The Rotate around axis functionality rotates one or several objects in the layout space (e.g. 3D bodies imported from STEP files) around the center of the invisible rectangular body enveloping them. Edges, auxiliary lines, or the axis of a mounting point or a base point can be used as axes of rotation. Thus it is possible to rotate 3D objects also around non-orthogonal lines and edges, independently of the coordinate system of the layout space.
The following illustration shows the operating principle of rotating: The selected rotation axis (1) is projected in the center of the surrounding rectangle. Rotation is then carried out around this projected axis of rotation (2).
To rotate 3D objects around axes, edges, or lines, 4 operation steps are required:
- Select objects to be rotated
- Determine axis of rotation
- Determine direction of rotation on axis of rotation
- Enter rotation angle.
Preconditions:
- You have opened a project.
- You have opened the layout space navigator and a layout space.
- Select the button Mounting aid in the command group Layout space in the View tab.
Mounting points and base points and their 3D coordinate systems are displayed. The X, Y, and Z axes of the coordinate systems can be used as axes of rotation. - Select the following commands: Tab Edit > Command group Graphic > Rotate around axis.
- Use the mouse to draw a frame around the object(s) to be rotated.
- The following entry determines the axis of rotation around which the rotation is to be done. Use the cursor to touch any axis, edge, or line in the layout space. The axis, edge, or line touched by the cursor is highlighted.
- Click the desired axis, line, or edge.
- The next entry determines in which direction the object is to be rotated around the axis of rotation. Click an end point of the edge or line determined as axis of rotation.
- Enter the rotation angle in the input box.
30° rotation with different starting points on the axis of rotation
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Selected axis of rotation: Edge |
Starting point on axis of rotation |
Result |
|---|---|---|
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Left |
Rotation to the left |
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Right |
Rotation to the right |
Note:
Depending on the setting, the input box appears at the cursor immediately, or after the first number has been entered. If the input box in the 3D view is to be displayed at every possible input, activate the check box Always show input box (3D) in the user settings (File > Settings > User > Graphical editing > Input box).
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Axis of rotation |
Rotation |
Result |
|---|---|---|
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Edge |
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Line |
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Example: 90° rotation around the three axes of mounting points and base points
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Axis of rotation |
Rotation |
Result |
|---|---|---|
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X |
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Y |
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Z |
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