A leading path is one way to create a leading part (and is only accessible when creating one). It represents the object (and its shape) which will eventually be used to hold wires, bundles, and / or cables. To create a leading path, you can use the mouse and the keyboard. Both techniques can be combined.
Note:
When placing objects, you can choose to place them freely, on a key point, anywhere on a particular surface, or anywhere on a particular plane. You can also combine these options, e.g. you can choose to place an object on a particular plane and then on a particular key point on that plane. Just use the corresponding button or shortcut. See Construction aids for details.
Using the mouse
- Click the Create leading path button on the toolbar.
- Determine the first point of the path by clicking on the desired location in the 3D working window.
- Determine the other points in the same way and finish creating the path by right-clicking.
- Repeat the command by using the space bar or clicking the Create leading path button again, if desired.
Using command bar and mouse
- Click the Create leading path button on the toolbar.
- Determine the minimum bending radius (a value representing how much a path can be bent before it is highlighted), the path diameter, and the X, Y and Z coordinates of the first point in the command bar and confirm with [OK].
- Determine the other points in the same way and finish creating the path by right-clicking.
- Repeat the command by using the space bar or clicking the Create leading path button again, if desired.
Properties
Existing leading paths can be edited in the properties panel. The properties common to all 3D objects are described in the 3D Properties Panel section of this help file.
The following table lists some properties which are specific to leading paths:
Property |
Description |
---|---|
Diameter |
Diameter of the 3D leading path model. |
Length |
Length of the leading path (automatically calculated). |
Min. bending radius |
Desired minimum bending radius of the leading path. |
Highlight bends |
If check-marked, the bends failing to reach the minimum bending radius are highlighted. |
Max. diameter |
Maximum diameter of a bundle (wires, cables, etc.) which can be routed into the leading path. |
Min. diameter |
Minimum diameter of a bundle (wires, cables, etc.) which can be routed into the leading path. |
Note:
Compliance of the maximum and minimum diameter conditions can be checked in the EPLAN Harness proD Studio workspace tasks.