Description
This macro creates a feature-driven pattern for all selected components in an assembly. The last selection in the list is used as the driving pattern, such as a hole feature.
System Requirements
- SolidWorks Version: SolidWorks 2014 or newer
- Operating System: Windows 7 or later
Pre-Conditions
- An assembly document must be open in SolidWorks.
- Multiple components and a feature to drive the pattern must be selected in the order required.
Results
- A derived component pattern will be created in the assembly based on the selected driving feature.
Steps to Set Up and Run the Macro
Follow these steps to outline the process, from the initial one-time file setup to the routine execution of the Feature-Driven Component Pattern utility.
- Register and Save the Macro File (One-time Setup):
- Go to Tools > Macro > New… in SOLIDWORKS.Give the macro file a descriptive name (e.g., FeatureDrivenPattern.swp) and it will save and automatically open the VBA editor.Paste the Code: Paste the code provided in the code window of the editor. This setup is essential when creating or using a SolidWorks macro for feature driven component pattern.
- Register and Save the Macro File (One-time Setup):
- Go to Tools > Macro > New… in SOLIDWORKS.Give the macro file a descriptive name (e.g., FeatureDrivenPattern.swp) and it will save and automatically open the VBA editor.Paste the Code: Paste the code provided in the code window of the editor
- It will prompt you to save the file, and you can exit the editor.
- Prepare the Selections (Execution Pre-condition):
- In the assembly that is currently active, select all target components to be patterned.
- Importantly, select the driving pattern feature (for example, a hole feature or cut pattern) as the last selection. The macro uses this last item to identify the pattern geometry.
- Execute the Macro: Once the components are specified and the driving feature is selected, execute the macro via Tools > Macro > Run, or by using the keyboard shortcut assigned to it. The macro will immediately create the feature-driven component pattern.
VBA Macro Code
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' Disclaimer: ' The code provided should be used at your own risk. ' Blue Byte Systems Inc. assumes no responsibility for any issues or damages that may arise from using or modifying this code. ' For more information, visit [Blue Byte Systems Inc.](https://bluebyte.biz). Option Explicit Dim swApp As Object ' SolidWorks application object Dim Part As Object ' Active document object Dim SelMgr As Object ' Selection manager for the active document Dim boolstatus As Boolean ' Boolean status for operations Dim longstatus As Long, longwarnings As Long ' Long status for warnings/errors Dim Feature As Object ' Feature object Dim CurSelCount As Long ' Count of selected items Sub main() ' Initialize SolidWorks application and active document Set swApp = Application.SldWorks Set Part = swApp.ActiveDoc ' Ensure there is an active document If Part Is Nothing Then MsgBox "No active document found. Please open a part or assembly and try again.", vbCritical, "Error" Exit Sub End If ' Initialize the selection manager Set SelMgr = Part.SelectionManager ' Disable input dimensions on creation swApp.SetUserPreferenceToggle swInputDimValOnCreate, False ' Check if a plane or face is preselected CurSelCount = SelMgr.GetSelectedObjectCount If CurSelCount = 0 Then MsgBox "Please preselect a plane or face before running the macro.", vbExclamation, "No Selection" Exit Sub End If ' Insert a new sketch on the selected plane or face boolstatus = Part.Extension.SelectByID2("", "PLANE", 0, 0, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0) Part.InsertSketch2 True Part.ClearSelection2 True ' Create a rectangle centered about the origin Part.SketchRectangle -0.037, 0.028, 0, 0.015, -0.019, 0, True ' Clear selection and add a diagonal construction line Part.ClearSelection2 True Dim Line As Object Set Line = Part.CreateLine2(-0.037, -0.019, 0, 0.015, 0.028, 0) Line.ConstructionGeometry = True ' Add midpoint constraints to ensure the rectangle is centered boolstatus = Part.Extension.SelectByID2("Point1@Origin", "EXTSKETCHPOINT", 0, 0, 0, True, 0, Nothing, 0) Part.SketchAddConstraints "sgATMIDDLE" Part.ClearSelection2 True ' Add dimensions to the rectangle boolstatus = Part.Extension.SelectByID2("Line1", "SKETCHSEGMENT", -0.001, 0.027, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0) Dim Annotation As Object Set Annotation = Part.AddDimension2(-0.0004, 0.045, 0) ' Horizontal dimension Part.ClearSelection2 True boolstatus = Part.Extension.SelectByID2("Line2", "SKETCHSEGMENT", -0.030, 0.001, 0, False, 0, Nothing, 0) Set Annotation = Part.AddDimension2(-0.061, -0.001, 0) ' Vertical dimension Part.ClearSelection2 True ' Re-enable input dimensions on creation swApp.SetUserPreferenceToggle swInputDimValOnCreate, True ' Inform the user that the macro is complete MsgBox "Rectangle sketch created successfully.", vbInformation, "Success" End Sub |
Macro
You can download the macro from here.
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