You can construct helixes using two unique workflows: Parallel and Perpendicular.

Helix Options

Displays the Helix Options dialog box so you can specify the helix construction method you want.

Parallel Helix Main Steps

Cross Section & Axis Definition Step

Defines the helix axis and creates the cross section for the helix. You can draw the axis and cross section profile on a reference plane you define or select them from an existing sketch. This step is available only when you select the Parallel option.

Draw Axis & Cross Section Step

Allows you to edit the profile for an existing feature. A profile is a 2D curve that defines the shape and location of the feature.  The Draw Axis & Cross Section Step is available only when you are editing an existing feature.

Start End Step

Specifies the start end of the helix axis. This step is available only when you select the Parallel option.

Parameters Step

Specifies the parameters for the helix feature. This step is available with both the Parallel option and Perpendicular option.

Extent Step

Defines the depth of the feature or the distance to extend the profile to construct the feature. The extent options are: Through All, Through Next, From/To Extent, and Finite Extent. This step is available with both the Parallel and Perpendicular options.

Preview/Finish/Cancel

This button changes function as you move through the feature construction process. The Preview button shows what the constructed feature will look like, based on the input provided in the other steps. The Finish button constructs the feature. After previewing or finishing the feature, you can edit it by re-selecting the appropriate step on the command bar. The Cancel button discards all input and exits the command.

Perpendicular Helix Main Steps

Axis Step

Defines the helix axis. You can draw the axis profile on a reference plane you define or select it from an existing sketch. This step is available only when you select the Perpendicular option.

Draw Axis Step

Allows you to edit the axis for an existing helix constructed using the Perpendicular option. A profile is a 2D curve that defines the shape and location of the feature.  The Draw Axis Step is available only when you are editing an existing feature.

Cross Section Step

Defines the helix cross section. You can draw the axis profile on a reference plane you define or select it from an existing sketch. This step is available only when you select the Perpendicular option, and the helix cross section must be on a reference plane that is perpendicular to the helix axis.

Draw Cross Section Step

Allows you to edit the cross section for an existing helix constructed using the Perpendicular option. A profile is a 2-D curve that defines the shape and location of the feature. The Draw Cross Section Step is available only when you are editing an existing feature.

Parameters Step

Specifies the parameters for the helix feature. This step is available with both the Parallel option and Perpendicular option.

Extent Step

Defines the depth of the feature or the distance to extend the profile to construct the feature. The extent options are: Through All, Through Next, From/To Extent, and Finite Extent. This step is available with both the Parallel and Perpendicular options.

Preview/Finish/Cancel

This button changes function as you move through the feature construction process. The Preview button shows what the constructed feature will look like, based on the input provided in the other steps. The Finish button constructs the feature. After previewing or finishing the feature, you can edit it by re-selecting the appropriate step on the command bar. The Cancel button discards all input and exits the command.

Axis & Cross Section Step Options (Parallel Helix)
Axis Step Options (Perpendicular Helix)
Cross Section Step Options (Perpendicular Helix)

Plane or Sketch Step Options

Create-From Options

Sets the method of defining the profile plane or specifies that you want to construct the feature using an existing sketch. Depending on the model you are constructing, some of the options listed may not be available. For example, if no sketches exist in the model, the Select From Sketch option is not displayed.

• Select From Sketch—Specifies that you want to define the profile for the feature using an existing sketch.

• Coincident Plane—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is coincident to an existing reference plane or a planar face on the part. When you set this option, a default X-axis and direction is applied to the new reference plane. You can use keyboard accelerators to define a different X-axis and direction for the new reference plane.

• Parallel Plane—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is parallel to an existing reference plane or a planar face on the part. When you set this option, you can specify the parallel offset distance. When you set this option, a default X-axis and direction is applied to the new reference plane. You can use keyboard accelerators to define a different X-axis and direction for the new reference plane.

• Angled Plane—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is at an angle to an existing reference plane or planar face on the part. When you set this option, you can specify the angle value you want.

• Perpendicular Plane—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is perpendicular to an existing reference plane or planar face on the part.

• Coincident Plane By Axis—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is coincident to an existing reference plane or a planar face on the part. When you set this option, you define the X-axis and direction for the new reference plane using a linear edge, a planar face, or another reference plane.

• Plane Normal to Curve—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is perpendicular to a curve you select. This is the default option when constructing a helix using the Perpendicular option.

• Plane By 3 Points—Specifies that you want to define a plane by three keypoints you select.

• Feature's Plane—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is coincident to a reference plane used to define an earlier feature. You can select the feature you want using PathFinder or in the graphics window. This option is not available when constructing the base feature.

• Last Plane—Automatically selects the reference plane used for the previous feature. This option is not available if the last feature was a pattern or when constructing the base feature.

• Tangent Plane—Specifies that you want to define a plane that is tangent to a curved face on the part. You can select a cylinder, cone, sphere, torus, or b-spline surface. When you set this option, you can also specify the angular rotation value. When you set this option, a default X-axis and direction is applied to the new reference plane. You can use keyboard accelerators to define a different X-axis and direction for the new reference plane.

Select From Sketch Options

Select

Sets the method of selecting a sketch element.

• Single—Allows you to select one or more individual elements.

• Chain—Allows you to select a endpoint connected set of elements by selecting one of the elements in the chain.

Deselect (x)

Clears the selection.

Accept (check mark)

Accepts the selection.

Axis of Revolution

Specifies the axis of revolution for the helix cross section.

Parameters Step Options

Helix Method

Specifies the method used to define the helix parameters.

• Axis Length & Pitch

• Axis Length & Turns

• Pitch & Turns

Pitch Value

Specifies the pitch for the helix.

# Turns

Specifies the number of turns for the helix.

More

Displays the Helix Parameters dialog box.

Other command bar Options

Next

Processes the selected options and displays the next step on the command bar.

Name

Displays the feature name. Feature names are assigned automatically. You can edit the name by typing a new name in the box on the command bar or by selecting the feature and using the Rename command on the shortcut menu.