Part I: SolidWorks Basics
The result is a proportional spline in a sketch, not a curve feature as the name suggests. New in
SolidWorks 2010 is the capability to drag the spline itself or its endpoints in 2D or 3D and
SolidWorks calculates the new transformation. Previous versions of this function required you to
key in deltas for positional and rotational transforms, but 2010 does not allow this, you can only
drag, apply sketch relations and dimensions.FIGURE 3.26The Equation Driven Curve PropertyManager
If you start an Equation Driven Curve in a 2D sketch, you get the form for a 2D curve equation. If
you start in a 3D sketch, you get the form for a 3D curve. Once these splines are created, you can-
not remove the relation to the equation and manually edit the spline; they are tied to the equation
until you delete the entire spline.One way to get around this limitation would be to create an equation driven curve in one sketch,
and then open another sketch and use convert entities to copy the spline, delete the On Edge rela-
tion, and use Simplify Spline to add control points to it. This is a technique commonly used with
other types of curves; it does not enable you to update the overall size or shape of the spline
through the equation, but you can manually adjust sections of a curve originally created from
equations. Examples of where this might be useful would be a lead in or lead out on a cut thread, a
special attachment loop in the middle of a spring, or a flare around the edge of a lens or reflector
dish for mounting.