Pattern repetition is a feature that allows you to define multiple parts of the model that should be characterized by identical or similar designs. Pattern grouping is a feature where you can define a single part of the model that should be designed in a certain pattern.
Pattern repetition and pattern grouping can be used with solid and shell elements. They can also be applied in conjunction with minimum and maximum member size constraints, with draw direction constraints, and (to some extent) with extrusion constraints. The following combinations are allowed:
Shells |
Solids |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Simple |
Draw |
Extrusion |
|||
Pattern repetition |
Without scaling |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes** |
With scaling |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No** |
|
Pattern grouping |
1-plane symmetry |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes* |
No |
2-planes symmetry |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes* |
No |
|
3-planes symmetry |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes* |
No |
|
Cyclical symmetry |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes* |
No |
* Pattern grouping can be combined with draw direction constraints, but you should use caution in order to achieve manufacturable designs.
** For extrusion, pattern repetition generates identical cross-sections for different components. Therefore, scaling is not supported for this combination.
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