When creating feature patterns using the Sketch Driven Feature command the driving sketch defines the pattern instance locations using sketch points. Although there may be other geometry in the sketch, the pattern feature only recognizes the points.
This is similar to the sketch created when using the hole wizard command. In fact, the hole wizard can be thought of as a Sketch Driven Pattern. The only difference is that the Hole Wizard feature contains two sketches, one defines the hole profile and the other the actual positions. This positions sketch contains only points and as such, can be reused to drive a Sketch Driven Pattern feature.
1. Create a part and place a hole wizard series of holes. In this example clearance holes for a ½ hex bolt.
2. Create a feature based around one of the holes, it doesn’t matter which hole. A weld nut is used here.
3. Create a Sketch Driven Pattern selecting the feature(s) and the first sketch in the Hole Wizard feature.
4. Press Alt and scroll the mouse wheel to display a section view parallel to the screen.
Notes:
1. Seed location is not important, but the pattern will propagate based on the sketch points.
2. Unlike linear patterns, there is no option to skip instances in a sketch driven pattern.
3. This works great with library features.
