3D Blends between 3D lines 1

[hovelale]

I'm trying to create a sweeped tube with a 3D line guide. I find that the 3D lines are a little hard to use, but I managed to create the guide profile I wanted with a bunch of sketches and datum planes between lines.

I was wondering if anyone had a tip on how to make 3D lines a little more efficient. I'm trying to use Cruve from table and it works fine, but in cases where intersection between 2 line segments I would like to add a radius or a blend.

I have attached 2 hopefully to make it a little clearer what it is I'm trying to do. I want to get the green bends on the image With Bends without having to create a plane and another sketch.

Thanks in advanced,
Alex H.

http://files.engineering.com/getfil...88-4a42-bcac-30d0d6e0c0e1&file=with_bends.JPG

http://files.engineering.com/getfil...-b6f9-4f01-8538-4e48a1c7e8c4&file=no_bend.JPG

 

[fredericmenage]

Derived curve to combine your sketches maybe

 

[beachcomber]

You can use Frames to create 3D tubes.
I've used it when the companies I've worked at don't have XPresRoute
Create a part file with a sketch for the cross-section of the tube.
Create the path in an assembly.
You can specify the frame has bent corners instead of mitres, but the radius must be the same for each bend of a frame. Different frames can have different radii.
Alternatively, you can create arc segemnts to define the bends in the frame - then you can use any radius.

bc.
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