Home » How to use Circular Pattern in SolidWorks?

A pattern is a tool in CAD that makes the task easier and faster. In SolidWorks, there are two types of patterns SolidWorks i.e., linear pattern and circular pattern. The circular pattern is a tool to copy single or multiple entities in a circle with respect to a chosen point. It makes the process short and fast. A circular pattern is a sketch tool as well as a SolidWorks feature.

This article will look into the steps needed to execute a circular pattern.

We are going to look into the steps to use the circular pattern feature and they are as follows:

  1. Select the feature to copy.
  2. Click on the linear pattern drop-down.
  3. Then select the “circular pattern” option.
  4. Select the direction by edges.
  5. You can easily see the preview of the pattern.
  6. Now Click on Ok to complete the action.

Steps to use circular pattern sketch tool.

  1. Click on the linear pattern drop-down in the sketch tool panel.
  2. Then select a circular pattern.
  3. Select the entities and number of copies.
  4. As soon as you check the preview and click ok.

In both the above steps the pattern is made in the same manner but the process is different. Also for both options, a property manager is also different. You can choose any of the methods that can be used depending on your preference.

To use the circular pattern feature in SolidWorks, follow these steps:

  1. Create a feature to be patterned, such as a cut or an extrusion.
  2. Click on the circular pattern icon in the toolbar or go to Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Circular Pattern.
  3. In the PropertyManager window, select the feature to be patterned in the Features to Pattern section.
  4. Set the Center Point by selecting a point or an edge in the graphics area.
  5. Set the Axis of rotation by selecting a line or an edge in the graphics area.
  6. Set the Angle of rotation by typing in a value or dragging the arrow in the graphics area.
  7. Set the Number of instances by typing in a value or dragging the arrow in the graphics area.
  8. Set the Total angle by typing in a value or dragging the arrow in the graphics area.
  9. Click OK to create the circular pattern.
  10. If desired, you can modify the pattern by going back to the PropertyManager and adjusting the settings.
  11. Save your work.

That’s it! The circular pattern feature in SolidWorks can save you a lot of time when creating designs with repeated features.

How to create a pattern with multiple instances of different features

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SolidWorks allows you to create a pattern with multiple instances of different features. To do this, follow the steps for creating a circular pattern as outlined in the article, but before clicking “OK” to create the pattern, select all of the features that you want to pattern in the Features to Pattern section of the PropertyManager window.

Once you have selected all of the features that you want to pattern, you can adjust the settings for each feature individually by expanding the feature in the PropertyManager window and making the necessary changes.

For example, if you are patterning a bolt and a nut, you can adjust the size of each instance of the bolt and nut by selecting the appropriate feature in the PropertyManager window and modifying its dimensions.

When you click “OK” to create the pattern, SolidWorks will create instances of each feature according to the settings you have specified, resulting in a pattern that includes multiple instances of different features.

Creating a pattern with multiple instances of different features can be useful when you need to create a complex design with multiple types of components. This can save you time and make it easier to keep track of all the parts in your design.

How to use the circular pattern feature to create a helix pattern

The circular pattern feature in SolidWorks can also be used to create a helix pattern. A helix pattern is a pattern that follows a curved, helical path.

To create a helix pattern using the circular pattern feature, follow these steps:

  1. Create a helix feature. To create a helix, go to Insert > Curve > Helix/Spiral. Set the parameters for the helix, such as the pitch, revolutions, and height.
  2. Create a feature that you want to pattern, such as an extrusion or cut.
  3. Click on the circular pattern icon in the toolbar or go to Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Circular Pattern.
  4. In the PropertyManager window, select the feature to be patterned in the Features to Pattern section.
  5. Set the Center Point by selecting the center of the helix.
  6. Set the Axis of rotation by selecting the axis of the helix.
  7. Set the Angle of rotation to 360 degrees.
  8. Set the Number of instances to the desired number of repetitions.
  9. Set the Total angle to the pitch of the helix.
  10. Click OK to create the pattern.

SolidWorks will create a pattern of the feature that follows the helical path of the helix.

Creating a helix pattern using the circular pattern feature can be useful when you need to create designs that require components to follow a curved, helical path, such as springs or screws. By using the circular pattern feature to create a helix pattern, you can save time and ensure that your design is accurate and consistent.

How to use the circular pattern feature to create a pattern with varying spacing or sizing

The circular pattern feature in SolidWorks can also be used to create patterns with varying spacing or sizing between instances of a feature. To create a pattern with varying spacing or sizing, follow these steps:

  1. Create a feature that you want to pattern, such as an extrusion or cut.
  2. Click on the circular pattern icon in the toolbar or go to Insert > Pattern/Mirror > Circular Pattern.
  3. In the PropertyManager window, select the feature to be patterned in the Features to Pattern section.
  4. Set the Center Point and Axis of rotation as desired.
  5. Set the Angle of rotation and the Total angle as desired.
  6. Click the Vary Instances button in the PropertyManager window.
  7. Select the dimension or feature that you want to vary, such as the spacing or sizing.
  8. Set the range of variation and the distribution method.
  9. Click OK to create the pattern.

SolidWorks will create a pattern of the feature with varying spacing or sizing according to the settings you have specified.

Creating a pattern with varying spacing or sizing using the circular pattern feature can be useful when you need to create designs that require variations in component size or spacing, such as a decorative pattern or a pattern of fasteners on a curved surface. By using the circular pattern feature to create a pattern with varying spacing or sizing, you can save time and ensure that your design is accurate and aesthetically pleasing.

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