Generating a 3D Sketch of An Intersection: Intersection Curve Tool

Using the Intersection Curve Tool

Have you ever needed to create a curve of an intersection between two pieces of geometry but don’t know where to start? It is possible to generate a 3D sketch of an intersection using the intersection curve tool.

Figure 1. A completed intersection curve.

The intersection curve tool can create a sketched curve between the following types of intersections:

• A plane and a surface or a model face
• Two surfaces
• A surface and a model face
• A plane and the entire part
• A surface and the entire part

Procedure:

1. Determine the pieces of geometry to calculate the intersection between. This example shows two surfaces.

Figure 2a. Isometric view of two surfaces.

2b. Reverse isometric view of two surfaces.

2. Select the intersection curve from the dropdown menu beneath convert entities on the sketch toolbar.

Figure 3. Location of intersection curve tool.

3. Select the faces to generate the intersection curve between.

Figure 4. Selecting the faces to calculate the intersection between.

4. Accept the operation by clicking the green check mark.

Figure 5. An intersection curve between two surfaces.

A 3D curve has now been generated and can be used accordingly. For example it can serve as the path for a swept boss that creates a bead along the revolved surface.

Figure 6. A swept boss using the intersection curve as the path.

Blog Post By: Allen McLeod