How can I create an helix accurately ?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I don't see how I can build accurately an helix, particularly to design the axis, without wedging it poorly with the mouse !!!

There is surely a clever method, but I don't find it.

Tx for your help.

[MechMachineMan]

3-D Sketch. Draw a helix. Create a profile at one end to sweep along it. Sweep it. Done.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Tx for your help, but my problem is at your step 2 : draw a helix.

To do it, I get a pop-up to define the diameter, pitch,... but nothing about the axis, except something that I have to wedge with the mouse.

It's really very poor and totally unaccurate.

[JDMather]

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@MechMachineMan wrote:

3-D Sketch. Draw a helix. Create a profile at one end to sweep along it. Sweep it. Done.

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My opinion is to never ever use 3D sketch to create a helix.

Use Coil instead.  Much easier to edit. (I guess I should qualify above statement - I might use a 3D sketch derived from the coil.)

@ bernik.onrock What is the design intent?  More information is needed.

Post screen captures/images/urls/ipt file.  More information on design intent.

[WHolzwarth · Accepted solution]

I've made a separate template (2015 IPT).

Not perfect, but surely better than struggling with axis directions.

Walter

[Anonymous]

Ok,

I see the idea, but it's incredible that a CAO program has such lacks about basic features.

The same to define accurately a point : except to add 2 or 3 dimensions in a sketch, I didn't see how I can enter the coordinates of point straightforwardly....

[WHolzwarth · Accepted solution]

Yes, we can

Try this in an IPT:

-Start 3D Sketch -> Point -> Expand Draw arrow down -> Precise Input

If you move the Precise Input feature to Ribbon Main Panel, it pops up immediately when clicking Point feature.

Similar behavior can be set in 2D Sketch as well. 

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:

...has such lacks about basic features.....

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Tell me exactly what you want and I'll demonstrate the correct (and easy and parametrically robust) way to do it.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

All was in the title : I want to build a helix accurately.

The pop-up for helixes asks all the needed parameters to do it, except about the axis of the helix.

wh gives me a way to do it, with 2 external 2D-sketches and adding 2 dimensions, 3 sletches + dimensions if I want to stall also the end points of the axis.

Btw, tx too to wh, for helping too about the draw feature for entering coordinates of a point. I didn't notice it.