bodies. This efficiency applies both in creating the actual feature, and the regeneration / rebuild time. However, there are some modeling situations in 3-D CAD where a solid cut does not work, but substituting a surface cut is a viable solution.

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A useful technique to deform a part in a controllable way, using dimensions, is the indent feature. A tool body is used to deform a target body, and at least one of the bodies must be a solid. By using the indent feature, it can replace other surfacing techniques to create similar features.

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Lately, I have been using SolidWorks for most of my projects. However, I do occasionally get requests for work to be done in Pro/Engineer. One of those requests was to model electrical cabling, and create a flat length on a drawing. Neither I, nor did my client have the Pro/Cable module, so I needed to find a solution to this problem as Pro/Cable would require the purchase of an additional Pro-E module.

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Logo in Pro-E part sketch

From my previous post, I received a request on how to model silkscreening on a part designed in Pro/Engineer using vector graphics.  The previous example was a SolidWorks part, but the techniques are similar although the terminology in Pro-E differs from SW.

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When creating parts with silk-screening, one issue that mechanical design engineers frequently face is how to model the laser marking or pad printing artwork on the part CAD model. The logo needs to be visible in both the part file and drawing which references the part file.

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