Distance Chain Parameters

Chain Path

  Path Sets the path for the chain pattern. Select a 2D sketch, 3D sketch, or model edge.
If you edit the path length after you create the chain component pattern, components might overlap or might not fill the path. To fix this problem, rebuild the feature.
Reverse Direction Reverses the direction of the chain pattern.
  SelectionManager Opens the SelectionManager, which helps you select entities.
  Fill Path Automatically sets the number of pattern instances to fill the path.
Number of Instances Sets the number of pattern instances.

Chain Group 1

Components to Pattern Sets the component to be patterned.
Spacing Sets the spacing between pattern instances.
  Equal Spacing Sets equal spacing between each pattern instance.
Path Link Sets the entity to be patterned. Select a cylindrical face, circular edge, linear edge, sketch point, vertex, or reference axis.
  Path Alignment Plane Sets the position of the component being patterned relative to the path. Select a component plane or planar face.
Reverse Direction Reverses the direction of the location plane.
  Alignment Method

Tangent to curve

Sets the pattern instances to be tangent to the chain path.

Align to seed

Sets the pattern instances to repeat the orientation of the seed component.

Options

Dynamic Calculates the mates between each pattern instance. You can drag any instance to move the chain.

Dynamic chains with many pattern instances take a long time to generate, rebuild, and drag.

Static Copies each pattern instance without creating mates. This improves performance in large assemblies or chains with many pattern instances.

You can move the chain only by dragging the seed component. You cannot mate pattern instances to other components.

Use static chains in large assemblies or for chains with a large number of pattern instances.