Paths

One of the first steps in creating a routing design is to construct connecting paths between stationary devices in the assembly. Generally, paths in a mechanical routing design consist of linear segments, but can be a combination of splines and line segments.

This topic highlights concepts and operations used to define and manipulate paths and their segments — basic terminology, fundamental operations, and information associated with paths.

Routing control points (RCPs)

RCPs define positions within a routing assembly. A single RCP connects to one or more additional RCPs. In the example described in the source figure, RCP A connects to one RCP and RCP D connects to three RCPs. All connected RCPs are a routing; the example contains two routings — one routing contains RCPs A, B, C, D, and E and the other routing contains RCPs F, G, H, and I.

Using existing geometry

One option when creating routings is to select existing NX geometry such as points, lines, arcs, and splines (available geometry will depend on the routing application). Routing creates RCPs at the ends of the existing geometry. The path between the two RCPs will follow the existing geometry.

During the creation of routings, RCPs are often associated with existing NX geometry. This permits attaching routings to devices or routings that need to pass through cutout holes in solids to update automatically when the associated feature moves.

The display symbol for an RCP (what appears in the graphics window) is a small circle. The marker symbol draws parallel to the screen and does not rotate or scale. Turn off the display of RCPs in Preferences.

Paths and path segments

All of the RCPs and segments between any two RCPs within a routing define a path. In the RCPs-and-routings example, the path between RCPs A and C is: A, B, D, and C. A path between I and H is: I, F, and H. There is no path between B and G.

A path segment is any section between two adjacent RCPs, such as the segment between RCPs B and D. Path segments display in the Centerline font.

Related topics

• Routing paths and RCPs
• Create Linear Path
• Spline Path
• Heal Path
• Quick Path
• Assign Corner
• Transform Path
• Parallel Offset Path
• Connect Path
• Connected Curves
• Subdivide Segment
• Simplify Path
• Discontinuities
• Unify Path
• Edit Line Segment
• Edit Bend Angle
• Delete Routing Objects
• Resolving duplicate RCPs and segments
• Common path settings
• Common stock and space reservation settings
• Stock Offset Expression