Parallel contour with Offset

Goal#

A second contour should be created at a distance of 3 mm around the outer edge of a part — e.g. as a wall thickness or as the outline of a cut-out with clearance.

Steps#

1. Choose Offset in the group Modify (key O).
2. Click the first contour element (1); type D = 3 in the field.
3. Put the pointer on the outside (2) and press Enter — the parallel is created on the pointer's side.
4. The tool stays active: click the next element, pointer outside, Enter; and so on around the whole contour.
5. At the corners the parallels overhang or a piece is missing: bring the two parallels together at each corner with Trim two elements.

Result#

A second contour at a fixed distance. If the outer edge consists of many elements, it is faster with the CAM offset: it follows the contour itself and puts the corners down already intersected — for a result without radii switch off the checkbox Radii at outer corners there.