How best to Sweep a 3d Curve.

[ryandias]

There are a few things that would be made very easy if i could just sweep a 3d curve. (points out of plane)

I can create a Surface sweep no problem. But when it comes to a Body. No deal!?

So first
What is the difference between a Surface and a Body? Sorry to sound dumb, but why would one work and the other not?

Next,
How could I sweep curves that are not planar. Is there a function better suited to creating "wires" and other similar things. Not interested in CABLE HARNESS feature (since our company does not have it).

 

[kjoiner]

Ryan,

The best way to create a 3D curve is to use the Cross Curve command. You draw two curves that basically define the orthograhpic views of the curve and then use Cross Curve to create the 3D curve. I have used this tool to create wires and ribbon cables in some chassis models.

The cross curve command is in a pullout from the project curve button.

Also, if you already have two surfaces that intersect, you can use the Intersecton Curve command. This was the method used until the Cross Curve came out a few versions ago.

A good resource for learing about these curves is the segurucool website. Here's the link:

http://www.geocities.com/segurucool/

Tushar Suradkar has several turorials that illustrate the use of several tools in Solid Edge. Take a look at his site and see if that will help in 3D curves.

Kyle

 

[beachcomber]

You can also use the frames command to create wires and tubes !
Just create your path as you would do in XpresRoute.
You can define paths with lines, curves, splines etc.

I also use co-ordinate systems and space curves to create the paths for 'flexible' parts.

bc

 

[ryandias]

cool, Thats awesome, was not aware you could change a surface to a solid.