Circular Pattern
Circular Pattern creates multiple instances of solid bodies arranged around a circular axis. Use Circular Pattern for bolt circles, radial ribs, gear teeth, turbine blades, and any rotationally-distributed features.
Options
Solids
Select the bodies to pattern in a circle. All selected bodies stay together as a group in each copy.
Instances
How many total copies to create (including the original if you keep it). For example:
- 6 - Creates 6 equally-spaced copies (60° apart if full circle)
- 8 - Creates 8 copies (45° apart if full circle)
Axis
Which axis to rotate around:
- X - Pattern around the X-axis
- Y - Pattern around the Y-axis
- Z - Pattern around the Z-axis (typically vertical)
Center
The [X, Y, Z] point where the rotation axis passes through. Everything rotates around this center point.
For bolt circles:
- [0, 0, 0] - Rotate around the origin
- [partCenterX, partCenterY, 0] - Rotate around your part's center
Arc Degrees
How far around the circle to distribute the copies (default: 360):
- 360 - Full circle
- 180 - Half circle
- 90 - Quarter circle
Rotate Duplicates
Whether each copy rotates:
- Enable (default) - Each copy rotates to face outward radially (typical for bolt holes, gear teeth)
- Disable - All copies keep the same orientation (useful for asymmetric features)
Use Original
Whether to keep the original:
- Enable (default) - Keep original, total count = instances
- Disable - Hide original, only show patterned copies
Design Applications
Bolt Circles
Create standard fastener patterns:
- SAE 6-hole flange: instances=6, arcDegrees=360, axis=Z
- 8-bolt wheel pattern: instances=8, arcDegrees=360
- Partial arc mounting: instances=5, arcDegrees=120
Rotational Features
Distribute mechanical elements:
- Turbine blades around hub
- Cooling fins on cylindrical surface
- Radial ribs in circular structures
Symmetry Patterns
Create symmetric designs:
- 3-fold symmetry: instances=3
- 4-fold symmetry: instances=4
- 12-fold symmetry: instances=12