User Guide
User Guide
User Guide

Construct Helical Surface

Use it!

(3D only) Used to construct a helical-shaped B-spline surface by sweeping a section profile curve along a pre-defined helix curve. The section profile curve needs to be placed at one end of the helix curve. Before using this tool, you must also place a line that represents the axis direction of the helix curve; only the direction of the line matters.

Tool SettingEffect
Scale Section in X

Sets the factor by which the section profile curve is scaled as it sweeps along the helix curve in the direction from the starting point of the helix curve to its center point — that is, the radius direction.

Scale Section in Y

Sets the factor by which the section profile curve is scaled as it sweeps along the helix curve in the direction of the helix axis — that is, the height direction.

Spin Angle

Sets the angle at which the profile is spun as it sweeps along the helix curve.

To construct a helical-shaped B-spline surface
  1. Select the Construct Helical Surface tool.

  2. Identify the trace helix curve.

  3. Identify the section profile curve.

  4. Identify the line that represents the axis direction of the helix curve.

  5. Accept.
    The surface is generated and displayed.

  6. Accept the surface.

    Left: Identify the helix (1) the profile (2) and a line defining the direction of the helix axis (3).

    Right: Accept (4) to view the helical surface. Accept/Reject the surface.

      

    Rendered view of the helical surface.

      

Key-in: CONSTRUCT SURFACE HELICAL

Even though this tool is designed for helical sweeping situations, the trace curve does not have to be a helix curve. It can be considered as a more generalized rigid sweep tool.