Currently, there are two ways to set up a variational profile with external dependencies.

 

• Reference the variable [~VxPathParam] in an equation that drives a sketch dimension. This variable will be 0.0 at the beginning of the sweep and 1.0 at the end of the sweep.

• Reference external geometry that will change during the sweep (e.g. an intersection with a curve) and constrain the sketch to the external geometry.

 

 

 

"Add" Method

 

"Remove" Method

 

 Sweep Variational Faces

 

 

 

Select the feature type icon. For the Add, Remove and Intersect types, the topology of the active part will be altered by the feature. The Base option is automatically selected if the active part has no shape geometry.

 

	Base - A separate base feature will be created.  Base features are used to define the initial basic shape of a part.
	Add - A shape will be created and then added to the active part.
	Remove - A shape will be created and removed from the active part.
	Intersect - A shape will be created and then intersected 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.

 

 

 

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 of the loft. Choose from the following options:

 

• 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. Use the Plane option below to select the normal vector that defines the direction of the guide plane.

• X-axis Curve - The X axis is projected and follows the intersection of an existing curve or face edge. 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.

 

 

 

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 is used. Select the icon to apply.

 

 

 

• 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.