Is a bent helix possible?

Marc_Miller

I tried to create a helix on an shape made from a swept circle (the bent orange object), and also a partially revolved circle (the green object), but neither worked.  Is a bent helix possible?

_Ðave_

Don't believe that it's possible but someone from Onshape should answer this.

jakeramsley

Not directly.  You might be able to fake it by using a sketch that projects/uses the helix and split the face of the green tube then using those edges as a path for the helix.  The problem with this is the sweep often starts to twist and not hold the correct orientation (which isn't noticeable with a circular cross-section).

_Ðave_

Don't believe that it's possible but someone from Onshape should answer this.

jakeramsley

Not directly.  You might be able to fake it by using a sketch that projects/uses the helix and split the face of the green tube then using those edges as a path for the helix.  The problem with this is the sweep often starts to twist and not hold the correct orientation (which isn't noticeable with a circular cross-section).

_Ðave_

@jakeramsley Don't think that's something that I'd wish to dive into, I don't suppose there's any plans on doing this directly.

Marc_Miller

Ok, thank you for the info.  I will keep a swept object (like the orange shape) in my design for now as a representation/place holder.