AutoCAD 2008 User's Guide > Create and Modify Objects > Draw Geometric Objects > Draw Curved Objects > 
Draw Helixes
Concept Procedure Quick Reference
 
 
 

A helix is an open 2D or 3D spiral.

Show Me: Create and Modify a Helix

Click the Play arrow to start the animation. For more information about modifying helixes, see Modify Helixes.

You can use a helix as a path with the SWEEP command. For example, you might sweep a circle along a helix path to create a solid model of a spring.

When you create a helix, you can specify the following:

If you specify the same value for both the base radius and the top radius, then a cylindrical helix is created. By default, the top radius is set to the same value as the base radius. You cannot specify 0 for both the base radius and top radius.

If you specify different values for the top radius and the base radius, then a conical helix is created.

If you specify a height value of 0, then a flat, 2D spiral is created.

NoteA helix is a spline approximation of a real helix. Length values may not be completely accurate. However, when you use a helix as a sweep path, the resulting values will be accurate regardless of the approximation.
See Also