Make Path

Use the Make Path tool to create machine design layout sketches. For example, you can model cam profiles where the tangent relation between the cam and a follower automatically transitions as the cam rotates. A path enables you to create a tangent relation between a chain of sketch entities and another sketch entity.

Once you have created a path, all the sketch entities in the path are selected simultaneously. To select an individual sketch entity in the path, right-click and choose Select Other.

To create a path:

1. Sketch a model to represent a cam and another model to represent a follower.

2. Make each sketch a block, and position the cam below the follower.

Although not required, making the sketches blocks provides more control of the sketches.

3. Select an arc on the cam and click Make Path (Sketch toolbar) or Tools, Sketch Tools, Make Path.

4. In the Path Properties PropertyManager, under Definition, click Edit Path.

5. Add the remaining sketch entities that form the chain for Selected Entities, then click .

6. Click Add Relation (Dimensions/Relations toolbar) or Tools, Relations, Add:

1. Add relations to the cam and follower to prevent motion that is extraneous to the intended motion between cam and follower.

   Relations added: Horizontal Vertical between midpoint (horizontal sketch entity and arc center) Fix center of bottom arc

2. Add a Tangent relation between the top arc of the cam and the bottom sketch entity of the follower.

7. Click .

Rotate the cam to preview the motion.

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