How to add a sketch-path or sketch-loop.
A Sketch-Path is a continuous 'string' of sketch-elements. The start-Points and end-Points are merged into one Point.
About Merge-Points and Coincident-Constraint
Each Line, Arc, Blend-Curve has a Point at its ends. We call these Points the start-Point and end-Point. To join sketch-elements, into a continuous string, you can: •Add a Coincident Constraint between the end-Point of the one sketch-element with the start-Point of another sketch-element •see Constraints toolbar > Add Coincident •Add Coincident does not remove a Point. OR •Merge the end-Point of a one sketch-element with the start-Point of another sketch-element •see Geometry toolbar > Merge-Points •Add Merge-Points does remove a Point |
Why Merge-Points?
You can add a Profile to a sketch-loop.
You can add a Motion-Path FB (with Motion-Point) to a an open or closed sketch-path. This means you can add a Belt, guide the motion-path for a Robot, ...
There are two ways to merge two Points into one Point: •Dynamically, as you add the sketch-elements, with the Hover Technique •Later, with Geometry toolbar > Merge-Points. |
Condition 1: Coincident Points, and not Merged Points that are coincident are not recognized as part of a sketch-loop. Condition 2: Branches You CANNOT merge three Points into one Point - for example, the ends of three Lines or Arcs - you have a 'Branch-Point'. A Branch-Point is not O.K. Condition 3: Figures=of-Eight A sketch-element can not cross another sketch-element in the same sketch-loop. A sketch-element cannot touch, another sketch-element in the same sketch-loop. |
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Circle The Circle is a sketch-loop. A Circle is frequently used for a Cam-Follower. |
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Lines Lines joined, with Points merged. |
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Lines and Arcs Lines and Arcs, with Points merged. |
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Arcs and Arcs Arcs and Arcs, with Points merged.
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