Mechanical Minutes Blog

TECH TIP

TOPIC: Indent as In Context cut

Using in-context cuts to provide clearance for interfering parts in an assembly is a useful technique. However there are times when finding a sketch plane and creating the sketch can be problematic. In these cases consider using the Indent command with its “cut” option enabled.

Procedure:
Open an assembly that has parts interfering. In this case we have a square structural member protruding through a sheet metal safety guard.

1. Edit the part that will be modified with the cut. In this case the Sheet Metal Guard.


2. Select the Indent command and select the Target Body (sheet metal guard) and the tool body (square tube). Optionally a clearance or “gap” can be specified. In this case a .125 inch space is created around the square tube.

3. Because the tool body was a tube this command produced a left over remnant in the guard. Using delete body removes this unwanted material. If the tool body (square tube) had been solid this would not have happened.