SpaceClaim Online Help

Sketch Equations

Use the Equation tool in Sketcher to create curves based on mathematical equations.

You can select from a number of preset equations or write custom equations in Sketcher.

The image below shows a Sine Wave equation.

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 Sine Wave shown above.

You can enter an equation in the input fields for X and Y. Z is for 3D equations. You can enter a value to offset the curve in the Z-direction.

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

Use the Equation tool in the Insert tab to create 3D curves and surfaces based on mathematical equations.

To create a preset equation

1. Click the Equation tool in the Design2D or 3D model that contains at least one top-level component. tab
2. (Optional) Click the Set GridSee Sketch grid Location tool guide and select a different sketch plane
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 curve

To create a custom equation

1. Click the Equation tool in the Design tab
2. (Optional) Click the Set Grid Location tool guide and select a different sketch plane
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 curve

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\SketchEquationCustoms.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 curve

1. Click the Equation tool in the Design tab
2. The Select Curve tool guide is active
3. Select the curve to edit
4. (Optional) Click the Set Grid Location tool guide and select a different sketch plane
5. Edit the equation as needed in the Options panel
6. Click Complete to create the equation curve

Editing an Equation Curve in 3D is limited to the range of the equation. For example, if a Sine curve has a range of 4π, you can 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. an end to anywhere within the that range. You cannot make it longer (e.g. 6π)

If the curve has been SplitUsing the Combine tool to split solids or surfaces. You select a solid or surface to use as a Cutting tool to cut the target. See Cutter object., the ends of any of the pieces can be Pulled within the range of the original equation.

To scale an equation curve

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 Pull 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 curve.

The Scale tool in Sketcher and 3D scaling with the Pull tool also work on equation curves.

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 curves include those shown in the following table. All curves have default values.

Sine Wave		Involute of Circle
Cosine Wave		Lemniscate (Bernoulli)
Archimedes Spiral		Limaҫon
Catenary		Lissajous
Epicycloid		Logarithmic Spiral
Epitrochoid		NormalThe vector that is perpendicular to a flat plane at the selected point. In the case of a non-flat plane, the vector that is perpendicular to the plane tangent to the surface at the selected point. Distribution
Hypocycloid		Tractrix
Hypotrochoid		Trochoid

There are also 3D curves included in the presets. These are shown in the table below. All curves are at default values.

HelixPull tool option that revolves the selected shape around an axis to create a screw or drill shape. You control the height, direction, pitch, and taper.		Slinky
LineA straight line, arc, or spline drawn in Sketch mode or on a layout plane. Lines have length but no area. When you pull a sketch into 3D with the Pull tool, lines become edges.		Viviani's