What is the function of the Circular Pattern tool in SolidWorks?

The Circular Pattern tool in SolidWorks is designed to create multiple instances of a selected feature or component arranged around a central axis. This is particularly useful when designing components that require symmetrical or repetitive features, such as holes, cutouts, or other design elements that need to be evenly spaced around a rotational axis.

When you use the Circular Pattern tool, you specify the axis around which to pattern the features, the total number of instances, and possibly the angle for spacing. This function enhances efficiency, as it eliminates the need to model each feature individually, allowing for a streamlined design process that adheres to symmetry and design requirements.

The other options may describe different functions found in SolidWorks but do not match the purpose of the Circular Pattern tool. For instance, duplicating a part in a linear direction pertains more to tools focused on linear patterns, while merging shapes would be related to operations for combining geometry. Lastly, mirroring features is specific to forming a reflection across a plane, which is distinctly different from the rotational aspect of a circular pattern.