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SolidWorks Tips and Tricks sponsored by
SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy
Using Projected Curve to
Create a 3D Curve
There are several ways to create a 3D curve. A neat
technique is to create two sketches on intersecting planes and merge the
sketches to create one 3D sketch. The 3D curve can then be used to create
solid model features. For example, you can use the curve as the path or
guide curve for a sweep feature, as the guide curve for a loft feature, or
as a parting line for a draft feature. To demonstrate what I am talking
about, create the sketch shown below on the Front plane.
Next, create the following sketch on the
Right plane. Make sure that the origin is at the midpoint of the bottom
vertical line.
Now, the sketches can be merged together. To
do this, Ctrl select both sketches and pull down the "Insert" menu and pick
Curve-Projected... Click the green check mark button at the top of
the Curve PropertyManager.
Now, you can use the 3D curve to create your
solid model feature. Below, I used the Sweep command to sweep a 5mm
circle along the 3D path. The above sketches were used only to demonstrate
what the Projected Curve command can do. Feel free to be creative and play
around with the sketches and create all kinds of useful 3D curve paths.
October 2007
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