Helical Feature Pattern

This article is intended to assist in the creation of a helical pattern. The method here can be used for both features and at the assembly level. The example will just be a simple hole cut pattern cut into a cylinder at the part level, with pegs inserted at the assembly level. To create this, we will be using a curve driven pattern with a helix as the guiding curve along with options to re-orient the patterned feature.

Once you have your model and the feature you want patterned, you will need to create your path. Using the helix command (Insert > Curve > Helix), create the path along which the pattern will follow. Height and revolution works well here if you have specific angles and heights for your pattern, it is easy to extrapolate the curve.

Next step is to create the curve driven pattern, Insert > Pattern Mirror > Curve Driven Pattern. Select the Helix for direction 1, then select your instance. I prefer working on the helix side and using equal spacing, but you can also select a distance between the features along along the path. Select the features to pattern as well. The important options here are selecting the alignment method 'Tangent to Curve,' and selecting the cylindrical face as the Face Normal. This aligns the features to match the cylinder instead of an exact geometrical pattern.

The curve driven pattern can also be done at the assembly level with components. Using the same holes and helix from this sketch, I can make a peg stairway. The only main difference is the reference point of the component being patterned, as this can impact the placement of the pattern. In this example, bounding box center works fine as the peg is simple an symmetrical.

The finished product is a spiral staircase effect with your patterned features.

If you have any further questions regarding this topic, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems technical support at 877.266.4469  (US) or 866.587.6803  (Canada) or email us at support@hawkridgesys.com