Smart 3D Modeling Blog Series: Parametric Bolt with Provision of Split Pin Hole - Blog 2 of 3

In this blog, we will use Extrusion, Protrusion, Cut and Chamfer features to create the bolt from the basic 2D profile that we created in the previous blog.

Following are the steps to create the same:

1. In Isometric view, turn off visibility of Construction circle and Constraints (Markers) in View Attributes. You will now see three basic elements of the profile.
   
   
2. Extrude the outer (Green) circle with distance associated with the variable Head_Length.
   
   
   
   
3. Chamfer Top Edge of the cylinder formed by the extrusion using the following parameters:
   • Method = Equal Distance
   • Distance = Chamfer_Equal_Distance (Variable)
   • Select Tangent Edges = On
     
     
     
     
4. Now use the Hexagonal profile to cut the outer portion of the cylinder with following parameters:
   • Cut Method = Outside Profile
   • Cut Direction = Forward
   • Cut Mode = Through
   • Profile = Hide
      

5. We will now use protrude tool to create the shank for the bolt.
6. Move the cyan circle away from the bolt head in such a way that it is still concentric to the construction circle.
7. Next, create the shank for the bolt by protruding the cyan circle using the below parameters:
   • Direction = Forward
   • Profile = Hide
     
     
8. Now apply 3D Dimension constraint to the length of the Shank associated with Shank_Length variable.
    
9. Next create a chamfer on the bottom edge of the shank using following parameters:
   • Method = Equal Distance
   • Distance = Chamfer_Equal_Distance (Variable)
   • Select Tangent Edges = On
     
      
10. Apply a 3D Fixed constraint to the entire solid thus created.
    
    

The Bolt is ready with all its desired variations in sizes. You can test by applying the variations in the Variables dialog.
 
In the next blog, coming up in the week of May 8, 2017, we will complete the bolt by creating variations of it with and without a split pin hole.