T-FLEX Parametric CAD. Fundamentals. 2D Design

Fundamentals. Two-Dimensional Design
OFFSET CURVES
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Offset curves are created by offsetting an arbitrary geometrical object by a specified amount. Offset curves
are created based on existing curves (splines, ellipses, functions). The shape of an offset curve depends on
the shape of the original curve and the amount of offset. The latter can be defined by a variable.
For such system entities as a circle and a line, offsets can be created on the fly together with the original
entity creation.
A most typical application of offsets is pipe modeling. It is quite convenient for the user to draw just the
centerline, and then create the offset lines of the pipe silhouette. Offsets are also widely used in developing
structural and architectural drawings.
Creating Offset Curves
Offset curves are created in the command “TO: Construct Offset Curve”. The command is called as
follows:
Keyboard Textual Menu Icon
“Construct|Offset Curve”
Upon entering the command, the following actions become available:
Select element
Set Construction Line parameters
Select Spline
Select Ellipse
Execute Edit Construction command
Exit command
Offset curve creation begins with the selection of the reference element to
use for offsetting. The reference element is selected by the cursor. For an
accurate selection, use the options “Select Spline” or “Select
Ellipse”, while pointing the cursor to the respective element.
The selected element will highlight, and the offset curve will start
rubberbanding. Move the cursor over the desired position and click use
the option .
In the latter case, the parameters dialog box will appear. or P