DATUM CURVE VISIBILITY: PATTERNING PROBLE

[andysuth]

Hi,


(THIS WAS PLACED IN WRONG FORUM TO START WITH)


I'm trying to create a spiral pattern, and I've tried to do so from a solid protrusion (linear, to be patterned) and a Cylindrically referenced Equation driven Datum Curve.





The Curve is there, but can only be seen when I highlight in the Design Tree.





I cannot select the curve itself in the graphics window without first selecting the feature in the design tree.





I can highlight the protrusion and then select pattern (chose the along curve option) and then I can't select the helix I've defined as a datum curve.





WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?????





-AS

 

[vlad1979]

I'm 99.99%

sure you have that curve in a layer and it's hidden.


Unhide the layer, save status and then the curve will be visible all time.

 

[andysuth]

I thought that, but no. Here's the layer tree.


I did prat about with it a fair old time, so I've possibly changed a setting.





Note F7 the Helix. That's what I want to pattern across.


-AS


View attachment 4034



Edited by: andysuth

 

[andysuth]

OK:


Enter a few descriptive parameters to allow easy alteration of the datum curve.


(Tools>relations>



inner_radius = 1200
no_cycles = 2
rise_p_cycle =10000
actual_angle = no_cycles * 360



CLICK VERIFY (this adds the parameters, then you can delete if you would like to)


Click OK.


Put a cylindrical Co-Ordinate system in.


Form Spiral / Helix:


Insert Datum Curve> From Equation>Done


Select the coordinate system then select cylindrical references.


put in an equation like:


r = inner_radius
theta = actual_angle * t
z = rise_p_cycle * no_cycles * t


<alt><f>, <s>


<alt><f>, <x>


<Preview>, OK





Then add JUSTTWO datum points, one a small distance along the helix (where the second instance should start) and one atthe end of the helix.


Make sure it's driven by ratio. (REL)


Finish point adding proceedure, then right click on point in design tree, add pattern.


Select "rel" of the point not at the end of the helix as dimension, then alter to produce a number of points up the helix that can be mapped to whatever pattern you wish to make into a helix.





-AS
Edited by: andysuth

 

[Jacoolo]

this should be turned on

View attachment 4040