Assignment- SolidWorks API Programming

You are required to develop an API program(s) in SolidWorks 2016 to solve a problem in one of a number of categories:

- Constructing geometry for a part family.

- Solving a design problem according to some pre-determined rules, e.g. according to some mechanical science formulae.

- Some time consuming, repetitive task that can be ‘automated' by employing API.

You are to design in consultation with the tutor the task to be undertaken. This should be unique and not simply a copy of someone else's work.

Some examples are given on the attached sheet.

Please note the following:

- Your program(s) should demonstrate your understanding of API and parametric programming.

- Your program(s) should require the minimum input, then make ‘intelligent' decisions and, finally, construct geometric or other output.

- Your program(s) should, where appropriate, allow selection of preferred sizes only.

- Where appropriate, sizes should be constrained according to some pre-determined rules.

- Only logical input should be allowed, e.g., only a positive and non-zero value allowed for the length of an entity.

A series of programs could be developed that could assist in creating part files of turned components. Routines could be developed to create common features found on turned parts:
- Plain diameters
- Tapers
- Hole on axis
- Internal and external threads
- Holes on PCD
- Slots
- Etc.
Several views could be created with as much of the feature creation being as automated as possible.

MECHANICAL SCIENCE

- A structure is made up a series of beams. During operating conditions the structure is subjected to a number of forces of different magnitudes and directions. The dimensions of the beams, material, etc., vary according to the operating conditions. An API program could be developed to calculate the forces, moments, etc., and then construct models of appropriate beams. This could be done in conjunction with Excel. Also Excel can be used as the main driving software for your macro (however keep in mind the error safe method will still be graded the same)
- API programs could be developed to analyse the different punch and die sizes required during sheet metal work operations. Appropriate punch and dies could be chosen according to the forces required to process material of a given thickness and properties.

DIFFERING OPERATING CONDITIONS

A company designs and manufactures equipment for customers throughout the world. Although they produce what appear to be standard products, they differ considerably due to the local conditions of the user companies:
- Different motors are employed in different countries.
- Different health and safety legislation in different countries dictate a range of guards and other equipment.
- The specific needs of some customers vary.
Consequently parametric programming could be employed, such that a few relevant questions are answered, for example:
- Country to be employed in
- Customer
- Version of machine
- Etc.
The programs could then select the appropriate sizes, parts, etc., and produce the necessary drawings.

VARIATION IN DESIGN

A company manufactures furniture for fitted kitchens. They have a number of styles of door, trims, etc. The units come in standard widths, heights, etc. The managing director wishes to offer a more bespoke range made from high quality wood. The customer chooses from a range of patterns, material, etc. The doors are then manufactured using CNC woodworking machines. API programs could be used for this task.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

- Spring manufacture: based on user input of spring parameters e.g. spring rate, tension spring etc. Std. wire diameters should be used.

- Fence production: Std. fence and special fence lengths. Posts and complete assemblies.

- Canopy: The Canopy surface area will be based upon exact user requests for length breadth and height. The nearest standard sectional configuration above this should be selected and used. The canopy will be supported by one post up to a certain span then two above this etc. The software should automatically quote for the product.

- Terrain modelling: The software should take in information (e.g. in the form of curve files) from a spreadsheet. A solid model of the terrain should then be produced.

- Design a program that will produce a complex bottle with a required internal volume given by the user based on user inputs for max height or width.

- Bridge producer: The program could produce a simple bridge. The user may place parameters such as the span, width, max. load etc for the bridge. A solid model could then be produced with the appropriate parts.

- An automated user-friendly quoting system could be developed for a product with standard configurations. The cutting lists - works drawings - BOM reports etc. could then be automatically produced.

- Automatically model new standard parts and save them to directories

- Any other scenario you can think of pending discussion with module lecturer

APPROACH TO TAKE

This can be a complex task so some logical steps are advised:

1. Plan carefully what it is you are attempting to achieve.
2. Record small macros to help you formulate the code.
3. Program a simple version, without any ‘fool proofing', etc. For example, without any checks that logical decisions are being made.
4. Debug this simple version.
5. Refine program and add ‘fool proofing', etc., at appropriate stages of the program.
6. Debug refined version.

Need to follow all given guidelines

Word Count/ Number of Pages - 10

Reference Style - Harvard

Requirement - This assignment requires developing an api program on solidworks 2016 with a word possessed report.