Today's Tech Tip focuses on matching continuity to adjacent faces using the Composite Curve feature.

The Composite Curve feature allows users to combine edges of parts, surfaces, sketch curves or 3D curves into a single curve. This saves time by reducing the number of picks and clicks for downstream features. 

But did you know, Composite Curves made from edges of surfaces can be used for matching continuity? Let's take a look.

Composite Curves & Matching Continuity

In this example, a surface needs to be created to patch the open area.

empty space

Area to be patched.

First, a Composite Curve is used to capture the edges to be filled. The curve retains the edge information allowing for continuity matching in the next operation. 

fill surface featureComposite Curve made from boundary.

Next, the Fill Surface feature is applied to the Composite Curve while matching tangency. A single selection is needed for the patch since a Composite Curve from all edges was created in the previous operation. 

fill surfaceFill Surface using Composite Curve.

In situations where the boundary needs several continuity constraints, a combination of Composite Curves and individual edge selections can be made.

In this example, the surface needs to have position and tangency constraints. A Composite Curve is first created using the edges to match tangency to. 

fill surface dialogComposite Curve on three edges.

In the fill surface dialog, the Composite Curve is selected while matching tangency.

show tangencyComposite Curve selected for fill surface.

The remaining edges are individually selected while matching position. This completes the surface while satisfying all the boundary conditions. 

finished surfaceFinished surface.

Using Composite Curves is especially useful when a selection needs to be made for multiple features. A network of Composite Curves can be used instead of selecting several edges for each new operation. 

Find out more by watching the video below: 

To learn more about the Composite Curve feature, check out the Advanced Part and Surface Design Learning Pathway in the Onshape Learning Center.

Interested in learning more Onshape Tech Tips? You can review the most recent technical blogs here.