Lines

The geometry of model objects is defined by lines. They form the basis for parts and openings. When entering parts or openings graphically, the lines are generated automatically.

Each line is defined by a start point and an end point. Intermediate points are required to describe complex line types.

The line number is assigned automatically, but it can be changed. The order is irrelevant for the numbering. It does not have to be continuous, either; gaps in the numbering are allowed.

Base

The Main tab manages the most important line parameters.

Line Type

Various line types are available for selection in the list.

Single Line / Polyline

The 'New Line' dialog box that appears when you open the pull-down menu is shown in the Dialog Box 'New Line' .

A single line is defined by a start point and an end point. It represents the direct connection between the two points.

A Polyline is a polygonal chain consisting of several straight line segments. In the dialog (see image dialog 'New Line' ), in addition to the numbers of the start and end points, the intermediate points are also specified. For the sake of simplicity, single lines are managed as polylines, too.

When entering the data graphically using the button, you can select existing points, grid points or snap objects as definition points. However, you can also set the points freely in the work plane.

Arch

An arc is defined by three points. In the register 'Arc' you can enter the starting point P₁, the end point P₂ and the control point P₃, select them graphically or create a new one. The graphic illustrates the order of the points.

From the three points, RSECTION determines the 'arc parameters': the rise h, the radius r, the opening angle α, and the arc center. When you change a parameter, the point coordinates are adjusted accordingly. When changing the opening angle, you can use the list to specify which of the three definition points should be moved.

If you define the arc graphically using the button, you can select or set the points directly in the work window.

Circle

A circle is defined by its center and the radius. In the 'Circle' tab, you can enter or graphically define the coordinates of the circle center and specify the circle radius.

If you define the circle graphically with the button, you can define the center and radius in the work window by clicking the corresponding points.

Ellipse

Three points are required to define an ellipse. In the 'Ellipse' register, you can enter the two points P₁ and P₂, select them graphically or redefine them in order to determine the main axis of the ellipse. The control point P₃ describes the length of the minor axis.

Parabola

This line type can be used to create a conic section. To do this, specify the two endpoints of the parabola and the control point in the 'Parabola' dialog box. From this information, RSECTION determines the parabolic parameters and the focal point.

If you define the parabola graphically using the button, you can define or redefine the points in the work window by clicking on them.

NURBS

NURBS (non-uniform rational B-Splines) allow you to model any curves. NURBS are splines whose control points do not lie on the curve itself.

You can define NURBS graphically using the button by defining the control points one after the other with a mouse click.

Point on Line

With this point type, points can be set on the line without dividing the line (see picture Define points on line ).

Information | Analytical & Mesh

This section shows the length of the line.