NX How to Divide a Helical body in half

 A helical body needs to be divided in half along the centerline of the helix.

Create a sketch at the end of the helix centerline and sweep along the center line using Face Normal option on the Sweep. See Video and provided steps below.

How to Divide a Helical body in half

Creating a bisecting sketch

1.       In the Top Border Bar, choose Menu -> Insert -> Sketch.

2.       Make sure On Path is selected.

3.       Click on the helix.

4.       Ensure Arc Length is set to 0.

-          Note: Setting the arc length to 0 ensures that the sketch is made at the exact beginning of the helix.

5.       Click Ok.

6.       Create a sketch that bisects your model and extends past both edge points.

7.       Click finish.

Creating a guiding cylinder

8.       In the Top Border Bar, choose Menu -> Insert -> Design Feature -> Cylinder.

9.       Select a starting point on the axial centerline of your helix.

-          Note: This point can lie either beyond or at the helix’s lowest/highest point.

10.   Choose a height where the cylinder extends past the end of the helix opposite your chose starting point.

11.   Click Ok.

Sweeping the dividing sheet

12.   In the Top Border Bar, choose Menu -> Insert -> Sweep -> Swept.

13.   Under Sections, select the sketch.

14.   Under Guides, select the helix.

-          Note: If the swept figure is twisted, under the Orientation Method group, set Orientation as Face Normals. Then select the guiding Cylinder.

15.   Click Ok.

Dividing the helix into two bodies

1.       In the Top Border Bar, Choose Menu -> Insert -> Trim -> Split Body.

2.       Select the helix as the Target Body.

3.       Select the dividing sheet as the Tool Body.

4.       Click Ok.

5.       The two halves of the helix will now be distinct individual bodies.