<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: MechDesigner Reference & User Interface > 2.2 Mechanism-Editor > Mechanisms > Kinematic elements > Trace-Point |
Trace-Point : |
a Trace-Point shows the locus, or path, of a moving Point* relative to the Mechanism-Plane and Base-Part for one machine-cycle. |
* Point, start-Point, end-Point, center-Point, Motion-Point |
Add Trace-Point does NOT add a Point to your model.
To add a Trace-Point, you must select a Point* that is already in your model.
* Point, start-Point, end-Point, center-Point, Motion-Point.
![]() Three example Trace-Points |
STEP 1:Start the Add Trace-Point command
STEP 2:Click a Point
* Start-Point, End-Point, center-Point, Point, or Motion-Point |
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STEP 3: Complete the command
The Trace-Point is now in the graphics-area. |
Video:
Video: Add Trace-Point
Normally, when the Mechanism-Editor is active, you cannot drag a sketch-element.
However, as a special-case, you can move a Point** with a Trace-Point, if the Point does not have any constraints.
In this special case, it is easier to search for a “good” Trace-Point.
** not a start-Point, end-Point, center-Point or Motion-Point
Edit a Part In the Part-Editor: 1.Do Add Point Do not add a dimension or a constraint to the Point 2.Exit the Part-Editor In the Mechanism-Editor: 3.Do Add Trace-Point and select the Point 4.Drag the Point! Note: To make it easier to drag the Point: •Reduce the Number-of-Steps to ~60 - see Machine Setting dialog and / or •Drag the Point but do not lift your mouse-pointer until the Trace-Point also moves |
You must add a 2D-Cam, and show the Pitch-Center. In full: 1.Edit the Part with the Point whose locus you want to see relative to a moving Part. 2.Add a Circle, and add a Coincident constraint between the center-Point of the Circle and the Point. 3.Exit the Part-Editor 4.Add a Profile to the Circle Add 2D-Cam - you must select two elements: 5.Cam-Part: Select the Part in which you want to show the locus of the Point 6.Follower Profile: Select the Profile of the Circle To show the locus of the Point 7.Edit the 2D-Cam. 8.In 2D-Cam dialog > Display tab > Cam-Visibilities > Enable Pitch-Center. The locus of the Pitch-center is the locus and Trace-Point of the Point relative to the Cam-Part. |