2011

Table Of Contents
Draw Helixes
A helix is an open 2D or 3D spiral.
You can use a helix as a path with the SWEEP command. For example, you
might sweep a circle along a helix path to create a solid model of a spring.
When you create a helix, you can specify the following:
Base radius
Top radius
Height
Number of turns
Turn height
Twist direction
If you specify the same value for both the base radius and the top radius, then
a cylindrical helix is created. By default, the top radius is set to the same value
as the base radius. You cannot specify 0 for both the base radius and top radius.
If you specify different values for the top radius and the base radius, then a
conical helix is created.
If you specify a height value of 0, then a flat, 2D spiral is created.
NOTE A helix is a spline approximation of a real helix. Length values may not be
completely accurate. However, when you use a helix as a sweep path, the resulting
values will be accurate regardless of the approximation.
See also:
Modify Helixes on page 797
Create a Solid or Surface by Sweeping on page 972
To create a helix
1 Click Home tab Draw panel Helix.
2 Specify the center point for the base of the helix.
3 Specify the base radius.
682 | Chapter 18 Draw Geometric Objects