When should a pattern use features instead of faces?

hank_debey

Reference the tutorial at this link, https://learn.onshape.com/learn/course/fundamentals-part-design-using-part-studios/creating-patterns-and-mirrors-in-a-part-studio/mirror?page=1

There is a statement at 1:05 that says "There will be situations where a face or feature mirror will be preferred over the other."

Other tutorials suggest face are more performant than features. Does anyone know what types of situations will favor features over faces?

NeilCooke

Face patterns are faster. Feature patterns will, if they can, select all the faces that belong to the feature and use a face pattern in the background. If this doesn't work, select "Apply per instance" to do a feature-by-feature pattern instance calculation (slower). Also consider using Part patterns if possible.

EvanReese

Neil is right. The upshot of it for me is a preference hierarchy like this:
Part pattern > Feature pattern ("Apply per instance" NOT checked) > Face pattern > Feature pattern ("Apply per instance" checked).

NeilCooke

Face patterns are faster. Feature patterns will, if they can, select all the faces that belong to the feature and use a face pattern in the background. If this doesn't work, select "Apply per instance" to do a feature-by-feature pattern instance calculation (slower). Also consider using Part patterns if possible.

EvanReese

Neil is right. The upshot of it for me is a preference hierarchy like this:
Part pattern > Feature pattern ("Apply per instance" NOT checked) > Face pattern > Feature pattern ("Apply per instance" checked).

hank_debey

Thanks for the clarification. It makes sense.