3D Sketch (3D Paths)

What it does

3D Sketch creates a line through 3D points. Use it as the Path for Sweep / Sweep Cut, for example for pipes, cables or steel frames.

Where to find it

Model › Curves › 3D Sketch

Steps

1. Click 3D Sketch.
2. Type the points in the Points (X, Y, Z) box, one point per line, for example 0, 0, 0 (separate values with , ; Tab or a space; # starts a comment). Or click vertices or faces on the part to add points.
3. Choose Through the points and Closed loop as needed.
4. Click OK. You get 3DSketch<n> in Design Explorer.

Try it: Riser handlebar

A mountain-bike riser bar bends in three directions at once: it rises, sweeps back and stays flat in the middle. A single 3D Sketch spline gives you the path for that shape.

1. Click Model › Curves › 3D Sketch and type these points in Points (X, Y, Z), one per line:

   -380, -40, 40
   -260, -25, 38
   -120, 0, 8
   0, 0, 0
   120, 0, 8
   260, -25, 38
   380, -40, 40
   

2. Set Through the points to Spline (smooth), leave Closed loop off and click OK. You get 3DSketch<1>.
3. Click Sketch, pick the YZ-Plane, draw a Circle at the origin with Ø 22.2 and click Finish Sketch.
4. Click Model › Boss / Add › Sweep. Choose the circle as Profile and 3DSketch<1> as Path, then click OK. Sweep moves the circle to the start of the path for you.
5. For the stem clamp area, sketch another circle on the YZ-Plane with Ø 31.8 and Extrude it with Mid Plane 100 mm.

Challenge: Switch Through the points to Polyline (straight segments) and compare. Then change the two Z = 40 values to 20 for a lower rise.

See also

• Sweep and Sweep Cut
• Helix / Spiral