Helix

This tool revolves a shape about an axis, like the Revolve tool, but at each step of the revolution it also moves up a certain distance, thus resulting in a helix, which can revolve for more than 360°. It is executed as the Revolve tool. The shape to be revolved can be open or closed. The former produces a surface object while the second a solid, if Cap is also on. See examples.

 

Model Type: The helix can be Facetted or Smooth.

 

# Of Cycles, Angle: These two parameters are correlated. When one changes the other is also adjusted. They specify how far the source will be revolved.

 

Length: How long the helix is. Can specify either the Total length or the length of Each Cycle.

 

Direction: Can be Clockwise or Counterclockwise. See example.

 

# Of Steps: Used only when Facetted is on and specifies how many steps are in the revolution.

 

Transformations: The Width and Length of the path of a helix can be scaled according to factors entered in these fields. If the helix is of type Facetted, the source shape can also be scaled. See examples.

 

Caps: When a closed source shape is revolved, this option determines whether the ends will be capped or not. When they are, a solid object results.

 

 

(a) Surface and (b) solid helix.	(a) Shape and axis. (b) Smooth and (c) facetted clockwise helix. (d) Counterclockwise facetted.