I have a circular sketch. I would like to create a Linear Pattern that equally spaces the Number of Instances out from this circle instead of starting at this circle and going one direction. If I have an even number, then this circle would have to not be shown. Any suggestions?
Tyler Braun wrote:
I have a circular sketch. I would like to create a Linear Pattern that equally spaces the Number of Instances out from this circle instead of starting at this circle and going one direction. If I have an even number, then this circle would have to not be shown. Any suggestions?
My first suggestion would be to not use a sketch pattern (assuming that's what you have in mind). Create a single feature or body, then pattern it instead.
The second suggestion would be to use a Linear Pattern in one direction, then add the other instances with a Mirror Pattern.
Thank you! I was also thinking a sketch pattern wasn't the best idea
You can pop a linear pattern in both directions, just select two different edges for pattern direction (make sure the arrows are pointing opposite directions), specify number of instances for each direction, and you will probably want to check "pattern seed only" so that you don't get errors if there would be overlap of patterned features.
todd
Edit: I attached a part to see if this is similar to what you want to do.
Draw a line, then go to "Tools-Sketch Tools-Segment"
Better patterning options such as what you requested (bidirectional), both within a sketch and for features, has been asked for in the Top Ten lists for the past several years. If I am not mistaken I thought they were coming soon, perhaps in SWX2018.
Can someone already using Beta '18 can answer that, or else Jim Wilkinson or Matthew Lorono?
I thought it was added to SW2017 but I may be mistaken...
Steve C
Bidirectional Circular Pattern are new option in SW2017
I am using SW2017.. where can i find this feature?
Tyler Braun wrote:
I am using SW2017.. where can i find this feature?
Tyler,
I'm pretty sure that's only for Circular Patterns, not Linear. For Circular Patterns, I haven't used it yet, but I believe you just check the box for "Direction 2", then make the appropriate selections under it (angle, spacing, etc).
Thanks, Deepak. I thought it was soon or now, but I've not been using SWX2017 due to its early problems.
Since SOLIDWORKS 2018 Beta is under NDA still, we can't comment specifically here in the public forum. However, anyone can sign up for the beta, get into the beta section of the forum, and check out the What's New even if they don't download/install the software (the English version of the What's New is published in the beta section of the forum).
Thanks,
Jim
Alright, so I figured out the pattern-out-from-center thing, but now what is the best way to "hide" the middle feature if there are an odd number of instances? Also if I have an even number of instances, i would like them to be "centered" on the middle feature, and "hide" that feature. Attached is an image for clarity
I would look at using a curve driven pattern, and use your curve to center the pattern.
I attached a sample.
todd
also, you can use "Instances to skip" to remove the middle item from the pattern.
(this will work if the middle item isn't your seed feature.)
Thank you! I will try this out
So here's more what I'm trying to do. I have Plane_FinalAxle tangent to the face of the last item in the linear patter (two instances) and I cut the rest of the Boss-Extrude1 with a sketch on Plane_Cut. When I adjust the number of instances to 3, i would like the Plane_FinalAxle to adjust accordingly (i.e, fix to the last instance so Boss_Extrude1 will extend out to it). How could I accomplish this?
Instead of setting up the plane tangent to the instance (since it won't switch to last instance when you change number), set up an equation for a distance value and use that for the plane.
For e.g. (Number of Instances -1) * Pattern Distance + radius of the circular feature.
I have the same question but in an assembly.
When I select the plane for direction 2 it deletes this selection for direction 1.
Instead of setting up the plane tangent to the instance (since it won't switch to last instance when you change number), set up an equation for a distance value and use that for the plane.
For e.g. (Number of Instances -1) * Pattern Distance + radius of the circular feature.