Recommended way to create Pads in a circular pattern?

[Anonymous]

Hi, 

I have attached a datasheet section (Pattern.GIF) for a part (Rotary Switch) that requires 12 through-hole pads in a circular pattern on a 22mm diameter spaced 30 degrees apart with an offset of 15 degrees from the x-axis.  

It also has a common pin on a 8mm diameter with an offset of 45 degrees.

I'm trying to create a footprint for this part but it seems the "Create PTH Pad Array" has only a linear option and not a circular option. I then tried creating one instant of a PAD and tried making a pattern of it. I managed to create a circular pattern but some of the Pads are not lining up properly. Is there a tutorial or video how to do make circular pad arrays? 

Thanks,

Paul 

[RichardHammerl]

Hi @Anonymous 

you could set a relative origin at (0 0) with the MARK command. The MARK icon is located at the bottom of the drawing window. 

Then set the grid to mm. 

Now you could use the pad command in the command line with polar coordinates. To start with pad #1, type in the command line: 

PAD '1' (P11 165);

PAD '2' (P11 135);

PAD '3' (P11 105);

PAD '4' (P11 75);

PAD '5' (P11 35);

PAD '6' (P11 15);

PAD '7' (P11 345);

PAD '8' (P11 315);

PAD '9' (P11 285);

PAD '10' (P11 255);

PAD '11' (P11 225);

PAD '12' (P11 195);

This will place pads in a circular pattern with a radius of 11 mm and in 30° angle steps.

With the arrow-up key you can bring back the latest command you typed in the command line. So you could easily change the values. You could also do a copy/paste of all lines from my post and paste it into the command line of the footprint editor. 

To stop the MARk command click the icon again and type a semicolon in the command line followed by Enter key.

HTH

Best regards,

[Anonymous]

Thanks you very much Richard. That worked a treat. 

Sorry, I'm new to Fusion 360. Where can I learn about those commands (PAD, MOVE etc.) as they are very useful? 

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous ,

I hope you're doing well. Look in the Fusion 360 documentation here:
https://help.autodesk.com/view/fusion360/ENU/?guid=ECD-CLI

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Thanks you Jorge