Manual Unigraphics NX - 13 Sketching

Sketching
Sketching
Lesson 13
PURPOSE
OBJECTIVES
To introduce the method of creating a sketch and free

hand sketching of curves.
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Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
Create a sketch.
Create sketch curves.
Apply dimensional constraints to sketches.
Apply geometric constraints to sketches.
Identify constraints.
Convert a sketch curve to reference.
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Unigraphics Student Manual
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Sketching
What is a sketch?
A sketch is a feature that is intended to contain a collection of two dimensional
curves. Using a set of rules applied by the user, a sketch parametrically controls
the two dimensional profile. These rules, called constraints, constitute the
essence of constraint based modeling, a very powerful portion of Unigraphics
solid modeling.
Profiles may be used to produce extruded or revolved features, or to define
sections for free form features such as a swept feature or a through curves
lofted surface.
A profile may contain some, all, or none of the constraints required to fully
capture the design intent. Dimensional and geometric constraints may be used to
establish a design intent as well as provide the ability to perform parameter
driven changes.
Geometric relations may be established between the curves within a profile as
well as with curves in other profiles and model geometry such as edges or
datums.
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Sketching
Why sketch?
Sketched profiles possess a higher level of control over features, thus
automating the propagation of changes. The most obvious reason for sketching
is when a design intent is well known and constraints can be quickly applied to
capture that intent. Another reason is when there is a need to iterate through a
number of various solutions to validate a certain design intent.
Once a sketch is placed on a face or datum plane, it will automatically move
when the position of the placement face/datum is changed. Since sketches do
not require constraining, this approach is the quickest way to build features and
still have a sufficient level of associativity.
The inherent ability to solve a sketch in real time means that, as rules are
applied, the sketch objects change and move to reflect the effect that the
assigned rule has on the geometry. This gives the user the ability to quickly
change profiles of features created using sketch curves.
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Sketching
When should a sketch be used?

Unigraphics users should sketch whenever they have a need for parametrically
controlled curves.
Most features of solid models can be created using combinations of form
features. The Unigraphics sketcher gives the user the ability to sketch shapes
that are not available as standard form features. This could be accomplished
with explicit curves, but there would be no parametric control over the shape.
The user might also consider sketching when a combination of features used to
create the desired shape makes the shape difficult to edit.
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Sketching
When there is a commonly used shape that varies in size from part to part, a
sketch as part of a user defined feature should be considered.
Sketches may be used as base features of a model if the shape lends itself to
extruded or revolved geometry.
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Sketching
Sketches may be used in a number of different ways. Consider them for guide
paths for swept features, or as section curves for free form features.
The added advantage of being able to quickly and easily change the geometry
based on rules that the designer applies should be a large part of the
determination of when to sketch.
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An important aspect of modeling that helps the user decide when to use a
sketch is defining the design intent of the model. The design intent consists of
two items:
Design Considerations - The geometric requirements on the actual part,

including engineering and design rules that determine the detail
configuration of the part.
Potential Areas for Change - Known design changes or iterations, and

their effects on the part configuration.
As a general rule, the more design considerations and potential areas for
change, the more likely there are benefits from sketching.
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Sketching
Sketches and the Model Navigator

Since sketches are features of the solid model, they are listed in the Model
Navigator and any edits supported by the Model Navigator that are germane to
sketches are available.
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Sketching
Sketches and Layers

Organizing part files is a very important part of modeling. The sketcher helps in
this endeavor by automating layer control as sketches are activated and
deactivated. This automated layer management is designed to ensure that the
user does not accidentally construct objects in the active sketch across multiple
layers.
Unigraphics assigns the current work layer at creation to the sketch. As the
user subsequently activates the sketch, the work layer is set to the layer assigned
to the sketch.
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Sketching
Creating a New Sketch

Choosing the Sketch icon
starts the sketch function.
The Sketch Plane

The first thing that needs to be defined is the plane that the sketch curves will
be placed on. But, before this can be done you must consider the state of the
model. Since our goal is to develop a parametric model, all of the features need
to be associative. Is the sketch going to define the base feature or has a base
feature already been created?
The tool bar shown below is used to define the sketch plane.
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1 Sketch Plane
5 Datum Plane
2 XC-YC Plane
6 Datum CSYS
3 YC-ZC Plane
7 OK
4 XC-ZC Plane
8 Cancel
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Sketch to Define the Base Feature

If the sketch is going to define the base feature then you may define the plane
of the sketch by choosing one of the following:
XC-YC Plane
ZC-YC Plane
ZC-XC Plane
Datum CSYS
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Sketching
After the plane is chosen the plane is highlighted in the graphic window. You
to accept and enter the sketcher function. The sketch
then chose OK
plane is then oriented normal to the graphics screen.
Sketch Associative to Existing Base Feature

If a base feature already exists, then you will define the sketch plane on a
planar face or a datum plane of the base feature. The datum plane may already
exist or may be created on the fly.
If you are choosing a face or an existing datum plane:
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Choose the Sketch Plane icon.
Select the face or datum plane.
Define the horizontal or vertical reference
Choose OK.
If you are defining a datum plane on the fly:
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Choose the Datum Plane icon
Select the required objects to define the datum plane.
Choose OK.
Choose OK.
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Sketching
Defining the Reference Direction

The reference direction is used to specify the horizontal direction on the sketch
plane. There are times when no linear object is pointing in the desired
horizontal direction. At these times a vertical reference may be defined,
because vertical is by definition ninety degrees from horizontal; the system is
able to interpret where the desired horizontal direction is when using a vertical
reference.
Desired
Horizontal
Direction
YC
ZC
Vertical Reference
XC
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Resultant
Sketch Orientation
Planar Placement Face
The direction of an axis may be changed as follows:

To flip the direction of an axis, doubleclick on it.
To specify a new direction, select the axis to redirect then select a straight
edge. The straight edge is projected to the sketch plane to define the new
direction.
In addition, the normal of the sketch plane may be changed by doubleclicking

on the ZC axis. This only applies when the sketch plane is being defined by a
datum plane.
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Sketching
Naming a Sketch
The system requires a unique name for each sketch, and therefore will select
the next available sketch name in the queue as the default. The system default
from Unigraphics is SKETCH_###" where the pound signs are replaced by
the next available number counting up from 000 (SKETCH_000, SKETCH_001,
etc.). A sketch name may be defined during or after the sketch has been
created by clicking on the default sketch name and then typing in the new
name.
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The sketch can also be renamed by:

Choosing TaskSketch Properties
Using the Model Navigator
TIP
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It is highly recommended that sketches be named in a descriptive manner

rather than accepting the default. This allows downstream users to
understand the function of the sketch at a glance.
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Sketching
The Active Sketch

In any given part there may be numerous sketches of different features at
different orientations. When using the sketcher, only one sketch may be worked
on at a time. This sketch is called the active sketch. Curves created while a
sketch is active become associated with the active sketch. When returning to a
sketch to add to or modify a profile, the sketch must be activated. There are
three ways to activate a sketch:
Doubleclicking on a sketch curve.
In the Model Navigator doubleclick on the sketch feature node.
Select the Sketch icon and from the Sketch Name pulldown, select the
desired sketch.
There are two ways to deactivate an active sketch as follows:
Select the Finish icon.
Choose TaskFinish.
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Sketching
Sketch Creation Steps

Sketch for a Base Feature
Set the work layer for the sketch.
Choose the Sketch icon.
Define the sketch plane by one of the following.
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XC-YC Plane
ZC-YC Plane
ZC-XC Plane
Datum CSYS
Name the sketch.

Choose OK.
Sketch on an Existing Face or Datum Plane

Choose the Sketch Plane icon.
Select the face or datum plane.
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Name the sketch.

Choose OK.
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Sketching
Activity 1 - Sketch Creation

In this activity you will practice the creation of a sketch for a base feature, a
sketch that is to be defined on an existing face and a sketch where the datum
plane is created on the fly.
Step 1 Open pau_seedpart_in and start the modeling
application.
Step 2 Create a sketch for a base feature.
Make layer 21 the work layer.
Choose Sketch.
Choose the YC-ZC Plane.
Click on the sketch name, key in base and press Enter.
Choose OK.
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The sketch is created.

Unigraphics created a fixed Datum Plane on the specified sketch plane and two
fixed Datum Axes along its major axes to support the new sketch.
Notice the WCS. The system has manipulated it so that XC is parallel to the
horizontal direction and YC is vertical.
Choose Finish.
Step 3 Close the part do not save.

Step 4 Open pau_skt_creation and start the modeling
application.
Step 5 Create a sketch on an existing face.
Make layer 21 the work layer.
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Sketching
Choose Sketch.
The Sketch Plane

icon is already selected.

Select the Face shown below.
Select this face.
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Horizontal
Reference
The 2D sketch plane indicator appears and the XAxis is active (highlighted).
Select the horizontal reference at the location shown above.
Click on the sketch name, key in skt1 and press Enter.
Choose OK.
Step 6 Create a curve on the sketch plane.
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Choose Line.
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Create the line as shown below.
Click here . . .
then
Click here.
Choose Finish.
Step 7 Change the orientation of the face that defines the sketch
plane.
Choose Tools"Expression.
Select the expression, Change_Me=1, and change the value

to 3.5.
Choose OK.
Rotate the part and notice how the line remained associative
to the face.
Step 8 Create a sketch on a datum plane.

Replace the view with the TFRTRI view.
Make layer 22 the work layer, layer 21 invisible, and layer 1

selectable.
Choose Sketch.
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Sketching
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Choose Datum Plane.
Select the 2 shaded faces shown below.
Choose OK.
A center datum plane is created.
The 2D sketch plane indicator appears and the XAxis is active (highlighted).
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Select the horizontal reference at the location shown below.
Horizontal
Reference
Click on the sketch name, key in skt2 and press Enter.
Choose OK.
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
Step 9 Activate existing sketches.

This step will demonstrate 2 ways of activating existing sketches.
Make layer 21 selectable.
Doubleclick on the sketch curve (1) shown below.

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Fit the view (MB3).
Sketch SKT1 is activated and oriented in the graphic window.
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Choose Finish.
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Choose Sketch.
Choose SKT2 from the sketch name pulldown.
Sketch SKT2 is activated and oriented in the graphic window.
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Choose Finish.
Step 10 Close the part, do not save.
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Sketching
Sketch Curve Creation

Sketch curves are created via the Sketch Curve tool bar. As curves are created
geometric constraints are assigned to the curves relative to the Infer Constraint
Settings.
Sketch Curve Tool Bar

Profile
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Line
Arc
Circle
Infer Constraints Setting Dialog

Vertical
Perpendicular
Midpoint
Tangent
Horizontal
Parallel
Coincident
Collinear
Point on
Curve
Equal
Radius
Point on
String
Concentric
Equal
Length
As you create the curves a symbol will appear near the curve being created to
represent the constraint that will be applied, if any.
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Sketching
Locking a Constraint
When a constraint symbol appears during curve creation you may lock in that
constraint by pressing MB2. For example, you are creating a line and the
parallel symbol appears, you press MB2. Now as you move the cursor, the new
line that is rubber banding, is doing so parallel to the reference curve.
Snap Angle
The snap angle is a global preference set in the Sketch Preferences dialog box
that is applied any time curves are being created. It is used to snap" a line to
horizontal or vertical. When creating lines outside of the sketcher, snap angle is
only applied when using inferred cursor location. The default snap angle is set
to 3 and is user definable between 0 and 20. This angular tolerance is
defined on either side of horizontal or vertical from the first specified location,
effectively creating a 6 tolerance zone by default.
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Snap Angle
The Infer Point Tool Bar

The Infer Point tool bar is displayed when creating most of the curve types in
the sketcher, so that you have more control over the selection of locations.
When the Infer Point toolbar is active, regardless of the point types turned on,
Cursor Location is always available.
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Sketching
Alignment Lines While Creating Curves

In the process of creating a curve, if you are horizontally or vertically opposite a
control point, the system will display an alignment line.
New curve
being created.
Existing
Curve
Alignment
Lines
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Profile Tool
The Profile tool allows creation of a string of lines and arcs, without having to
specify a start for each curve after the first curve is created. Profile is accessed
on the Sketch Curve tool bar.
by choosing the Profile icon
The icons at the upper left corner of the graphics screen allow you to switch
between lines and arcs, and allow you to switch between entering X-Y
locations and entering parameters.
Arc
Line
XY
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Parameters
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Sketching
The default settings are:

Line creation
X-Y location
Once you have created the first curve (line or arc), the system will revert to
creating a line. You can change this any time you wish.
You can also switch to arc creation by using press-drag-release with MB1.
The circle-X" symbol controls the direction in which the arc will be created.
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Sketching
If the desired arc is in the wrong direction, re-cross the end of the line (with
the cursor), and exit in a different quadrant of the symbol.
Circle-X
Symbol
Arc originating
from top quadrant
Arc originating from

Left quadrant

right quadrant
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bottom quadrant
As you are creating curves with the profile tool, the string mode can be broken
by clicking MB2.
Creating Lines
Line creation is accessed by choosing the Line icon

tool bar.
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on the Sketch Curve
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Sketching
Once in line creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics screen
give you two options: Location (by cursor location or entering an X-Y
location), and entering parameters.
There are several combinations of methods for creating a line:

Locate the start, and then locate the end.
Locate the start, and then enter the length and angle parameters.
Locate the start, enter one parameter, and then locate the end.
Enter the parameters and then locate the start.
Once you indicate a start location, the system will switch to the Parameters
mode. But you can still give an end location without changing back to XY.
Creating Arcs
Arc creation is accessed by choosing the Arc icon
tool bar.
on the Sketch Curve
Once in arc creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics screen
give you two sets of options. The first is creation method, and the second is for
the XY-Location/Parameters choice.
For Arc by 3 Points:

creating the arc:
there are several combinations of methods for
Locate the start, locate the end, and then locate a point on the arc.
Locate the start, enter a radius value and press Enter, locate the end
point and then determine which of the 4 options you wish to create.
The same as the previous, but enter the radius value after locating the
end point, but before the point on arc.
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Sketching
For Arc by Center and End Points:

methods for creating the arc:
there are also several combinations of
Locate the center, locate the start point, and locate the end point. (The
start point location determines the radius.)
Locate the center, locate the start point, enter a radius value and press
Enter, locate the end point.
Locate the center, enter radius and sweep angle values and press Enter,
locate the start of the sweep, and locate the direction for the sweep.
Once you indicate a first location, the system will switch to the Enter
Parameters mode. But you can still give a location without changing back to
XY.
Creating Circles
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Circle creation is accessed by choosing the Circle icon

Curve tool bar.
on the Sketch
Once in circle creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics screen
give you two sets of options. The first is creation method, and the second is for
the location/parameters choice.
For Circle by Center and Radius:

circles:
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there are several methods for creating
Locate the center, and then locate a point on the circumference of the
circle.
Locate the center, enter a radius, and press Enter. The circle is created.
You are then in multiple circle creation mode - just indicate another
location for a circle center.
Locate the center, drag the radius until you get the size you want. Press
Enter. The circle is created, and you are in multiple circle creation mode.
Indicate another center.
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For Circle by 3 Points:
there are also two methods for creating the circle:
Locate three points on the circumference of the circle.
Locate two points on the circumference of the circle, enter a radius value
and press Enter, then choose which of the two options you want by cursor
location.
Once you indicate a first location, the system will switch to the enter
Parameters mode. But you can still give a location without changing back to
XY.
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Sketching
Activity 2- Using the Sketch Profile Tool

Step 1 Open pau_seedpart_in and save it as ***_skt_profile_1
where *** represent your initials.
Step 2 Change the Work Layer to 21.
Step 3 Create a sketch on the XC-YC plane.
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Start the Modeling application.
Choose OK
to accept the XC-YC Plane.
Step 4 Set the Infer Constraints Setting.

You are going to set the Infer Constraints Setting to make available only the
constraints that you may want to apply during curve creation.
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Choose Infer Constraints Settings.
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Set the dialog as shown below.
Choose OK.
Step 5 Create a Profile.

In this step you will create the sketch curves shown below using the Profile tool.
Choose the Profile tool

the graphics window.
Key in -4 for the XC value and press Tab.
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and then move the cursor into
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Key in -2 for the YC value and press Enter.
Move the cursor so that the rubberbanding line snaps to the

horizontal orientation as shown below.
Horizontal Symbol
Notice the horizontal symbol indicating the constraint that is going to be

applied to the line.
Press MB2 to lock in the horizontal constraint.
Now notice that as you move the cursor around the rubberbanding line
remains horizontal.
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Move the cursor to a position that defines a Length of

approximately 3 inches and click MB1.
Next, you are going to create the first arc.

Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor straight up from the
end point of the last line and then release.
You are now in arc creation mode.

Create the arc by indicating a location with MB1 as shown

below.
Notice the alignment line that aligns the center point and
end points.
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Create a horizontal line approximately 2 inches long by

indicating the end point with MB1.
Next you will create another arc just like the first one, but you will use a
different method.
Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor up and to the right
from the end point of the last line and then release.
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Key in .5 for the Radius and press Tab 2 times.
Key in 180 for the Sweep Angle and press Enter. Click in the
graphic window to apply.
Create a horizontal line approximately 1 inch long by

indicating the end point with MB1.
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Sketching
Create the line as shown below.
Start the creation of an arc in the orientation shown below

by holding MB1 down, drag and release.
Key in 1.875 for the Radius and press Tab 2 times.
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With MB1 indicate a cursor location, as shown below, so that

horizontal and tangent constraints will be applied to the line.
The line should also be approximately 2 inches long.
Start the creation of an arc in the orientation shown below

by holding MB1 down, drag and release.
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Key in 1.5 for the Radius and press Tab 2 times.
The next line to be created is to have a perpendicular constraint relative to the

35 angle line.
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Move the cursor over the line indicated below.
Move the cursor

over this line.
With MB1 indicate a cursor location as shown below. Note

the alignment lines and the perpendicular constraint symbol.
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Create a horizontal line approximately 1.5 inches long as

shown below.
Move the cursor over the lines indicated below.
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Move the cursor over these lines.
With MB1 indicate a cursor location as shown below. Note

the alignment line and the parallel constraint symbol.
Close the profile by selecting the end point of the first line.
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Choose Finish.
Step 6 Save and close the part.
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Creating Fillets
Fillet creation is accessed by choosing the Fillet icon
tool bar.
on the Sketch Curve
Once in fillet creation, there is a single icon in the upper left corner of the
graphics screen. It is for controlling whether or not the original curves are
trimmed.
You can create fillets between lines, arcs or conics. You can also create a fillet
between two parallel lines.
There are several methods for creating Fillets:
Select two curves with a single selection (at their intersection), and then
drag the size and quadrant.
Select two curves individually, and drag the size and quadrant.
Select one curve, enter a radius value, and select the second curve.
Select two curves individually, enter a radius value, and the indicate the
desired quadrant.
Drag (with MB1) across the two curves you want to fillet. The size of the
fillet is governed by where the curves are selected.
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Quick Trim and Quick Extend

Quick Trim
Quick Trim
will trim any curve to the closest curve in the sketch. The
system will preview the results in pre-selection color.
You can also trim multiple curves at one time, by using the crayon" select
method. Hold down MB1 and drag across the portion of curves you want to
trim away.
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You can also select a specific curve to trim to, by using ctrl-select to select the
desired boundary curve.
You can also select more than one bounding curve using the ctrl-select
method.
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In the example below, both the arc on the left and the spline on the right were
control-selected as boundary curves. With the cursor on the top line, (between
the two boundary curves), the center section is previewed as the portion to be
removed.
When a curve is trimmed, appropriate constraints are automatically created. In

the example above, two Point on Curve Constraints, and one Colinear
constraint would be added. If one of the boundary curves is later trimmed to
the line, the Point on Curve constraint would change to Coincident.
If you trim an arc to a line that is tangent. . .
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the tangency constraint will be retained.
Quick Extend
Quick Extend
will extend lines, arcs and conics to the closest curve in the
sketch. The system will preview the results in pre-selection color.
The curve being extended must extend to an actual intersection with the
boundary curve.
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You can extend multiple curves at one time, by using the crayon" select
method. Hold down MB1 and drag across the ends of curves you want to
extend.
Before
After
You can also select specific boundary curves by using the control-select
method.
As with Quick Trim, when you use Quick Extend, appropriate constraints are
automatically created.
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Activity 3 - Creating Fillets

Step 1 Open the part file pau_skt_fillet_1, and start the
Modeling application.
You will be using this sketch geometry to create fillets.
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Step 2 Activate the sketch.

Double-click with MB1 on any of the sketch curves.
Step 3 Choose the Fillet icon.

You first want to create 4.0 millimeter fillets in the upper left and lower left
corners of the sketch.
Step 4 Make sure Trim Inputs is on (depressed).
Step 5 Create a 4 millimeter fillet using lines L16 and L20,
trimming the lines, and do it with a single select.
Enter 4 in the Radius field on the graphics screen, and press

Enter.
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Select both lines at the same time, by selecting at their

intersection.
Drag the cursor around the screen and notice that you can
select which quadrant you want.
Select in the lower right quadrant to place the fillet in the

desired quadrant.
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Step 6 Create a four millimeter fillet using lines L16 and L17,
with a single select, and this time do not trim the lines
being filleted.
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Turn off Trim Inputs.
Select the two lines at their intersection.
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Select in the upper right quadrant.
Step 7 Create a 4 millimeter fillet between lines L17 and L18.

Select by dragging across the two lines.
The 4.0 Radius value should still be in the text field on the graphics screen.
With MB1 held down, drag across the two lines as below:
(This is another method of selecting the curves to be filleted.
The curves crossed with the crayon" are the curves
selected.)
Notice that the 4 millimeter radius was used.
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Step 8 Create another fillet between lines L18 and L20 by using
the crayon", but his time do NOT use a radius value.
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Use Backspace to erase the 4 in the text field.
Drag (with MB1), as shown below:
It used the selection location of the curves to determine the radius.
Step 9 Create a fillet between lines L18 and L19, and drag the
size and quadrant.
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Individually select the lines L18 and L19.
Drag the cursor around the screen.
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Select a location to create an arc similar to the one shown

below.
Choose Finish.
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Step 10 Close the part file.
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Activity 4 - Sketching a Gasket

Step 1 Open pau_seedpart_in and save it as ***_gasket_1 where
*** represent your initials.
Step 2 Change the Work Layer to 21 so that the part file will be
compliant with class standards.
Step 3 Create a sketch.
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Enter the Modeling application.
Choose Sketch.
Click on the sketch name; key in s21_profile and press Enter.
Choose OK
to accept the XC-YC Plane.
Step 4 Set the Infer Constraints Setting.

In this sketch we do not want to apply any constraints at this time, so you will
toggle all constraints off.
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Set the dialog as shown below.
Choose OK.
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Step 5 Create the sketch curves to define the main profile.
Choose Profile.
Create the 4 lines as shown below.
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Choose Fillet.
Turn on Trim Inputs.
Select the lines, as shown below, at positions 1, 2, and then a

cursor location at 3.
2
3
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A fillet is created and the lines are trimmed to the tangent points. The system
also displays tangent symbols at the 2 tangent points.
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Select the lines, as shown below, at positions 1, 2, and then a

cursor location at 3.
3
1
Key in 1 for the Radius value and press Enter.
Select the lines, as shown below, at positions 1 and 2.
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The 1 inch radius fillet was created and the lines trimmed to the tangent points.
Select the lines, as shown below, at positions 1 and 2.
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Step 6 Define the holes of the gasket.
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Toggle Coincident
Choose OK.
on.
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Choose Circle.
At the approximate center of the profile, click and drag to

create a circle similar to the one shown below.
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Move the cursor over and along the arc on the left side of the
profile, until the arc center symbol (1) appears, then click
and drag to create a circle with a diameter of approximately
0.75.
The system now will infer a constraint of coincident between the arc and the
circle.
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Create the circle for the opposite side using the same
method.
The sketch of the profile is now complete. The shape and design intent will be
further refined in a later activity with the application of dimensional and
geometric constraints.
Choose Finish.
Step 7 Move the reference features to the appropriate layer to

conform with class standards.
Choose FormatMove to Layer from the main menu.
Select the datum plane and 2 datum axes.
Choose OK.
Enter layer number 61 as the destination layer to move the

objects to and choose OK.
Step 8 Choose File"Close"Save and Close.
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Activity 5 - Using Quick Trim and Quick Extend

Step 1 Open the part file pau_skt_quick_1, and start the
Modeling application.
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Step 2 Trim curves with Quick Trim.

Doubleclick on one of the sketch curves to activate the

sketch.
Choose Quick Trim.
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Select the line where the arrow is pointing in the illustration

below.
Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor across the 2 curves as
shown below.
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CtrlSelect the curves labeled 1 and 2 for boundaries. Select

on curves 3 and 4 to trim the center portion.
3
4
2
Step 3 Extending curves with Quick Extend.

Choose Quick Extend.
Place the cursor on the arc at location 1 as labeled below.

1
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The status line informs you that the system cannot extend the curve. This is
because there is no other curve that would intersect with the arc.
Place the cursor on the arc at location 2 as labeled below.
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This time notice how the system provides a preview of the extension.
Select the arc at location 2 to create the extension.
Step 4 Continue to experiment with Quick Trim and Quick

Extend until the instructor is ready to continue.
Choose Finish.
Step 5 Close the part file.
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Sketch Points
Sketch objects are defined by theoretical points. A line, for instance, is defined
by two points. The sketcher attempts to mathematically solve for the location of
the points by analyzing the constraints (rules) that are placed on objects.
The points that the sketch solver analyzes are referred to as sketch points. By
controlling the locations of these sketch points the line itself may be controlled.
There are various ways to control these points. The sketch points associated
with different types of curves are illustrated in the graphic below.
Fillet
Line
Arc
Circle
Spline
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Point
Ellipse
DegreeofFreedom Arrows (DOF)

Degree of freedom arrows occur at sketch points to indicate that the solver is
unable to fully define where the sketch point exists on the sketch plane. DOF
arrows are only displayed during the creation of dimensions or constraints; they
are yellow, and their base emanates at the sketch point with arrowheads
pointing in both the horizontal or vertical directions (when the sketch point has
no constraints).
An arrow pointing to the right means that the sketch point in question is free to
move in the horizontal direction, both to the right and left. An arrow pointing
up means that the sketch point in question is free to move in the vertical
direction, both up and down. Should there be DOF arrows at a given point in
both directions, the point is free to move in both directions.
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These arrows provide visual feedback to the user while in the process of
constraining the sketch.
(no display)
Undefined in X and Y
Directions
Undefined in Y
Direction only
Undefined in X
Direction only
Defined in X
and Y Directions
The system removes DOF arrows as rules are written that define the location of
the sketch points.
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Arc - Arcs have sketch points at the center and at either end. These
sketch points as well as the radius of the arc may be defined if the user so
desires.
Circle - Circles may have the center point as well as a radius or diameter
defined.
Ellipse -An ellipse may have the location of its center defined; also, the
parameters for the size and orientation of the ellipse are stored for future
editing.
Fillet - Fillets are a specialized case of arc; by definition a fillet is tangent

to the objects with which it is associated. The system applies this rule as
the fillet is created. Fillets may have the same information defined as
other arcs, and in some cases the tangency that is assigned will define the
endpoints.
Line - Lines may have the sketch points at either end defined.
Point - Points may be defined relative to other objects or at specific

locations in space.
Spline - Degree three splines may have their defining points located.
Slopes of the spline at the defining points may also be defined. Splines
that are of a degree other than three may be added to sketches; however,
since their defining points are not located at their knot points, there is no
way to locate their defining points using constraints.
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Constraining Sketches
Design Intent
The power in sketching is derived from the ability to capture design intent. This
is accomplished by setting up rules that dictate how sketch objects will react to
changing input. These rules are called constraints. As many or as few constraints
as necessary may be applied to cause the sketch profile to update in the manner
desired. Unigraphics sketches are not required to be fully constrained. A group
of these rules may be thought of as a constraint set. The constraint set is
comprised of two types of constraints, dimensional and geometric and are
accessed from the Sketch Constraints tool bar.
The Sketch Constraints Tool Bar
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Create Constraints
Dimensions
Creating Dimensional Constraints

A dimensional constraint establishes the size of a sketch object (such as the
length of a line or radius of an arc) or the scalar relationship between two
objects (such as the distance between two points).
Dimensional constraints appear in the graphics window. Unlike drafting
dimensions, changing the value of the dimensional constraints changes the shape
and or size of the sketch objects that are controlled by the sketch points. This
changes the feature of the solid model that the sketch curves control.
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The Dimensions icon
accesses the Dimensions dialog.
You can use the dialog to create and edit dimensions, as well as change some of
the preferences.
There are nine icons located near the top of the dialog box. The top lefthand
icon is the most useful as it infers the dimension type based on the objects that
are selected and where their dimension text is located. It is also the default
icon. The other eight icons are supplied for times when the system is unable to
infer the desired dimension type. These different options are filters" that when
selected will only allow a specific dimension type to be created. Because of this,
certain types of geometry may not be selectable if they do not coincide with the
dimension type selected.
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As dimensional constraints are being created, the dimension, its extension lines,
and arrows are displayed as soon as the geometry has been selected. Drag the
dimension to the desired location and place it by clicking the left mouse button.
During some dimensioning the system infers a dimension type before all of the
geometry has been selected. In these instances continue to select geometry until
the correct dimension type is displayed, or select the icon for the dimension
type desired and reselect the geometry.
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As dimensional constraints are being created, the system creates an expression.

This expression's name and value are displayed in the current expression fields
of the Constraints dialog box. This places the value field in overstrike mode so
the user may enter the desired dimensional constraint. A slider is also provided
below the value text and may be used to change the value.
Enter new statement
or numeric value
Enter new
name
Use slider bar to

change value
Below the value slider are two option menus for manipulating the appearance
of the dimensional constraint.
The lefthand option menu is for defining how the text and arrows of the
dimensional constraint will be displayed. Options are for automatic text
placement where the system decides the appearance, manual text placement
with the arrows inside the extension lines, or manual text placement with the
arrows outside the extension lines.
Auto Placement
Manual Placement,
Arrows In
Manual Placement,
Arrows Out
The righthand option menu is for defining whether the dimension's leader is
attached to the right or left of the dimension text.
Leader From Left
Leader From Right
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Both of these option menus may be used before, during or after dimension
creation.
Text Height
The display height of the dimension text is controlled by the text entry field at
the bottom of the dialog box. This value may be changed any time the
Dimensions dialog box is active.
The default value is .150 inches. There are no limits to values for this field.
Modifying this value changes all the dimensional constraints in the active
sketch.
Dimensional Constraint Types

Inferred - Allows the system to select any of the dimension types listed
below, (except perimeter) based on object selection and cursor location. Points,
points on sketch curves (including spline knot points), edges, lines, arcs, datum
planes, and datum axes are selectable using this method.
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Horizontal - Used to filter the system to specify a distance constraint

between two points with respect to the Xaxis of the sketch coordinate system.
Points, points on sketch curves (including spline knot points), edges, lines, and
arcs are selectable using this method.
YC
ZC
.500
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XC
4.000
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Vertical - Used to filter the system to specify a distance constraint

between two points with respect to the Yaxis of the sketch coordinate system.
Points, points on sketch curves (including spline knot points), edges, lines, and
arcs are selectable using this method.
YC
2.000
ZC
XC
.500
Parallel - Used to filter the system to specify a distance constraint

directly between two sketch entities. The parallel dimension is the shortest
distance between the two points. All sketch objects are selectable using this
method. The points selected will be inferred from the objects selected.
Arcs selected for 1.23 dimension
.500
1.23
Line endpoints
selected for
.500 dimension
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Perpendicular - Used to filter the system to specify a distance constraint

measured perpendicular to a selected line and a point or the normal distance.
The first object selected using this method must be linear; the second will be a
point inferred from the next object selected.
.8502
.6302
Angular - Used to filter the system to specify an angular dimensional

constraint between two lines. The angle is measured counterclockwise from the
ends of the lines nearest the cursor upon selection. Only linear objects may be
selected with this method.
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p0=45.507
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Radius - Used to filter the system to specify a radial size constraint for an
arc or circle. Only arcs and circles may be selected with this method.
R p4=0.250
Diameter- Used to filter the system to specify a diametral size constraint

for an arc or circle. Only arcs and circles may be selected with this method.
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p1=2.568
Perimeter- The Perimeter constraint is used to constrain the collective

lengths of lines and arcs to a desired value. After the desired curves are
selected the user chooses OK, a dimensional constraint is created and its name
is prefixed with Perimeter, i.e. Perimeter_p7=6.456. There is no graphical
representation of this constraint on the graphics screen.
Editing Dimensional Constraints`

The editing of dimensional constraints may be achieved as follows:
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To edit the value, simply double click on the dimension and edit the value
in the text box and press Enter.
To edit the position, simply drag a dimension's location.
Additional editing that may be done with the Dimensions dialog as listed below:
Name - Enter a new name in the text entry field.
Value - Enter a new value in the text entry field or use the slider.
Position - Click and hold the left mouse button to drag the dimension to
its new position.
Text placement method - Select a different option from the option menu.
Leader side - Select a different option from the option menu.
Text height - Enter a new text size in the text entry field.
NOTE: The name and value of a dimensional constraint may also

be edited by using the Expression Editor. As dimensional constraints
are edited, the constraints are evaluated and the geometry is modified.
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Delay Evaluation
At times it is advantageous not to have the geometry change until all of the
dimensional constraints have been modified. The Delay Evaluation is a toggle
on the Sketch tool bar that controls this condition.
Evaluate Sketch
The Evaluate Sketch button is provided so that the user may control sketch
evaluation when the Delay Evaluation toggle is on. Sketches are evaluated
automatically when the Constraints dialog box is exited.
Update Model
The Update Model icon located on the Sketch tool bar may be used to force the
model to update without leaving the sketch function.
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When a sketch is deactivated the display of the dimensional constraints is

disabled. A toggle switch labeled Retain Dimension is supplied on the Sketch
Preferences dialog box to enable the display should there be a need to display
dimensions without an active sketch (such as to reference expression names
between sketches, plotting, etc.).
Creating Geometric Constraints

A geometric constraint establishes a geometric characteristic of a sketch object
(such as defining a line as being horizontal) or the type of relationship between
two or more objects (such as requiring that two lines be parallel or
perpendicular, or that several arcs have the same radius).
Geometric constraints have no editable numeric values; a constant angle
constraint, for instance, simply dictates that the line stay at the angle it is at
when the constraint is applied.
The Create Constraints icon

There is no dialog.
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activates the process of creating constraints.
Constraints are created by selecting the geometry, and then choosing the
desired constraint icon from the upper left corner of the graphics screen. Only
icons for constraints that are possible for the selected curves will be displayed.
If you wish to assign multiple constraints at one time, you can control-select
the objects. Then the icons for constraints will remain on the screen after you
choose the first constraint. You can use MB2 to cancel creation of constraints .
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Listed below are all the possible constraints and their respective icon.
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Fixed
Constant Angle
Collinear
Concentric
Horizontal
Tangent
Vertical
Equal Radius
Parallel
Coincident
Perpendicular
Point on Curve
Equal Length
Midpoint
Constant Length
Point on String
Displaying Constraint Symbols

Constraint symbols are displayed when a sketch is active. Symbols for
Coincident, Point on Curve, Midpoint, Tangent, and Concentric are always
displayed. The other symbols are not displayed at all times.
The Show All Constraints icon

constraints in the active sketch.
will display the symbols for all the
Sometimes, when the curves are very small on the screen (the view is zoomed
out), the symbols may not be displayed. You may need to zoom in to see them.
The following is a definition of each of the available geometric constraints:
Coincident - Defines two or more points as having the same location.
Collinear - Defines two or more linear objects as lying on or passing through
the same theoretical straight line.
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Concentric - Defines two or more arcs as having the same center.

Constant Angle - Defines a line as having a constant angle.
Constant Length - Defines a line as having a constant length.
Equal Length - Defines two or more lines as being the same length.
Equal Radius - Defines two or more arcs as having the same radius.
Fix - Defines fixed characteristics for geometry, depending on the type of
geometry selected, as follows:
Arc or circle - defines the radius and the location of the centerpoint.
Arc center, elliptical arc center, circle center, or ellipse center - locates
the centerpoint.
Arc or elliptical arc endpoint - locates the endpoint.
Ellipse - locates the centerpoint and defines the radii.
Ellipse center - locates the centerpoint.
Elliptical arc - locates the centerpoint and defines the radii.
Line - defines the angle and length.
Point - defines the location.
Spline - removes all of its rigid DOFs (it cannot be rigidly rotated or
rigidly dragged).
Spline control point - locates the control point.
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Horizontal - Defines a line as horizontal.

Midpoint of Curve - Defines the location of a sketch point as coincident with
the midpoint of a curve.
NOTE:
For the Midpoint of Curve constraint, select the curve anywhere

other than at its end points.
Mirror - Defines two objects as being mirror images of each other. This
constraint is automatically created when the mirror function is used. It cannot
be created manually.
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Parallel - Defines two or more linear objects as being parallel to each other.
Perpendicular - Defines two linear objects as being perpendicular to each
other.
Point on Curve - Defines the location of a sketch point as lying on a curve.
Point on String - Defines the location of a sketch point as lying on an extracted
string.
Slope of Curve - Defines a spline, selected at a defining point, and another
object as being tangent to each other at the selected point.
Scale, NonUniform - Thus constrained, a spline will scale in the horizontal
direction while keeping the original dimensions in the vertical direction during
modification.
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Scale, Uniform - A spline will scale proportionally in both the horizontal and
vertical when the horizontal length changes.
A Scale constraint may not be mixed with fixing of an internal spline point
as the uses of the two different constraint types are mutually exclusive.
Tangent - Defines two objects as being tangent to each other.
Vertical - Defines a line as vertical.
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Show/Remove Constraints
The Show/Remove Constraints is a tool that aids you in the management of
constraints. The constraints may be listed by object/s or all of the constraints of
the active sketch may be listed at once.
Determines which
objects will have
their constraints
listed.
Determines what
type of
constraints will be
listed.
Determines if the
filtered constraint
will be included
or excluded in
the list.
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Determines what
category of
constraints will be
listed.
Actions that can be

taken on the listed
constraints.
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Constraint Interrogation
One way to determine what geometric constraints are present is to pass the
selection ball over a sketch object. If the object has a constraint associated with
it, the sketch object will be prehighlighted as well as other sketch objects that
share the constraint and the constraint marker will appear next to the sketch
objects. If the selection ball passes over an object which has no constraints
associated with it, prehighlighting does not occur. The constraint types and
their markers are shown in the figure below.
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Fix
Perpendicular
Concentric
Tangent
Coincident
Equal Length
Colinear
Equal Radius
Point on Curve
Constant Length
Point on String
Constant Angle
Midpoint on Curve
Mirror
Horizontal
Slope of Curve
Vertical
Scale, Uniform
Parallel
Scale, NonUniform
Constraint Categories
There are two major categories of geometric constraints, Explicit and Inferred.
Explicit constraints are constraints that the user has created by assignment
using the constraints dialog or by virtue of the creation method. Inferred
constraints are the Coincident constraints that the system has inferred and
assigned. The user has the option to list only the Explicit, or Inferred
constraints, or both may be listed at the same time.
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Constraint Listing
The constraints may also be listed in the Show/Remove Constraints dialog by
selecting one of the three options at the top of the dialog window. They are:
Selected Object Once an object is selected, the associated constraints,
depending on the selected constraint category, are listed in the dialog box. To
view constraints associated with a different sketch object, simply select the new
object.
Selected Objects Allows the selection of multiple objects; the associated
constraints, depending on the selected constraint category, are listed in the
dialog box. Objects may be deselected by holding the shift key down and
selecting the object.
All in Active Sketch List all the constraints of the active sketch, depending on
the selected constraint category.
Listing Box
Any time there are constraints listed in the list box they may be browsed by
selecting the constraint to highlight it. When the constraint is highlighted in the
list box, the sketch object(s) that is associated with it is also highlighted in the
graphics area. The Step Up the List and Step Down the List buttons allow easy
navigation through the various constraints. The Up and Down arrows on most
keyboards will mimic this behavior.
Removing Constraints
Constraints may be deleted 3 ways:
Highlight them in the Show/Remove Constraints dialog List box and

select Remove Highlighted Constraint(s).
Turn on Select Constraints (on the Selection tool bar), select the
constraint symbol on the graphics screen, and then choose the Delete
icon.
Turn on Select Constraints, select the constraint symbol on the graphics

screen, and then use MB3Delete to delete selected constraint.
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Undo
The user may access undo from the edit pulldown on the main menu, the third
mouse button popup menu, or the accelerator keys. Undo takes the creation
procedure back one step at a time.
Dragging Geometry
Underconstrained geometry can be dragged by simply holding down and
dragging MB1 while on the selected curve(s) or point(s).
Selection
When in the Sketcher Task Environment, the selection toolbar changes. It has
two icons that are only available in the Sketcher.
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Select Sketch Objects

curves and dimensions.
allows selection of constraint symbols on the graphics
Select Constraints
screen.
Deselect All
allows selection of all objects in the sketch -
deselects all objects that are currently selected.
Constraint Conditions
When the Constraints dialog box is active, the status line lists the constraint
condition for the active sketch. A sketch may be fully constrained, under
constrained, or over constrained. When the sketch is under constrained the status
line will indicate the number of constraints needed.
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A sketch is evaluated each time a constraint is placed upon the sketch. Each
time a sketch is evaluated, the system attempts to solve the set of constraints
that describe how the geometric objects are positioned and their relationships
with each other.
In order to completely capture the design intent of a particular profile, it may

be beneficial to fully constrain the sketch. This occurs when the solver is able to
completely define all sketch geometry.
It is important to remember that there is no requirement to fully constrain a
sketch. The design intent has been captured sufficiently when the constraint set
applied to the profile causes it to update in the intended manner.
A sketch is under constrained when there is insufficient information to
completely locate each sketch point. Degreeoffreedom arrows are displayed at
each point that could not be solved to identify the direction in which that point
remains free to move.
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Constraining Example
Lines constrained
to be horizontal
LINE A
Lines constrained
to be vertical
In the profile above, some elements are partially constrained due to system
applied constraints, such as the 3 degree snap angle default for horizontal and
vertical lines.
Line A has a system applied vertical geometric constraint. The bottom point of
line A has a fixed geometric constraint applied by the user. The
degreeoffreedom arrow at the top of line A now points in the Y axis direction.
This indicates the point is constrained in the X axis direction but not in the Y
axis direction.
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Degree of freedom arrows may assist in the constraining process; however, until
the location of at least one object is defined, no degree of freedom arrows will
be removed. Defining the location of an object may be accomplished in a
number of ways.
Sketch objects may be located relative to edges of a solid model, datum planes,
or to datum axes using geometric constraints, dimensional constraints, or
positioning dimensions.
Fixing the location of a point fully defines the location of that point to the
solver. It is important to remember that there is no numeric input in fixing an
object. An object must be created in the proper location or be otherwise located
prior to fixing in order for the fix constraint to be properly applied.
A sketch is over constrained when too much constraint information is supplied
to the solver. For instance, specifying a geometric constraint on two lines that
identifies them as being equal in length, then placing a dimensional constraint
on each to identify their length would cause the sketch to be over constrained.
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The system highlights in yellow the geometry and dimensional constraints that
are causing the over constrained condition in order to prompt for the over
constrained situation to be corrected.
An unwanted constraint must be removed before the system will change the
geometric configuration.
The sketch is displayed in the last solved condition.
Dimensional constraints that are not related to the over constrained condition
are displayed in green. Geometry that is not related to the over constrained
condition is displayed in cyan.
Dimensional constraints that are in conflict in the current configuration with
the current constraint set are displayed in pink. Geometry that is not solvable in
the current configuration with the current constraint set is displayed in gray.
At times the system displays all geometry in gray and all dimensional constraints
in pink. This indicates that the constraint set that has been supplied is not
solvable with the geometry in its current configuration. Constraints may need to
be added or removed in order for the sketcher to be able to solve the constraint
set.
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Activity 6 - Constraining a Profile

Constrain the pipe vise profile sketch to satisfy the stated design intent.
Design Intent
Apply constraints to the curves so that the following may be controlled:
The outside envelope of the part.
The included angle of the angled lines.
The angled lines must remain centered in the part horizontally.
The width of the slot at the bottom of the angled lines is controlled by the
radius at the bottom of the slot.
Step 1 Open pau_pipevise_1 and start the Modeling application.
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Step 2 Activate the sketch S21_PROFILE.

Doubleclick on a sketch curve.
Step 3 View the system applied constraints.
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Choose the Show/Remove Constraints icon.
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The Show/Remove Constrains dialog box is displayed.

Choose the radio button in the List Constraints For: area for
All In Active Sketch.
Ensure that the Show Constraints category to Explicit.
The system created constraints are now displayed in the list box. The dialog box
should look similar to the graphic shown at right.
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Choose the first constraint in the list.
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The object referred to in the list is highlighted in the graphics area. There
should be one horizontal line highlighted in the graphics window. Let the
instructor know if this is not the case.
Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons located to the right of

the list box to browse through the constraint list.
Cancel the Show/Remove Constraints dialog box.
Step 4 View the degree of freedom arrows.
Choose the Create Constraints icon.
Notice that there are degree of freedom arrows at each of the sketch points.
Even though most of the objects in the sketch have constraints associated with
them, the sketch points are free to move in all directions. This is because the
system cannot locate any of the points relative to model space.
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Step 5 Constrain the location of a point.

Select the lower endpoint of the left vertical line.
Select the vertical datum axis.
In the upper left corner of the screen choose the

Point on Curve icon.
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The geometry now changes to follow the constraint. The point at the bottom of
the left vertical line is now constrained in the horizontal direction.
Select the left endpoint of the bottom horizontal line.
Select the horizontal datum axis.
Choose the Point on Curve icon.
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The geometry now changes to follow the new constraint. The shared sketch
point at the bottom of the left vertical line is now constrained in both the
horizontal and vertical directions. The degree of freedom arrows go away at this
point, and, due to the horizontal and vertical constraints on the lines that share
the sketch point, one of the arrows on the opposite end of those lines has
disappeared.
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Step 6 Move the datum planes and axes to layer 61.

The datums have served their purpose of locating the sketch. You will now
move them to ease selection of objects and clean up the screen display.
Choose Finish.
Choose FormatMove to Layer
Choose Type.
Choose Datums and choose OK.
Choose Select All and OK.
Enter 61 in the dialog box layer field and press Enter.
Step 7 Continue adding constraints to satisfy the stated design

intent.
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Doubleclick on a sketch curve to activate the sketch.
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Choose Create Constraints.
Hold the Ctrl key down and select the two horizontal lines at
the top of the profile.
Choose Collinear
and Equal Length.
Now Equal Length
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Choose Deselect All.
Select the arc at the bottom of the slot taking note on which
side you choose. Select the end of the short vertical line on
the same side of the arc.
Choose Tangent.
Repeat the process for the other side of the slot.
Hold the Ctrl key down and select the bottom horizontal line
and the lower endpoint of the line originating from the arc
center.
Choose Point on Curve.
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Choose Midpoint.
Choose Deselect All.
Select the line between the midpoint and the arc center.
Choose Vertical.
Now vertical
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Adding dimensional constraints to satisfy the controlling portions of the design

intent will allow the profile to be changed by modifying the numerical values.
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Choose the Dimensions icon.
With the constraint type set to infer, select the bottom

horizontal line. Drag the dimension to position it and select
with MB1 to place it.
Type in a value of 5 and press Enter.
Fit the view if necessary.
Select the left vertical line and place the dimension for it.
Change the value to 3.75.
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Select the top left horizontal line and place the dimension.
Change its value to .5.
Fit the view if necessary.
Select the lower end (over half way, not endpoint) of the left
angled line. Select the right end of the top left horizontal
line, avoiding its control points. Place the angular dimension
and change its value to 45.
Select here first

Select here
second
Select the left end of the top right horizontal line, avoiding
its control points. Select the bottom end of the right angled
line. Place this angular dimension and change its value to the
'p' number assigned to the other angular dimension.
Select the arc at the bottom of the slot. Place the radius
dimension and change its value to .25.
Select the line connecting the arc center and the midpoint
and place this vertical dimension. Change its value to 1.5 and
choose OK.
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The Status line now informs you that the sketch is fully constrained. Remember
that there is no need to fully constrain the profile if it is updating in the manner
desired.
Step 8 Change the constraints on the sketch to alter the included

angle in the notch.
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Double click on the first angular dimensional constraint that

was created and change it from a 45 to 30.
Notice that the depth of the notch is unchanged as a result of this change.
Should that have not been our intent, we would have to constrain the sketch in
a different manner.
Choose Finish.
Step 9 Choose File "Close"All Parts.
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Activity 7 - Constraining the Gasket

In this activity you will fully constrain the sketch that was created earlier.
Step 1 Open ***_gasket_1 where *** represent your initials or
open pau_gasket_1 and save as ***_gasket_1a.
Step 2 Make Layer 61 Selectable in order to view the reference
features.
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Step 3 Activate the sketch containing the profile.

Ensure that the Modeling application is active.
Doubleclick on a sketch curve to activate the sketch.
Fit the view.
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Use the steps on the following pages to constrain the profile as shown below.
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Step 4 Review the existing constraints.
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Choose Show/Remove Constraints.
Choose All in Active Sketch.
Set Show Constraints to Explicit.
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Review the constraints by clicking on each one in the listing

and observe which curves are highlighted in the graphic
window.
Notice how each curve in the profile is tangent to its adjacent
curve. This is due to the creation method that was used.
In the Show/Remove Constraints dialog,

choose Selected Objects.
Select one of the circles.
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Notice that there are no constraints listed.

Set Show Constraints to Inferred.

Now observe that a Coincident constraint is listed.
Select the circle on the other side and notice how the system
indicates an arc to which it is coincident.
Choose Cancel.
Toggle Show All Constraints
on.
Notice the two Equal Radius symbols.
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Choose the Select Constraints icon

toolbar.
from the Selection
Place the cursor over one of the Equal Radius symbols.
The arcs that share this constraint are highlighted.

Place the cursor over one of the Coincident symbols.
The circle and arc that share that point of incidence are highlighted.
Choose the Select Sketch Objects icon.
Step 5 Constrain the sketch.
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Notice the Degree Of Freedom markers associated with the sketch points,
remember that these are supplied to give feedback on the constraint condition
of the sketch. These markers will be removed from the display as the sketch
points are explicitly located.
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Select the center circle and the bottom arc, avoiding control
points along the way.
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Choose Concentric.
Step 6 Locate the profile in space.

Select the arc center of the center circle and the horizontal
datum axis.
The entire profile moves to follow the constraint just applied.
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Select the arc center of the center circle again and the
vertical datum axis.
Note that the degree of freedom markers at the large arc center have been
removed, this point is now explicitly located.
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Step 7 Apply Point on Curve design intent.

The design intent is that the arc center of all three circles lie on the same
horizontal centerline.
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Select the arc center of the left circle and the horizontal
datum axis.
Repeat the above actions for the right circle, constraining it

to fall on the centerline" represented by the datum axis.
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Note how the profile changes shape to obey the constraints as they are applied.
Also note that the Degree Of Freedom markers at the selected points have
been removed in the vertical direction. These points has been constrained in
the vertical direction but are still free to move in the horizontal direction.
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Step 8 Applying equal radius design intent.

The upper and lower center arcs are intended to be the same radius. The circles
on either end are intended to be the same size as shown by the dimension.
Select the upper and lower arcs of the profile.

Be sure not to include control points in the selection process,
points and curves have a different constraint set than those
of two curves.
Choose Equal Radius.
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Repeat the process for the two small circles.
Step 9 Apply dimensional constraints to define the size of the

profile.
Use the Inferred dimension type to create all of the dimensions shown below.
Change Auto Placement to

Manual Placement, Arrows In.
Select the center circle and place the dimension.
Location of the dimension is not as important as being able to read it.
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Change the value of the dimension to 2 and press Enter.
Create a horizontal dimension between the arc center of the

left circle and the arc center of the center circle. Place the
dimension.
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Change the value of the dimension to 2.625.
Create a horizontal dimension between the arc centers of the

two smaller circles and place the dimension.
The status line indicates that the sketch needs 5 constraints in order to be fully
constrained.
Select one of the end circles and place the dimension.
Change the value of the dimension to .5.
Select one of the end arcs and place the dimension.
Change the value of the dimension to .5.
Select the lower arc and place the dimension.
The status line indicates that the sketch needs 2 more constraints. Notice that
we forgot to create a concentric constraint between the upper arc and the
center circle.
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Select the center circle and the upper arc, avoiding control
points.
Choose Concentric.
The status line now states that the Sketch is fully constrained.
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Choose Create Constraints
to exit that function.
Step 10 Change the design intent by making the gasket longer.

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Double click on the dimension with the value 5.25.
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Edit the value to 7.25.
Notice that the profile updates and the tangent condition is maintained.
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Choose Finish.
Step 11 Choose File"Close"Save and Close.
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Convert To/From Reference

At times it is nice to be able to see what the effects of a change are numerically,
but adding a dimensional constraint to do this causes the sketch to be over
constrained. Additionally, sketch curves may need to be associated to other
sketch curves that are not intended to represent a portion of the swept feature.
To support these needs, Unigraphics allows Reference objects within sketches.
These reference objects may be either curves or dimensional constraints. The
Convert To/From Reference icon is located in the sketch management area of
the Sketch Tools dialog box.
To change the status of the objects, set the radio button to the status desired,
select the object(s) and choose OK or Apply. An option menu is provided to
filter for All (the default), Curve, or Dimension.
Reference curves are displayed in gray color and phantom line font. Reference
curves are ignored during sweep operations.
Reference dimensional constraints are shown in white color and only the value
portion of the expression is shown, regardless of the preference setting. The
value for this reference dimension will be updated as the sketch is changed, but
it does not control the sketch geometry with which it is associated.
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Activity 8 - Constraint Conditions

In this activity, you will constrain and edit a simple sketch to change the design
intent. This configuration is not one that you would likely sketch, but its
simplicity allows the concept of over constrained to be easily shown.
Design Intent
Apply constraints to control the length and width of the sketch. The shape of
the sketch should remain rectangular.
Width
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Length
Step 1 Open pau_seedpart_in.

Step 2 Create a sketch on Layer 21.
Start the Modeling application.
Change the work layer to 21.
Choose Sketch.
Choose OK.
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Step 3 Create a rectangle.

Choose the Rectangle icon.
Select a cursor location, then drag and select a second cursor

location to create the rectangle.
Choose Cancel.
Step 4 Interrogate the constraints that currently exist on this

sketch.
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Choose the Show/Remove Constraints icon.
Choose the radio button for All In Active Sketch.
Set the Show Constraints to Explicit.
Highlight the top constraint in the list and use the down
arrow button to browse through the constraints.
Choose Cancel.
Step 5 Apply constraints to locate the sketch on the sketch plane.
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Choose the Create Constraints icon.
Select an endpoint of the left vertical line and the vertical

datum axis.
Select an endpoint of the bottom horizontal line and the

horizontal datum axis.
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Step 6 Move the reference features to the proper layer.
Choose Finish.
Choose FormatMove to Layer
Select the reference objects and choose OK.
Type 61 in the destination layer field and choose OK.
Doubleclick on a sketch curve.
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Step 7 Apply dimensional constraints to control the length and

width of the part as per the design intent.
p3=2.750
p2=4.500
With the dimension type set to Infer, select the bottom

horizontal line and place the dimension.
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Select the left hand vertical line and place the dimension.
Choose OK.
As dimensional constraints are being created, the degreeoffreedom arrows are

eliminated. The sketch is fully constrained using one vertical and one horizontal
dimensional constraint, along with the geometric constraints of horizontal and
vertical that the system applied to the lines due to the manner of construction.
Design Change
Modify the sketch so that it can be controlled by the angle and length of a
diagonal line.
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p5=5.274
p4=31.430
Step 8 Create a diagonal line in the sketch and convert it to

reference.
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Choose the Line icon.
Select the lower left endpoint and the upper right endpoint
to define the line.
Choose the Convert To/From Reference icon

ensure that Reference is toggled On.
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Select the diagonal line and choose OK.
Step 9 Apply an angular dimensional constraint.
Select the right end of the lower horizontal line and the right
end of the diagonal line, and indicate a location for the
angular dimension.
The angle will be applied to the ends of the lines closest to the cursor position
in a counter clockwise manner.
At this point the system has more information than is required. The sketch is
over constrained.
The system changes the color of the sketch objects that have constraints applied
to them that are associated to the over constrained condition.
In this case all of the active sketch curves and dimensional constraints are
displayed in yellow. To correct the over constrained condition, one or more of
the offending constraints must by removed.
Remember, the new design intent is to drive the sketch with angular and
diagonal length dimensions.
Step 10 Apply a parallel dimensional constraint.
Select the diagonal line and place a parallel dimension.

Notice that the sketch configuration does not change when the value is
modified. The system leaves the geometry in its last solved state until the over
constrained condition is resolved.
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Choose Cancel.
p5=6.500
p3=2.750
p4=35.000
p2=4.500
Step 11 Convert sketch dimensions to reference.
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Choose the Convert To/From Reference icon.
Select the horizontal and vertical dimensions, and choose

OK.
The sketch is returned to a fully constrained condition. The reference

dimensional constraints are shown to reflect the value only. Reference
dimensions do not apply rules to the geometry to which they are attached.
Another method of resolving the over constrained condition would have been
to delete the horizontal and vertical dimensions.
Choose Finish.
Step 12 Choose File "Close"All Parts.
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SUMMARY
This lesson introduced the concept of sketch

creation.
Sketches may be used to define a base feature,
guide paths, and additional associative features
to the base feature.
A sketch parametrically controls curves and
captures design intent.
To do this constraints are applied to sketch
objects in order to capture the design intent.
The level of constraint, partial or full, is
determined by the design intent and what is
necessary to capture it.
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In this lesson you:

Created a sketch on a fixed datum plane.
Created a sketch on an existing solid face.
Freehand sketched curves in a sketch.
Constrained Sketches
Created Dimensional Constraints
Edited Dimensional Constraints
Created Geometric Constraints
Created Inferred Geometric Constraints
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(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
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Manual Unigraphics NX - 13 Sketching

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What are the main topics discussed in the document?

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What are some of the key terms mentioned?

What are some of the key terms mentioned?

Sketching

To introduce the method of creating a sketch and free

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:

Create sketch curves.

Apply dimensional constraints to sketches.

Apply geometric constraints to sketches.

Convert a sketch curve to reference.

When should a sketch be used?

Design Considerations - The geometric requirements on the actual part,

Potential Areas for Change - Known design changes or iterations, and

Sketches and the Model Navigator

Sketches and Layers

Creating a New Sketch

starts the sketch function.

The Sketch Plane

Sketch to Define the Base Feature

Sketch Associative to Existing Base Feature

Choose the Sketch Plane icon.

Select the face or datum plane.

Define the horizontal or vertical reference

If you are defining a datum plane on the fly:

Choose the Datum Plane icon

Select the required objects to define the datum plane.

Define the horizontal or vertical reference

Defining the Reference Direction

Planar Placement Face

The direction of an axis may be changed as follows:

To flip the direction of an axis, doubleclick on it.

In addition, the normal of the sketch plane may be changed by doubleclicking

The sketch can also be renamed by:

Choosing TaskSketch Properties

Using the Model Navigator

It is highly recommended that sketches be named in a descriptive manner

The Active Sketch

Doubleclicking on a sketch curve.

In the Model Navigator doubleclick on the sketch feature node.

There are two ways to deactivate an active sketch as follows:

Select the Finish icon.

Sketch Creation Steps

Set the work layer for the sketch.

Choose the Sketch icon.

Define the sketch plane by one of the following.

Name the sketch.

Sketch on an Existing Face or Datum Plane

Choose the Sketch icon.

Choose the Sketch Plane icon.

Select the face or datum plane.

Define the horizontal or vertical reference

Name the sketch.

Activity 1 - Sketch Creation

Make layer 21 the work layer.

Choose the YC-ZC Plane.

Click on the sketch name, key in base and press Enter.

The sketch is created.