Circular array on a taper

[Jamziee]

Hi Guys,

I'm trying to create a circular array, but the results are not too good.

It's basically a tapered shaft with fins along the taper that have a blend radius at their base.

I've created one fin just as I want using sketch and sweeping it along the taper. So far so good!!

However, when I use cirular array the fins do not rotate as I expect. They do not seem to take the taper into consideration.

I've also JUST noticed that in the UG help, it states that tapered features cannot be instanced..... is this why I am having problems ?!! There must be an easy way of doing it surely ??!!

Hope you can help.

- Andy.

 

[Xwheelguy]

Try instancing first, then Tapering with Taper All Instances checked.

If that doesn't work, try using Group Feature. Add the fin & the taper to the group, then name & instance the group.

Tim Flater
Senior Designer
Enkei America, Inc.

http://www.enkei.com

 

[Azrael]

I think Tims suggestions will work just fine. But if you get problems, try extract solid, unite it and array the unite.

 

[mjcole]

Another thing to try out is to choose the Pattern Face choice on the Pattern type menu. If it's the same with UG as on Pro/E Surface patterns keep the file size smaller because it doesn't consider the solid just an enclosed boundary.

Surface patterns are also a lot more flexible for controling pattern direction for rectangular patterns.
Finally Surface patterns clean up the Feature Tree which is a good thing unless you like to suppress individual pattern members.

Taper All instances is a good thing to use for all types of features greated on patterned features blends chamfers etc.

For surface patterns you pick a start face usually a face of the feature that won't change like the top face or main face of the rib.
Then you pick the faces that suround the geometry you want to pattern.
Then you pick the pattern Ref Axis or face.

This doesn't always work but hopefully you can use one of the suggestions in this thread.

Michael