AccuDraw Rotate 3D element about arbitrary axis

Question

I have a SmartLine and want to use AccuDraw to rotate it about an axis defined by two 3D points, how would this be done? 
 In this case the SmartLine has vertices A, B, C at coordinates (x,y,z): 
 A 0.00 , 0.00 , 0.00 B 8.17 , 24.79 , 4.82 C 17.83 , 34.17 , 4.64 
 I want to rotate the SmartLine about the axis defined by the first two points, A & B. Point C would spin around in a circle, aiming for a target. The rotation axis is not orthogonal to anything particular. 
 How is this done in a 3D environment? 
 I would be watching the tentative rotation in other views to see the effects, trying to come close to a target.

Krister Surell · Accepted Answer

Hi, 
 It is possible to rotate the element in any view (preferably an ISO view) using some AccuDraw tricks. Have a look at this short video. 
 
 Regards, 
 Krister

David Trejo-Rodriguez · Answer

What you need to do is get the axis you want to rotate about to coincide with the View Z. 
 You will first need a 4th point that does not lie between AB or AC as an example lets say: 
 D 10, 10, 10 
 Draw 2 construction lines between D to AB and C to AB make sure that they are perpendicular to AB. 
 Move the construction lines to the one end of AB 
 You can then use the Rotate View set to 3 points AB should now be the Views Z axis. 
 Once in the rotate element using accudraw set accudraw to be aligned to the view you will then be rotating about AB

Patrick Coyne · Answer

David, I really needed that first line of explanation to get this. 
 Although I didn't "get" the constructions you were describing, I did a series of I think 4 view rotations with key-ins and 3 point rotations (ACS plane snap) to make the rotation axis parallel to view Z axis. I then proceeded to rotate the element about the wrong pivot, but after correcting, it worked great. 
 The key for me was understanding your first line of explanation. I just assumed (wrongly) it could be done from any viewing angle. 
 Thanks a bunch!!

AccuDraw Rotate 3D element about arbitrary axis

Top Replies