Page 319 - Mastering SolidWorks

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Working With 3d PAtternS 291

Using Symmetry Sketch Relation
In some editing situations, you may not want to create new geometry, but will use existing
entities with new relations driving them. To create the Symmetry sketch relation, you must have
two similar items (such as lines or endpoints) and a centerline selected.
To add the symmetry relation after you have made the proper selection, use the pop-up
toolbar interface or the Add Relation toolbar button. These two options are shown in Figure 9.7.
You can find more information on manipulating sketch relations in Chapter 3, “Working with
Sketches and Reference Geometry.”

Figure 9.7
two ways to add a
symmetric sketch
constraint

Using Mirroring in 3D Sketches
Chapter 6, “Getting More from Your Sketches,” deals with 3D sketches in more detail, but I
discuss the mirror functionality here to connect it with the rest of the mirroring and patterning
topics. You can mirror sketch entities in 3D sketches, when sketching in 3D space or on 2D
planes. Mirroring in 3D space requires a plane to mirror about; then you can use the regular
Mirror Entities tool that you use in 2D sketches.
Sketch patterns are unavailable in the 3D sketch, but you can use the Move, Rotate, and Copy
sketch tools on planes in 3D sketches.

Working with 3D Patterns

Patterning 3D geometry—whether components, bodies, features, or faces—is extremely power-
ful. It saves design time, as well as compute time, when used correctly. Selecting the right type of
entities to serve as the seed for the pattern can determine your success with this function.
One of the basic functions in patterns is determining the original instance (seed) from the
patterned instances. These are determined by color when you select the pattern feature in
the FeatureManager using the Selected Item 1 and 2 determined by the settings at Tools ➢
Options ➢ Colors. This coloring does not follow the same scheme that you see when editing or
creating the feature, but at those times the seed should be obvious, as patterned instances are not
shown shaded.