How to Use Circular Pattern in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

In SolidWorks, use the Circular Pattern feature to replicate one or more features or components evenly around a central axis or point. Select the features, choose the axis of rotation, set the number of instances and angle, then apply to create the pattern.

Syntax

The Circular Pattern tool in SolidWorks requires these main inputs:

• Features or Components: The items you want to repeat.
• Axis of Rotation: The center line or edge around which the pattern rotates.
• Number of Instances: How many copies you want in the circle.
• Total Angle: The angle over which the copies are spread (usually 360° for full circle).

These inputs define how the pattern is created around the axis.

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Circular Pattern(
  FeaturesToPattern: Feature or Component Selection,
  AxisOfRotation: Edge or Axis,
  Instances: Integer,
  TotalAngle: Degrees (default 360)
)

Example

This example shows how to create a circular pattern of a hole feature around a cylindrical part.

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1. Create a hole feature on the cylindrical face.
2. Select <code>Insert</code> &gt; <code>Pattern/Mirror</code> &gt; <code>Circular Pattern</code>.
3. In the Circular Pattern PropertyManager:
   - Select the hole feature under Features to Pattern.
   - Select the cylindrical axis or edge as the Axis of Rotation.
   - Set the number of instances to 6.
   - Set the total angle to 360 degrees.
4. Click OK to apply the pattern.

Output

A circular pattern of 6 holes evenly spaced around the cylinder's axis.

Common Pitfalls

• Wrong Axis Selection: Choosing an axis not centered on the part causes uneven or incorrect patterns.
• Overlapping Instances: Setting too many instances or too small an angle can cause features to overlap.
• Not Selecting Features Properly: Forgetting to select all features or components to pattern leads to incomplete results.
• Using Sketch Entities Instead of Features: Circular Pattern works on features or components, not sketch lines.

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/* Wrong way: Selecting a random edge as axis */
CircularPattern(
  FeaturesToPattern: HoleFeature,
  AxisOfRotation: RandomEdge,
  Instances: 6,
  TotalAngle: 360
)

/* Right way: Selecting the cylindrical axis */
CircularPattern(
  FeaturesToPattern: HoleFeature,
  AxisOfRotation: CylinderAxis,
  Instances: 6,
  TotalAngle: 360
)

Quick Reference

Tips for using Circular Pattern in SolidWorks:

• Always select a proper axis or center line for rotation.
• Use 360° for full circle patterns or less for partial arcs.
• Check preview before confirming to avoid overlaps.
• Use Instances to Skip option to omit specific copies.
• Patterns update automatically if original features change.

Key Takeaways

Select the correct axis to ensure even circular patterns.

Set the number of instances and total angle carefully to avoid overlaps.

Circular Pattern replicates features or components, not sketches.

Use preview and skip options to customize the pattern.

Patterns update dynamically with changes to original features.