Very cool - did some further research into tab and slot fixturing and was pleasantly surprised to find out that SolidWorks 2018 has this feature! I have a question for you concerning the method used to cut your parts for the cool vehicles you've built - waterjet, plasma or laser? Did you have any issue with stresses due to the heat with plasma / laser if those were your methods? I would like to look into building a welding fixture table with tab and slot to see if I can get the cuts done locally and save a bit of change versus a Certiflat kit.
Hi Karl, Laser is generally best for accuracy and sharpness of cuts so that is what I recommend using for tab in slot designs. Second choice would be waterjet, with plasma the third choice. I have not experienced stress issues, and heat build up is generally not an issue with laser cutting, and certainly not with the waterjet. Plasma cutting does generate a lot of heat in the part but I have not experienced any issues as a result of it. I do use plasma cutting for my designs that are not tab in slot, as it is more economical. Good luck with all of your projects.
