Represent multiple edges as one Curve. Select multiple adjacent edges, sketch entities, and other curves. Selecting non-contiguous edges may result in multiple Curves created. Selections for each Curve must meet at their vertices. (Curves are listed in the Parts > Curves list.)

The Composite curve feature allows you to represent multiple edges as one Curve. Select multiple adjacent edges, sketch entities and other curves. Selecting non-contiguous edges may result in multiple Curves created. Selections for each Curve must meet at their vertices. Click the Composite curve feature tool on the toolbar. Select the sketch entities used to make up the composite curve. Curves must not intersect or overlap. In this example, two composite curves are created from sketch entities. Click the green checkmark to accept the new composite curves. The Curves appear in the Curves list.

With two or more contiguous sketch curves in the graphics area:

  1. Click Composite curve icon.

    Composite Curve dialog

  2. Select each sketch curve. (Curves must not intersect or overlap.)

  3. Complex curves can be reapproximated to create simpler curves. Check Approximate to open options to reapproximate the curve. The original curve is displayed in orange, and the new approximated curve is displayed in magenta.

    • Target degree - Enter the target curve degree for the selected curve.
    • Maximum control points - Enter the maximum number of control points allowed for the selected curve.
    • Tolerance - Tolerance of the selected curve, as a length measurement. Enter the tolerance value.
    • Keep start derivative - Check to keep tangency at the beginning of the selected curve.
    • Keep end derivative - Check to keep tangency at the ending of the selected curve.
    • Show deviation - Check to view the maximum deviation between the original curve and the reapproximated curve.

    Options to reapproximate complex curves

  4. Click Accept checkmark icon to accept.

example of accepting Composite Curve tool changes example of accepting Composite Curve tool changes

Selecting non-contiguous edges can result in more than one Curve being created:

example of how selecting non-contiguous edges can result in more than one Curve being created example of how selecting non-contiguous edges can result in more than one Curve being created

You are not able to show/hide the Composite Curve feature; use the show/hide functionality in the Parts (Curves) list instead.

To use a Composite Curve in a feature tool like Loft, select the Curve in the Curves (Parts) list as the profile:

example of how to use a Composite Curve in a feature tool like Loft

In addition to the surfacing tools, curves are used to create the basic building blocks of surfaces.

This lists the collection of curve feature tools. This is not an exhaustive list. Additional Feature tools may be used when manipulating curves.

  • Sketch tools - Tools in the Sketch toolbar such as Line, Corner rectangle, Center point rectangle, Center point circle, 3 point circle, Tangent arc, 3 point arc, Spline, Point, and Construction used to create a sketch in a Part Studio.
  • Helix - Create a helix using a conical or cylindrical face, single axis or z-axis of a mate connector, or circular edge.
  • 3D fit spline - Create a 3D fit spline through a series of vertices. Creates a curve which is listed in the Parts list under Curves.
  • Projected curve - Create a curve from the projection of two sketches (Two sketches option) or from the projection of a curve on a face (Curve to face option).
  • Bridging curve - Create a Curve connecting any two points, vertices, or Mate connectors. The resulting Curve is listed in the Feature list and the Parts list.
  • Composite curve - Represent multiple edges as one Curve. Select multiple adjacent edges, sketch entities, and other curves. Selecting non-contiguous edges may result in multiple Curves created. Selections for each Curve must meet at their vertices. (Curves are listed in the Parts > Curves list.)
  • Intersection curve - Create a curve at the intersection of two or more surfaces or faces. The selections must intersect.
  • Trim curve - Trim or extend a curve by a distance or to a bounding entity.
  • Isocline - Create an isocline on a sloped face. An isocline runs on a face at positions where the face has a certain slope compared to its reference definition. The resulting isocline is listed in the Feature list and Parts list.
  • Offset curve - Create and extend and/or split a new curve by offsetting edges on surrounding faces.
  • Isoparametric curve - Create smooth curves that run along a face or surface in the U or V direction.
  • Edit curve - Edit an existing curve by selecting sketch entities or curves to apply a simplified approximation, elevate the degree, reposition control curve vertices and/or planarize into any 2D plane.
  • Routing curve - Create a multi-point curve across one or more planes in 3D space (routed path). This is useful for creating pipe routing, wiring, and NURBS curves for advanced surfacing.

With two or more contiguous sketch curves in the graphics area:

  1. Tap the Composite curve tool.

    Composite curve tool icon

    Composite curve dialog

  2. Select each sketch curve. (Curves must not intersect or overlap.)
  3. Tap the checkmark.

Composite curve example Composite curve example

Selecting non-contiguous edges can result in more than one Curve being created:

Composite curve example Composite curve example

You are unable to show/hide the Composite Curve feature; use the show/hide functionality in the Parts (Curves) list instead.

To use a Composite Curve in a feature tool like Loft, select the Curve in the Curves (Parts) list as the profile:

Composite curve example

With two or more contiguous sketch curves in the graphics area:

  1. Tap the Composite curve tool.

    Composite Curve tool icon

    Example of Composite curve tool dialog

  2. Select each sketch curve. (Curves must not intersect or overlap.)
  3. Tap the checkmark.

Example of sketch curves selected Example of parts list

Selecting non-contiguous edges can result in more than one Curve being created:

Example of selecting non-continguous edges Example of parts list

You are unable to show/hide the Composite Curve feature; use the show/hide functionality in the Parts (Curves) list instead.

To use a Composite Curve in a feature tool like Loft, select the Curve in the Curves (Parts) list as the profile:

Example of using a Composite curve