Step 4.1: Sketch-Loops and Merged-Points
Contents
Sketch-Loops.
Sketch-Loop [a derived name]: A Sketch-Loop is a closed chain of sketch-elements. The sketch-elements are added end to end , with all Points as Merged-Points* [see below] A sketch-loop is NOT an element. It is a derived name.
Profile and Extrusions [and Hole]: We add a Profile to a sketch-loop. We add a Hole through a Profile. The hole must be sketch-loop inside the sketch-loop that defines the shape of the Profile.
Auto-Profile: a sketch-loop is added to the Part automatically, and the Auto-Profile is added to the sketch-loop automatically. These sketch-loop have simple shapes that surround the Joints in each Part. The sketch-elements cannot be used for joints themselves.
Merged-Points
When a Point at the end of one sketch-element becomes the same Point at the end of a different sketch-elements, then the two Points have become Merged-Points.
To confirm that two Points have become Merged-Points, click the Point, to see only ONE Point in the Selection-Window. If you see two Points, then it is not a sketch-loop. Use Merge-Points in the sketch-editor to combine the Points into one Point.
There is a special tool in the Part-Editor called 'Merge-Points' to force two Points to become one Point.
These are NOT Sketch-Loops
| • | When you merge three or more Points as one Point – this is a Branch Point |
| • | When the sketch-elements cross each other - this is a Figure-of-Eight |
| • | When the sketch-elements touch each other to give 'zero' thickness between two sketch-elements. |
Example Sketch-Loops
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1: A Circle The simplest sketch-loop. Useful for a Cam-Follower Roller. See Also: Cam-Follower |
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2: Lines A general polygon. |
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3: Lines and Arcs General Shape. |
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4: Arcs and Arcs General 'free-form' shape |
