Inability to edit sketch patterns

[oharag]

I'm using SW 2006 SP3 at work. I used SW2004 in my previous job. I do not know if this behavior was in SW2004:

in SW2006 I created a sketch of a square, and then selected it to create a linear sketch pattern. I inputed a distance, and number to pattern in two directions. I then exit the sketch, and select it to create a solid. When I go to edit the sketch, and select the patterned sketches, and then edit the pattern I am unable to change the linear dimension values. They are grayed out. The only thing I can change is number of instances, and direction.

Does anyone know what is occuring here?

Sorry for the rambling sentences. I wish I could display the screen.

oharag

 

[ctopher]

You can display the screen, read the FAQ's.
I had the same problem with SW 05. I don't know if it has changed with 06.
Why do you exit out of the sketch then return? After you sketch, extrude it.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Firstly, it is better to pattern a feature rather than pattern a sketch.

Secondly, when creating a Linear Sketch Step and Repeat pattern, selecting the Fixed option will place a dimension between the original & the firat pattern. This can then be selected & varied when subsequently editing the pattern.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[oharag]

I tried it again. I selected "Add Dimension" before completing the pattern. The dimensions are added, but you still can not change using the Properties Panel.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

"Properties Panel" ???

Just double click on the feature or sketch & the dimension should appear in the graphics area, then double click it to change it.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[smcadman]

Preferably create a feature from the sketch first, THEN create a linear pattern of the feature. Trying to edit a sketch linear pattern is usually "iffy" with me.

Flores
SW06 SP3.0

 

[Timelord]

It's easy to vary a sketch pattern. First, edit the sketch, then select one of the patterned entities in the graphic area and right click on the patterned constraint in the properties box. Viola! you can edit the distances and quantities and, I think, even the direction vectors.

Timelord

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Timelord ... Has it changed in SW06? In previous versions, all you can change from the properties box is the quantity.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[Timelord]

CorBlimey Limey,

My bad! Don't know where my head was yesterday. I think I was picturing feature pattern, not sketch pattern. You are right, you cannot change the direction vector or distance from the pattern dialog box. You can change the quantity there, but you have add a dimension (either by checking fixed when you first make the pattern or adding a dimension later in edit sketch mode). Revising this dimension will change the pattern distances. I went and double checked this by trying it this morning and I learned something new. I created a pattern from an unconstrained entity without checking the fixed box and added a dimension between the last two instances after exiting the pattern dialog. When I changed the dimension, the pattern shrunk towards the last item, moving the seed. Intrigued, I made a pattern with a large number of instances and added a dimension in the middle. The pattern grows and shrinks around the two dimensioned instances no matter where I put the dimension. That was a new one on me. Sorry about the bad info in my first post. By the way I am still on 2005 SP5

Timelord

 

[oharag]

Okay so create a solid, and then pattern that.

BUT, why does sketch patterns act this way? Do it once, and forget it. You can add dimensions after the fact using Smart Dimensions, and they seem to move the pattern as intended. Still why not allow for changes through the Linear Pattern Property Manager?

Thanks everyone for your input.