Draw Helixes (Concept)

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Draw Helixes

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Concept

Procedure

Quick Reference

A helix is an open 2D or 3D spiral.

You can use a helix as a path with the SWEEP command. For example, you might sweep a circle along a helix path to create a solid model of a spring.

Show Me: Create and Modify a Helix

When you create a helix, you can specify the following:

Base radius
Top radius
Height
Number of turns
Turn height
Twist direction

If you specify the same value for both the base radius and the top radius, then a cylindrical helix is created. By default, the top radius is set to the same value as the base radius. You cannot specify 0 for both the base radius and top radius.

If you specify different values for the top radius and the base radius, then a conical helix is created.

If you specify a height value of 0, then a flat, 2D spiral is created.

NoteA helix is a spline approximation of a real helix. Length values may not be completely accurate. However, when you use a helix as a sweep path, the resulting values will be accurate regardless of the approximation.