Create a slot around selected sketch curves (including splines, lines, arcs but no closed profiles).

This video will show you how to create a slot around selected sketch curves; including splines, lines, arcs, but not closed profiles. First, select the group of lines using the box selection. Next, select the slot tool from the toolbar.

Pre-selecting sketch curves and then applying slot creates slots of equal size across all curves, lines, or arcs, linked together with one single dimension. You can double-click and enter a precise value in the dimension [box], and then press the Enter key to have it applied. Next, select the left mouse button. Your slots are now applied.

Applying the slot command to individual sketch curves or lines in sequence links the dimensions of the slots. For example, select the slot tool on the sketch toolbar, then select the first line. You can continue selecting lines in sequence to have them added or chained to the slot command. Double-click the dimension, enter in a precise measurement and press the Enter key. And then press your left mouse button and the same dimension is applied to all of the lines [slots].

Steps

Pre-selecting sketch curves and then applying Slot creates slots of equal size across all curves, linked together with one dimension:

  1. Select sketch curves (either individually or with box select):

    select sketch curves

    2. The user has the option to either select the Slot tool itself first and then select the centerlines to create slots from, or select the centerlines first, followed by the Slot tool.

  2. Click Slot tool icon.

    Double-click the dimension to edit it

  3. Double-click the dimension to edit it.

Diameter dimension controls the width of the slot and can be edited before or after the slot is finished being placed.

Chain selection

Applying the Slot command to individual sketch curves in sequence, links the dimensions of the slots:

  1. Select one sketch curve:

    Applying the Slot command to individual sketch curves in sequence links the dimensions of the slots

  2. Click Slot tool icon.

    Example of Slot tool in use

  3. With the Slot command still selected, click more sketch curves to apply the same (unlinked) dimension:

    Example of clicking more sketch curves to apply the same dimension with Slot command still selected

  4. When you edit the dimension, all slots are changed:

    Example of edited and changed Slots

Use the Slot tool in either of two ways:

  • Select the Slot tool and then the individual sketch curve.
  • Pre-select sketch curves and then apply Slot to create slots of equal size across all curves, linked together with one dimension.

Steps

  1. Tap Slot tool icon.
  2. Tap to select a sketch curve.

    A slot is created around that sketch curve.

  3. Tap Slot tool icon to begin creating a slot around a different sketch curve.
  4. Tap to select a sketch curve.

Example of Slot tool in use, with a line selected

Example of Slot Tool in use, with the slot created around the line

Example of Slot tool in use, with a curved arc selected

Example of Slot tool in use, with the slot created around the curved arc

Pre-select steps

  1. Tap Slot tool icon to preselect sketch curves.
  2. Tap Slot tool icon to apply slots of equal sizes across all curves, linked together with one dimension.

Example of how to pre-select sketch curves, before the slots are created

Example of how to pre-select sketch curves, with the slots created around all the curves

Use the Slot tool in either of two ways:

  • Select Slot tool icon and then the individual sketch curve.
  • Pre-select sketch curves and then apply Slot to create slots of equal size across all curves, linked together with one dimension.

Steps

  1. Tap Slot tool icon.
  2. Tap to select a sketch curve.

    A slot is created around that sketch curve.

  3. Tap Slot tool icon to begin creating a slot around a different sketch curve.
  4. Tap to select a sketch curve.

Example of Slot tool in use, with a line selected

Example of Slot Tool in use, with the slot created around the line

Example of Slot tool in use, with a curved arc selected

Example of Slot tool in use, with the slot created around the curved arc

Pre-select steps

  1. Tap Slot tool icon to preselect sketch curves.
  2. Tap Slot tool icon to apply slots of equal sizes across all curves, linked together with one dimension.

Example of how to pre-select sketch curves, before the slots are created

Example of how to pre-select sketch curves, with the slots created around all the curves