Sweep Shape
Insert 
Shapes (Standard) (Part Level)
Use this command to create
simple or variable sweeps using an open or closed profile and a sweep
path. The
path can be wireframe geometry, a face edge, a sketch or a curve list.
For open profiles use the Offset option (see Options Tab below). The required inputs include the profile to sweep and the path curve. Basic options include boundary, offset and end caps. Advanced options include frame, spine, orientation, scale and twist. Scale and twist may be linear or variable.
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Shape - "Base" Method
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Variable Shape - "Base" Method
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Shape - "Add" Method
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Shape - "Remove" Method
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Variable Shape - "Add" Method
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Variable Shape - "Remove" Method
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Variable Faces |
The Add, Remove and Intersect options are similar to the Combine Shapes command.
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Base - Base features are used to define the initial basic shape of a part. The Base method is automatically selected if the active part has no shape geometry. If geometry exists, this method creates a separate base shape. |
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Add - This method adds material to the active part. |
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Remove - This method removes material from the active part. |
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Intersect - This method returns the intersection of material with the active part. |
Profile - Select a profile
to sweep or middle-click to Create a Feature Sketch
You can select wireframe geometry, face edges or a sketch.
Path - Select a point
near the starting end of the sweep path. Again, wireframe,
edges and sketch geometry are supported.
Boundary
If the selected profile is open (i.e., it does not form a closed loop), you can use this option to specify the boundary face. This face will serve to close the open profile. (see CAD Tips & Techniques).
Offset, 1st offset, 2nd offset
Specify an offset method and distance(s) to be applied to curves, curve lists, or open or closed sketched profiles. This option adds thickness to the feature automatically.
None
Shrink/Expand - Create an offset by shrinking or expanding the profile. A negative (-) value expands to the outer side and a positive (+) value shrinks to the inner side of the profile.
Thicken - Create a thickness from the profile determined by two distance values. The first shrinks the profile toward the inner side. The second expands the profile toward the outer side.
Thicken Same - Create a symmetrical thickness about the profile. The total thickness equals 2 times the distance.
Connected perimeter faces are created by this option. The ends of the faces will remain open unless the End caps option is used (see below). If both end caps are specified, a solid is created.
Use these options to control the placement of end cap faces on the start and end of shapes. This can automatically form closed volumes when a closed profile is used or when an open profile with the Boundary option (see above) is used. Select the icon to apply.
Frame
This option defines the reference frame used during the sweep. The reference frame can be a datum plane or a part face. The direction of the X and Z axes of the reference frame are controlled during the sweep by the X-Orient and Z-Spine options respectively (see below).
When the sweep profile is constructed at the beginning of the sweep path, the At Profile and At Path methods below produce the same results.
Natural - The default reference frame of the profile or entity is used to control the sweep along the curve. The sweep begins at the start of the curve path.
At Profile - The frame is built on the point on the sweep path where the profile is. This will make the surface interpolate the profile but the profile will not be at the beginning of the surface.
At Path - The frame is built at the start of the sweep path.
Selected - You are prompted to select a datum plane or part face whose default reference frame will be used to control the sweep. The reference frame and the entities being swept are theoretically joined as a rigid body. The reference frame is then moved to the start of the curve path.
Z-Spine
Use this option to control the Z axis direction. Choose from the following options:
Natural - A straight line is used if all of the profiles are in parallel planes. If not, a simple spine perpendicular to each of the profile planes through the centroid of the profile is used. No additional inputs are required.
Spine - The Z axis remains tangent to a spine curve. The spine curve can be any existing curve or face edge. Use the Curve option below to select the spine curve or face edge.
Parallel - The Z axis remains perpendicular to an existing plane. This forces the profile plane to remain parallel with the existing plane. Use the Plane option below to select the normal vector of the parallel plane.
Curve
Select the spine curve or face edge. This option is use with the Z-Spine / Spine option above.
Plane
Select the normal vector of the parallel plane. This option is use with the Z-Spine / Parallel option above.
X-Orient
Use this option to control the orientation of the X axis during the sweep. Select from the following methods:
Natural - The X axis is constrained to minimum rotation. No additional input is required.
Guide Plane - The X axis stays "in" an existing plane. It is perpendicular to the plane normal.
X-axis Curve - The X axis is projected and follows the intersection of an existing curve face edge or curve list. Use the Curve option below to select the X axis curve or face edge.
Plane
Select the normal vector that defines the direction of the guide plane. This option is use with the X-Orient / Guide Plane option above.
Curve
Select the X axis curve or face edge. This option is use with the X-Orient / X-axis Curve option above.
Scale
Use this option to apply a scale factor to the loft. Select from the following option:
None - No scale is applied.
Linear - The scale factor is applied as a linear uniform function starting and ending at the values you specify on this tab.
Variable
- The scale factor is applied non-uniformly based on scale attributes
attached to the drive curve (see above) using the Add, Modify,
and Delete buttons discussed below. The
scale factor will match the attribute value at that point on the drive
curve and blend smoothly between attributes.
If only one attribute is placed on the drive curve, the entire loft
will be scaled to that value. If
no attribute is placed at the start and/or the end of the drive curve,
the loft will continue remain tangent to the previous blend segment.
Add
Add a scale factor attribute to the drive curve. This option is used with the Scale / Variable option above.
Select a point on the curve to locate the attribute.
Enter the scale factor.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all scale attributes are added and then middle-click to continue.
Scale Type
Specify the axes along which the scaling should occur. Select one of the following: Uniform, X only, Y only and Z only. This option is used in used with the Scale / Variable / Add option above.
Flat
Use this option to mix constant and variable scale factors along the drive curve. Just place variable scale attributes with the flat option set to Yes at the boundaries of the loft region that should have a flat constant scale factor.
This option is similar to the Flat option for the variable Edge Fillet command and is used with the Scale / Variable / Add option above.
Select Yes or No to set the scale factor as flat. If set to Yes, the attribute symbol is placed at the selected point on the drive curve.
Modify
Modify a scale factor attribute currently attached to the drive curve. This option is used with the Scale / Variable option above.
Select the dimension (scale attribute) to modify.
Enter a new value (scale factor).
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all scale attributes are modified as desired and then middle-click to continue.
Delete
Select the scale factor attribute to delete. This option is used with the Scale / Variable option above.
Twist
Use this option to apply a twist factor attribute to the drive curve.
None - No twist is applied.
Linear - The twist factor is applied as a linear uniform function starting and ending at the values you specify. Positive values will twist counterclockwise.
Variable - The twist factor is applied non-uniformly based on twist attributes attached to the drive curve using the Add, Modify, and Delete buttons discussed below. The twist factor will match the attribute value at that point on the drive curve and blend smoothly between attributes.
Add
Add a scale factor attribute to the drive curve. This option is used with the Twist / Variable option above.
Select a point on the curve to locate the attribute.
Enter the twist factor.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all twist attributes are added and then middle-click to continue.
Flat
Use this option to mix constant and variable twist factors along the drive curve. Just place variable twist attributes with the flat option set to Yes at the boundaries of the loft region that should have a constant twist factor. This option is used in used with the Twist / Variable / Add option above.
Select Yes or No to set the scale factor as flat. If set to Yes, the attribute symbol is placed at the selected point on the drive curve.
Modify
Modify a twist factor attribute currently attached to the drive curve. This option is used with the Twist / Variable option above.
Select the dimension (twist attribute) to modify.
Enter a new twist rotation factor (in degrees).
Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all twist attributes are modified as desired and then middle-click to continue.
Delete
Select the twist factor attribute to delete. This option is used with the Twist / Variable option above.
More about Adding Shapes with Open and Closed Profiles (see CAD Tips & Techniques).
During the Required Inputs Profile and Path (see above) you can right-click and select Make Curve List from the Input Options Menu. This will allow you to make a parametric list of existing curves to use as input for this command.
