6.0

Creating Profile Sketches | 51
If your sketch does not contain the same constraints, redraw it to more
closely resemble the illustrations in steps 1 and 2.
Notice the letter F, located at the start point of line 0. It indicates that a fix
constraint has been applied to that point. When Mechanical Desktop solves
a sketch, it applies a fix constraint to the start point of the first segment of
your sketch. This point serves as an anchor for the sketch as you make
changes. It remains fixed in space, while other points and geometry move
relative to it.
You may delete this constraint if you wish, and apply one or more fix con-
straints to the endpoints of sketch segments, or to the segments themselves,
in order to make your sketch more rigid.
5 To hide the constraints, respond to the prompt as follows:
Enter an option [All/Select/Next/eXit] <eXit>: Press
ENTER
Save your file.
You have successfully created a profile sketch. In chapter 7, “Constraining
Sketches,” you learn to create, modify, and delete constraints and parametric
dimensions.
Using Custom Sketch Rules
Custom settings affect how Mechanical Desktop analyzes rough sketches. In
this exercise, you sketch with
PLINE and convert your drawing to a profile
sketch. You will modify one of the Mechanical Options sketch rule settings
and see its effect on the sketch.
Before you begin the next exercise, create a new part definition.
rough sketch profile sketch