Position/generate a hole array initial/starter hole relative to another hole

[Anonymous]

Hi again. Does Inventor allow me to position a single hole, that will be used as the initial/starter hole for a hole array relative to the centre of an existing hole with x and y coordinate values - similar to the hole array on a flange that has the centre hole for the pipe to go through and then has the bolt hole array around it relative to the centre of the pipe hole? I can obviously extrude the hole pattern but that doesn't (or it didn't when l tried it) let me dimension the hole pattern using the Hole and Thread Notes dimensioning function. I am trying to create an equi-spaced 4-hole  array about the centre point of an existing hole but am wanting to avoid having to lay down a sketch in order to position a point relative to the centre hole that will be the starter hole for my array. If this doesn't exist might Autodesk look at creating this function as l think it would be beneficial? Thanks, as always. 

[mcgyvr]

Do you have an example you can show?

I must be missing something as it sounds like you are just asking about creating a circular pattern which is basic stuff in Inventor...

[Anonymous]

The centre hole was created by picking the Hole option with Linear placement to allow me to position it from the end and side of the rectangular hollow section base material. I then wanted to create the outer primary/initial hole of the array but have it created using the Hole function but relative to the existing hole there.  For Hole creation, Inventor offers 'From Sketch', 'Linear', 'Concentric,  and 'On Point'. I'm just wanting to create the initial, smaller hole for the array relative to the centre of the slightly larger hole without having to create a sketch for a centre point position. It would be nice to have the option of picking Hole then in the Placement options have the ability to pick the hole flanks, it would then automatically know that you want the hole relative to the centre of that hole and then allow you to drag the new hole centre position outwards with  dimension dialogue boxes offering you lateral and angular inputs to create the new hole.

Large hole created with Linear option from section sides and smaller hole created from a sketch with relative placement to the centre of larger hole          Smaller hole array array created in usual manner with Array function

[mcgyvr]

Gotcha now.. I missed the part that you didn't want to create a sketch at all..

I rarely if ever create a hole without a sketch.. I never found it to be that much quicker  in the long run to go right into the hole function..

So the answer is NO that is not currently possible but you may want to check the ideastation to see if that sort of idea already exists if not please feel free to create an idea there yourself for this functionality..

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/idb-p/v1232

[Anonymous]

You have a higher status than myself and would hopefully be more experienced in the use of Inventor: does it seem a good idea? If you can create a hole relative to the edges of the base material using the Hole function , it just seems silly that you can't then create a hole relative to the other hole in the same manner is all. Thanks for your input 🙂 

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[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

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@Anonymous wrote:

You have a higher status than myself and would hopefully be more experienced in the use of Inventor: does it seem a good idea? If you can create a hole relative to the edges of the base material using the Hole function , it just seems silly that you can't then create a hole relative to the other hole in the same manner is all. Thanks for your input 🙂 

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Personally like I said I wouldn't use it..

I rarely if ever create holes without a sketch and I never do flange/bolt patterns..

But I'm sure others do.. Its just not for me..

I think its a valid idea though and can imaging others finding it useful.. 

Oh...Here.. I looked.. Its already an idea... Vote for it..

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/easy-creation-of-a-bolt-circle-pattern-using-the-hole-...

[Anonymous]

Cheers Mcgyvr - obviously great minds think alike! 😄

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

 Hi Chris,

I have heard similar request before. It is true the workflow does not exist yet. I will forward it to the project team for future consideration.

Many thanks!

[SBix26 · Accepted solution]

For those that do a lot of that kind of pattern, I can see it being useful.

Some observations (using 2019):

• The linear method does, in fact, create a sketch, just as if you did it manually
• The concentric pattern would be nice, but with the current tools would have trouble distinguishing between the concentric method of placement (which also creates a sketch automatically) and the proposed centered pattern method
• Should the automatic centered pattern get X-Y or r-a (i.e. cartesian or polar) from the user for the primary hole?
• I absolutely never use the linear method because it's so easy to create the sketch manually and I have many more options for dimensioning; I doubt I would use the centered pattern, either, for the same reason

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Sam B
Inventor Pro 2019.0.1 | Windows 7 SP1
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