Variable pitch in a pattern

[jimp178]

Hi I have a few slotted rods to draw but the problem is the pitch is Variable, (3mm pitch with every slot increasing by (x 0.014) total 116 slots.
Can you pattern with this variable pitch?

Thanks again in advance Jim Paterson
Scotland.

 

[TheTick]

Look up the "vary sketch" option for linear patterns. You can constrain as sketch to a boundary, and the shape will change with the boundary as it is patterned.

If your slot size changes don't match an existing boundary, create a guide with another sketch,

All this machinery making modern music can still be open-hearted.

 

[jimp178]

Thanks but the slot width stays the same it is the pitch that changes.

jim

 

[TheTick]

Pitch = distance between slot centerlines?


If so...
Perhaps a sketch-driven pattern. You would still be stuck dimensioning the sketch points, but it should simplify the process some.

All this machinery making modern music can still be open-hearted.

 

[Jimijames]

You could use a table driven pattern, which allows you to generate a pattern using X-Y coords. What I did as a test was to set up a quick Excel spreadsheet to generate the variable pitch pattern. Then copy the numbers generated by the spreadsheet and paste them into a new notepad document.

In notepad change each line to this format:
1mm 0mm
1.1mm 0mm
1.21mm 0mm
....etc
The 1st column is the X dimension and the 2nd is the Y dim.

Save this notepad file as yourFilename.sldptab.

In SW (hang in there, this is almost over) insert a coord sytem on your base slot, oriented so that the X axis is the direction you want your pattern to go. Insert->Pattern/mirror->Table driven pattern..., browse to the sldptab file, pick the coord syst you just created, and pick the base slot for Features to copy. Click OK to generate the pattern.

Hope this helps... there may be an easier way, but this is the 1st that popped into my head.