SpaceClaim Online Help

Geometry from Equations

You can select from a number of preset 3D equations or write custom equations in the tool.

The image below shows a Helicoid surface.

The equation is constructed in the Options panelArea of the user interface that enables you to modify functions specific to tools.. The image below shows the equation for the Helicoid shown above.

You can enter an equation in the input fields for X, Y, and Z is for 3D equations.

Clicking the icon to the right of the X, Y, or Z input fields opens an editor for more complex equations.

Use the Show UV gridSee FaceSide or other surface of a solid. Some examples are the inside surface of a hole or the six sides of a rectangular solid. See Surface. GridSee Sketch grid option to display a grid on the surface and adjust the grid density using the dropdown slider. The grid helps visualize the surface contours.

Use the Equation tool in the Design2D or 3D model that contains at least one top-level component. tab to create 2D curves based on mathematical equations.

To create a preset equation

1. Click the Equation tool in the Insert tab
2. (Optional) Click the Select OriginZero point in coordinate system. You can insert an origin at any location in your design where you can anchor the MoveA tool used to translate or rotate geometry. tool, enabling you to dimension from the origin or quickly move the sketch grid to the origin. You can also insert an origin at a solid's center of mass or volume. tool guide and select an equation origin
3. Choose an equation from the CurveIn 3D, any line in space. Types dropdown list in the Options panel
4. Edit the equation as needed in the Options panel
5. Click Complete to create the equation surface

To create a custom equation

1. Click the Equation tool in the Design tab
2. (Optional) Click the Select Origin tool guide and select an equation origin
3. Choose Custom in the Curve Types dropdown list in the Options panel
4. Enter the equation in the input panels
5. To create a Parameter to use in the equation enter it in square brackets "[ ]"
   • For example: [L]
   • The parameter is added to the Parameters list in the Options panel
6. Click Complete to create the equation surface

To save a custom equation

The Save Custom Equation button next to the Curve Types dropdown menu allows you to save your custom equations. They are saved to an XML file in the following location:

%APPDATA%\Roaming\SpaceClaim\SurfaceEquationCustoms.xml

Saved equations are added to the Curve Types dropdown menu and can be used in other documents and across multiple sessions. If you do not see a newly saved equation in the list. open/create a new document or close and re-open the current document.

To edit an equation

1. Click the Equation tool in the Design tab
2. The Select BodyA solid or surface. tool guide is active
3. Select the body to edit it's equation
4. (Optional) Click the Select Origin tool guide and select a different origin
5. Edit the equation as needed in the Options panel
6. Click Complete to create the equation surface

To scale an equation surface

Use the ScaleSolidObject that encloses volume. A surface becomes a solid if it encloses volume. or surface: Change the size of the selected object using the PullTool used to distort or deform geometry. Use the Pull tool to offset, extrude, revolve, sweep, draft, and blend faces; or to round, chamfer, or extrude edges. When converting a sketch to 3D, pulling a line creates a surface and pulling a surface creates a solid. tool. You can scale dynamically or by entering a scale value. Drawing sheet or cross-section views: Magnify or shrink the view by selecting a ViewOrientation settings that you can apply to your design, including spin, pan, and zoom. You can adjust these settings individually or you can apply one of the following preconfigured views: Trimetric, Isometric, Top, Bottom, Front, Back, Right, Left. You can also select Snap View and click a face to view it head-on. in the Structure tree and editing the Properties panel. parameter and slider in the Options panel to scale an equation surface.

3D scaling with the Pull tool also works on equation surfaces.

Syntax and predefined functions

• Parameters include a name and are enclosed in square brackets [L]
• Functions include a function name followed by parenthesis containing any values as arguments
  • For example: Sine([t]-[r])
• The table below shows common predefined functions included

Preset curve examples

The preset equations include those shown in the following table.

Catenoid		One Sheet Hyperboloid   (Two sheets consists of separate top and bottom Hyperboloid surfaces, and can be made with two equations with inverted ranges)
Helicoid		Paraboloid
Hyperbolic Paraboloid		Radial Wave