Working with Sketches (3-D)

HiCAD distinguishes between (planar) Sketches and 3-D Sketches.

Sketches are 3-D parts which lie in a plane and have free edges.They are, for instance, used for the creation of extruded solids, bores and subtractions, as well as for sweeps and sectional views. Sketches have the part name SKIZZE (SKETCH) and the part type Part with free edges.

A 3-D-Sketch is an aggregation of graphical elements, i.e. of lines and circles, without any references to surfaces. 3-D Sketches are, for instance, used for the generation of surfaces, the definition of points and point grids for freeform geometries, or as guidelines during the placing of cross-sections.The 3-D points of a composite edge are interpreted as support points of curves in the process.

The functions for sketches and 3-D sketches can be found on the Sketch tab.

Please note:

Sketches as well as 3-D Sketches can be parameterised using the HCM Parametrics tool that enables you to position and displace elements of a sketch or 3-D sketch. For this, the elements of the sketch/3-D sketch are linked together by means of so-called constraints, i.e. dimension relationships, logical relations and restrictions. The parametrics functions transform the corresponding elements in such a way that the defined constraints are fulfilled.
When polylines are sketched, the corresponding HCM constraints can also be created automatically. The individual elements of the polyline are then automatically linked by means of corresponding dimensional and positional constraints. For this to happen, select Sketches > HCM > Update system > Settings and activate the Enter constraints checkbox in the Sketch area.
If a part contains sketches with HCM conditions as sub-parts, these dimension conditions can be automatically displayed during identification of the superordinate part. Select Sketches > HCM > Update system > Settings and activate the Dimenniosn sub-sketch checkbox in the General area.
If HCM constraints are assigned to a sketch, you can highlight these constraints in the drawing by clicking them in the HCM tab of the ICN (or vice versa).
Right-clicking a sketch opens the context menu for sketches. Here you can find functions enabling you to derive other 3-D parts from the sketch, e.g. extruded parts, revolved parts, beams, plates, gratings etc. If a sketch has been assigned as a sub-part to a 3-D solid, the Add and Subtract functions are also available in the context menu of the sketch. When you call one of these functions via the context menu, the superordinate solid will be processed.
3-D Sketches containing HCM constraints are identified in the ICN by a icon.