Curves are manually inserted default paths along which electrical engineering and Fluid power connections can be routed.
- The curve is defined by a starting point and at least two successive control points. Once the placement of a curve is completed, the last-placed control point is interpreted as end point.
- The individual control points of the curve also contain, in addition to their X, Y, and Z position coordinates, information on the curve gradient and the bending factor.
- Graphically, the curves, like routing paths, are displayed as blue lines with snap points at the starting/end points and at the control points.
- When inserting curves, snap points on existing routing paths can be used. It is, however, also possible to freely define curves by means of the cursor or the placement options.
- Mounting surfaces that are below the cursor when placing the curve points are activated automatically. If a mounting surface is active, all points of the curve are placed in the mounting surface.
Tip:
When inserting curves and when changing the curve run, the orthogonal function can be used, so that all entries are placed within the same surface. Press [<] to activate the orthogonal function and move the control point along the X axis. Each subsequent pressing of [<] activates, in this order, the Y axis, the Z axis, the XY surface, the XZ surface, and the YZ surface.
Press [Tab] during the modification of the curve run to change the gradient of the curve at a control point. Using the [Home] / [End] keys you can change the bending factor at a control point.
Inserting a curve
- Select the menu items Insert > Curve.
The status bar shows a prompt "Starting point of the curve". - Move the cursor close to an existing routing path.
The starting, center, and end points of the existing routing path are shown as snap points.
When placing the points, you can use the placement options for the input of an offset in the X, Y, and Z direction. - Click the captured point to place the starting point.
The status bar shows a prompt "Next control point of the curve".
You can freely move, rotate, and pull apart in all directions the curve on the cursor.
With free placement in space, a surrounding cuboid shows the space taken up by the curve run from the last point entered to the current cursor position. When placing in a surface, a rectangle is shown. - Place the first control point of the curve.
The status bar shows a prompt "Next control point of the curve, space character at the end". - Place the second control point of the curve.
- Place further control points, or complete the placement with the spacebar.
The curve is displayed in the layout space.
See also
Inserting New Control Point in Curves