About Offset

The offset is a distance set between a surface and the center curve of a branch routed along the surface.

This page discusses:

See Also
Defining Offset for Passing Points
Edit a Passing Point with Offset

Creation

The following surfaces can be selected as reference for an offset:

  • Plane
  • Curved surface

However, the following objects cannot be selected as reference surfaces:

  • Branch
  • Segment
  • Device
  • Support

Once a position on the surface is selected, a passing point with offset is added to the route. Its position is perpendicular to the surface. In the 3D area, the following icon represents the passing point with offset: .

As each passing point is independent, you can create several passing points with different reference surfaces.

Important: No link is created between the surface and the passing point. If the surface is moved, the offset is still calculated considering the position you initially selected.

Definition

An offset is defined by its value and its mode.

Important: The last defined offset of a passing point is always applied to the following passing point.

Offset Value

By default, the offset value is determined as follows:

Branches with circular profilesBranches with non circular profiles
Offset value equals the segment radius.
Note: When the slack is null, this allows you to keep the segment in contact with the surface.
Offset value equals an equivalent radius computed as follows:

average_areaπ

The value of an offset can be edited using the Move Mode.

Offset Mode

The Offset mode enables to link the offset with the segment radius. By default, the Offset mode is activated.

Offset Mode activatedOffset Mode deactivated
The offset is linked to the segment radius.

If the radius is edited, the offset value is updated to prevent the contact between the branch and the surface. In the 3D area, the position of the passing point is moved accordingly.

Before radius edition:

After radius edition:

The offset is not linked to the segment radius.

If the radius is edited, the offset value remains the same and the passing point is not moved.

Before radius edition:

After radius edition:

Tips: To avoid inconsistencies, it is recommended to deactivate the Offset mode:
  • When routing multi profile branches.
  • When routing branches which have segments with various radius.

Compatibility

Translate Branch

When using the Translate Branch command on branches routed with offset, the value of the offset is updated only if the manipulation follow the normal vector.

In this example, a passing point is moved from position A to M following the direction of the vector N. The passing point keeps its offset features and the distance between the surface and the center curve is updated.

If the direction of the normal vector is not followed, the passing point loses its offset features and becomes an ordinary passing point.

In this example, a passing point is moved from position A to M without following the N vector: the offset is lost.



Classic Branch Definition

Passing points with offset created with Immersive Branch Defintion are detected as such by Classic Branch Defintion.

If passing points with offset created with Classic Branch Defintion are edited using Translate Branch or Move Mode, they lose their offset features and become ordinary passing points.