Apendice F-Basic - Curves PDF

Appendix
F Basic Curves
Purpose
This lesson introduces the Basic Curve Dialog.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Create Lines.
• Create Arcs.
• Create Circles.
• Create Fillets.
• Trim Curves.
UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-1

Basic Curves
Explicit Curves
The intent of this appendix is to teach 2D generator and guide geometry for the
purposes of sweeping through space to create solid bodies.
NOTE: In Unigraphics, a curve is considered to be a point, line, arc,

spline or conic.
The Curve creation options are brought up by choosing Insert→Curve.
The Work Coordinate System

When creating curves, the orientation or direction can be based on the WCS.
The term horizontal appearing in any dialog box or Cue line is meant as
parallel to the XCĆaxis, vertical is parallel to the YCĆaxis, and normal is parallel
to the ZCĆaxis, regardless of the work view or perspective on the screen. Any
2D curve, except the 2 curve fillet, will be created on the XC-YC plane or a
plane parallel to it.
F-2 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Basic Curves
Basic Curves
When the Basic Curves icon is chosen, the Basic Curves dialog box is displayed.
The icons on this dialog box are displayed below.
Circle
Fillet
Edit Curve
Parameters
Line
Arc Trim
The portion of the Basic Curves dialog box below the icons is different for each
of the options selected.
The Basic Curves dialog box is used to create lines, arcs, circles, and fillets.
While creating these curves, there is also quick access to the Trim Curve and
Edit Curve Parameters functions.

Basic Curves
The Dialog Bar
The Dialog Bar is a series of text fields that appear at the bottom of the
graphics window when in the Basic Curves function. The text fields in the
Dialog Bar will vary depending on which type of curve is being created and
which options have been selected. For example, the Dialog Bar below is what
will appear when creating lines.
The Dialog Bar
Location Fields Parameter Fields
Location fields - XC, YC, and ZC. These fields track the location of the
cursor, or they can be used to input a coordinate location in the WCS.
Parameter fields - These fields control parameters of the curve, such as
length of a line, or radius of an arc.
To give a text field focus, the <Tab> key may be used or click the first mouse
button in the fields desired. Select once in the field to insert text in the existing
string, or select twice for overstrike mode.
When the XC, YC, or ZC field has focus, and <Enter> is pressed, the
location specified is accepted and an asterisk will appear in the graphics
area indicating that point.
When a parameter field (such as length, radius, etc. - any field other
than the three mentioned above) has focus and <Enter> is pressed, the
values in all parameter fields are accepted and applied to the curve being
constructed.
As soon as a line, arc, or circle is finished being created, new values may
be entered in the parameter text fields and the newlyĆcreated object will
be updated accordingly (unless String Mode is turned on.).
In Preferences→User Interface the number of decimal places displayed in the

fields may be controlled as well as whether or not the fields track the current
location of the cursor.

Basic Curves
PreĆSelection Highlighting
When the Basic Curves dialog box is active, and the Point Method is Infer, an
object on which the Selection Ball is placed will always be preĆhighlighted,
regardless of the setting of the Preselection option in the Selection Preferences
dialog box. This includes all Control points (see below) of the highlighted
objects. The preselection color is determined by the setting in the Selection
Preferences dialog window.
Control Points
Each type of curve has its own unique set of control points (endpoints and
midpoints). This table shows the control points for some common curve types.
Curve Control Points

Line Endpoints,
midpoint
Arc Endpoints,
midpoint
Complete Circle Center of circle,

Endpoint
TIP The endpoints of a circle are at 0Ăand 360 degrees, at the 3 0'clock
position. There are 2 endpoints at the same exact location.

Basic Curves
Inferred Point Selection
In line and arc creation, the position of the cursor or Selection Ball as geometry
is selected is very important.
When the Infer point method is being used, the system infers the following:
Cursor Location (when a control point, arc center, or object is not in the
Selection Ball)
Control points (when inside the Selection Ball)
An entire curve (when an object is selected where a control point is not
encircled)
Status Line Feedback
While Basic Curves are being created, valuable feedback will be given in the
Status line. It will tell what kind of point or object is highlighted. It will also
display the type of line or arc being created, as well as other useful information.

Basic Curves
Inferred Selection Chart
Contents of Selection Ball Selected

Geometry Examples
Nothing A screen
position
An existing point The existing

point
An endpoint or midpoint of a The control

line, arc, or partial ellipse point
A line, arc, conic, or spline, but The line, arc,

not one of its control points conic, or
spline or
A complete circle or ellipse, The circle or

(selection ball not over a ellipse
control point)
An arc center of a circle or The center of

ellipse the circle or
ellipse
A complete circle or ellipse, The control

(selection ball over the control point (end
point) point)
A knot point of a spline The

(splines are covered in the knotĂpoint
Freeform Modeling Course)

Basic Curves
General Curve Creation Options

This section discusses some of the options in the center of the Basic Curves
dialog box which apply to many different curve creation situations. The options
include Delta, Point Method, and String Mode. We will discuss Point Method
and String Mode in this appendix.
Point Method
The Point Method option menu, shown below, allows points to be specified
relative to existing geometry by specifying a cursor location or by using the
Point Subfunction. The options on this menu (other than Inferred Point and
Select Face) work similarly to those in the Point Constructor dialog box.
Inferred Point
Cursor Location
Existing Point
End Point
Control Point
Intersection Point
Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center
Quadrant Point
Select Face
Point Constructor
(See page Appendix B for more information)
When using a point method other than Infer, several things change:
The cursor location is no longer tracked in the Dialog Bar.
PreĆselection highlighting reverts to the Selection Preferences dialog box
status.
Control points are no longer highlighted.
NOTE: A Cursor Location, sometimes called Screen Position, is

simply projected onto the XC-YC plane. The ZC value of the point
will be 0.

Basic Curves
The Select Face option allows the selection of a face for use as the limiting
object for a line. When in any other curve creation mode (arc, circle, spline,
etc.) this option is not available. This option can also be used to create a line
normal to a face.
If the Point Constructor method is chosen, the Point Constructor dialog box is
displayed. When Back is chosen from that dialog box, the Basic Curve dialog
box returns.
Existing Point End Point

Control Point
Cursor Location
Intersection Point
Inferred Point
Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Quadrant Point

Center
Angle on Arc/Ellipse
None
Rectangular
Cylindrical
Restores Base
Point values Spherical
to zero and Vector
Offset to none
Along Curve
String Mode
When this option is ON, the end of one object becomes the beginning of the
next. To stop string mode, turn the button OFF. To stop string mode and start it
again with the next object created, choose Break String or press the middle
mouse button.
NOTE: When String Mode is turned on, the entering of new values
in the parameter text fields as soon as a line or arc is finished being
created will not update the previously created curve.

Basic Curves
Line Creation Methods
Between Two Points
Simply define the two points (see below). The points may be a combination of
screen positions and control points selected in the graphics area, or values
established by entering numbers in the XC, YC, and ZC fields in the Dialog Bar
and pressing <Enter>.
YC Second point
ZC XC
First point
NOTE: If a screen position is specified as the second point, and the

Angle Increment value is not zero, the line will snap to the
nearest increment of that angle.
Through a Point and Horizontal or Vertical
When the second point of a line is defined using a screen position, and this
selection defines a line that is within the Snap Angle of being vertical or
horizontal from the first point, the line will snap to vertical or horizontal. (The
Snap Angle is controlled in the Sketch Preferences dialog box.) Snap Angle is
only applicable when using the Inferred point method.
YC
Snap angle is set to 3
ZC XC
Second point

3° 3°
First point 3°
3°
Second point

First point

Basic Curves
Through a Point and at an Angle to the XC Axis

Define the start point.
Enter the desired angle in the Angle text field in the Dialog Bar and press
the <Tab> key. A line at this angle or at this angle plus 180 degrees
(depending on where the cursor is relative to the start point) will
rubberĆband in the graphics area. See the illustration below. The value in
the Angle text field will also update to reflect the start/cursor locations.
Establish the length by specifying a screen position, selecting geometry, or
entering a length value in the Dialog Bar.
NOTE: Angles are measured counterĆclockwise from the XC axis.
YC
ZC XC
Cursor location
Angle from XC Axis
Start location
Angle from XC Axis

plus 180 degrees
Start location
Cursor location

Basic Curves
Through a Point and Parallel, Perpendicular, or at an

Angle to an Existing Line
Define the start point of the new line.
Select the existing line, being careful not to select one of its control points.
NOTE: The first two steps may be completed in either order.
Move the cursor around. Depending on where the cursor is, the parallel,
perpendicular, or angled line (see below) may be previewed. The Status line
shows which mode is being previewed.
Line at an angle
Parallel line
Defined point
Perpendicular line
Selected line
If it is desired to create a line at an angle to the selected line, enter the

desired value in the Angle text field in the Dialog Bar and press tab.
When the line is displayed, establish the length by: specifying a screen
position, selecting geometry, or immediately after the line is created,
entering a new value in the Dialog Bar.

Basic Curves
Parallel to An Existing Line at a Distance
Parallel at Distance From - This option affects line creation when a series of
parallel lines are being created. When this option is set to Original, each new
line is created at the specified distance from the line that was originally
selected. When it is set to New, each new line is created at the specified
distance from the last line created.
Make sure String Mode is Toggled to Off.

Select a line.
Enter the Offset Distance in the Dialog Bar.
Choose Apply. The new line is offset from the line selected and equal in
length. The direction of the offset is dependent on how the original line
was selected.
The offset line is

created on the side
where the center of the
selection ball is when
Selected line the original line is
selected.
Offset
distance
New line
If Apply is continually chosen, additional parallel lines will be created. The

Offset Distance value may be changed at any time.

Basic Curves
Through a Point and Tangent or Perpendicular to a

Curve
Define the start point of the new line.
Select the existing curve, being careful not to select one of its control
points.
NOTE: The curve may be selected first, then the point may be
defined, if a tangent line is being created. If a perpendicular line is
being created, the point must be defined first.
The line rubberĆbands tangentially to the selected curve.
There are times that the rubberĆbanding line is on the wrong side of
the curve. Move the cursor inside, then outside the curve until the
line snaps to the other side.
When the desired line is displayed, select the highlighted geometry.
The example below shows two examples of creating a line through a point and
tangent or perpendicular to an arc or circle. (Notice that the dashed line shows
the line that would be created with the dashed cursor in that position, or by
selecting the object in that position.) The same is true for the solid line and
cursor.
Defined point
(the endpoint of the arc)
Tangent line
Tangent line
Perpendicular line
Defined point
Perpendicular line

Basic Curves
Tangent to a Curve and Tangent or Perpendicular to

Another Curve
Select the first curve, being careful not to select one of its control points.
The line rubberĆbands tangentially or perpendicularly to the selected curve,

depending on the cursor position.
Select the second curve, again being careful not to select one of its control
points.
When the desired line is displayed, select the highlighted geometry.
The illustration below shows the creation of 2 lines; one is tangent to a circle
and the other is perpendicular to a circle.
Tangent line
Second curve
Perpendicular line
First curve

Basic Curves
Tangent to a Curve and Parallel, Perpendicular, or at

an Angle to an Existing Line
Select the curve, being careful not to select one of its control points.
Select the line, again being careful not to select one of its control points.
The rubberĆbanding line will be shown parallel, perpendicular, or at an angle

to, the selected line.
When the desired line is displayed, establish the length by specifying a

screen position or selecting geometry. A specific length may also be
established immediately after the line is created by entering the value in
the Dialog Bar.
NOTE: If selecting geometry to specify the length of the line would

result in the line type being changed, press the middle mouse
button to choose Lock Mode, then select the limiting geometry.
Second
object
First object
Select the curve and line as

shown
The parallel, perpendicular, and angled lines will

appear individually as the cursor is moved
around

Basic Curves
Line Creation Chart
Line between two points Select two points
Line through a point and Define the first point

Y
horizontal, vertical, or at an Define second point within
angle to the WCS 1 X the Snap Angle setting or
Enter the desired angle,
press <Tab>, and define
second point.
Line through a point and Define a point

1
parallel, perpendicular, or Select a line
at an angle to a line 2 Select limiting point/object
[Can also select line,
then point]
2
1
Line through a point and 2 Select a point

tangent or normal to a curve 1 Select a curve
Select limiting point/object
(if necessary)
Line tangent or perpendicular Select two curves

to two curves
2
Line tangent to a curve and Select two curves
parallel or perpendicular to 1 Select limiting point/object
a line
A bisector line Select two lines

Basic Curves
Activity 1 - Creating Lines

In this activity lines will be created using the methods previously discussed.
Create the lines as described in the steps only. Additional curves will be created
in subsequent activities to further increase understanding.
Step 1 Open part file pau_curves_1 and start the Modeling

application.
Note the location and orientation of the WCS.
Step 2 Save the part file as ***_curves_1.
Step 3 Choose Insert"Curve"Basic Curves.
Step 4 Create Lines Between Two Cursor Locations.
Choose the Line icon if not already selected.
The snap angle is set to the default of 3°. Therefore, when cursor locations are
specified within 3° of vertical or horizontal, the line will snap to a truly vertical
or horizontal orientation.
Toggle String Mode to Off.
Create a horizontal and vertical line by clicking at two

different screen positions each time as shown:
First selections Second selections

here here
TIP If a start position was erroneously selected, choosing the icon again
will reset the line creation process. There is no need to cancel out of
the Basic Curve dialog box.

Basic Curves
Create a diagonal line as illustrated below.
Select here
Select here
Notice that the line remains highlighted.
Double click in the Length text box on the Dialog Bar in

overstrike mode and enter 4, then press Enter.
The line is edited to that length.
Tab to the Angle text box on the Dialog Bar, enter 45, and
press Enter.
The line is edited to that angle.
Step 5 Create Lines From Endpoints or Midpoints of One Line

to Another.
Change the work layer to 2 and make layer 1 invisible.

Turn Fit All before Displaying to On and choose OK.
Choose Refresh (third mouse button).

Basic Curves
Select the two lines at their midpoints as shown. A line will

be created point to point regardless of the snap angle.
Select this
line here
Select this
line here
Before After
Select the same two lines at their endpoints on the right. A

line will be created point to point regardless of snap angle.
Select this
line here
Select this
line here
Before After
Step 6 Create a Line Through a Point and Parallel to Another

Line.
Select the bottom diagonal line with the cross hairs on the
endpoint as shown below. The endpoint highlights before
selection.
Select the base line at the top as shown, avoiding control

points. (The order does not matter - the line could have
been selected before the endpoint.)

Basic Curves
A line appears rubberĆbanding from the first point at 90° angles from the base
line, relative to the cursor position.
Select this line

as a base line
Select this
endpoint
Move the cursor to the right so the rubberĆband image is

parallel to the base line and select the middle mouse button
to lock in the construction mode of parallel.
A trim point or object now needs to be selected.
Choose the line created on the right, avoiding its control

points. This line and the line being created define the
intersection point to which the line being created is trimmed.
Choosing this line causes the new

line to be trimmed to a point that the
two lines have in common
(intersection point).
Step 7 Create a Line Parallel to an Existing Line at a Distance.

Basic Curves
Select the line as illustrated below (avoid the line's control

points).
In the Dialog Bar, key in an Offset Distance of 2 and press

Enter.
A line the same length as the existing line is created.
Notice that the line was created on the side of the base line that the selection
ball was on at the time of line selection.
Select third mouse button→Cancel.
Choose third mouse button→Undo.
The last line created is removed.
Step 8 Create a Line Through a Point at a Specified Angle.
This line will be started at the WCS origin and its angle defined relative to the
WCS.
Insert→Curve→Basic Curves.
Put focus in the XC text box located in the Dialog Bar.
Enter 0 (zero) and press the Tab key.
In the YC text box, key in 0 (zero) and press the Tab key.
In the ZC text box, key in 0 (zero) and press Enter.

Basic Curves
Double click in the Angle text box of the Dialog Bar, type
200, and press the Tab key to lock in that value.
Moving the cursor around displays the intended

rubberĆbanded line (or a line at 20° if the cursor is in the
upper right area).
Position the cursor in the lower left to display the 200° line.
Instead of selecting a trim line as in Step 6, select a screen

position.
A theoretical trim line was projected off of the current

cursor position and perpendicular to the line created,
defining the endpoint of the line.
200°
Theoretical trim line
Step 9 Create a Line Through a Point and Tangent to an

Existing Arc/Circle.
Ensure that Unbounded is Off.
Select the left endpoint of the horizontal line.
Select on the right side of the arc, not on a control point.

Basic Curves
As you do this, the Status line will indicate Tangent.
Step 10 Create a Line at an Angle from a Line and Tangent to a

Curve.
To create a line at a specific angle from a base line and tangent to an existing
curve, both objects must be coplanar.
The angle is measured counterclockwise from the base line.
Select the last line created avoiding its control points. This
defines the base line.
In the Dialog Bar, double click in the Angle text box and key
in 20. Press Tab to lock in the angle value.
Select the circle on the upper left side.
Move the selection ball around until the status line reads
Angle, then use the middle mouse button to select Lock
Mode.
Select the horizontal line away from its control points.

Basic Curves
A line is created tangent to the arc, at an angle of 20° from the base curve and
trimmed to the horizontal line.
20°
Step 11 Save the part.

Basic Curves
Creating Arcs and Circles
Arcs and circles are created with different icons and minor differences in
functionality. Both provide immediate display feedback and rely on the simple
definition of arc center, size, and start and end points.
As a matter of definition, circle means a complete circle, and an arc is a portion

of a circle.

Basic Curves
Creating Arcs
When creating arcs, there are several things to keep in mind:
Arcs have four control points: two endpoints, a midpoint, and the arc
center.
If an arc is chosen such that one of its four control points lies within the
Selection Ball, its control point will be selected.
If an arc is chosen with none of its control points within the Selection Ball,
the arc itself will be selected, inferring tangency or a trim location.
Creation Method
There are two methods for creating arcs:
Start, End, Point on Arc
With this method, an arc may be created that passes through three points,
or which passes through two points and is tangent to a selected object.
Center, Start, End
With this method, the center point, then the start and endpoints of the
arc are defined, which can be adjusted by entering angle values in the
Dialog Bar.
Dialog Bar Fields
Radius Diameter Start Angle End Angle

Basic Curves
Creating Circles
Circle creation simply requires the definition of a center location and a size.
That information can be defined by numerical entry or selections from the
screen.
Center Point, Point on Circle

Define a point. This becomes the center of the circle.
Define a second point. The circumference of the circle passes through
this point.
A value may be entered in the Dialog Bar to establish an exact radius or

diameter.
Second point First point

Basic Curves
Activity 2 - Creating Arcs and Circles

In this activity, different methods will be used to create arcs and circles.
Continue working with the ***_curves_1 file.
Step 1 Create an Arc through three points.
Three points will be used to create an arc. The arc will start at the first point,
end at the second, and pass through the third.
Choose Insert→Curve→Basic Curves.
Choose the Arc icon.
Turn String Mode Off.
Choose the Start, End, Point on Arc Creation Method (if

necessary).
Create an arc by selecting the screen positions in order as

shown:
Third selection First selection

(for arc size) (for start point)
Second selection
(for end point)

Basic Curves
Zoom out, if necessary, to see the entire arc.
Step 2 Create an Arc through two points and tangent to another

arc.
Select the ends of the 45° line, as shown below.
Select the arc just created. Do not select on a control point.
An arc is created that is tangent to the first arc created.
Third selection
(for arc size)
First selection
(for start point)
Second selection
(for end point)
Step 3 Create an Arc by defining the size and end angles.
Choose the Center, Start, End method.
Double click in the XC text box on the Dialog Bar and enter
0, press Tab, in the YC text box enter 0, press Enter
Select the upper right endpoint of the 45° line again.
An arc displays in preview and the Cue Line prompts for an

end point or object.

Basic Curves
Select the right endpoint of the horizontal line as shown:
First selection
(for start point)
Second selection
(for end point)
Choose Fit.
The arc is created starting at the diagonal line endpoint and ending at a point
that is in line with the arc center and the end of the horizontal line endpoint.
Step 4 Save the part.

Basic Curves
Arc/Circle Creation Chart
Start point, end point, 2 3 Define first point

point on arc Define second point
1 Define third point
Start point, end point, 3 Define first point

2
tangent object Define second point
1 Select tangent object
Start point, tangent object, Define start point

end point 1
Select tangent object
3
2
Define end point
Arc center, start point, Define first point

end point 2 Define second point
3
Define third point
1
Circle center, point on circle 2 Define first point

Define second point
1
Circle center, tangent object Define point

Select tangent object
2
1

Basic Curves
Fillets
Fillets are arcs that have tangent relationships with one or more curves. They
are editable as fillets, meaning the tangent relationships will be maintained as
the fillet radius or arc center is changed.
This section contains a brief explanation of Fillet creation functionality. At the

end of this section, you will find a summary of Fillet creation methods. There
are three Fillet creation methods: Simple, 2 Curve, and
3 Curve, the latter two methods allow manual trimming options.
When the Fillet icon is chosen on the Basic Curves dialog box, the Curve Fillet
dialog box is displayed, as shown below:

Basic Curves
Procedure
Choose the type of fillet desired.
Indicate the desired trim methods for the objects (two and three curve
only).
Enter the radius of the fillet.
Select the objects.
Specify the approximate center of the fillet (two and three curve only).
When creating 2 and 3ĆCurve Fillets, trim options for each of the selected
curves may be specified. If no trimming options are selected, none of the curves
are trimmed. Select from the following trim options:
Trim First Curve

Trim/Delete Second Curve
Trim Third Curve
The Delete Second Curve and Trim Third Curve options are applicable to the
3ĆCurve Fillet only.
When creating 2 and 3ĆCurve Fillets the approximate center must be indicated;
this is accomplished by using the cursor or the Point Constructor. Using the
cursor location method in Point Constructor selects a position in the XĆY plane
of the WCS.
If a fillet is created other than desired, Undo may be selected to delete the fillet
and restore the selected curves.

Basic Curves
Simple Fillet
Simple Fillet creates a fillet between two coplanar nonĆparallel lines. The size
of the fillet is determined by entering a value for the radius first. The lines are
automatically trimmed to the points of tangency.
NOTE: The trim options and Point Constructor are not available.
The fillet that is created is directly related to where the lines were selected. The
Selection Ball must be positioned in such a manner as to include both lines. If
the Selection Ball contains only one line, an error message displays.
Crosshairs
L1 L1
Selected quadrant
L2 L2
BEFORE AFTER
As both lines are selected, the crosshairs determine which fillet is created; it
indicates the center of the arc. Position the crosshairs in the quadrant formed
by the lines to define the desired fillet center. Each line extends or trims to
theĂarc.
Before
After

Basic Curves
2 Curve Fillet
The 2 Curve Fillet constructs a fillet between two curves, including points, lines,
circles, conics or splines. A two curve fillet is generated in the counterclockwise
direction from the first curve to the second.
Curve 1 Curve 2
Approximate fillet
center
Curve 2 Curve 1
If the two selected curves are in different planes, the fillet plane is the plane
containing the tangent of the first curve. The plane is normal to the vectors that
are normal to both tangents and is totally independent of the WCS.
(See below.)
Curve 1 Fillet plane
Fillet
Vectors
normal to
both
tangents
Curve 2

Basic Curves
3 Curve Fillet
This option creates a fillet between three curves, which can be any combination
of points, lines, arcs, conics, and splines. The Radius entry box is not available
because it is determined by the geometry selected.
A three curve fillet is a circular arc generated in a counterclockwise direction

from the first curve to the third curve. The system constructs the fillet in such a
manner that the center of the arc is equidistant to all three curves. The three
curves do not have to lie in the same plane.
Curve 1 Curve 3
Curve 2
Before After
The system trims curves, based on the selected options, to the tangent point of
the fillet.
If any one of the curves selected is an arc, the system prompts for additional
information to create the fillet:
Tangent Outside
Fillet Within Circle
Circle Within Fillet.

Basic Curves
Curve 1
Curve 1
Before After Fillet
Curve 2
Curve 3
Curve 3
Tangent Outside
Curve 1
Curve 1
Fillet
Curve 2
Curve 3 Curve 3
Before After
Fillet Within Circle

Basic Curves
Curve 1 Curve 1
Curve 2 Fillet
Curve 3
Curve 3
Before After
Circle Within Fillet
The Point Constructor selections may be used to create a cliff edge fillet, where
the fillet is contiguous with a selected curve, but not tangent to it.
1
2
1

2

Basic Curves
Fillet Creation Methods Chart
Note: Numbered steps indicate this is not the

only way the arc/circle can be created.
Simple fillet Select both lines

(lines only) simultaneously (both must
intersect the selection ball)
2 curve fillet Select first object

Select second object
2 If the objects extend beyond
3 their intersection point, you
1
must also specify a quadrant
for the center of the fillet.
3 curve fillet Select first object

Select second object
3 Select third object
2
1
To edit a fillet, use the Edit "Curve"Fillet option.
This concludes discussion of the creation functions found on the Basic Curves
dialog box.

Basic Curves
Activity 3 - Creating Fillets
Step 1 Create a Simple Fillet.
Open part file pau_fillet_1 and select the Modeling

application.
Choose Insert"Curve"Basic Curves.
Choose the Fillet icon.
Choose the Simple Fillet icon.
Remember, only two lines are used to create a Simple Fillet.
Enter a radius of .75.
Practice placing fillets in 4 different line configurations.
In Area #1, select the fillet lines in each of the four corners
as shown below. Keep both lines inside the Selection Ball
when selecting. Cursor placement is critical.
Before After
To restore the lines to their original state, choose Undo (using the third mouse
button).
Step 2 Create a 2 Curve Fillet (Trimming Only One Curve).
For this step create a fillet with two curves, but trim just one of the curves.

Basic Curves
Choose the 2 Curve Fillet icon.
Define which object will be trimmed. In this case trim the line but not the arc.
(See below.)
Ensure that Trim First Curve is turned on.
Choose the Trim Second Curve button to turn the option off.
Ensure that the system retained .75 for the radius.
In area #2, select the yellow line (first object), then select
the arc (second object).
Indicate the approximate center of the fillet as shown below.
Select second
Indicate here
Select first
Before After
Step 3 Create a 2 Curve Fillet (and Use a Point for One of the
Curves).
Notice that the fillet process is modal, that more fillets may be created without
reselecting any icons.
Enter 1.5 for the radius.
In area 2, select the cyan line.
Choose Point Constructor.

Basic Curves
Select the endpoint at the left end of the white line.
Indicate here
Select point
Select first
Before After
Choose Back to return to the Create Fillet dialog box.
Indicate the approximate center of the fillet as shown above.
Step 4 Create a 3 Curve Fillet.
Trim the first and third curves and delete the second.
Choose the 3 Curve Fillet icon.
Ensure that Trim First Curve is turned on.
Choose the Delete Second Curve button to turn it on.
Ensure that Trim Third Curve is turned on.
Select the 3 curves in a counterclockwise order as shown.
Select first
Select second
Select third
Indicate here
Before After

Basic Curves
Indicate the approximate center of the fillet as shown above.
Step 5 Close all part files and do not save.

Basic Curves
Editing Curves
The options on the Edit Curve option allows the modifications of existing
curves. To display the dialog box, choose Insert→Curve→Basic Curves to
display the Basic Curves dialog box, then choose the Edit Curve Parameters
icon.
Edit
Curve
Parameters
Trim

Basic Curves
Edit Curve Parameters
When this icon is active and a curve is selected, the edit mode for that type of
curve appears.
The following types of curve edits are discussed in this section:
Editing a Line
Editing an Arc or Circle
Editing a Line
A line may be edited by changing its endpoints or its parameters (length and
angle).
To change a line's endpoint:
Select the line end to be modified. The line now rubberĆbands from the
fixed end.
Specify a new position using any of the Point Method options on the
dialog box.
A line may also be Stretched to move its endpoint.
To change a line's parameters:
Select the line, avoiding its control points.

Enter new values for the length and/or angle in the Dialog Bar, then press
<Enter>.
The direction that the line is extended is dependent on which side of the
center control point selected.

Basic Curves
Editing an Arc or Circle
The two methods used to edit an arc or circle are Parameters and Dragging.
The arc's or circle's parameters may be changed by entering new values in the
Dialog Bar, or changing them by dragging to a new location.
Moving an Arc or Circle to a New Location
An arc or circle may be moved to a new location, regardless of the editing mode
that is active, as follows:
Select the center of the arc or circle.

Drag the arc or circle to a new location, or enter a new XC, YC, ZC
location in the Dialog Bar.
Using Parameters Mode
To change an arc or circle using Parameters mode:
Select the arc or circle, avoiding its control points.

Enter new values in the radius, diameter, start angle, and/or end angle
fields in the Dialog Bar and press <Enter>.

Basic Curves
Using Dragging Mode
There are two ways to change an arc or circle using Dragging mode:
To change the radius of the arc or circle, select it, avoiding its control
points, and drag it. When it is the size desired, press the first mouse
button.
Other geometry may also be selected to control the size of the arc. For example,
a line may be selected to make the arc tangent to it, or the endpoint of another
arc may be selected to make the selected arc pass through it.
To change the start or end angle of the arc or circle, select it at the
desired endpoint and drag it. When the angle is correct, press the first
mouse button.
Other geometry may also be selected to control the start and/or end angles of
the arc. A line may be selected to stop the arc at its intersection with the line, or
an endpoint of another object may be selected, and that endpoint will be
projected onto the arc to determine its start angle.

Basic Curves
Trim
When a curve is trimmed, it is trimmed to its intersection with one or two

bounding objects. A bounding object can be a curve, face, point, plane, or view
point.
Caution must be taken when selecting the curve to trim. The portion of the
curve being trimmed determines which end is trimmed. The segment of the
object that is selected is always removed or extended (see below). If there are
multiple intersection points, select near the desired intersection, the system will
prompt for the selection of the desired intersection point to be used as the
bounding point.
Bounding Arc Bounding Arc
Intersection Intersection
Point Point
The left part of the line is trimmed

If the line is selected here
BEFORE TRIM AFTER TRIM
One bounding object must be specified, and not more than two, when trimming
a curve. Once the bounding objects have been specified, multiple curves may be
specified and they will all be trimmed to the bounding objects.
Procedure
Select the bounding objects.
Define the type of trim to perform.
Select the curve to trim.

Basic Curves
Activity 4 - Trimming Curves
Step 1 Trim Curves to One Bounding Object.
Open the part file pau_editcurve_1.
Select the Modeling application.
Choose Insert"Curve"Basic Curves.
Choose the Trim icon.
Step 2 Trim the Three lines to an Arc.
Select the arc as the first bounding object.
LINE1
LINE2
Select the arc as the bounding object
LINE3
Click MB2. In this case, it is not necessary to have a second

bounding object, so the selection may be skipped by clicking
MB2.
Select LINE1 as shown below as the curve to trim.
LINE1
Select the first line
to be trimmed
LINE2
LINE3

Basic Curves
The bounding curves don't change, so continue trimming.
Select the lower end of the second line.
LINE1
LINE2
LINE3
The second line is trimmed to the defined bounding line.
Select the lower end of the third line.
LINE1
LINE2
LINE3
The system will trim LINE3 by the combination of the side of the midpoint of
LINE3 and the side of the bounding curve.
Step 3 Close the part.

Summary
The Basic Curve dialog is used to create several kinds os profiles.
In this lesson you:

• Create Lines.
• Create Arcs.
• Create Circles.
• Create Fillets.
• Trim Curves.

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Appendix

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-1

NOTE: In Unigraphics, a curve is considered to be a point, line, arc,

The Curve creation options are brought up by choosing Insert→Curve.

The Work Coordinate System

F-2 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-3

The Dialog Bar

The Dialog Bar

Location Fields Parameter Fields

In Preferences→User Interface the number of decimal places displayed in the

F-4 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Curve Control Points

Complete Circle Center of circle,

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-5

Inferred Point Selection

Status Line Feedback

F-6 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Inferred Selection Chart

Contents of Selection Ball Selected

An existing point The existing

An endpoint or midpoint of a The control

A line, arc, conic, or spline, but The line, arc,

A complete circle or ellipse, The circle or

An arc center of a circle or The center of

A complete circle or ellipse, The control

A knot point of a spline The

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-7

General Curve Creation Options

NOTE: A Cursor Location, sometimes called Screen Position, is

F-8 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Existing Point End Point

Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Quadrant Point

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-9

Line Creation Methods

Between Two Points

NOTE: If a screen position is specified as the second point, and the

Through a Point and Horizontal or Vertical

F-10 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Through a Point and at an Angle to the XC Axis

NOTE: Angles are measured counterĆclockwise from the XC axis.

Angle from XC Axis

Angle from XC Axis

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-11

Through a Point and Parallel, Perpendicular, or at an

NOTE: The first two steps may be completed in either order.

If it is desired to create a line at an angle to the selected line, enter the

F-12 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Parallel to An Existing Line at a Distance

Make sure String Mode is Toggled to Off.

The offset line is

If Apply is continually chosen, additional parallel lines will be created. The

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-13

Through a Point and Tangent or Perpendicular to a

The line rubberĆbands tangentially to the selected curve.

When the desired line is displayed, select the highlighted geometry.

F-14 Modeling NX4 UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Tangent to a Curve and Tangent or Perpendicular to

The line rubberĆbands tangentially or perpendicularly to the selected curve,

UGS Corporation, All Rights Reserved Modeling NX4 F-15

Tangent to a Curve and Parallel, Perpendicular, or at

The rubberĆbanding line will be shown parallel, perpendicular, or at an angle

Line through a point and Define the first point

Line through a point and Define a point

Line through a point and 2 Select a point