Simple Question: How do i extrude a helix

allen_stewart

Hello All,

How do you extrude a helix on a rod?  Its probably extremely easy but I cant seem to figure it out.

Thank you

andrew_troup

"Extrude" is actually limited to sweeping along a path which lies normal to the sketch. This rules out curved or angled paths, let alone a helix.

What you need to use is "Sweep", where the part can do any of those things.

Here's a clip showing how easy it is to sweep a profile along a helix. Have fun!

https://www.onshape.com/cad-blog/tech-tip-creating-a-thread

andrew_troup

"Extrude" is actually limited to sweeping along a path which lies normal to the sketch. This rules out curved or angled paths, let alone a helix.

What you need to use is "Sweep", where the part can do any of those things.

Here's a clip showing how easy it is to sweep a profile along a helix. Have fun!

https://www.onshape.com/cad-blog/tech-tip-creating-a-thread

allen_stewart

Thank you, cant believe i missed that video.

allen_stewart

I cant seem to pierce the triangle to the start of the helix.  Im in the correct plane.  I get an "A pierce constraint requires a curve or point..." error.  Any ideas.  thanks

allen_stewart

Well I got the pierce command to work.  I was selecting the entire triangle.  Now, when I am trying to do my sweep I am unable to select the helix as my revolve axis.  Any ideas

andrew_troup

When you say "revolve axis", do you mean "path"?

Because you should ... sweeps do not have a revolve axis; You must have clicked on the icon beside Sweep, which is "Revolve"

in this case, the path for the sweep is the spiral entity which comprises the helix.With the "Sweep Path" box highlighted, you should be able to click on that entity.

allen_stewart

Thank you