Refine the shape of a sketched profile by adding a constraint
After you have sketched the outline of a profile, use constraints to refine your sketch and lock the shape.
For example, you can straighten lines, create 90 degree angles, force lines to meet, close the shape, and add chamfers in corners.
To straighten the entire profile, use horizontal and vertical constraints in conjunction with other constraints. Although the shape is locked, you can still rotate the profile in the model.
Before you begin
Before you begin, sketch the outline of the profile in the sketch editor.
Add a parallel constraint
You can use a parallel constraint to force two lines in a sketched profile to be parallel to each other.
-
Click the
Parallel constraint button:
.
-
Select another line in the sketch
(2).
Add a perpendicular constraint
You can use a perpendicular constraint to force a line in a sketched profile to be at a 90 degree angle to another line that you select.
The selected lines do not have to intersect. You can add a perpendicular constraint to any two lines.
-
Click the
Perpendicular constraint button:
.
-
Select another line in the sketch
(2).
Add a coincident constraint
You can use a coincident constraint to force two lines in a sketched profile to start or end at the same point, by extending or shortening one or both lines.
The selected lines do not have to intersect. You can add a coincident constraint to any two lines.
Note:
Tekla Structures automatically creates coincident constraints:
-
where two lines meet
-
between line segments when you draw them with the Sketch polyline tool
-
between the start of the first line segment and the end of the last line segment in a shape, if they are within a certain distance of each other
-
Ensure that the
Snap to end points
snap switch is active.
-
Click the
Coincident constraint button:
.
-
Pick the end of the second line
(2).
Add a fixed constraint
You can use a fixed constraint to lock the position and angle of a line in a sketched profile so that other constraints do not affect it.
-
Click the
Fixed constraint button:
.
- Select a line in the sketch.
Add a horizontal constraint
You can use a horizontal constraint to force a line in a sketched profile to be parallel to the local x axis.
Tekla Structures automatically creates horizontal constraints when you create lines that are nearly horizontal.
-
Click the
Horizontal constraint button:
.
-
Select the lines you want to straighten
(1, 2).
Add a vertical constraint
You can use a vertical constraint to force a line in a sketched profile to be parallel to the local y axis.
Tekla Structures automatically creates vertical constraints when you create lines that are nearly vertical.
-
Click the
Vertical constraint button:
-
Select the lines you want to straighten
(1, 2).
Delete a constraint
If a constraint is no longer needed, you can delete it from a sketched profile.
-
Click
to open the
Sketch Browser.
- Select the constraint that you want to delete.
- Right-click and select Delete.
- Click Refresh.