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Can't select axis for circular pattern

Can't select axis for circular pattern

Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
I am trying to make a circular pattern about a rectangular prism. Basically, I want to make identical cuts into the sides of this prism. I figured that a circular pattern of 90 degrees would make the 4 cuts I need.

So, I created a sketch that consisted of an axis that ran through the center of the rectangular prism.

Upon starting the circular pattern, no matter what I do, the feature properties refuse to accept the that I sketched as a valid axis. I've tried creating 3-D sketches, 2-D sketches, and the only things it wants to take as an axis are the real edges of the prism. However, I do not want to pattern about the edges of this prism. That would just create a circular pattern floating around one of the quadrants.

If anyone knows a solution to this dilemma, I would be grateful.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
I should note that I did create a feature (a cut on one side) and I was trying to pattern this feature about the axis I drew.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

Can you post the part, or a similar one if the one in question is proprietary.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

But if you create an Axis does it work? Since you probably have a right plane and a face plane going through the center of the prism you could easily create an axis from those two planes. Or am I missing something?

Patrick

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

I should note that with Solid Edge any straight lines would suffice as an Axis but it seems that solidworks prefer using the feature "Axis" instead.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
I made a line and turned it into a construction line. Unfortunately, this file is on a network that I cannot distribute out to the public. Is a construction line not an axis? (Construction Geometry)

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

The construction line itself is not an axis, at least not a valid axis for circular pattern for features (for circular patterns on a sketch level even a point can do) so you need to exit the sketch, select Insert - Reference Geometry - Axis and select the construction line to become the axis for the circular pattern feature.

http://www.storyofstuff.org/

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
Thanks for that info! I'll give that a try when I continue tomorrow.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

In SWX any straight line can be the axis of revolution if it is chosen properly. To make it easier on us trying to help you please post your part.

- - -Updraft

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
Right, Updraft, I'd definitely post if I was allowed to do so, which I am not. I will look at CorBlimeyLimey's post.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

TheFerruccio,
Are you not allowed to upload anything?

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
Here, Updraft, I made a customized part where you can see what I want to do, though this is a simplifed version. I tried to make a 3-D sketch with the axis in it, but that did not work. Attempting to pattern it about the sketch just patterns the body the wrong way, and there is no option to just select the axis. So, what constitutes choosing properly?

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

An axis is 2d. Use a 2D sketch, not a 3d sketch.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

The 3D sketch line in my attached example works fine.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
I am not sure what you did differently with making your 3-D sketch. What did I do wrong with my part?

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

We don't know. You never posted one.

- - - Updraft

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

An Axis can be made through two endpoints of a Line in a 3dSketch. I think you may be running into a feature order problem Check Tools Feature Statistics then click the Feature Order column. You may see that your axis or sketch you want to use shows after the pattern feature in Tree order.

Also try Right Clicking and picking Top Left icon or Select Other from your pop-up menu. SolidWorks may think you want to pick the sketch feature and not a singular line/axis within the sketch.

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RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
The axis indeed shows after the feature pattern, so I changed the order in the tree so the axis occurs before the feature I want to pattern, and it still does not work. Additionally, I tried to 'select other' and the option to even select the axis in the sketch, or the sketch itself for that matter, did not show up, whatsoever. So, I still have not been able to solve the problem.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
Additionally, when I try the "bodies to pattern" (if I have the extrude as a separate body and do a subtraction), it lets me select the sketch, but only the entire 3-D sketch, and not just the axis on that sketch. Thus, it seems to just pick an arbitrary axis through the sketch on which to take the circular pattern.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

There is definitely something strange with that file.
If I suppress your 3D sketch and create a new one it works fine.
If I create a 2D sketch, the pattern is created at perpendicular to the line.

Your 3D sketch has also been "corrupted" somehow. Maybe by your use of the sketch points to locate the line.
The 3D sketch should consist of only the line to be used as the axis.

But overall it would be easier to simply create a reference axis.

RE: Can't select axis for circular pattern

(OP)
I've had such a thing happen more than once, and it seems repeatable on the installation of SolidWorks we have here. But, thanks for the suggestion. I'm now using a reference axis, as suggested, and things are working much better. I suppose the nuances of this installation seem to prefer just creating an axis as a feature.

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