There are special considerations for creating patterns in sheet metal.
Sheet metal features behave much the same as solid features in patterns. For example:
- You can create rectangular, circular, and mirror patterns.
- You can pattern secondary (child) features, such as corner rounds, corner chamfers, corner seams, and bends, only when the parent feature is included.
- For faster computation, use Identical termination instead of Adjust to Model where possible.
- You can suppress one or more occurrences of a feature in a pattern (not the base feature) to flow around an irregular shape, for example.
Some special considerations for sheet metal features in patterns include:
- Fold features usually extend along an entire edge and are not always good candidates for patterns.
- A sheet metal cut (without the cut across bend option) is like an extruded cut. You can get different results using the Identical compared to Adjust to Model termination method.
- Cut across bend features pattern results differ depending on the bend geometry and termination method. Compare results when using Identical and Adjust to Model methods.
- Patterns of multiedge flanges are not supported.
- Only Identical termination method is available for:
- Face features, with or without associated bends
- Flanges
- Contour flanges
- Hems
When you are not certain of the results, experiment with termination methods and the number of pattern instances to determine the best approach.