This method creates a linear pattern of one or more objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 This method creates a circular pattern of one or more objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 This method creates an irregular pattern of objects from point to point.  You can place each instance in the pattern individually at selected points.  Using the Align Options (Align with base and Align with pattern), you can align each instance with different geometry or datums.  Using the Align with base option, the instances can match the local surface normal where they are picked.  Refer to the Optional Inputs section below for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 This method creates a pattern of objects at locations defined by a previous pattern.  The characteristics of the pattern (direction, number, spacing, etc.) will be inherited from the selected pattern.

 

 

 

 This method creates a 3D pattern in space using one or more input curves.  The first curve picked determines the first direction.  The curves automatically limit the number of instances in the pattern to fit along the boundaries.

 

 

1 curve

2 curves together

2 curves across

3-4 curves

 

 

 

• Base - Select the base objects to pattern (sketches will be LOCKED - see CAD Tips & Techniques).

• Direction - Specify the first linear direction or the axis of rotation for the pattern.

• Number - Enter the total number of instances in the pattern or along each direction.  For circular patterns, enter the total number of rings in the outward direction including the initial ring.

• Spacing - Enter the spacing between instances along each direction.  For a concentric ring pattern, enter the spacing between the rings radiating outward.

• Angle - For circular patterns, enter the spacing between the instances measured in degrees.

• From point - Select a reference point used to locate each instance in the pattern.

• To points - Specify the location of each instance in the pattern.

• Pattern - Select the existing pattern that will define the pattern.

• Boundary - Select the boundary curves that will define and limit the pattern. The first curve picked determines the first direction.

 

 

 

Alignment

Align each instance within the pattern.

 

	Align with Base - Align each instance identical to the base objects being patterned.  For example, with the "Point to point" method, this means that each instance can match the local surface normal where they are picked.
	Align with Pattern - For the "Circular" Method, this option aligns each instance with the axis of rotation.  Just like the icon shows.  For the "At Curves" Method, this option aligns each instance to match the normal direction through the curves at the location point.

 

Stagger

Stagger the pattern.  Stagger indexes even rows in the first direction one half spacing toward the second direction.  Select the icons to toggle stagger on and off.

 

 

Diameter

The Circular Method adds a circle centerline and a diameter. These will show up in a drawing sheet.  The initial diameter can be changed using this option.  It can be changed with the Edit Dimension Value (2D) command.  When this diameter is changed, the base feature is removed and the entire pattern (including an instance for the removed base) is placed at the new diameter.

 

On face

Select a face that you want the pattern to be located on.

 

Combine

Specify how a pattern of shapes are to be combined with the parent part. This option is ignored for entities other than shapes (e.g., sketch, plane, wireframe, or point).

 

 

  

 

Derive

Allow VX to derive either the Number or the Spacing values for the Required Inputs section (see above).

 

• None - Use the values you supply for Spacing and Number.

• Spacing - Input the number and VX will derive the Spacing for you.

• Number - Input the Spacing and VX will derive the Number for you.

 

Minimum %

This drops out instances that do not have the minimum spacing.  Start at about 50 and go from there.

 

Toggle

Toggle instances within the pattern on and off.  Echo mode displays the instance position with a yellow circle and a red 'x' depending on whether the instance has been toggled on or off.

 

From Point

The pattern command takes the Base and decides on a 'center' point if you will.  This is the point that is used as a reference when placing the patterned instances.  On some geometry, this automatic method does not give the point that you may want.  This option (i.e., From Point), allows you to select any point to be used as this 'reference' point.  The automatic reference point is the center of the envelope of the faces/wire/sketches that you select as the base object.

 

Boundary

The boundary selected may not be near the base object selected.  By default, VX decides if the base is close enough to pattern in place.  Otherwise the boundary is moved to the base object.  This is the "Auto" option.  The "In Place" option makes the boundary stay where it is.  The "Move" option moves the boundary to the base object.  It places the first corner at the base object's 'ref' point.