Rail Sweep

Draw | Solid from Curves | One Rail Sweep Solid

This tool sweeps an open curve along a predetermined path defined by another curve.

The extruded profile can be tapered or twisted.

In this task, the circle will be swept along the helix to create a threaded rod.

Activate as current the Model layer for Part 4.

Select the Rail Sweep tool from the toolbar or use Draw > Solid from Curves > One Rail Sweep Solid. Make sure the Sweep Perp and Curve Extents options are selected from the edit bar.

Select the circle profile, then use the center of the circle as the sweep profile origin. Select the helix as the curve for the sweep path.

The result is shown below from Isometric and Top views.

Profile swept along path of helix to create a solid shape

Pipe

Draw | Solid from Curves | Pipe

This tool creates a solid or hollow pipe using a straight or curved line.

An inside diameter of 0 creates a solid pipe.

The inside line which was used as the helix path will be ‘rolled’ into a solid pipe, similar to the illustration below.

Pipe created from single line

Select the Pipe tool from the toolbar or use Draw> Solid from Curves > Pipe. Input an Outside Diameter of 14 and an Inside Diameter of 0 into the edit fields.

Select the line which was use as the helix profile, shown below.

Selecting the inner line

The result is shown below.

Pipe created from inner line

Add Solid

Add Solid

Modify | Solid Booleans | Add Solid

This 3D boolean function combines the volume of 2 intersecting or adjoining 3D solids or surfaces.

Select the Add Solid tool from the toolbar or use Modify> Solid Booleans > Add Solid. Select both parts, in any order, to combine their volumes, shown below.

Volume of pipe and thread combined using Add Solid

Drawing Layout and Printing

Should you wish to print your drawing at this stage, please refer to Drawing View Layouts and Printing.