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of the segment around or through existing assembly geometry. Use as few
work points as possible, since additional work points slow performance and
make relocating work points more difficult.
NOTE You can also use segment points to assign labels and custom virtual parts.
For more precise placement of segment work points, define work features at
critical locations before inserting the segment. Work features, such as work
points and work axes, are especially useful for directing segments through
tie-downs, clips, or other geometry. Segment work points associated to work
features update when the model changes. They also react to positional
representations. Work features can also help create a more accurate approach
to the connectors, or direct the segment around geometry to avoid.
Feedback is provided throughout the creation process to highlight valid points
and show the offset for your selections.
Select Work Points for Segments
Like the points used to define pins and wire points, the points you select for
segments determine whether certain work points are updated when changes
are made to the associated geometry. Segment work points created by selecting
arbitrary points on a face are not updated to changes in the model geometry.
Segment work points based on the following geometry, do update when
changes are made:
■ Existing work points
■ Center points on any circular component such as a face, a hole, and
cylindrical cuts or arc edges
■ Existing sketch points
■ Model vertices
Select Undo or press ESC while creating a segment to remove the last segment
point created and end the create segment operation.
Plan Segment Start Points and Endpoints
When multiple segments exist in an assembly, the placement of the start and
endpoints of the segment in relation to the wire or cable connection points
is an important consideration. When automatically routing wires and cables,
280 | Chapter 14 Work with Segments