in an assembly can I space multiple objects on a rack by # of objects and edges of rack; or do I always have to measure and calc distance. (looking for a solution like the width mate)
in an assembly can I space multiple objects on a rack by # of objects and edges of rack; or do I always have to measure and calc distance. (looking for a solution like the width mate)
Ben 9:38 am on November 23, 2008 Permalink
So are you looking to have a set number of parts equally spaced along a line?
cserran 10:16 am on November 23, 2008 Permalink
If you’re using a linear pattern you can drive the distance with an equation.
or
If there are features on the rack (ie. holes) you can drive those in the rack and then position your objects using a feature based pattern.
admin 10:46 am on November 23, 2008 Permalink
Another work around I have used (This one is kinda kludgy) create a part within a part and use a ‘Cruve Driven Pattern’. Here is how it is done. You can put a part within a part, when in a part choose insert-part, the dialog will take you through the insert and you can mate it like it was an assembly. Next choose insert-pattern-curve driven pattern. Choose a line that has the direction on it you want and the distance between the end points you want (i.e. the distance between the first and last components to be patterned, you will likely need to make a sketch for this and use the sketch line) last in the curve driven pattern choose ‘equally space’. Here is the caveat for this long winded solution, if you update the patterned component and then open the part with the component in it, the part will not update properly unless BOTH parts are open at the same time….
So all this brings me to ask, SolidWorks why can you not have a curve driven pattern in a assembly?
dave spencer 12:38 pm on November 23, 2008 Permalink
Good ways to do this. I was just hoping there was some really simple way to do it. Like “pattern object” 15 times to “offset from face”. Is there a wish list for SW functionality.
thanks
admin 1:13 pm on November 23, 2008 Permalink
There are enhancement requests at the SolidWorks website. Although many of us feel it is throwing suggestions down a hole. I and another guy will have http://DearSolidWorks.com up and going in the next couple of weeks for just this sort of thing
RodUding 11:26 am on November 24, 2008 Permalink
I concur with your comment Ben from 10:45 2008/11/23. Why can’t I drive a pattern with a curve in an assembly. It would save me a lot of time when I do not have a pattern on a part in the assembly.
admin 12:50 am on December 27, 2008 Permalink
Just found this at SW Geeks
http://www.swgeeks.com/forum/topics/2064154:Topic:936
Might do what you need it to
Quote
“sometimes it’s needed to divide sketch curves(lines,arcs,splines,etc) or edges into equal portions. this can be accomplished using reference point command (insert->reference geometry->point) and specifying number of points to be inserted (evenly distribute option)”