Question about a SWEEP error 'WIRE_X_AXIS: Wire Intersects Axis'
- Thread starter Garryp4
- Start date
Ken226
Alibre Super User
When doing a sweep, the sweep profile doesn't have to be centered on the sweep path.
In some cases, if the sweep profile has some extension on the inside of the curve, it will need to go around a turn with a radius tight enough that the inside portion of the profile creates a path radius less than 0, as in a negative radius, it will throw an error. Picture walking while carrying a long post over your shoulders. When you turn to the left, the portion of the post on the left side has to move backwards to accommodate the turn. Sorry, I may not be articulating this very well. Sometimes what makes sense in my head comes out as gibberish.
Another way to explain, picture the sweep profile traveling along the sweep path. When it makes a left turn, if the radius of the turn is so tight that the portion of the profile on the inside of the turn has to move backwards, it will throw this error.
One way to avoid it is to create your sweep path on the inside edge of the sweep profile. This way, there is never any portion of the sweep profile that self intersects along the path. Kinda like this:
In some cases, if the sweep profile has some extension on the inside of the curve, it will need to go around a turn with a radius tight enough that the inside portion of the profile creates a path radius less than 0, as in a negative radius, it will throw an error. Picture walking while carrying a long post over your shoulders. When you turn to the left, the portion of the post on the left side has to move backwards to accommodate the turn. Sorry, I may not be articulating this very well. Sometimes what makes sense in my head comes out as gibberish.
Another way to explain, picture the sweep profile traveling along the sweep path. When it makes a left turn, if the radius of the turn is so tight that the portion of the profile on the inside of the turn has to move backwards, it will throw this error.
One way to avoid it is to create your sweep path on the inside edge of the sweep profile. This way, there is never any portion of the sweep profile that self intersects along the path. Kinda like this:
Last edited:
NateLiquidGravity
Alibre Super User
That's a great explanation!
stepalibre
Alibre Super User
Me too.
That's actually the best example I've heard for managing sweep radii.
HaroldL
Alibre Super User
The way I've heard it explained is to compare it to bending a hose along a path. If a curve is smaller than the hose diameter it will kink. So it is better to use a path with curves larger than the hose (profile) diameter or place the path so it allows the hose (profile) to sweep without kinking.
I have to remember these- they are great!