Placing Content Center Features on Sheet Metal part?

[silverpanther]

So I've managed to create hole patterns to keep consistant measurements for component placement in sheet metal boxes.  It allows me to place the hole features from the content center in standard parts without any problems.  However the place feature option under Manage > Insert is grayed out when I'm working on a sheet metal part.  Any suggestions on how to make this work?  I thought about doing similar with iFeature.  However I like how it places via the use of the content center better.

Thanks!

[mpatchus]

I think for sheet metal you would need to create the hole features as a punch.

[silverpanther]

But with a punch there's only one center point.  I need to be able to center point each individual hole placed by the feature.  Appreciate the quick reply.

[mpatchus]

True a punch can only have one center point.

Try creating an iFeature of your hole pattern.

iFeatures can be inserted into sheet metal parts.

 

[silverpanther · Accepted solution]

Yup, I can do it via iFeature, but as I mentioned I'm not fond of how its added in that manner.  I believe I figured out how to do it.  It appears if you select a face or work plane and create a new sketch then while in sketch edit you can then go to Manage > Insert > Feature and place the created features from the content center.  Definitely appreciate the input and suggestions mpatchus!  However think I figured this one out on my own after some additional fiddling around.  Man this is gonna make things so much easier and more consistant.  🙂

Thanks!