Helix

Use Helix to create open flat or 3D spirals.

Reference

General Parameters

The Helix differs from other spline based shapes in that it always uses adaptive interpolation. The number of vertices in a helix is determined by the number of turns. See Splines for detailed explanation of these parameters.

Creation Method

The Helix uses the standard creation methods of Center or Edge. Most spline based shapes share the same Creation Method parameters. See Splines for an explanation of these parameters.

Helix Parameters

Once you have created a Helix, you can make changes using the following parameters:

Radius 1: Set this to specify the radius for the Helix start.

Radius 2: Set this to specify the radius for the Helix end.

Height: Set this to specify the height of the Helix.

Turns: Set this to specify the number of turns the Helix makes between its start and end points.

Bias: This setting forces the turns to accumulate at one end of the Helix. Bias has no visible affect when the height is 0.0.

• A Bias of-1.0 forces the turns towards the start of the Helix.
• A Bias of 0.0 evenly distributes the turns between the ends.
• A Bias of 1.0 forces the turns towards the end of the Helix.

CW/CCW: Choose one of the direction buttons to set whether the Helix turns clockwise (CW) or counter-clockwise (CCW).

How To

To create a helix:

1. Click Helix.
2. Choose a creation method.
3. Press to define the first point of the Helix start circle.
4. Drag to define the second point of the Helix start circle.
5. Move the mouse and click to define the height of the Helix.
6. Move the mouse and click to define the radius of the Helix end.