Axis needed for circular pattern of a square feature

elizabeth_giovanardi

I would like to create a circular pattern of the square corner (purple) part in an assembly where there is no cylindrical shape and no axis to select. I created a construction line on the grey base part in the part studio so that I would have a line to select as the axis of pattern, but this sketch line does not show up in the assembly level.  I understand that having a work axis is not typically a necessity because there are work-arounds, but what is the work-around for this part when I need an axis but cannot create one?
First image - part studio showing construction line I drew in the middle of the part
  
Second image: shows the assembly I would like to create.  The one shown here was created by copying the part and creating 4 fastened mates, but this is not the most efficient way to get this done.  I am a teacher and would like to teach the students the most effective way.  Thanks for any help.

bruce_williams

1) Create an explicit mate connector (either in part studio or assembly). 
2) Or when inserting you can turn on the sketch filter to insert sketch to assembly
3) Then use one of those for axis.

I am sure Onshape will soon add mate connector to the axis selection field like most other features already have.

bruce_williams

1) Create an explicit mate connector (either in part studio or assembly). 
2) Or when inserting you can turn on the sketch filter to insert sketch to assembly
3) Then use one of those for axis.

I am sure Onshape will soon add mate connector to the axis selection field like most other features already have.

elizabeth_giovanardi

Thanks for your quick response.  I got it to work by adding a mate connector like you suggested.