Methodology Question - User Pattern and Keep Specifications

[Albigger]

I use userpattern function quite often, for example to put a series of holes thru multiple bodies in one CATPart. Or to copy the whole body to multiple locations.

Which is a better methodology (both from a usability point of view and from the point of view of using less memory and machine resources):

Say I have a part body with a pad and a hole. Is it better to select the pad and the hole and userpattern them (in this case the "keep specs" box is checked in and greyed) or to userpattern the pad, then put a hole in, then userpattern the hole, both while keeping un-checked the "keep specs" box?

I usually try to un-check the "keep specs" box (unless I really need it) because CATIA says it takes more time. But the 2nd option means you end up with one more feature in the part tree.

Which way is "better" or which would update faster?

Thanks.
-- Jay

 

[DBezaire]

Jay - I would lean towards option A - select both items and pattern together. This would maintain design consistency. If you proceed with option B, you could tie the user patterns together with a formula.

Regards,
Derek

 

[jackk]

I think having a single pattern of the pad & hole is better.

 

[solid7]

There's just one problem - when you pattern hole and pad together, you can run into some very pesky problems.

For example, when I have a molded positive locking feature in a plastic part, I have seen cases that patterning pad and hole will not allow me to put a fillet at the bottom of the counterbore, where patterning the hole works out fine.

Do what works well for the situation at hand.


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