How do I create a helical pipe?

[jwilhite1218]

I'm trying to create a pipe in the shape of a helix in AutoCAD but I haven't been able to do so.

I tried creating a helix and then I clicked create pipe and selected the helix as the line entity for pipe centerline.

If anyone could give me any tips for creating a helical pipe, I would really appreciate it.

Also, is it possible to construct lines or construction lines in the shape of a helix?

Thanks.

[skintsubby]

Try creating your helix, then use "SWEEP" for your pipe?

[jwilhite1218]

Thanks, I know what you mean, but how would I sweep the pipe? I know that I need to click "Create Pipe" and then "Select Line Entity for Pipe Centerline" and "Select Line for Pip e Cross Section Definition. But I don't see any option to sweep the pipe.

[skintsubby]

Create your Helix.

Draw two concentric circles the OD and ID of your pipe

Type "SWEEP" and select the two concentric circles <right click>

Then select your helix.

Now all you have to do is subtract the internal sweep from the external sweep using the "SUBTRACT" command 

[Patchy]

Sweep an ARC along a helix.

[jwilhite1218]

I'm sorry I'm new to AutoCAD and I've never used Subtract before. I think I got everything else except that last step when you said to subtract the internal from external sweep.

[nestly2]

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jwilhite1218 wrote:

.... then I clicked create pipe and selected the helix as the line entity for pipe centerline.

---

There's nothing like "Create Pipe" in base AutoCAD, Are you using a vertical like Civil3D, AMEP, Plant3D or a 3rd party add-on.

This his another way to do it in "AutoCAD" 

Draw concentric circles and use REGION to create the profile. then SWEEP using the Helix as a path.

[skintsubby]

Yes.. Just type "Subtract"

When it says "Select Objects"  pick the outside pipe. <right click>

Then pick the internal pipe. <right click>

and it will remove the internal sweep from the external sweep.

[skintsubby]

It's not fair!!! Nestly always has nice fancy gifs!!

[JDMather]

I would have used solidedit>shell rather than 2 sweeps and subtract.

or

seems to me if you create a Region profile (Tip 2 http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/content/CAD238/AutoCAD%202007%20Tutorial%208.pdf ) of the two circles, it can be done with a single sweep.  Oops, I see Nestly already suggested that.  I guess I should read these posts.