Using XYZ Align

Window | Snaps

This tool projects an aligned point in the x-y-z plane.

This snap mode is very useful for quickly producing an aligned view of a sketch. In this task, points will be projected orthogonally along the x and y axis to create new sketch geometry.

Make sure snaps are enabled.

Multi Line

Draw | Line | Multi Line

This sketch tool draws a connected series of lines at any length or angle.

The Multi Line tool allows a continual sequence of line segments to be drawn. These segments connect each start point to the previous end point, creating a series of connected lines.

Select the Multi Line tool from the toolbar or use Draw > Line > Multi-Line.

Position the cursor over the endpoint of the vertex shown below. Do not left click; the focus should be on allowing the LogiCursor track to the endpoints, shown below.

Starting for the first projected endpoint

Allow the LogiCursor to track upwards along the Y axis, projecting from the endpoint. Left click only when the projection is aligned with the endpoint shown below.

Projecting the endpoint along the y axis

Target the endpoint shown below, do not left click. When the endpoint is found, track the cursor upwards until both the projected x and y points are displayed, shown in the illustration below, as along x and along y. Left click only when the points below are clearly displayed.

Targeting the endpoint

Move the cursor upwards, then TAB to the length field and input 12. Make sure the angle is set to 90.

Drawing the line upwards @ 12

Move the cursor along the x axis, shown by the arrow below until the alignment tracks with both the x and y axes, shown below. Left click only when both lines are projected.

Drawing to the projected endpoint

Draw to the endpoint of the first line, shown below.

Finishing the sequence

The result is shown below.

Rectangle drawn by projecting points

Start the next line at the endpoint shown below, then draw a Multi Line upwards to a distance of 36.

Starting at a new endpoint

Track to the endpoint shown below, but do not left click. Align the cursor along the x axis until the line is shown similar to the illustration below.

Aligning endpoints to project to and from

Draw to the perpendicular point, allowing the point to track along the y axis, shown below.

Tracking along the y axis

The result is shown below.

Top sketch drawn by referencing points for bottom sketch

Use an identical method to drawn the opposite rectangle so that the result is the same as the illustration below.

Top profile produced

Use the Parallel, Trim and Extend tools to create the center and hidden lines for the holes, shown below.

Detailing the top sketch using Draw & Modify tools

Using the same method, create an aligned view using the dimensions supplied in the illustration below.

Aligned views created

Segment at Location

Modify | Trim | Segment at Location

This trim tool breaks a line into segments at indicated points. The segments remain intact.

A line can be divided into segments by providing the location of the segment break.

In the example below, the horizontal line should be broken at the points shown by the markers. This is done so the middle segment’s linestyle can be changed to represent a hidden line.

Select the Trim > Segment at Location tool or use Modify > Trim > Segment to Curve, then select the Segment at Location option.

Select the horizontal line, then indicate the first intersection shown by the left marker below.

Select the horizontal line again, then indicate the second intersection shown by the right marker below,

Line to be divided at the intersections shown by the markers

The line has been converted into 3 intact segments, shown below. The middle segment can now be changed to a hidden line pattern. When this line is selected, use the Inspector to change the line properties.

Line divided into 3 intact segments