Revolving

Abstract

Revolving is important for turned parts, spherical polishing and many other spherical forms (clay pots, round glasses, etc.). It begins with a base sketch. The revolving can either be fixed or it can be made open for additional features. Different approaches are presented, including mirroring across a specifically created plane. A shaft example is studied for different purposes, using a variety of important elements and shapes. Axisymmetric models that represent characteristic mechanical elements (e.g., wheel, shaft, pulley, belt pulley, bolt, etc.) are normally produced using a turning process. Here, we model them with a process of revolving. The starting point for modelling axisymmetric models is similar to the one for prismatic models. Here, we also begin by drawing a sketch of the cross-section contour (for example, a shaft), which we then rotate around its axis. The axis of rotation is usually the x axis of the selected coordinate system. Since this is an axisymmetric model, we can use just a half of the cross-section and revolve it around the desired axis to obtain the solid object. In engineering language we would say that the model is revolved around the centre line, which represents one of the local coordinate axes in the sketch. There are several ways to create this kind of model. In this chapter we will present the simplest method for a relatively complex shape. The exercises also provide different approaches for these complex shapes. Using the approaches made with SolidWorks and NX that are presented here the reader will easily be able to identify the individual steps.