Feature Detail
Custom joints with SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS

In steel design, aside from the classic connections such as end plates, gusset plates and angle connections, there are of course many more specialized typical steel connections such as splice joints, haunches, base plates and many more.

In most cases, these connections are sufficient to create already complex steel structures. If not, a combination of standard connections can usually be used to create a structural steel connection. To show this we have picked out two different connections:

Frame corner

Here in the example, there is a type of frame corner often used in hall and plant construction which consists of an end plate, a haunch with a lower chord as well as some ribs. In the video it quickly becomes clear: Such a frame corner can be constructed quickly and comfortably with normal SolidSteel parametric functions. The fact that the SolidSteel parametric PMPs remember all inputs and thus can be used to create identical components very quickly is certainly also helpful.
But as it is well known, "One frame corner rarely stands alone!".
To avoid having to build a frame corner multiple times with different functions, the first frame corner can be conveniently tuned into a "Custom Joint".

This means that a copy of all parts involved is stored in one location and the SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS database stores how these parts belong to each other. Thus, both the parts and the geometric arrangements are defined. Creating the connection is a one-time process and the frame corner can be reused in all projects at any time.

Shear force loaded I-beam connection with clip angles

In the case of the frame corner, the workflow has already been well demonstrated. With the angle connection, however, the many manual operations make it even clearer how much time the "Custom Joints" function saves in the daily workflow. Notches are automatically created, both angles are placed, all fasteners are created and much more... I think pictures say more than words here - especially when you consider that dozens of such connections have to be created on a larger structure.

Special connections

In the previous part of this article, we have looked at the classic, steel construction type connections and explained the advantages of the Custom Joints feature of SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS.

However, another advantage is that with the Custom Joints feature, all types of connections that were not possible before can be created fully automatically. By “not possible before” we mean connections that do not consist of standard connections or are strongly modified standard connections.

Some time ago, a customer told me: "If my structural engineer can calculate a connection, I must be able to design it". Exactly that is now possible in a much better way!

In the video we show a connection of a frame girder to a column with a different cross-section and profile size. Reduced to pure theory, one could say that this connection is a double end plate connection - if it weren't for the welded frame with slotted plates. But like all other connections, this connection can be learned very quickly and placed even more quickly - as often as desired.

The creation of this connection can be seen at 5:08 in the video below.

Parametric

With SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS, we are of course working in a parametric 3D CAD system, and as the name of the software suggests, SolidSteel parametric is also fully parametric. The same is true for the new Custom Joints feature - but beware: Before some customers and prospects now rejoice too early, it must be explained that if a sketch changes, the position of the profiles and the position of the Custom Joints change automatically as well.
However, since these connections were taught without degrees of freedom, these connections also have no degrees of freedom afterwards. If not only the positioning, but also the geometric situation changes, then the connection will be deleted, because it can no longer be placed correctly.
But with an entry in the SolidSteel parametric To-Do list, this is no problem - you can simply reposition a custom joint that fits the situation.

Integration, data export & more

If the learned joints were created from SolidSteel parametric standard joints or, in the case of custom parts, with the SolidSteel parametric part template for sheet metal parts, the entire world of SolidSteel parametric functions is open to you. Automatic labeling of all parts for DXF and DSTV NC export, automatic creation of shop drawings, the geometrical equal part recognition for parts lists and much more.

Speed advantages for your company

Now that we've explained many of the benefits of the new Custom Joint feature in SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS, it's probably time for a return-of-invest calculation to show how much time you and your business can really save.

But those who know us are aware: We don't do that. You know your company best and at the end of the day you need to decide how much a feature like this or the use of SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS really benefits your company.

Nevertheless, we are convinced that SolidSteel parametric for SOLIDWORKS is the ideal addition for all SOLIDWORKS CAD users with steel construction requirements and besides speed advantages it can also drastically reduce the human error factor. We would be happy to show you this in a live demo or you can simply try it out yourself with a free test.










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