Recommendation for Lexan in CAD

[1069B_Argonauts]

We are developing some components of our robot in Autodesk Inventor and I have downloaded some of the community part libraries but I was wondering how the community would recommend doing Lexan and if anyone had a library with some Lexan parts. Thanks for any help!

1069B - Argonauts

[Xenon27]

whenever I want to use some custom polycarb part in CAD, I just create a new part. then save it to my library for use in assemblies

[kmmohn]

Time to learn the other half of parametric CAD, making parts, not just assembling what’s already made! The basic process in all the CAD systems is to make a 2-dimensional sketch and extrude it to the proper thickness (0.062 for legal polycarbonate).

[Xenon27]

for example, this polycarb backplate on this dr4b CAD model.

I created a new part, sketched a rectangle with my desired dimensions, put holes in it, the extruded it 0.062". I saved it to my vex parts library, and placed it in my assembly. This is a really useful skill to have, its quite difficult to make assemblies exactly how you want without knowing how to create your own parts.

[1069B_Argonauts]

Okay thank you! I am competent in part designing and I was more looking for any tips a tricks for designing the part and changing the properties, adding holes, etc. Also any recommendations that you would give after doing it a few times.

[Sylvie]

What I do is make a new part in a new tab that is just an x by y sheet with a depth of 0.065 inches. I add clear texture/color, and any holes I need with the reverse extrude tool. Then save the part and open it in your assembly.

[4610H-Allen]

What about curved lexan? How would you do that?

[vexvoltage]

Make a sketch of the curved profile. Width would be 0.065 then extrude it up to desired height. Then draw on the faces where you need holes and extrude them out.