Pattern on path

[raymondwganderson]

Hello Folks, I am new to Fusion 360 so could anyone tell me how to create this chain along a path.  Should I sketch the path from the first link then apply the pattern then move the start point of the path to the center of the second link  and set the spacing to 50mm.  If that is correct,  how do I constrain the path sketch to always be on the center of the link. when I move it.  Screenshot attached for the first 2 links [ I need 16 of each link ] 

Thanks.

Raymond

[jhackney1972]

Please attach your model attempt so the Fusion Forum users can take a look.  If you do not know how to attach your Fusion 360 model follow these easy steps. Open the model in Fusion 360, select the File menu, then Export and save as a F3D or F3Z file to your hard drive. Then use the Attachments section, of a forum post, to attach it.

[jhackney1972]

You have not supplied your model but attached in an attempt of what you are asking for.  Fusion 360 will not accurately Pattern on a Path when the path is around curves.  It loses some in the change of direction.  Please attach your model and indicate the shape of the path in the model.  Edit: Edit model a bit, reattached.

[raymondwganderson]

Hello, Sorry for the delay,  attached is the model and path, I just need to know if my approach I mentioned originally 

is the correct method.  I  have been doing various test pieces using various states of curvature from slow to fairly quick and it appears to work perfectly. I will attach 1 attempt to a separate reply

thanks.

[raymondwganderson]

Here is 1 attempt and it seems to be working as I wanted,  I patterned the first link then moved the end of the path to the center of the second link and patterned that.  Would that be the correct approach or not ?

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

I have no issues with the method you used.  I patterned two links at a time in my example and Fusion 360 has a bit of trouble maintaining alignment along the curve.  Maybe patterning one at a time is a better solution in this case.

The only issue I have with your models is your do not use Design History!  I find this method of modeling very difficult to manage and especially difficult to share with anyone.

[raymondwganderson]

Yes,  I find that applying the pattern to each of the 2 links works perfectly.  As far as Design history goes I did use it before,  but a few days ago when I started up Fusion 360 it.. [ Design history ] had vanished !  I am not sure how to get it back.