Making a helix sweep along a guide

[arcticcatmatt]

I am trying to make a helix sweep along a guide. I am trying to show an 11" long spring wrapped around a bag holding it on. I know how to do a helix and a spring as usual but not to make it go around in a circle..

 

[arcticcatmatt]

I didn't know this was already posted.. I didn't find it at first but now I did. Mod feel free to delete.. sorry all

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

This forum doesn't have a moderator per se. If you want it removed you will have to Red Flag it & ask management to do so.

Or you could leave it & simply add a cross-reference to the post you found your answer in.


Making the best use of this Forum. faq559-716
How to get answers to your SW questions. faq559-1091
Helpful SW websites every user should be aware of. faq559-520

 

[arcticcatmatt]

well, I sorta found it. I found another thread that basically said that it can't be done. I sorta got it (doesn't look too pretty and it was hard).

I used the spline on surface button and drew a spline on a solid "ring" and then sweep cut. I didn't like the look of it so I just deleted it. So if any of you know how to do this. Please englighten me. Thanks!

 

[Arlin]

Which version of SWX are you using?

2005 (I think...maybe 2004) introduced a new sweep option in which the profile can twist along the path. This should get you exactly what you want.

Here is what I have done before:
Create my path (centerline of the helix).
Create a sketch with a plane normal to the end of the path. This sketch is just a SIMPLE line going from the path the the center of my profile.
Sweep the line along the path with the twist option to get a auger like surface.
Now, use the edge of the auger as the path for my helical sweep.

This way, my profile is always normal to my helical sweep path.