Pattern Curve Creates Duplicate Lines 1

[joerjohnson]

Hello, I am using NX 7.5 and I am trying to pattern a curve in two directions. I select my curve (a rectangle) and select two different directions using 'count' and 'pitch'

This works, but when I select the original line, it has created many many duplicates of the original shape. This bogs down the mirror function when I want to mirror the entire array I've just created. Am I doing something wrong?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[JohnRBaker]

Can you provide a simple example where this problem has occurred and where we can see how you did this?

Also, I have to ask, since you're still on NX 7.5, have you considered upgrading to at least NX 9.0, or perhaps even NX 10.0, where there are now more options when it comes to how you would create a model consisting of a 'pattern' of curves?

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[joerjohnson]

Not sure when we're going to upgrade, I am at the mercy of what the company decides to do.

I'll work on figuring out how to send you an example when I stumble across some free time. I figured out a work-around. If I do one direction at a time, then I don't get duplicate lines.

Thanks

 

[JohnRBaker]

Are we talking about trying to "pattern a curve" while working INSIDE the sketch? You say that you're trying to pattern in two directions, and from you image it appears that the directions are opposite one another, is that correct?

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[joerjohnson]

Yes, inside of a sketch. And yes, the directions are opposites of each other.

 

[JohnRBaker]

OK, it's totally understandable what happened.

Let's say you want to create a 10 X 10 pattern of a simply 'square'.

OK, the way a 'TWO-directional' pattern works is that it takes the object of interest, in this case, FOUR lines (that forms the 'square'), and then creates TEN copies going in the first direction. Then it takes THOSE TEN squares and copies THEM in the second direction TEN times, for a total of 100 squares consisting of 400 lines.

To see what I mean, open the attached part file and edit the sketch. You'll find TWO patterns, the first (Magenta) created using the method you tried, that is taking a single set of FOUR lines, and doing a 10 X 10 'pattern' in TWO opposing directions.

The second Pattern (Green) is also a 10 X 10 pattern only in this case the directions are at 90° to each other.

Both these Patterns contain 100 squares made up of 400 lines.

If you stop and think about what I said in the third paragraph above (the one that is bold font) I think you will see what happened and why. It will help if you look at the TWO patterns thinking about how the squares were replicated and in what order the process took place.

OK, starting with NX 8.0 all you would have had to do is create a sketch with but a single set of curves. Leave the sketch and use the Pattern Feature (new starting in NX 8.0) function and do a linear pattern, only you use a single direction with the 'Symmetric' option toggled ON, which would give you exactly what you're looking for with no duplicate curves and the minimum amount of effort.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Digital Factory
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[joerjohnson]

Thank you John, this makes sense. The 'two directional' pattern curve feature is not symmetric, so choosing the two directions as exaclty opposite results in stacking of the patterns, or squares, in your example. Can't wait until my copmany upgrades!