Sketch pattern vs. feature pattern

[TitaniumLeg]

Is there an advantage to using a sketch pattern instead of using feature pattern? Just wondering if one way would be preferred over the other.

Example:
If you have a piece of steel plate and you sketch a hexagon to extrude-cut from the material. Then do a feature pattern of the extrude to create multiple cuts. Or would there be an advantage to doing a sketch pattern of the hexagon and then doing an extrude-cut of the pattern.

Thanks in advance,
TL

 

[ctopher]

It depends on the design and which you are more confortable with. I have used both.

Chris
SolidWorks 06 5.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 02-10-07)

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

It depends on the design intent and whether the feature pattern you are referencing is within the part or inside another part. Would you want an in-context relationship?

A sketch-pattern is useful if a feature-pattern doesn't exist or if the sketch pattern encompasses different feature references. (2 hole A, 1 hole B, etc)