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Construction Axis

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Use the Construction Axis icon-add-cgaxisalongline.png tool to create an axis for reference in your project. Some examples of creating construction axes include:

  • Creating an axis for a circular pattern.
  • Creating a reference point or snapping point.
  • Creating a virtual intersection at a filleted corner.

Tip

Axes are infinite in length but are represented in the modeling space with a size based on how they are defined. For general information regarding construction geometry, visit Understanding construction geometry.

Creating a Construction Axis

To create a Construction Axis:

  1. Go to Add > Construction Axis.
    For other methods of accessing this tool, visit Accessing tools.
  2. Select Type then choose a construction axis type.
  3. Select appropriate references for the type of axis you chose (for details, see Construction Axis types).
  4. Select Done.

Tip

You can use the Adaptive User Interface as a shortcut for creating construction axes. To make use of this shortcut, pre-select an element in your project that will be used to define the axis, then select Add Axis from the customized menu at the left. After defining the axis, click in an empty area of the modeling space to complete the command.

Construction Axis types

You can define a Construction Axis in several different ways. Select the type of construction axis you want to define from the Type menu. The tooltip at the top of the modeling space will provide you with directions on what you need to do to create the type of axis you have chosen.

construction-axis-types.png

Between 2 points

Use the Between 2 points type of construction axis to create an axis between two selected reference points. You can select sketch points and vertices, or you can select anywhere in the modeling space to define a new point.Follow these steps to create this type of axis:

  1. Select the first point the axis will run through.
  2. Select the second point the axis will run through.
  3. Optional: Drag the automatically generated points to reposition the axis. The points snap to the grid, sketch geometry, or body geometry.
  4. To finish, select Done.

History settings

To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through 2 points and then view or modify the following:

  • Point #1 – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different first point and then select Done to finish.
  • Point #2 –  Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different second point and then select Done to finish.

    history-axis-2points.png

2-Plane Intersection

Use the 2-Plane Intersection type of construction axis to create an axis at the intersection of two selected planar elements. To create this type of axis:

  1. Select two intersecting planes, faces, or sketch profiles.
  2. To finish, select Done. 

History settings

To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through 2 planes and then view or modify the following:

  • Plane #1 – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different first plane and then select Done to finish.
  • Plane #2 – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different second plane and then select Done to finish.
  • Length – Enter a new value for your preferred construction axis length.

    history-axis-2planes.png

Cylindrical/Conical

Use the Cylindrical/Conical type of construction axis to create an axis at the axis of symmetry/rotation of a cylindrical or conical face. To create this type of axis:

  1. Select a cylindrical or conical surface.
  2. To finish, select Done.

History settings

To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through cylinder or cone and then view or modify the following:

  • Face – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different face and then select Done to finish.
  • Length – Enter a new value for your preferred construction axis length.

    history-axis-cylindrical.png

Along Edge

Use the Along Edge type of construction axis to create an axis at a selected edge or line. To create this type of axis:

  1. Select a linear edge of a body or a sketch line.
  2. To finish, select Done.

History settings

To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis through edge and then view or modify the following:

  • Edge – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different edge and then select Done to finish.

    history-axis-throughedge.png

Perpendicular to Face

Use the Perpendicular to Face type of construction axis to create an axis that is perpendicular to a selected planar element and through a selected point. Follow these steps to create this type of axis:

  1. Select a face, plane, or sketch profile.
  2. Select Next.
  3. Select an existing point or select anywhere in the modeling space to define the point the axis will run through.
  4. Optional: Drag the points to reposition the axis. The points snap to the grid, sketch geometry, or body geometry. 
  5. To finish, select Done.

History settings

To manage history settings for the Construction Axis action, find the step for your specific construction axis perpendicular to face at point and then view or modify the following:

  • Face – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different face and then select Done to finish.
  • Point – Click/tap Edit… or Select… to choose a different point and then select Done to finish.
  • Length – Enter a new value for your preferred construction axis length.

    history-axis-perptoface.png

 

Learn more by watching the video below:

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