Curve pattern doesn't follow curve exactly

[ptc-4890452]

Hi there.

I'm trying to make a pattern of squares that follow a curve.

I'm trying to do so via the pattern curve tool.

The problem is the fact that my square instances doesn't quite follow the spline sketched in the curve pattern options. Please see attached images.

Any ideas on how to make the squares follow the curve more exact?

Best regads.

This thread is inactive and closed by the PTC Community Management Team. If you would like to provide a reply and re-open this thread, please notify the moderator and reference the thread. You may also use "Start a topic" button to ask a new question. Please be sure to include what version of the PTC product you are using so another community member knowledgeable about your version may be able to assist.

[dgschaefer · Accepted solution]

A curve pattern starts at the relationship between the first sketch and the start point of the curve. If you imagine a pattern of points on the curve, each feature will have the same relationship to each point based on the relationship of the first sketch and the curve's start point.

Since your first feature is offset from the curve start point, the pattern will be offset. You need to align the first feature and the start pint of the curve. either trim the curve so that the start point lies directly under the first feature or move the first feature.

[ptc-4890452]

Aha. That makes sense. Problem solved.

Thanks alot Doug Schaefer

[dgschaefer]

Glad it helped. This quirk of curve based patterns can be hard to comprehend, especially when your start point and first feature are really far apart. Imagine, for example, if you had put the first feature at the opposite end of the curve how it would have looked and how confusing that would be!