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1. Pattern Feature
Use the Pattern Feature command to create patterns of features (linear, circular, polygon, etc.) with various options for defining pattern boundaries, orientation of instances, clocking and variance.
You can create pattern features using a variety of pattern layouts. Linear Circular Polygon Spiral Along General Reference
For a Linear layout, you can specify a Symmetric pattern in one or both directions. You can also specify to Stagger columns or rows.
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You can define a Pattern Increment by using expressions to specify pattern parameters. You can export pattern parameter values to a spreadsheet and make positional edits that are propagated back to your pattern definition. You can explicitly select individual instance points for clocking, suppression and variance of pattern features.
You can choose between Simple and Variational pattern methods. drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
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1.1.
Simple
Simple design features such as holes and extruded features are supported. One input feature per output pattern. Multi-body features are supported.
Variational
All features which support copy-paste are supported. Detailed features such as blends and drafts are supported. Each instance of the pattern is fully evaluated. Works with multiple input features. Multi-body features are supported. You can reuse references to the input feature and control which references from the input features are evaluated at each instance location. Advanced hole functions are supported. Sketch features are supported.
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This example shows you how to create a linear pattern of features in two directions.
3. In the Pattern Definition group, from the Layout list, select Linear 4. .
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From the Spacing list, choose Count and Span. In the Count box, type 5. In the Span Distance box, type 145.
6. In the Direction 2 section, select the Use Direction 2 check box. 7. Use Specify Vector to define Direction 2.
8.
From the Spacing list, choose Count and Pitch. In the Count box, type 3. In the Pitch Distance box, type 55.
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1.3.
This example shows you how to create a partial circular pattern of features that are concentric.
3. In the Pattern Definition group, from the Layout list, select Circular .
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5.
6.
7.
From the Spacing list, choose Pitch and Span. From the Define Pitch As list, choose Angle. In the Pitch Angle box, type 30. In the Span Angle box, type 270.
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Under Radiate:
Select the Create Concentric Members check box. Make sure the Include First Circle check box is selected. From the Spacing list, choose Pitch and Span. In the Pitch Distance box, type 20. In the Span Distance box, type 50.
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1.4.
Create an angled linear pattern of features on the truncated cone face. Use the first linear pattern to create another pattern along a circular edge.
Select features to pattern. You can use the Part Navigator select features. Feature groups can also be selected. to
3.
Layout = Linear Specify Vector = Angled sketch line Spacing = Count and Span Count = 4 Span Distance = 70
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4.
5.
Select features to pattern. You can use the Part Navigator select features. to
6.
Layout = Along Select Path = Edge of base of cone Spacing = Count and Span Count = 10 Location = %Arc Length
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% Span By = 100
7.
Vary a pattern by editing parameters of selected features of the pattern. Use clocking to move specific features of a feature pattern.
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1.
In the Part Navigator, position the cursor over a Pattern node to edit and right-clickEdit with Rollback.
2.
In the Pattern Feature dialog box, in the Instance Points section, click Select Instance Point .
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Select the middle concentric arc of instance points as the features to edit.
4.
The Variance dialog box becomes available. 5. Select an object expression to variant, then rightclickAdd to Edit. The selected expression is added to the Values group of the Variance dialog box where its value can be modified for the selected instance points. You can edit multiple expressions by adding them to the Values group. Edit the expressions then OK. In this example the following expressions were modified:
6.
EXTRUDE: End Limit: Increased from 10 mm. to 30 mm. SIMPLE HOLE: Diameter. Decreased from 10 mm. to 5 mm.
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Visual check with Show Result 7. Click OK. 8. Click Deselect All 9. on the Selection bar. The selected instance points are deselected.
Select the new reference points, use Specify Variance to vary the diameter.
10.
Make modifications to expressions. In this example, the following expression was modified:
Click OK.
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With the cursor over one of the selected instance points, right-clickClock.
12.
Use the Angle and Radial handles or input boxes to adjust the clocking. In this example, the rotation angle is set to 150 degrees.
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Create a pattern of slot features along a curve. Reuse sketch references to control the shape of the pattern features.
The feature pattern will be created from an extruded sketch. The sketch is constrained to the base of the cylinder (1) and the intersection curve on the tube (2).
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2.
The default Reference Point is displayed. It is at the center of the objects mass. 3.
In the Reference Point group, use Specify Point options to move the reference point to the tangency point on the intersection curve.
4.
Layout = Along Path Method = Offset Select Path = Angled elliptical intersection curve Spacing = Count and Span Count = 20 drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
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Location = % Arc Length % Span By = 100
5.
Orientation = Same as Input Follow Face (selected) Select Face = Outside face of the tube
6.
Method = Variational In the Reusable References list, select the geometry you want to reference during patterning. In this example, two sketches which control the slot geometry are selected. Extrude
Coordinate system for Datum Coordinate System for Extrude Sketch External Reference for Extrude Sketch External Reference for Extrude
7. Use Preview Show Result to check the pattern. Choose another command or click OK to create the pattern.
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1.7.
Features to Pattern
Lets you select one or more features to pattern. Select Feature Reference Point Lets you specify a location reference point for the input feature. Specify Point Pattern Definition Sets the pattern layout. There are seven available layouts. Linear Defines a layout using one or two directions. Circular Defines a layout using a rotation axis and optional radial spacing parameters. Polygon Defines a layout using an equilateral polygon and optional radial spacing parameters. Layout Spiral Defines a layout using a spiral path. Along Defines a layout that follows a continuous curve chain and optionally a second curve chain or a vector. General Defines a layout using locations defined by one or more target points or coordinate systems. Reference Defines a layout by using an existing pattern. Boundary Definition Not available when Layout is set to Along, General, or Reference.
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Lets you select face edges, sheet edges, or region boundary curves to define the pattern boundary.
Curve Lets you select a set of curves, or create a sketch to define the pattern boundary. Boundary
Exclude Lets you select curves or create a sketch to define an area that is excluded from patterning.
Apply Margin to Internal Boundaries Available when Layout is set to Linear, Circular, Polygon or Spiral and Boundary is set to Face or Curve. Simplified Boundary Fill Displays the Simplified Layout subgroup of options that you can use to fill the specified boundary with instances. The available options depend on the Layout option that you select. You do not need to input as much information to create the instances. Linear layout Lets you form a grid for the simplified linear layout pattern, using the Square, Triangle, or Diamond options on the Layout list. The drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
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Triangle
Diamond
The Radial Pitch option is unique to circular and polygonal simplified boundary fills. It lets you control the concentric distance of the pattern features as they radiate out.
Circular Margin Distance Apply Margin to Internal Boundaries Rotation Angle Pattern Definition layout parameters
Polygon
Lets you specify an offset distance from the defined boundaries. Available when Layout is set to Linear, Circular, Polygon or Spiral and Boundary is set to Face or Curve. Adds the specified margin distance to any internal boundaries. Any pattern feature that encroaches into the margin distance area will not be displayed. Lets you specify a rotation angle for the simplified layout based on the defined reference vector. Pattern definition parameters vary based on layout. There are also parameters common to all layouts. Use the Look up more details links for specific layout options information.
Pattern Increment Opens the Pattern Increment dialog box where you can define increments to be applied to instances as the pattern count increases. Pattern Increment
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Instance Points Lets you select points that represent the layout, pattern definition and orientation of the instances that are to be created. Use the Snap Point options on the Selection bar to filter point selection When you right-click an instance point, the following options are available. Clock / Unclock Displays the Clocking dialog box where you can specify instance points to edit, and then define a delta position and orientation for the specified instance points.
Suppress / Unsuppress Suppress temporarily removes the selected instance from the display.
Specify Variance / Edit Variance / Remove Variance Displays the Variance dialog box where you can specify instance points to edit and define new defining values for those instances of the pattern feature.
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Not available when Layout is set to Reference. Lets you edit pattern definition parameters, including any pattern-variance settings, only in a spreadsheet. After you confirm your values, they are read back to the dialog box and the geometry is updated.
Use Spreadsheet
The spreadsheet is not stored with the pattern. If you want to edit the pattern definition parameters in the dialog box, clear the Use Spreadsheet check box. Orientation Not available when Layout is set to Reference. Determines if the pattern features in the layout will maintain a constant orientation or follow an orientation derived from some defining geometry. Same as Input
Orientation Orients the pattern features in the same orientation as the input feature.
Follow Pattern
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Not available when Layout is set to Linear or Reference. Orients the pattern features following the orientation of the layout.
Normal to Path Available when Layout is set to Along. Orients the pattern features based on the normals or projected normals of the specified path. CSYS to CSYS Not available when Layout is set to Along, General, or Reference. Orients the pattern features based on a specified CSYS. Not available when Layout is set to Along or Reference. Maintains an orientation for the pattern features that is normal to the specified face at the location of the instance. Follow Face
The specified faces have to be on the same body. Available when Follow Face is selected. Along Pattern Plane Normal The locations of the instances on the pattern plane will be projected normal from the pattern plane to the specified face. Project Direction Along Face Normal The locations of the instances on a pattern face will be projected normal from the pattern face to the specified face. Along Vector The locations of the instances will be projected along a specified vector to the specified face.
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Supports multiple features as input to create a Pattern Feature object, and evaluates the input at each instance location. To specify the input, you can:
Select multi-body features. Select detailed features such as blends and drafts. Reuse references to the input feature.
NX evaluates the inputs at each instance location. You can control which references are evaluated, using the Reusable References list. Simple Supports single features as input to create a Pattern feature object, with limited evaluation of the input features. To specify the input, you can:
Select simple design features such as holes and extruded features. Select multi-body features. Select one input feature per output pattern.
Reusable References
Available when Method is set to Variational. A list of the defining parameters of the input feature is displayed. You can select which of the features parameters will be evaluated at each instance location in the pattern. Example The two sketches that belong to the extruded slot feature are reused at each instance. One end of the input feature is dimensionally constrained and the other has a tangency constraint to the elliptical sketch curve. Extrude Coordinate system for Datum Coordinate System for Extrude
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Settings Determines the kind of objects that are created during the patterning operation. Pattern Feature Creates a Pattern Feature object from the specified input.
Output
If the Pattern Method is set to Variational, and your input consists of multiple features, the output will be a single Pattern Feature object. If the Pattern Method is set to Simple, and your input consists of multiple features, the output will be multiple Pattern Feature objects.
Copy Features Creates individual copies of the input features instead of a Feature Pattern object. Copy Features into Feature Group Creates individual copies of the input features and puts them into a Feature group. Not available when Output is set to Pattern Feature. Create New Creates new expressions for the copied features. Expressions Link to Original Links the original feature expressions to the copied features. Reuse Original Reuses the original feature expressions for the copied features.
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1.8.
Count
Definition parameter
Sets the number of features to be created in the pattern when Spacing is set to one of the following:
Linear Circular
Linear Circular
Pitch By / % Pitch By
Along
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Pitch By Available when spacing is based on arc length and requires a distance input. % Pitch By Available when spacing is based on a percentage of arc length. This parameter appears when Spacing is set to one of the following:
Span By / % Span By
Span By Available when spacing is based on a fixed distance of arc length. % Span By Available when spacing is based on a fixed percentage of arc length. This parameter appears when Spacing is set to one of the following:
Along
Location Arc Length Bases pitch or span spacing of the features on the distance of the specified arc length of the path.
Along
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List Defines spacing by a list of values and a count. The values in the list are repeated if necessary until the total count is reached. Example Spacing 1 Value = 150.000 Spacing 2 Value = 60.000 Spacing 3 Value = 60.000
1.9.
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6. Features created for pattern in the first direction 7. Direction 2, Count = 3 Sets the number of objects in the pattern in direction 2.
Pattern Settings
Frame Only
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1. Selected feature for pattern 2. Angular Direction: Pitch Angle = 30 Sets the initial pitch angle of objects in the pattern. 3. Span Angle = 150 Sets the total angle within which the instanced features are created. 4. Pitch Distance Sets the distance between pattern features.
Radiate
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1. Pitch Distance = 25 Sets the distance between each set of radiated features. 2. Span Distance = 50 Sets the total distance that the radiated features will fill. This option works in conjunction with the Pitch Distance option.
Pattern Settings
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Inscribed
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(Default) Locates polygon reference points inside the defined polygon.
o
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Sets the location of the features based on percentage of arc length. The location of each feature on the specified arc length is determined by the specified pitch percentage. Pattern Settings
Translate Moves the path in a linear direction to the input feature reference point. Spacing is then calculated along the translated path.
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Follow Face Orients the pattern features normal to the defining face at the location of the feature. By default, the face that is followed is the face on which the pattern feature is located, but you can specify an alternative face and a projection direction.
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1. Selected features for pattern. 2. Select Pattern Select a pattern feature to be used as reference for the new pattern. The reference pattern being created is associative to the selected pattern. 3. Select Base Instance Handle Specifies which instance point of the pattern feature being referenced will match the reference point of the feature being patterned. Note
The reference pattern inherits instance specific properties such as clocking and variance from parent surface. You can edit the reference pattern so that instances deviate from the parent pattern, such as suppressing an instance that is not suppressed in the parent pattern. You can edit reference patterns to use a different parent pattern.
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Parameters
Count Spacing Value Number of Sides Count (Count per Side only) Pitch (Pitch along Side only) Span Turns (Number of Turns only) Angle (Total Angle only) Radial Pitch Pitch along Spiral Reference Vector Rotation Angle Count Location Pitch By % Pitch By Span By % Span By Count Spacing Value
Count and Pitch Count and Span Along Pitch and Span
List
2. Extract Body
Use the Extract Body command to create an associative body by extracting faces from another body.
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Maintain internal volumes of parts for analysis. Create multiple bodies in one file showing a part in process. Test change scenarios without modifying the original model.
Extracted Faces
2.1.
This example shows how to extract faces from a body using the Region of Faces option.
1. Extract Body
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In the Extract Body dialog box, under Type click Region of Faces.
3.
In the graphics window, select the seed face that is inside the boundary faces.
Selected face is highlighted. In the dialog box Boundary Faces is now selected.
4.
5. In the dialog box, in the Settings group, select the Hide Original check box. In the Preview group, click Preview Region to highlight faces that will be extracted.
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6.
2.2.
Type
Type
Face Creates a sheet body of the selected faces to be extracted. Region of Faces Creates a sheet body which is a collection of faces that are connected to the seed face and limited by boundary faces. Body Creates a copy of an entire body.
Settings Specifies that the extracted feature maintains its timestamp order in the Part Navigator when subsequent features are created. If this check box is not selected, the extracted feature always appears as the last feature in the Part Navigator. Hides the original geometry when the extracted feature is created. Creates an extracted face without any holes that are present in the original face.
Hide Original
Delete Holes
Not available with the Body type. Use Display Properties of Parent Object Copy Threads Preview Reflects the changes made to the display properties in the original object to the extracted body. Lets you copy symbolic threads so that you do not need to re-create additional symbolic threads that look the same as the source body. This is useful for copied bodies in CAM and Drafting.
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Preview Region shows a preview of the resulting extracted region feature after you have selected the faces. Finished Preview closes the preview of the extracted region of faces.
Note The options below appear only when Type is set to Region of Faces Seed Face Lets you select a face contained or inside the boundary faces. Select Face Boundary Faces Lets you select the faces that contain or encircle the seed face. Select Face Region Options Traverse Interior Edges Selects all faces within the specified boundary faces.
Angle Tolerance Available when the Use Tangent Edge Angle check box is selected. Sets the angle tolerance that the region selection will traverse.
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2.3.
Additional options are available in the Extract dialog box when you edit a feature. Part Specifies the type of geometry used to create the extracted feature. Appears only while editing an extracted face feature. Lets you specify the part where the extracted feature and its parent reside.
Parent Part
Work Part Selects the work part as the part where the extracted feature and its parent exist. Other Part Lets you select another part where the extracted feature and its parent exist.
WAVE Information Appears only when the Type is set to Face. Parent Part Object Status Mapping Shows the type of geometry used to create the extracted feature. Shows the type information for the extracted feature. Shows the current status of the extracted feature.
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Opens the Replacement Assistant dialog box to replace the original extracted faces. Replacement Assistant Settings Lets you change the timestamp at which the extracted feature was created. If you clear the Fix at Current Timestamp check box, the part is updated, and the feature is reordered with a later (current) timestamp. If you select this check box, you can select a timestamp from the list box indicating where the feature should be placed. This enables you to control how changes made to the original geometry are reflected in the extracted feature. Note If you select the tool body of a Boolean feature for extraction or linking when Fix at Current Timestamp is not selected, the linked body does not reflect any features that are added to the body resulting from the Boolean. However, if you extract or link the target body (instead of the tool body), the features resulting from the Boolean are reflected. Copy Threads Lets you copy symbolic threads so that you do not need to re-create additional symbolic threads that look the same as the source body. This is useful for copied bodies in CAM and Drafting.
3. Composite Curve
Use the Composite Curve command to extract curves and edges from the work part. To extract curves and edges from other parts in the same assembly, use the Composite Curve option in the WAVE Geometry Linker command. Where do I find it? Application Toolbar Menu Modeling FeatureAssociative Copy Drop-downComposite Curve InsertAssociative CopyComposite Curve
3.1.
1. Choose InsertAssociative CopyComposite Curve In the Composite Curve dialog box the Select Curve 2. Select the curves to create the composite curve feature. option is active.
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Note When you select a closed loop of curves, the Specify Origin Curve enabling you to change the origin curve. option is active
3.2.
Curve
Select Curve
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Available if you select a loop of curves to create the composite curve feature. Specify Origin Curve Settings Associative Creates an associative composite curve feature. This option is not available when you edit a composite curve feature. Hides the original curve when the composite feature is created. Hide Original Note You cannot hide solid edges if the original geometry is an entire object. Allow Selfintersection Allows selection of self-intersecting curves as input curves. Lets you specify if you want to join the segments of the composite curve into a single curve. No Cubic Join Curves General Joins the output curves to form general spline curves. Creates a spline that is an exact representation of the input curves. This option can create a curve of higher degree than the Cubic or Quintic type. Quintic Joins the output curves to form a degree 5 polynomial spline curve. Tolerance Use Display Properties of Parent Object Sets the tolerance value for the Join Curve operation. The default value is the Distance Tolerance value that is set in the Modeling Preferences dialog box. Reflects the changes made to the display properties of the composite objects to any child objects linked to it through the WAVE Geometry Linker. Does not join the segments of the composite curve. Joins the output curves to form a degree 3 polynomial spline curve. Use this option to minimize the number of knots. Lets you specify the origin curve from the loop of curves.
Note The following options are available in the edit mode. Part Lets you specify the location of the composite curve feature and its parent part. Parent Part
Other Part Indicates that the parent part is located in another part. Work Part Indicates that the parent part is located in the current work part.
Settings Make Position Independent Available when the Parent Part option is Other Part. drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
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Creates a linked object that is independent of the position for linked geometry.
Lets you change the timestamp when the feature is placed during edit operations. This allows you to control if the changes made to the original geometry during updates are to be reflected in the composite curve feature.
4. Mirror Feature
Use the Mirror Feature command to mirror one or more features within a body. Use this to build symmetrical parts. To mirror an entire body, use the Mirror Body command.
Extrude and hole array selected and mirrored across a datum plane
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4.1.
1. On the Feature toolbar, from the Associative Copy Drop-down list, select InsertAssociative CopyMirror Feature. 2. Select the features to mirror. For this example, a extrude feature and hole array are selected.
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3. In the Mirror Feature dialog box, in the Mirror Plane group, from the Plane option list, select an option. For this example, Existing Plane is selected. 4. In the graphics window select the existing plane. 5. Click OK or Apply to create the mirror feature.
4.2.
Feature
Lets you select the features in a part that you want to mirror. Select Feature Related Features Add Dependent Features Add All Features in Body Mirror Plane Lets you select the following plane options:
Includes the dependent features of the selected feature. Includes all features in the original body of the selected feature.
Existing Plane Lets you select an existing plane, datum plane or a planar face.
Plane
5. Mirror Body
Use the Mirror Body command to mirror an entire body across a datum plane. For example, you can use this command to form the other hand of a left hand or right hand part.
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When you mirror a body, the mirror feature is associative to the original body. You cannot edit any parameters in the mirrored body. You can specify a timestamp for the mirror feature so that any features you later add to the original body will not be reflected in the mirrored body.
5.1.
1. On the Feature toolbar, from the Associative Copy Drop-down list, select Mirror Body 2. Select a body to mirror.
3. Click the middle mouse button. Select Plane is active. 4. In the graphics window, select a datum plane.
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5. Click OK or Apply.
5.2.
Settings
Copy Threads
Note The options below are only available when you edit the Mirror Body feature. Part Work Part Lets you select another body to mirror. Parent Part Other Part Lets you select a body from another part in an assembly. This changes the mirror body feature to a WAVE linked mirror body feature. Lets you select geometry to replace existing geometry.
Replacement Assistant
WAVE Information Available when the mirrored body is a WAVE linked body. This section provides information about the part from which you created the linked mirrored body. Parent Part Object Status Displays the name of the parent part. Displays the name of the parent object. Displays the status of the WAVE link.
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When the check box is cleared, breaks the link between the Mirror Body feature and its parent part. The linked feature is not updated when its parent part is changed. You can define a new parent part at any time.
6. Instance Geometry
Use the Instance Geometry command to create copies for design reuse to duplicate geometry and datums, while maintaining the associativity with parent geometry. You can create copies of:
You can create the copies in mirror, linear, circular, and irregular patterns, as well as along a tangent continuous section.
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6.1.
2. In the Instance Geometry dialog box, in the Type group, click Rotate Select Object in the Geometry to Instance group is active.
3. Select the geometry to create instances. For this example, the solid is selected
4. In the Rotation Axis group, click Specify Vector, and select an object to define the rotation axis. For this example, the line is selected to define the rotation axis.
5. In the Rotation Axis group, click Specify point, and select an object to define the rotation point. For this example, the mid point of the line is selected to define the rotation point.
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6. In the Angle, Distance, and Copies group, in the Angle box, specify a value. For this example, an angle of 90 is used
7. In the Distance box, specify a value to offset each instance. For this example, an offset of 20 is used.
8. In the Number of Copies box, specify a value for the total number of instances. For this example, the number of copies is 10.
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6.2.
1. On the Feature toolbar, click 2. In the Type group, click From/To Select Object
3. Select the geometry objects to create instances. For this example, a sheet body on a larger solid body is selected to instance.
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4. In the From Location group, from the Object Type list, select Coordinate System . Select CSYS becomes active.
5. Select a datum CSYS for the From Location. For this example, the highlighted datum CSYS centered on the sheet body is selected.
6. Select a datum CSYS for the To Location. For this example, the highlighted datum CSYS centered on the preview sheet body is selected.
7. In the To Locations group, click Add New Set . 8. Select another datum CSYS for additional To Locations. For this example, three datum CSYS are selected.
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6.3.
Type
Creates instances of geometry: From/To Creates geometry from one point or CSYS location to another point or CSYS location. Mirror Mirrors geometry across a plane. Translate Translates geometry in a specified direction. Rotate Rotates geometry around a specified axis. You can add an offset distance to achieve a helical placement. Along Path Creates geometry along a curve or edge path. You can add an offset rotation angle to each instance to achieve a helical effect. Geometry to Instance (available with all types) Lets you select geometry to create instances. You can select: Select Object
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Settings (available with all types) Creates a fully associative instance geometry feature. If you clear this check box, you get separate unparameterized copies of the original Associative geometry. Note This option has no effect when creating an instance with either a CSYS or a datum CSYS. The result is always a datum CSYS. Hides the geometry that was selected to create instances. Hide Original Note Use the Show and Hide commands on the Edit menu to display objects that are hidden. Lets you copy symbolic threads so that you do not need to re-create additional symbolic threads that look the same as the source body. This is useful for copied bodies in CAM and Drafting.
Copy Threads
From/To options
From Location / To Location Lets you choose one of the following methods to specify a location: Object Type
Appears when the Object Type is Point. Specify Point Lets you define an origin and destination points for the instance geometry. You can drag the point handle to a new point position, as long as it satisfies the current snap point settings. Appears when the Object Type is Coordinate System. Select CSYS Lets you select a coordinate system to define an origin point for the instance geometry. Adds sets of destination points or coordinate systems to the To Locations list, where copies of the selected objects to create instances will be located. Displays point and coordinate system locations. List
To Location 1
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Copies Number of Copies Sets the number of copies of the selected geometry to add to the instance.
Mirror options
Settings Available when the selected geometry to mirror is a CSYS or datum CSYS. Provides methods to mirror a CSYS or datum CSYS across a plane. The resulting mirrored coordinate system is always a right-handed datum CSYS. A true mirror results in a lefthanded coordinate system. The following graphics show the results of each method when the datum CSYS on the left is mirrored across a datum plane.
Mirror Method
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Translate options
Direction Specify Vector Updates the instance geometry if the geometry selected for direction is changed. The instance geometry and the direction are associative.
Distance and Copies Lets you specify a value for the distance separating the instance geometry and the selected objects. Distance If you type a value greater than one in the Number of Copies box, the distance value also specifies the spacing between each successive copy. Number of Copies Sets the number of copies of the selected geometry to add to the instance geometry.
Rotate options
Rotation Axis Specify Vector Specify Point You can drag the point handle to a new point position. Angle, Distance, and Copies Angle Distance Number of Copies Sets the angle of rotation between each instance geometry. Adds an offset distance to each rotated copy of the instance geometry to achieve a helical effect. Sets the number of copies of the selected geometry to add to the instance geometry. Updates the instance geometry if the geometry selected for direction is changed. The instance geometry and the direction are associative. Lets you define an origin point for the rotation of the instance geometry.
Geometry to Instance Copies each object you select to a location that is referenced from the path start point. If an object is located at the path start point, its instances are copied on the path and along it. If an object is located away from the path start point, its instances are copied along and in reference to the path, but not on it.
Select Object
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Geometry to Instance Path 5 Copies on Path Geometry to Instance Geometry to Instance 5 Copies off Path Note In most cases, at least one of the objects to instance should be located at or near the path start point. The farther from the path start point, the more irregular the results. Distance, Angle, and Copies Fill Path Length Distributes copies of the instance geometry equally along the total length of the path. Arc Length Distributes copies of the instance geometry along the path according to a parameter of the arc length or percent of the arc length. Appears when Distance Option is set to Arc Length. Lists options to specify between arc length or percent of arc length. Location
Distance Options
Appears when Distance Option is set to Arc Length. You can type a value for the arc length and percent of arc length in this box, or drag the arc length handle located on the path to dynamically size the arc length parameter. Adds an incremental rotation to each copy of the instance geometry using the angle value you specify to achieve a helical effect. Values can range from 0 through 360 in this box.
Angle
Number of Sets the number of copies of the selected geometry to add to the instance geometry. Copies
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7. Promote Body
Use the Promote Body command to promote a body from a loaded assembly component to the level of the assembly. You do not need write access to the part containing the original, or the base body, in order to promote it. This can be especially important when working in a concurrent engineering environment. After you promote a body:
You can perform operations on it, such as adding features, performing Boolean operations between it and other bodies, and so on. The effects of these operations are only visible at the level of the assembly work part in which the promotion is created, and in any other assembly that references that part. You cannot access the features that make up the base body at the assembly level. For example, you cannot suppress a feature of the base body, or change its parameters and have those changes occur only at assembly level. You must make such changes to the base body. They will be visible in the promoted body, since it is associative to the base body. Any subsequent changes to the base body are reflected in the promoted body as the promoted body is associative to the base body. However, changes made to a promoted body do not affect the base body.
Caution You must be careful when working "in context" (that is, with the work part different than the displayed part) with promoted bodies. If the assembly is the displayed part and the component is the work part, the promoted body is still displayed and this blocks the display of the base body. You should change the displayed part to the component to work on the base body. Warning You should not promote a body that depends on another body in the same part. A dependent body is created by features that generate a new body, such as a mirror body feature, an extract face feature or a midsurface feature. If you promote a dependent body and then suppress or delete the parent body or feature, you may get internal errors.
Where do I find it?
Application Modeling Prerequisite The work part must be an assembly. Toolbar Menu FeatureAssociative Copy Drop-downPromote Body InsertAssociative CopyPromote Body
Customer defaults for Promote Body are at: Menu FileUtilitiesCustomer Defaults Location in dialog box Customer DefaultsAssembliesInterpart ModelingAllow Promote Body
7.1.
Promote a body
1. Open an assembly. The assembly must be the work part, and the component containing the body you want to promote must be loaded. 2. Choose InsertAssociative CopyPromote Body.
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3. In the Promote Body dialog box click Select Body and select the required body from the graphics window. 4. Click OK or Apply. The selected body is promoted to the assembly level.
7.2.
You can use the Assembly Navigator to substitute the base component of a promoted part. 1. In an assembly part, open the Assembly Navigator. 2. In the Assembly Navigator, highlight the component you want to substitute, right-click and choose ClosePart. 3. Highlight the same part, which is now closed, right-click and choose OpenComponent As. 4. In the File dialog box, select the new part to substitute in. If the new part is a version of the original part, and the base body of the promotion exists in the new part, the promotion is updated to the new base body. If the new part and the original parts are not versions of each other, and if you select Allow Substitution in the Load Options dialog box, the promotion feature is presented in the Update Failure dialog box, and you can then make the required changes.
7.3.
Note Editing the Promote Body feature could result in a loss of data. Unloaded parts may be affected. Exploded views will be affected. The base body will become visible. There is no operation to reparent promotions after saving. 1. Choose EditFeatureEdit Parameters. The Edit Parameters dialog box opens. 2. Choose the Promote Body feature from the list and click OK. The edit version of the Promote Body dialog box opens. 3. (Optional) To break the link between the Promote Body feature and its parent assembly, clear the Associative option. Warning This action breaks the link between the promoted body and the assembly parent. 4. (Optional) To change the Promote Body feature to a WAVE Linked Body, select the Convert to Linked Body option. Note This action turns the Promote Body feature into a WAVE Linked Body. If you later edit it, the edit version of the WAVE Geometry Linker opens. See the Assemblies help for details. 5. Click OK or Apply to make the changes effective.
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7.4.
Body
Lets you select the body to promote Select Body Promote Body terms The following terms are used for Promote Body: Term Promoted Body Base Body Base Component Description A body that has been promoted. The original body. A component from which at least one body has been promoted.
7.5.
Promoted bodies have the following restrictions: All Modeling operations that cause the model to lose its parameterization or feature history, are not available for promoted bodies. You cannot reorder a promoted body into the component's feature list, or vice versa. You can manipulate a promoted body only when the part that it was defined in is the work part. You cannot split a promoted body into multiple bodies. If you move a body to another part of the assembly tree after it is promoted, the promotion is deleted. When you translate parts, promoted bodies are not translated. When performing operations that require a target body and a tool body, only certain combinations of target and tool bodies are supported, as shown in the following table: Target Body Tool Body Promoted Promoted Promoted Not promoted Promoted Allowed? Yes No
8. Instance Feature
Use the Instance Feature command to:
Create patterns such as bolt hole circles. Create a number of similar features such as ribs. Edit all instanced features in one step. drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
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You can add edge blends, chamfers, and threads to an Instance feature.
If you create:
An edge blend you can select Blend All Instances. A chamfer you can select Chamfer All Instances. A thread you can select Include Instances When you select these options, always add the edge blend, chamfer or thread to the master feature, and not to one of the instanced features. This way, if the array parameters are changed, the edge blend, chamfer or thread will always remain visible in the instance set.
Shells Chamfers Blends Offset sheets Datums Trimmed sheet bodies Instance sets Draft features Surfaces Trimmed features Associative points
8.1.
Rectangular Array
Use the Rectangular Array command to create a linear pattern of one or more selected features. Rectangular arrays can be:
One-dimensional in XC or YC, with one row of features. Two-dimensional in XC and YC, with several rows of features.
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Rectangular arrays are parallel to the XC and YC axes based on the number and offset distance you enter. Where do I find it? Application Toolbar Menu Location in dialog box Modeling FeatureInstance Feature InsertAssociative CopyInstance Feature Rectangular Array
8.2.
This example shows how to create a rectangular array of holes used for a bolt hole mounting pattern.
Note Orient the WCS to be planar to the surface with the features used for the rectangular array. The Rectangular Array command uses the XC and YC axis for input parameters. or choose InsertAssociative
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2. In the Instance dialog box, click Rectangular Array. 3. In the Instance dialog box, select the feature or features to instance. For this example, Simple Hole is selected.
4. Click OK. 5. In the Instance dialog box, select a Method type and enter values. For this example, the following are used: In the Method group, General is selected. In the Number Along XC box, 2 is entered. In the XC Offset box, 1.25 is entered. In the Number Along YC box, 3 is entered. In the YC Offset box, 0.75 is entered. 6. Click OK. A preview of the instance is displayed in the graphics window.
o o o o o
7. In the Create instances dialog box, click Yes or OK to accept the instance.
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8.3.
Circular Array
Use the Circular Array command to create a circular pattern of one or more selected features. Circular arrays require the following:
Where do I find it? Application Toolbar Menu Location in dialog box Modeling FeatureInstance Feature InsertAssociative CopyInstance Feature Circular Array
8.4.
This example shows how to create a circular array of features used to complete a symmetrical part.
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or choose InsertAssociative
2. In the Instance dialog box, click Circular Array. 3. In the Instance dialog box, select the features to instance. For this example, the highlighted features are selected.
4. Click OK.
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5. In the Instance dialog box, select a Method type and enter the desired values. For this example, the following are used: In the Method group, General is selected. In the Number box, 4 is entered. In the Angle box, 90 is entered. 6. Click OK. 7. 7. In the Instance dialog box, click Point Direction. 8. In the Vector dialog box, choose from the Type list to define the vector. For this example: Curve/Axis Vector was selected form the Type list, and the bottom circular edge is selected for the rotation axis.
o o o
10. Click OK to accept the highlighted point or select a new reference point.
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The circular edge center is automatically selected because the edge was selected to define the vector.
11. In the Create instances dialog box, click Yes or OK to accept the instance.
8.5.
The Instance dialog box lists the arrays you can use to create instances of features. Rectangular Array Circular Array Creates a linear pattern of one or more selected features. Creates a circular pattern of one or more selected features.
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The methods are displayed in the Edit Parameters dialog box after you select the features to instance for a rectangular or a circular array. Method General Creates an instance array from existing features and validates all geometry. A General array is allowed to cross an edge of the face and can cross over from one face to another. Creates an instance array similar to a General instance array. The instance array creation is faster because excessive data validation and optimizing operations are not used. Creates an instance array in the fastest way.
Simple
Identical
There is minimum validation. All the faces and edges of the master feature are copied and translated. Each instance is an exact copy of the original.
Use this method when you have a great many instances, and you are sure they are all exactly the same. Note The resulting geometry created with the Simple and Identical method should always lie on the same face as the original feature. Validate the new geometry to determine that an Identical instance array has been created correctly. Choose Analysis Examine Geometry and in the Checks to Perform group, select Set All to validate the geometry. If the Identical array fails, use Undo and try General array.
Mc lc
Associative Copy ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Pattern Feature ................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.4. 1.5. 1.6. 1.7. 1.8. 1.9. 1.10. Pattern Feature methods ......................................................................................................................... 3 Create a linear pattern of features in two directions ............................................................................... 4 Create a circular pattern of concentric features ...................................................................................... 6 Create a pattern of features on a truncated cone ................................................................................... 9 Edit a pattern of features using variance and clocking .......................................................................... 11 Reuse pattern references to control the shape of pattern features ....................................................... 16 Pattern Feature dialog box .................................................................................................................... 19 Common pattern feature definition options .......................................................................................... 27 Linear pattern feature layout options .................................................................................................... 29 Circular pattern feature layout options ............................................................................................. 31
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Polygon pattern feature layout options ............................................................................................. 33 Spiral pattern feature layout options ................................................................................................. 34 Along pattern feature layout options ................................................................................................. 35 Path methods for the Along layout .................................................................................................... 36 General pattern feature layout options ............................................................................................. 37 Reference pattern feature layout options .......................................................................................... 37 Spacing options by layout .................................................................................................................. 39
Extract Body ................................................................................................................................................... 39 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. Extract a region of face bodies ............................................................................................................... 40 Extract Body dialog box .......................................................................................................................... 42 Extract Body edit options ....................................................................................................................... 44
3.
Composite Curve ............................................................................................................................................ 45 3.1. 3.2. Create a composite curve ....................................................................................................................... 45 Composite Curve dialog box ................................................................................................................... 46
4.
Mirror Feature ................................................................................................................................................ 48 4.1. 4.2. Create a mirror feature .......................................................................................................................... 49 Mirror Feature dialog box ...................................................................................................................... 50
5.
Mirror Body .................................................................................................................................................... 50 5.1. 5.2. Create a mirror body feature ................................................................................................................. 51 Mirror Body options ............................................................................................................................... 52
6.
Instance Geometry ......................................................................................................................................... 53 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. Create instances to form a chain link ..................................................................................................... 54 Create instances between datum CSYS locations ................................................................................... 56 Instance Geometry dialog box ............................................................................................................... 58
7.
Promote Body ................................................................................................................................................. 63 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. Promote a body ...................................................................................................................................... 63 Substitute a promoted part .................................................................................................................... 64 Edit a Promote Body feature .................................................................................................................. 64 Promote Body options ............................................................................................................................ 65 Promote Body restrictions ...................................................................................................................... 65
8.
Instance Feature ............................................................................................................................................. 65 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. Rectangular Array .................................................................................................................................. 66 Create a rectangular array of features .................................................................................................. 67 Circular Array ......................................................................................................................................... 69
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