Pattern

[mncad]

I need some help with a pattern in a part file. I'm using SW2004 SP3. I have a cut sweep modeled on the end of a round part. I now need to pattern that cut sweep around the center of the part every 5 degrees, at the same time each rotation has to incrementally move in the Z axis (along the centerline of the part) 0.005. How can I accomplish this, I have been trying sketch driven pattern using a 3d sketch but cant get it to rotate about the center of the part even with the origin picked as the reference point. My 3d sketch is points that are placed on a helix with Height and revolution.

mncad

 

[SBaugh]

Have you tried a feature pattern (Circular pattern) and picked the Temp Axis as the centerpoint?

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
3DVision Technologies

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376
faq559-716 - SW Fora Users

 

[TheTick]

You do need a combination of curves and sketches to set up the point patern you need to drive this as a sketch-driven pattern. Your approach using a helix seems sound. I don't know how to overcome the rotation problem, though.

Perhaps you could create your sweep feature as a separate body, then pattern the body and adjust the rotation of each instance individually.

 

[mncad]

Scott,

I need each step to also move the 0.005 down while also rotating the 5 degrees so I don't think the Circular pattern will work.

mncad

 

[mncad]

Thetick,

I found my problem with the sketch driven pattern, it takes the origin of the sweep, which is center of the part and moves it out to the points in the sketch that I'm trying to use to drive the pattern. My driving sketch I just made at any diameter because I cant put all the points on the origin. Any idea how to get around this? Also I'm not sure how to do the 2nd part of your post, I can create the separate body and pattern that, but how do I adjust each instance of it?

Thanks,
mncad

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

What you are asking for is a 3D circular pattern or array & I don't believe SW can do that.
I think the easiest way would be to circular pattern the cut-sweep (as per Scott's suggestion) & then offset & cut-thicken a surface from each instance, incrementally increasing the offset by .005" per instance.
This will be a PITA as you will have to do it 71 times if you are patterning thru 360°.

 

[TheTick]

When using sketch-driven patterns, there is an option to select the origin as one of the sketch points. I always use this.

 

[J-C]

You could try a Boss sweep and uncheck "Merge". Then circular pattern the "body" around the axis. Next do a move feature for each instance and last Combine/Subtract from the main body.



Jason Capriotti
Smith & Nephew, Inc.

 

[mncad]

Thanks everyone. After reading Gildashards post the 2nd part of TheTicks post now makes sense. I figured out the Move/Copy command for bodies this morning. I think that will work very well. Luckily I only have to do this thru 2 quadrants so I will only have to move about 35 of the bodies.

Thanks,
mncad