topic Re: Is there a way to array a sketch feature along a path in a sketch? in Inventor Forum

Is there a way to array a sketch feature along a path in a sketch?

chris — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 21:42:41 GMT

I'm trying to array a circle, (Orange), with equal spacing along a sketch path, (brown), in a sketch, is this possible?

Re: Is there a way to array a sketch feature along a path in a sketch?

JDMather — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 23:26:49 GMT

It is computationally less expensive to create a feature with that circle and then Pattern the Feature along the path. Easier to update number of instances as well.

Re: Is there a way to array a sketch feature along a path in a sketch?

chris — Sun, 09 Feb 2025 23:53:10 GMT

@JDMather well for this example, that first "circle" would represent a circular piece of rebar, and each of the other circles would also be another circular rebar, with each circle being a different OD based of the spacing of those circles, so a simple feature pattern doesn't work for this example. But if Inventor gave us the ability to pattern along a sketch "within" the sketch, then my revolve would indeed create rings with different diameters. Is there a way to sub-divide a line or spline in a sketch or 3D Sketch? I need a way to equally space a user defined number of "circles" along a "blue" path, where each will be a different diameter. (see image). It was to do this on the bottom row of rebar, as they are all on the same plane, but the blue path presents a challenge that to the best of my knowledge Inventor is unable to accomplish, which is to pattern the circle along the blue line equally spaced?

Re: Is there a way to array a sketch feature along a path in a sketch?

kacper.suchomski — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:37:03 GMT

I don't think what you're asking is that easy to do.

Although a sketch element pattern along a sketch curve is not possible.

But that's not the end of your struggles - evenly distributing the elements along a curve will give a constant spacing along that curve - but not along a straight line, as you've shown.

Equal spacing in one direction, and equal spacing in several directions of a curve, are two different sets of desired effects.

Re: Is there a way to array a sketch feature along a path in a sketch?

chris — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 02:21:40 GMT

@kacper.suchomski Yep, in order to get this one done I just dd the spacing manually, but this seriously needs to be added to Inventor. I can easily subdivide a line segment in Blender, Plasticity, MODO, Cinema 4D, seems silly that Inventor won't/can't do this.

Re: Is there a way to array a sketch feature along a path in a sketch?

johnsonshiue — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 23:47:44 GMT

Hi Chris,

The path-based pattern isn't supported in Inventor Sketch Pattern at the moment. You may either create a boundary patch of the sketch profile or extrude the 2D sketch as a surface. Then pattern the surface body along the path. Lastly, project the resultant edges to a new sketch.

Many thanks!