Best Workflow for creating Sheetmetal Hole Patterns?

[ecnels]

I've tried several methods (that seem intuitive to me) to create a Hole Pattern in Sheetmetal - along these lines:

1) Create sketch (with a located "origin hole" to be patterned)

2) Create sheetmetal flange

3) Either extrude or use the Hole Tool to create the first hole in the sheetmetal flange.

4) Define a Rectangular Pattern based on the Hole Feature.

- >> STUCK HERE.  Fusion 360 will not activate the OK button in the Pattern Creation Operation.

Please see the enclosed screen pic and note that this pattern fits within the sheetmetal dimensions, but the OK button will not activate.  

- Why is this happening? (Fusion is not providing any explanation or on-screen indication (that I can see) as to what I'll need to do to get the OK Button to activate.)

- What do you think is the best way to approach Patterning Holes in sheetmetal?

Thanks!

Ev

[g-andresen · Accepted solution]

Hi,

create Direction(s)!

günther

[ecnels]

Thanks Guenther for your straight-forward answer.  The part that's leading me astray is that the Pattern window shows two sets of direction types, so it "seems" (though I see from your answer that what it is is not what it seems) that having two direction types, quantities, etc., already "selects" directions by default.  Evidently, this Patterns Tool is more robust than I have thought, but I'm still grasping at the wind trying to understand why I need to accept "directions" when two different pattern types (I have assumed X & Y) are listed below?

Thanks again for the help Guenther!

Best Regards,

Ev

[chrisplyler · Accepted solution]

The X and Y of your pattern are already set to the ONE DIRECTION option (it is the default setting), but those directions have not yet been set.

Click the SELECT button (on the third line of the palette) and then click a line or edge that represents your X and click again on a line or edge that represents your Y.

[g-andresen · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Often a feature (hole) in the middle, e.g. with a diagonal pattern in 2 directions, is also useful.
You will then need corresponding lines.

günther

[ecnels]

Thanks guys for taking the time to fill in these important gaps!  It's amazing to me to have worked with Fusion 360 for a considerable time, then suddenly run into a basic gap in knowledge.  The way you've both explained the usefulness of this operation makes in stick, because now it makes complete sense!

Best Regards,

Ev