Patterns (Repeat)

repeat() re-applies a modeling feature at multiple positions. Unlike copy(), which duplicates the finished shape, repeat() re-runs the operation — so the feature interacts with the solid at each new location just as if you had written it there by hand.

When to use repeat vs. copy

Think of it this way:

• copy() takes a snapshot of the shape and stamps it at new positions. The copies are independent clones of the finished geometry.
• repeat() takes a feature (like a cut or extrude) and re-applies it at new positions. Each repetition cuts into, extrudes from, or otherwise modifies the existing solid.

This distinction matters most with operations like cut(). If you cut a pocket and then copy() the result, you get clones of the entire solid (each with one pocket). If you cut a pocket and then repeat() the cut, you get one solid with multiple pockets.

// ❌ copy() clones the whole shape — you get separate solids with one pocket each
cut(15)
copy("linear", "x", { count: 4, offset: 40 })

// ✅ repeat() re-applies the cut — you get one solid with 4 pockets
const c = cut(15)
repeat("linear", "x", { count: 4, offset: 40 }, c)

Linear repeat

Repeat a feature along one or more axes:

import { repeat } from 'fluidcad/core';

const c = cut(15)

repeat("linear", ["x", "y"], {
    count: [7, 2],
    length: [255, 50]
}, c)

The last argument is the feature to repeat — the return value from extrude(), cut(), fillet(), etc.

Options:

• count — number of repetitions per axis
• length — total span to distribute across (evenly spaced)
• offset — explicit spacing between repetitions (alternative to length)

Use length when you know the total distance and want even spacing. Use offset when you know the exact spacing you want.

Circular repeat

Repeat a feature around an axis:

repeat("circular", "z", {
    count: 6,
    angle: 360
}, e)

Options:

• count — number of repetitions
• angle — total angle to spread across (default: 360)

Mirror repeat

Repeat a feature mirrored across a plane:

const e = extrude(20)
repeat("mirror", "front", e)   // mirror the extrude across the front plane

This re-applies the feature on the other side of the plane — useful for building symmetric models where you only need to define one half.

Example: ice cube tray pockets

Cut one pocket, then repeat it across a grid:

import { sketch, extrude, cut, repeat, move, rect } from 'fluidcad/core';

sketch("xy", () => {
    rect(300, 104).center()
})

const tray = extrude(50)

// One pocket
sketch(tray.endFaces(), () => {
    move([-143, -45])
    rect(30, 40)
})

const pocket = cut(30).draft(-10)

// Repeat the pocket in a 7x2 grid
repeat("linear", ["x", "y"], {
    count: [7, 2],
    length: [255, 50]
}, pocket)

Each repetition cuts into the same tray, producing a single solid with 14 pockets — exactly what you'd want for a mold or tray design.