Project Curve and Composite Curve – SOLIDWORKS Tech Tip

Complex curves, including curves created from multiple independent features, can be combined using Composite Curve. For this complex spring a special shape is required that would be difficult to draw directly, so we’ll use a Projected Curve. Project Curve takes two sketches and finds their projected intersection to create a complex curve that satisfies both orientations.  Once this curve is created, it must be combined with the helix to create a single continuous path for the spring wire. Composite curve takes multiple independent curves or sketches and creates a single combined curve that absorbs the definition of the other entities to make a complex parametric curve that is a composite of multiple definitions. 

Pro-Tip: To further smooth it out, create a 3D Sketch, convert the composite curve into sketch entities, and then fit spline to create a smoother version of the underlying design.