Creating Rectangular Patterns using Single Elements

You can create rectangular patterns using single surfacing or volumic elements, i.e. duplicate an original wireframe or surface-type element at the location of your choice according to a rectangular arrangement. For this you need to define a 2-axis system using two directions.

Before you begin: Insert in an assembly an existing 3D shape containing wireframe, surface or volumic elements.
  1. From the Assembly section of the action bar, click Rectangular Pattern .
    The Choose a 3D Shape dialog box appears.
  2. Click Create new in the Choose a 3DShape dialog box.

    In the Choose a 3D Shape dialog box:

    • The Product box displays the name of the active product.
    • 3DShapes either lists the available 3D shapes instanced under the active product or lists the available 3D shapes instanced under a selected product. In both cases, these 3D shapes can be modified.
    • The Create new command allows you to create a 3D shape.
      Important: When you create a new 3D shape in Assembly commands context, its Nature is set as Specification whatever your choice in the dialog box, and you cannot change the nature of this 3D shape after it has been created with this command. See Nature of a New 3D Shape Created in Assembly Commands Context.
    • The Automatically create new 3D Shape when none exists option allows you to create a 3D shape either under the active or selected product automatically. In this case, the Choose a 3D Shape dialog box does not appear.

    The New Content tab appears.
  3. Click 3D Shape under Physical Product Structure node in the New Content tab.
  4. Click OK in the 3D Shape dialog box.
    The new 3D Shape is created under the active product.
  • Important: You switch from Assembly Design app to the last representation app you used.
    1. In the work area, select the element you want to replicate as a pattern.
      Each tab in this dialog box is dedicated to a direction you will use to define the location of the duplicated element.
    2. Click the Reference element box to select a line, a planar face or surface edge to specify the first direction.


    3. Optional: Click the Reverse Direction to reverse the direction.
    4. In the Parameters list, select the type of parameters to replicate.
      OptionDescription
      Instance(s) & Length The spacing between instances is automatically computed based on the number of instances and the specified total length.
      Instance(s) & Spacing The total length is automatically computed based on the number of instances and the specified spacing value.
      Spacing & Length The number of instances is automatically computed to fit the other two parameters.
      Instance(s) & Unequal Spacing Double-click the spacing value in the work area to edit and modify it.
    5. In the Instance(s) box, set the duplication parameters by choosing the number of instances.
    6. In the Spacing box, enter the spacing between instances or enter the total length of the zone filled with instances in the Length box.

      For each of these cases only two boxes are active, allowing you to define the correct value.

      Important: If you set Instance(s) & Length or Spacing & Length parameters, note that you cannot define the length by using formulas.
    7. Select the Second Direction tab to define the same parameters along a second direction.


      Tip: In the pattern preview, click the point materializing an instance to delete it. Click again to add it.

    8. Optional: Click to synchronize the number of instances in both directions.
    9. Optional: If more than 15 instances are generated, click Simplified representation in the Layout options area to lighten the pattern geometry and click Preview.

      The instances which will be deleted are displayed in dashed lines.

      Previewed simplified geometry

      Simplified geometry

    10. Click OK.


      Important:
      • Patterning User Features (UDFs) is not allowed.
      • You cannot cut nor copy rectangular patterns, except if they belong to the same body.
      • You come back in the Assembly Design app.