Can't select axis for circular pattern

[TheFerruccio]

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.

 

[TheFerruccio]

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.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

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

 

[PatCouture]

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

 

[PatCouture]

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.

 

[TheFerruccio]

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)

 

[steinmini]

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/

 

[TheFerruccio]

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

 

[Updraft]

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

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I agree with Updraft. Sketched lines can indeed be used as an axis in a circular pattern.
See attached.

 

[TheFerruccio]

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

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

TheFerruccio,
Are you not allowed to upload anything?

 

[TheFerruccio]

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?

 

[rollupswx]

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

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

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

 

[TheFerruccio]

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

 

[Updraft]

We don't know. You never posted one.

- - - Updraft

 

[TheFerruccio]

Oops, that's strange. I definitely uploaded it, but it seems to have not posted to my previous post. Let me try again. Here:

 

[mjcole]

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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[TheFerruccio]

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.