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Projected geometry

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    Version as of 20:16, 22 May 2013

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    Create reference geometry by projecting model geometry (edges and vertices), loops, work features, or sketch geometry from another sketch onto the active sketch plane. You can use the projected geometry :

    • In the current sketch as a profile or path.
    • To constrain or dimension sketch curves or points.
    • To create a part in an assembly

    .

    Overview of projected geometry

    The size and position of projected geometry is fixed relative to the originating sketch ( reference geometry ). You can constrain sketch geometry to the projected geometry. The projected geometry is associative, and moves or changes when its parent sketch moves or changes. Sketch geometry that is constrained to the projected geometry also moves.

    In an assembly, project edges of a selected component cut by an assembly section onto the sketch plane when the edges would intersect the sketch plane. The projected geometry is not associative, and if the parent geometry moves or resizes, it does not update.

    You can automatically project reference geometry onto the sketch plane by selecting options in Application Options, Sketch tab.

    • Autoproject edges during curve creation
    • Automatic reference edges for new sketch

    When you project spline curves from the construction environment to a 2D sketch, you create nonassociative reference splines. Any edits to a reference spline create an approximation of the original spline, which can cause the loss of accuracy of the curve.

    You can use any sketch or constraint command to edit normal style geometry.

    Projected loops

    Unlike projecting edges of the face one curve at a time, a projected loop places a Projected Loop entry in the browser under the Sketch symbol.

    Changes to the parent feature or face, such as causing the loops to overlap, automatically trims the projected loop. If the geometry is projected one curve at a time instead of a loop, the projected geometry is not trimmed.

    Why are selected faces sometimes highlighted?

    A selected face is highlighted only when selection is ambiguous and your selection is a single-curve loop such as a closed spline, ellipse, or circle. When a loop comprises multiple segments, such as a rectangular slot, the Select Other command cycles through the edges and faces of parent geometry so you can see what will be projected.

    Highlighting the loop helps you understand the origin of the projected geometry. When the parent geometry updates, the loop update is different depending on which face the loop is from, particularly if line segments are added.

    Can I delete a projected loop?

    You can delete a projected loop two ways:

    • In the browser, right-click the projected loop and select Delete.
    • In the graphics window, click the loop you want to delete. When the Select Other command displays, cycle through the geometry until the whole loop is selected, then press the Delete key or right-click and select Delete.
      NoteWhen the Select Other command first displays, the first selected geometry is a segment of the loop. You cannot delete a segment of a projected loop. You must first convert the projected loop to normal style, then select a segment, and press the Delete key.

    Can I break the association between projected geometry and parent geometry?

    Projected geometry is reference geometry and updates when the parent geometry changes. To break its association with parent geometry, use the Break Link command from the context menu.

    You can use any sketch or constraint command to edit normal style geometry.

    How do I use projected geometry in assemblies?

    You can project the edges of a component cut by an assembly section to the sketch plane if the part would intersect the sketch plane. Projected cut edges are not associative in a sketch. The geometry is a "snapshot" of the geometry when projected, and if the parent geometry changes, does not update.

    In an assembly, you can create a part in place by specifying a face or plane as the sketch plane. You can then project edges, loops, or a face to the sketch. The features you create from the projected geometry are associative to the parent sketch, unless you break the link.

    You can place a sketch on or offset from a part face. Similar to projecting a face from another part in an assembly, the Project Geometry command on the Sketch tab selects edges and loops or all loops on a face. When there is more than one loop selection possible, the Select Other command cycles through and highlights each.

    What are some uses for projected geometry?

    • Project a silhouette onto the sketch plane for use in a profile.
    • Project the default center point onto the sketch plane to constrain a sketch to the origin of the coordinate system .
    • Project a sketch from a feature onto the sketch plane to use in the profile or path of a new feature.
    • Project edges of a part cut by an assembly section to use in a profile or path of a new feature.
    • Project edges, loops, or a face from one assembly component to the sketch of a part created in-place. Use the projected geometry to create features associative to the parent part.
    • In a drawing, project some edges from a view, add geometry to create a closed boundary, and then add hatch or color fill.
    • Project edges to define the boundary for a break out view in a drawing.
    • Copy previously created model edges and 2D sketch geometry into a 3D sketch.

    What methods do I use to project geometry?

    Choose a method to fit your design needs:

    Project edges

    Use Project Geometry to click an edge or curve and project it to the current sketch plane.

    Project loops

    Use Project Geometry to click an edge, loop, or face. Click an edge, choose Select Other to cycle through loops, and then click to select the appropriate loop. Click a face to project all loops on the face. In the browser, a reference symbol is nested under the sketch.

    Project cut edges

    When creating a part in an assembly, use Project Cut Edges to select a part cut by a section plane in the assembly. The edges of the selected part that lie on the section plane are projected onto the sketch plane of the new part. Geometry is projected only if the uncut part would intersect the sketch plane. The projected geometry is associative and updates with changes to the original geometry.

    You can use Project Cut Edges in the part environment. However, the edges of any solid intersected by the sketch plane are not projected.

    When creating or editing a sketched feature, use Project Cut Edges to model edges onto the active sketch plane from a component cut by a section plane. A projected cut edge places a Projected Cut Edges node in the browser under the Sketch symbol.

    Include geometry in 3D sketches

    Use Include Geometry or Project to 3D Sketch to copy previously created model edges and 2D sketch geometry into a 3D sketch. The geometry is converted to 3D geometry. It is associative, and updates with changes to the original 2D geometry

    Project edges to a drawing sketch

    In a drawing, use Project Edges to select edges in a drawing view and project them to a sketch associated with the view. The projected lines and arcs are available to use in the same way as any other geometry in a drawing sketch. Projected edges remain associated to the parent geometry.

    Procedures

    Project geometry to the sketch plane

    1. On the ribbon3D Model tab Sketch panel, click Create 2D Sketch.
    2. In the graphics area, click a face or work plane to set the sketch plane.
    3. On the ribbon, Sketch tab Draw panel, click Project Geometry.
    4. In the graphics area, click the geometry (edges, vertices, work features, loops, and curves from existing sketches) to project onto the sketch plane. If the geometry you want to select is not visible, rotate the model.

      If you selected a loop (closed spline, circle, or ellipse), a face highlights when there are several possible selections. Cycle through selections using the Select Other command. When the geometry highlights, click to select.

    5. Continue to select geometry as necessary.
    6. To quit, press Esc, or click another command.

    Project cut edges

    1. Open a part with one or more components, and click Sketch to enter the 2d sketch environment.
    2. When prompted to specify a sketch plane, click a plane or work plane.
    3. On the ribbon Sketch tab Draw panel , click Project Cut Edges
      .
    4. In the graphics area, click a part that a section plane cuts. All edges cut by the plane are projected onto the sketch plane.
    5. To quit, press Esc or click another command.

    Project a flat pattern

    1. On the ribbon 3D Model tab Sketch panel, click Create 2D Sketch
      .
    2. In the graphics area, click a face to set the sketch plane.
    3. On the ribbon, Sketch tab Draw panel , click Project Flat Pattern.
    4. In the graphics area, select a surface or surfaces to project into the sketch plane.

      The selected face or faces must be connected to the sketch plane with bends, and must lie on the same side of the sheet metal as the sketch plane.

    5. Create and constrain sketch geometry as necessary.
    6. To quit, press Esc, or click another command.

    Project geometry to a 3D sketch

    1. On the ribbon 3D Model tab Sketch panel, click Create 2D Sketch.
    2. Then click a face or work plane to set the sketch plane.
    3. On the ribbon Sketch tab Draw panel , click Project to 3D Sketch.
    4. Click the Project box to enable the command.
    5. Select faces and planes to project to.

    A preview displays the projected geometry while you modify the 2D source sketch. When you finish the 2D sketch, a 3D sketch is created that contains the projected geometry.

    Edit projected geometry

    1. Click the geometry you want to change to normal style.
    2. Right-click, and on the context menu, select Break Link.

      The normal geometry is no longer associated with the original geometry.

    Use Sketch commands such as General Dimension, Trim, and Extend, and constraints to edit the geometry independently.

    References

    Project geometry

    Projects model geometry (edges and vertices), loops, work axes, work points, or unconsumed sketch geometry onto the active sketch plane .

    Access:

    Ribbon: Sketch tab Draw panel Project Geometry

    Project Cut Edges

    Projects model edges onto the active sketch plane from a component cut by a section plane in a sketch. Occurs only when the edges would intersect the sketch plane.

    Access:

    Ribbon: Sketch tab Draw panel Project Cut Edges

    Project Flat Pattern

    Unfolds a disjointed face or faces into the sketch plane.

    Access:

    Ribbon: Sketch tab Draw panel Project Flat Pattern
    NoteThis command is active only when Sheet Metal mode is selected.

    Project to 3D Sketch

    Projects geometry from the active 2D sketch onto selected faces. When you exit the 2D sketch, a 3D sketch is created, and it contains the projected geometry.

    Access:

    Ribbon: Sketch tab Draw panel Project to 3D Sketch
    ProjectEnables/disables the projection of 2D geometry onto faces.
    FacesSpecifies the faces to project geometry to.
    PreviewEnables/disables the preview of projected geometry.