Alright, this seems like it should be fairly easy to do…although the math is complicated for SW to figure out. I want to create a spherical array. Like putting the dimples on a golf ball. I ve tried a few different things, some patterns, ect. But nothing will line up normal to the face of the sphere. Any suggestions?
I would make 1 dimple…
Then do a circular pattern on one axis…
Then pattern the resulting pattern on an axis perpendicular to the original axis.
Nope, didn’t work.
Try a pattern along a curve. Then circular pattern it. Insert from SW help topic.
The Curve Driven Pattern tool allows you to create patterns along a planar or 3D curve. To define the pattern, you can use any sketch segment, or the edge of a face (solid or surface), that lies along the plane. You can base your pattern on an open curve, or on a closed curve, such as a circle.
Like other pattern types, such as linear or circular, you can skip pattern instances, and pattern in one or two directions.
To create a curve driven pattern:
Create a part that includes a feature you want to pattern along a curve.
Click Curve Driven Pattern on the Features toolbar, or click Insert, Pattern/Mirror, Curve Driven Pattern.
In the PropertyManager, set the options.
Click OK .
I have done what you are trying. Create multi bodies with end-surface details (much easier), pattern the bodies, then when done, join into one solid. I found this method to be quite simple and very robust.
I have done alot of math driven pattern design in Solidworks, and have a list of problems / suggestions for them to discuss at some time.