3D Select Axis Tools
You can use the
3D Select axis
buttons on the
3D Tools toolbar to create “free” axes in 3D mode in addition to the X, Y and Z axes. Free axes are independent of the coordinate system.
| You must have Arbortext IsoDraw CADprocess 7.2 or later to create and save multiple free axes. |
Free axes can be created tangent to 3D element contours, relative to paths, or through the coordinate system origin. The arrowhead on the free axis indicates the positive direction.
You can only select one free axis at a time. The selected free axis is red by default. All other free axes are blue.
| The 1. color setting on the Grid preferences panel sets the selected free axis color. (See Grid.) |
You can transform parts relative to the selected free axis, the same as you can relative to the selected X, Y, or Z axis. For example, you can select a free axis and then:
• Rotate a part around it using the
Rotation
tool. (See
Rotation.)
• Reflect a part across it using the
Reflection
tool. (See
Reflection.)
• Move a part along it using the
Arrow
tool. (See
Selecting.)
• Explode assemblies along it using the
Explode assemblies
tool. (See
Explosion Tool.)
Free axis transformations such as these are useful if, for example, you want to prepare 3D objects for a spare parts catalog. If objects are outside the coordinate system axes, you can create a free axis and then move or explode the parts on this axis.
