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1-Visitor
October 20, 2010
Question

Using "Variable" patterns

  • October 20, 2010
  • 1 reply
  • 3704 views

Hi All,

I have come across a need I vary rarely have. I need to make a series of hole, evenly spaced and the same depth, but each hole is a different diameter. When I read the Pro/E Help files, it seems like "Variable Pattern" would be my solution. However, after I make my pattern and go back to change the 2nd hole diameter, all 10 update. To me that seems to be violating the "Instance can vary in size" note in the help file.

So, does anyone know how to make variable patterns work? Or do I just have to go make 10 separate holes?


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1 reply

1-Visitor
October 20, 2010

Wendy,

If, by chance, your hole diameters vary in a systematic way, e.g. each one is .25 larger than the one before it, you can do this with a regular pattern. Otherwise, what you really need is a Pattern Table, where you include the hole diameter as a variable pattern dimension, and then edit the diameters within the table. (A Variable, as opposed to General, Pattern refers to something else, namely the level of complexity allowed in the pattern which affects regeneration time. Instances of a General Pattern can intersect each other; instances of a Variable Pattern cannot.)

David

WendyM1-VisitorAuthor
1-Visitor
October 20, 2010

Thanks Dave, they don't, of couse, so I'll use a Table. I appreciate the insight, as once again the language of PTC's help files don't seem to be using tems to me what we over here expect them to mean.