Any way to create an array/instance in a sketch?

[Simon205]

Hi,

Does anyone know if it's possible to create an array (or instance depending on your terminology) of entities in a sketch?

I mean in a way that can be edited in the future, so using the 'transform' feature isn't really an option.

Thanks,


Simon

 

[Simon205]

Oh, and I'm using NX5.0.4.1 if it's of any help.

 

[hudson888]

Mirror of course, but instance the feature or pattern the face after you create the geometry is probably the better option in NX.

Cheers

Hudson

 

[Simon205]

Thanks for the reply, though a mirror will only double the number of sketch entities, not array 'x' number of them, which is what I'm after.

Thanks,


Simon

 

[Dave K]

How about an instance array of the feature resulting from the sketch?

-Dave
Everything should be designed as simple as possible, but not simpler.

 

[JohnRBaker]

In NX 5 you can use the new Instance Geometry function to associatively copy (instance) all or part of a sketch resulting in essence the same thing as creating an instance inside the sketch. Granted, it's an extra feature, but the results should be usable for what you're attempting to do.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
NX Design
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Cypress, CA

http://www.siemens.com/plm

http://www.plmworld.org/museum/

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

 

[Simon205]

Thanks for the tip John, that's what I'll end up doing I think.

It'd be much nicer for future manageablity & neatness to be able to do it within the sketch in this case, but your suggestion is definitely preferable to instancing the feature after.

Cheers,


Simon