Reverse Engineering a Vise
Project Description
During my first semester at K-State I had the opportunity to work on a project in my graphics class that required that I reverse engineer a vise. Though a vise itself is a simple machine, the project extended much further than our knowledge of the mechanics of a vise. The project required I apply all the knowledge I had accrued throughout graphics of engineering standards and of the modelling software, SolidWorks, to eventually reproduce a 3-D model of the vise. However, it was not my knowledge that decided my success, but my ability create a plan, work through the steps efficiently and in a timely manner, and follow through with my deliverables.
Reverse Engineering
The vise consisted of 19 parts, each required to be scaled 1:10 of the size of the original. For each component I measured, I created orthogonal drawings to organize my measurements, which drew on the drafting experience I had accrued throughout the semester. Because SolidWorks is designed to show when a part does not have enough dimensions to be supported, I quickly learned which measurements were necessary and which were unnecessary to better streamline the measurement process. To get to a fully functioning device I made a short list of steps that I knew if I followed would allow me to complete the project.
-
Construct each of the individual components as separate SolidWorks part files.
-
Bring each individual component into a SolidWorks assembly file to be assembled as whole.
-
Make any changes necessary to the individual parts to allow them to fit together as intended.
-
Check the assembly for any errors, such as overlapping parts, undefined components, etc.
-
Ensure the functionality of the vise within SolidWorks.
For each part I created I took note of which pieces would interact with each other so that I would be able to correctly assemble the device in the assembly file. For example, the base of the vise interacts with the bushing and the movable jaw directly by contact (Figure 2). The base does not directly interact with screw, however, but interacts with the screw via the bushing and movable jaw. In this fashion I was able to assemble the device by creating the appropriate relationships between the components in the assembly file. Once assembled, it was important that I checked that the relationships between the components were physically valid. I was able to use SolidWorks to scan for overlapping parts and show me the discrepancy so that I could correct it. For instance, the screw and the bushing were created to match pitch so that the screw would not catch as it performed its function. To create
Fig. 1. Isometric pictures of vise parts.
Fig. 2. Isometric picture of vise in SolidWorks.
a better fit, I gave the screw an increased tolerance with the bushing, however in doing so I offset the pitch. SolidWorks detected the overlapping between the screw and the bushing, and I was able to correct the pitch of the screw to match the pitch of the bushing. This allowed the screw its full range of motion without overlapping. Using my part and assembly files, I was able to create drawing files with both orthogonal and isometric views (Figure 3), as well as a bill of materials (Figure 4) to show my work in a professional manner.
Fig. 3. Orthogonal and isometric drawing of base.
Fig. 4. Bill of materials for vise.
Project Conclusion
This project, and similar assignments, gave me the knowledge and skill required to earn my SolidWorks Associate Certification, a certification that shows my proficiency at modelling parts in SolidWorks. Upon earning this certification, I knew I had accomplished something of which to be proud, as not every student can claim the same accomplishment. This project gave me a sense of what 3-D modeling would be like in a professional setting, which is invaluable.