Chapter 8 Creating and Working with Solid Model Features
209
you can create a 3D arrangement in rows, levels, or both rows and levels. A 3D path
array can be created as an associative or non-associative array.
To create a 3D path array, select the
ARRAYPATH
command. Select the object to
array and press [Enter]. You are prompted to select the path curve. The object to be
arrayed does not have to intersect the path curve. Once you select the path curve, an
initial pattern forms. You can use the array grips to adjust the pattern dynamically
or you can use the
Array Creation
ribbon tab to make settings. The settings can also
be made using the command prompts. If needed, use the
Associative
option to set
whether an associative or non-associative array is created.
The
Method
option is used to specify how objects are distributed along the path.
The two options available are
Divide
and Measure. The
Divide
option distributes the
specified number of objects evenly along the path. The fi
Measure
option distributes
the objects at specifi distances along the path. The fic
Items
option works in conjunction
with the
Method
option and allows you to specify the number of objects. When using
the
Measure
option, you can specify the spacing between objects or the total distance
between the fi rst and last objects. If the path curve changes in length, the number of fi
objects will increase or decrease automatically.
The
Base point
option is used to set the array’s base point. The default base point
of the array is the endpoint of the path curve closest to where you select it. This point
serves as the start point of the array. Depending on the result you want, you can select
a different base point (start point), such as a point on the object.
The default orientation of the array is the current orientation of the object. The
Tangent direction
option allows you to pick two points to define a different orientation. fi
The
Normal
option is used to align the object “normal” to the path. Using this option
aligns the Z axis of the object perpendicular to the path.
After specifying the base point and orientation of the array or using the defaults,
continue as follows. When using the
Divide
option, specify the number of items. When
using the
Measure
option, specify the distance between each object or the total distance
between the fi rst and last objects. Distances can be set using the fi
Array Creation
ribbon
tab. In Figure 8-16A, the
Divide
option is used:
Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Method/Base point/Tangent direction/Items/
Rows/Levels/Align items/Z direction/eXit] eXit: M↵
Enter path method [Divide/Measure]
current:
D↵
Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Method/Base point/Tangent direction/Items/
Rows/Levels/Align items/Z direction/eXit] eXit: I↵
Enter number of items along path or [Expression]
current:
10↵
Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Method/Base point/Tangent direction/Items/
Rows/Levels/Align items/Z direction/eXit] eXit: ↵
In Figure 8-16B, the
Array Creation
ribbon tab is shown after selecting the
Measure
option. The number of items is set to 8 and the distance between items is set to 25 using
the settings in the
Items
panel. The result is shown in Figure 8-16C.
The
Align items
option is used to align the arrayed objects tangent to the direction
of the array path. The
Z direction
option is used to change the Z axis direction of the
arrayed objects. By default, the Z axis of each object is aligned in the same orientation
used by the original object. If the
Z direction
option is set to No, the Z axis of the object
changes direction to follow the path as the path changes direction.
The
Rows
and
Levels
options allow you to create an arrangement in rows and
levels. The options are similar to those used with the
ARRAYPOLAR
command. In
Figure 8-17, an oval table is created using the 7 7
Levels
option. The table feet and middle
supports are created as a 3D path array. One of the feet is arrayed along an elliptical
path to create the first level of the array, and the second level is created during the same fi
command sequence. In this example, a non-associative array is created. This allows the
middle supports to be edited as individual objects after creating the array. The middle
ARRAYPATH
Ribbon
Home
Modify
Path Array
Type
ARRAYPATH