Regain Lost 3d Curve?

[tlehnhaeuser]

OK, Got caught with my pants down n this one. I have a client that has designed a vast amount curved rails using the Sweep command. Now he wants to get the length of the rail ( some cases its bent pipe, other cases box tubing.

I said easy just go to #D Curve and properties and i will ive you the length.

 

Well, not easy because they deleted all the 3D curves and theres no way ( that I know of) to regain the 3D curve in its original state.

 

SO...

 

1. Does anyone know a way to get the length of the part in the attached file based on its "Centerline"?

 

2. there should be a warning of failsafe when deleting 3D curves that have be used to creata a part.

 

I'm up for any ideas.

 

Thanks

Tom

Length.ics

[Mike Twining]

...bummer...no tricks in my bag for that sort of thing, other than making the actual 2D engineering drawing and doing some math...

[Robert Andersson]

maybe go in to the crossection and add a set of lines that make the "centerline" as a edge of the solid. Then RMB that edge "Create 3D curve"...

Edited September 29, 2006 by Robert Andersson

[Guest bbraho]

In this case, about .01476 inches long.

 

The volume is .020320 in3 by Analysis.

The end face surface area is .00556 in2 by Analysis of a Created Surface Shape.

 

L = V/A

 

The result should be nearly the centerline length. It will err on the high side for curved segments, especially tightly curved segments.

[tlehnhaeuser]

Thanks Brian and Robert,

But this is taking the long boat to China.

 

I think this ability reall needs to be added to IC and rather quickly since the feedback I get is that this is something that should be standard in a CAD program. And I really can;t argue with that.

Tom

 

[Marcus Bertilsson]

...I think this ability reall needs to be added to IC and rather quickly since the feedback I get is that this is something that should be standard in a CAD program. And I really can;t argue with that.

Tom

15811[/snapback]

 

YES, most wanted!!

/ Marcus