Working with patterns

To create a pattern

1. Select a feature.
2. Select Features & Manufacturing tab > Pattern & Group panel > Pattern and select a pattern type.
3. Use the Pattern - Dimensions page to set the number of items and the spacing.
4. Select Local Offset to locate the pattern relative to the selected feature, or deselect it to locate the pattern relative to the setup.
5. Click Next.
6. Use the New Feature - Location page to set the starting point of the pattern.
7. Click Finish.

Tip: Select Make a pattern from this feature in the New Feature wizard to create a pattern from a new feature.

To delete a pattern

To delete a pattern without deleting the original feature, right-click the pattern in the Part View and select Delete.

To move a pattern

1. Double-click the pattern in the Part View.
2. On the Dimensions tab of the Pattern Properties dialog, select Local Offset to locate the pattern in relation to the selected feature, or deselect it to locate the pattern in relation to the setup.
3. Use the Location tab to set the starting point of the pattern.
4. Click OK.

Using macros with patterns

On the Strategy tab of the Pattern Properties dialog:

• If you want to use macros (also known as NC subroutines or subprograms) to reduce the size of the code created for the pattern, select Use macro calls for each instance in the pattern. This setting requires you to use a post that supports incremental programming or local coordinate systems.
• If you are using macros, you can reduce calculation time by also selecting Reuse toolpaths from first Instance in the pattern. In this situation, toolpaths are only calculated for the first feature and reused for the subsequent features of the pattern.