Intermediate Curve : Options and Results

Access: Open this function from the following location:

  • Select Wireframe > Derived Curves > Intermediate Curve from the menu bar.

Create one or more an intermediate curves between two curves. Any number of intermediate curves can be created. If 2 points are selected, the result is an intermediate point (or a number of points as required).

This function may be used, for example, to divide an angle, place components on a part, define the split direction, or to find a centerline for machining purposes (to guide the path or orientation of the tool during NC programming).

Required Step 1

  1. The following parameters are displayed (the geometrical entities in the images are used to explain the parameters below). Set the parameters as required.

    Parameters

    Geometric / 
    Morph

    This is a toggle option that determines where the intermediate curve is created.

    Geometric

    The intermediate curve is created along a group of points where each point has the same distance to the 2 input geometries – the input wire(s) (or its extension) or to the point.
    ExampleExample

    The mid curve is displayed in BLACK.

    See the additional examples below.
    See the note in the Number of Divisions parameter explanation below.

    Morph

    The intermediate curve is created along the ½ V parameter of the "theoretical ISO parametric" ruled face created between the 2 input geometries.
    ExampleExample

    The mid curve is displayed in BLACK.

    See the additional examples below.

    Additional examples showing the difference between the Geometric and Morph options:

    Between a circle and a pointBetween a circle and a point

    The intermediate curve is displayed in BLACK.

    Geometric

    Morph

    Between a wire (with 2 sharp lines) and a pointBetween a wire (with 2 sharp lines) and a point

     

    The intermediate curve is displayed in BLACK.

    Geometric

    Morph

    Number of Divisions

    The number of curves to be created between the 2 input geometries.
    ExampleExample

    In this example, Number of Divisions = 5.

    Note: If the Geometric toggle option is selected, the Number of Divisions is set to 1 and grayed out in the following cases: if the input curves are 3D or if the two 2D input curves do not lie on the same plane.
    ExampleExample

    3D input curves

    2D input curves on different planes

  2. Pick the entities as required. 
    Pick the 2 input geometries (curves / lines / composite / sketches / edges / points) between which to create the intermediate curve(s)/point(s). The 2 input geometries can be:

    • 2D or 3D

    • Open or closed wire

    • Not smooth

    • 1 wire and 1 point

    • 2 points

    The 2 input geometries cannot be 1 closed wire/curve and 1 open wire/curve.

    If it is, an appropriate message is displayed.

    Each input (wire) should not contain more than 1 loop (lump).

    If it does, an appropriate message is displayed.

  3. Define the parameters as appropriate.

  4. Click OKOK or ApplyApply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The result is single curve wire body.

When completed, the Intermediate Curve feature(s) will appear in the Feature Tree.

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.