InsertCurveApproximation by Lines-Arcs

The new Approximation by Lines-Arcs command enables you to convert a generic planar curve into a sequence of line segments or a combination of circle arcs and line segments. This is useful as a tool path input for NC machines.

On starting the command, select the curve to be approximated for the Curves selector. You can select multiple curves simultaneously.

The Type drop-down list enables you to define how the curve is to be approximated.

• Lines only - The selected curve is converted only into line segments.
• Lines and arcs - The selected curve is converted into a combination of lines and arcs.

The Original Curve drop-down list enables you to decide what is to be done with the original selected curve.

• Keep - The original curve is retained along with the new lines and arcs.
• Hide - The original curve is retained, however, is made hidden.
• Delete - The original curve is deleted.

For lines, you can define the tolerance value in the Linear Tolerance text box. This tolerance value defines the maximum deviation the line can have from the original curve. Lesser the tolerance value, more are the number of line segments generated.

For arcs, you can define the maximum and minimum radius values in the Max. radius and Min. radius text boxes, respectively. These values define the limits with which the arc radius can vary.

In addition, the Update deviation option, under More options, is available. When selected, it enables the new curves being created - that is, lines and arcs - to have the deviation equal to the Linear Tolerance value provided. When not selected, the new curves keep the deviation of the original curves.

Once all the parameters have been defined, select the Preview () button. The preview the generated arcs and lines is displayed. Red markers demarcate the end point of a segment, as shown in the image below.

Along with the preview, the summary of the result is displayed in the selection list:

• No. of Lines - Number of line segments generated
• No. of Arcs - Number of arc segments generated
• Max. Line Length - Length of the longest line segment
• Min. Line Length - Length of the shortest line segment
• Max. Arc Length - Arc length of the longest arc segment
• Min. Arc Length - Arc length of the shortest arc segment
• Max. Radius - Radius value of the biggest arc
• Min. Radius - Radius value of the smallest arc

If satisfied with the preview, you can Apply () the command.

As shown in the following example, the yellow curve has been approximated by Lines and arcs (shown in green) and Lines only (shown in red) as defined in the Type drop-down list.