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Sketch Pattern Question

Sketch Pattern Question

Sketch Pattern Question

(OP)
I am doing trying to model some complex parts at the moment - so complex I don't think I'll even attempt to describe them here! My question is less complex and concerns doing a pattern within a sketch. When you do this pattern you can specify the pitch between parts and the number of instances in 2 directions. My question is if it is possible to use the 'amount of instances' value in the sketch pattern in formulae or in excel. Double clicking on a pattern feature shows up the instances as a value that can be changed but is it possible to do the same for a sketched pattern? Any help is appreciated.

RE: Sketch Pattern Question

Is there a reason you choose to pattern the sketch, as opposed to making that part of the sketch a feature and patterning the feature instead?

Flores
SW 2005 SP 4.0

RE: Sketch Pattern Question

Yes you can use the Number of patterns if it is pickable in the Graphics area when you double click the Sketch. You will have to use it in a DT. If you can't see it when you double click the Sketch then the Answer is "No" you cannot.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Sketch Pattern Question

(OP)
smcadman - There is a reason. In summary what I am trying to do is create a helix that is intermittant. In our company we use laser to cut a helical cut into a tube. A helical cut is no problem. However, on some of our parts we turn the laser of for a small distance every revolution of the part. This give us the effect of a intermittant helical cut. Obviously, this can be drawn by using lots and lots of spirals but we would like to come up with a parametric master model. So our users could enter the distance the first part of the spiral revolves etc. Sounds a lot easier than it is....

I've looked at wrapping but the cut doesn't look right to me. I've fiddled with a curve drive pattern (trying to use a helical curve to pattern cuts but that doesn't seem to work either. Most lately I was looking at making a sheet metal tube and drawing the intermittant helix as a number of patterned slots in a sketch. Have a look at a 2D representation below...

http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/5716/intermittanthelixcut5yy.jpg

Any suggestions would be appreciated

RE: Sketch Pattern Question

Make a series of Helixes or use projected curves and sketches to get you shape.

To use Curve driven patterns the path must be one continous path and must not have breaks or gaps in the path or it will not work.

SW06 gives you some flexability with Helixes. If you are not using SW06 you might want to consider lookign into this before continuing.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Sketch Pattern Question

I posted a model on the Solidworks Forum of a parametric varible helix which is now available in 2006.

Jason

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