Abstract
This article introduces an innovative application of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) (Visual Basic macro language) developed in CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application), computer-aided manufacturing and engineering design software. Said application enables the three-dimensional (3D) representation and development to be obtained on a plane of the surfaces of cylindrical and conical elbows utilised to join two conduits, since CATIA lacks tools for the design of elements of metal fabrication. The application permits the geometric and dimensional parameters necessary for the creation and development of the analysed elbows to be introduced via a keyboard. Once these values have been entered and it has been verified that the design of the elbow is possible, then the application is programmed within the CATIA “Wireframe and Surface Design” module to obtain the 3D representation of said elbows, and the development of their surface is projected in the CATIA “Drafting” module. Consequently, the incorporation of this tool into CATIA software could increase technical-design productivity by eliminating certain intermediate operations, such as symmetry, and through improving the geometry training of less skilled users.
Highlights
IntroductionAs a fundamental part of the computer-aided design process, are ongoing [1], as are the advances in the use of computer-aided design
One of its main applications involves obtaining the development stamped onto metal sheet to form surfaces that can be used in industry; subsequently and by means of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, this stamped development can be adapted to cutting machines using computer numerical control (CNC)
This article has described the process of drawing, rendering in 3D, and developing cylindrical and conical sheet-metal elbows, thanks to the development of an application developed in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for CATIA
Summary
As a fundamental part of the computer-aided design process, are ongoing [1], as are the advances in the use of computer-aided design. This is a vertical application designed to trace the developments of the most commonly used elements (hoppers, elbows, bifurcations, and various cuts by planes, among others) in the metal fabrication industry This application works entirely within the AutoCAD and MicroStation environment, with an AutoCAD drawing file (.dwg) output format and can be exported by means of an interchange file (neutral file) (.dxf). This is a design software that obtains the development in sheet metal (with metals such as iron, stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminium) of multiple metal fabrication elements It is a program for AutoCAD/GStarCAD and is used to design hoppers, cyclones, conduits, silos, tubes, air conditioning, ventilation and heating installations, dust-extraction installations, and transport systems.
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