Level 1 Modelling

Introduction to 3D CAD     modelling
Design Intent
Sketching
Intro to Creo through
  the Extrude feature
Editing the Model
Managing the Model
Robust Modelling
Revolve
Blend
Sweep
Swept Blend
Engineering Features
Edit Features
Reference Geometry
Helical Sweep

Level 2 Modelling

Level 3 Modelling

Assemblies

Engineering Drawings

CNC Machining

Simulation

Rendering

Others

Edit Feature: all in right toolbar

Key terms:
Mirror
Pattern
Copy
Paste
Dependency

Dependency

Often, when you create a copy of an entity there will be an option to make the copy dependent or independent of the original.  Any changes in the original entity will or will not be reflected in the copied instances.

  Mirror

To create a mirrored copy of a single feature, number of features or group simply make your selection in the model tree, select the mirror tool and then select the plane about which the features are to be mirrored.

Model Symmetry

You can also mirror the entire model tree by selecting the model name at the top of the model tree and then selecting the mirror function.  This more robust than mirroring a selection of features as it mirrors all the elements needed to create the mirror geometry.

Dependent    or Independent 

You will notice that two different icons (as above) are used in the model tree when you mirror features.  Dashboard > Options > Copy as Dependent will be ticked by default if it is possible to create an associative mirrored feature – one which will update to follow the original.  If you cannot create a Dependent copy then try grouping the feature with its construction geometry and mirroring the group.

  Pattern

To create multiple instances [copies] of a feature or features in a regular pattern [or to fill a prescribed area] you can select the items and then use the pattern tool [or right click > pattern].

Patterns can be linear - line or grid, radial - referenced to an axis, or follow a curve.

All patterns need references to define their direction and characteristics.

The dashboard controls firstly define the type of pattern, this will then dictate which direction reference boxes are displayed.  The number of copies in each direction is also displayed.

Remember to use your right click menus as well
 

Simple patterns - Direction, Axis, Fill, Curve

These pattern types are the simplest to set up but do not give any control over the geometry in the individual copies.

Direction - choose a plane/surface to signify a direction

Axis - choose an axis to signify the centre of rotation

Fill - choose a sketch as a boundary to fill

Curve - choose a sketch to follow
 

Axis pattern, equal spacing

Patterns with geometry control - Dimension pattern

A Dimension pattern will allow you to control the geometry and position for individual copies.  This patterns form is dictated by the direction references you choose - linear, radial or curve.
 

Driving dimensions

As with any other features, a pattern requires references.  The important concept to understand with patterns is that you choose parameters [dimensions] which place the original feature to describe the direction or nature of the pattern.

The chosen dimension also indicates the positive direction.  If you want the pattern to increment in the opposite direction you need to input a negative figure.

For a linear pattern [as above] dimensions in X and Y which place the original feature are selected to indicate the two pattern directions.  These references are placed in the two Dimension boxes -    Direction 1 and Direction 2.
 

Radial pattern

The driving dimension for a radial pattern [below] is the angular dimension placing the original feature.

The dimensioning scheme for a radial Dimension pattern must be carefully considered.  The default linear placement of the sketch in the below left image will conflict with the radial pattern.  The modified dimensioning scheme will produce a successful pattern.

Incrementally changing instances

You can also change the parameters of a feature as it is copied – eg. each instance decrease progressively in height through the pattern.

In the above example an extrusion has been patterned around the axis of the base cylinder.  This pattern has then been altered so that as each instance of the original extrusion is created, the height dimension, the diameter dimension and the distance from the axis dimension are adjusted.

The parameter you wish to change is included in the appropriate direction box and the incremental adjustment input.  In the above example the height dimension, diameter and the distance from the axis dimensions are collected in the Direction 1 box after the initial angular driving dimension.

Copying features

You can use the Copy, Paste, and Paste Special commands to duplicate and place features, geometry, curves, and edge chains. Using this functionality, you can copy and paste features within the same model or between two different models.

By preselecting edges you can create a copy as a datum curve either as an exact copy or an approximate copy – this will approximate a chain of tangent curves as a single continuous curvature spline curve.

Two methods for Pasting solid features:

• When you use Edit > Paste, the system opens the feature creation tool, so you can redefine the copied feature.
• When you use Edit > Paste Special, the system allows you to replace the original references with the new ones.