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Procedure of array construction along curve |
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For constructing an array, instances of which are positioned along the specified curve, use the Array along curve 
command.
Select source objects for construction of an array, specify construction parameters, check whether set values are correct using a phantom and complete the operation.
Source object selection
Specify source objects for construction of an array in the Design Tree or in the graphic region of a model.
There are dissimilarities in the procedures of array construction for objects of different types. Due to that, an array (except for an array of arbitrary objects) cannot contain objects of any types simultaneously. By default the system defines objects’ type after you specify first of the objects – corresponding button will be pressed in the Type group. You may define objects’ type yourself by pressing the required button before specifying objects.
More details about selecting objects being copied...
After you choose objects to be copied, a phantom of the copied object's base point appears in the graphic area in the form of three mutually perpendicular vectors (see section Base point of a 3D object).
Curve selection
To select the curve along which the array will be constructed, activate the Curve field in the Array parameters section and select the required object(s) in Design Tree or in the graphic region of the model. Names of the objects selected will appear in the Curve field.
More details on curve selection...
After you choose the curve, a phantom of the array being created appears in the graphic region.
Setting the base point of the base instance
Position Base point of the base instance and the method by which it is set influence the determination of the array construction path. Details...
By default, the base point of the object being copied is automatically selected as the base point of the base instance (see section Base point of a 3D object).
If you need to select another point, activate the Point field in the Base point element group of the Array parameters section and select the required point object in Design Tree or in the graphic region of the model. Name of the selected object appears in the Point field.
More details on setting the base point of the base instance of the array...
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To obtain predictable results of array construction it is advised: •when manually specifying base point for base instance to specify Starting point of curve, •with auto determination of base point for base instance, to build the curve in such way so it would begin in the base point of the object being copied. |
Number of instances and step of copying
Number of instances placed along the selected curve and distance between these instances are set with elements of Array parameters section.
To set the number of instances, enter required value in the Number of instances field. Value entered includes the base instance.
Method of setting the step of copying is selected with the Uniformly along curve toggle switch:
•toggle switch is in position I (enabled) – instances are placed evenly along the whole path of array construction,
•toggle switch is in position 0 (disabled) – setting the distance between array instances (step of copying) is available; distance may be specified between adjacent instances or between first and last instances.
For more details on specifying the number of instances and step of copying...
Array instance orientation
Choose array instance orientation. To do this, press the relevant button in the Orientation group of the Array parameters section:
Finish turning,
Save original.
More details on orientation of array instances...
Array Advanced Options
If needed, specify advanced options for array construction.
•If the source object for array construction is a revolution operation, a solid created by such operation or a revolution surface, you can disable using base point projection (it is enabled by default). Details...
•if the curve along which the array is constructed is a closed curve, then you can choose any point on the curve as its starting point. Details...
•If needed, change the array construction direction using Change direction 
. Details...
•Specify the array name and instance surface properties instances using elements of the Properties section.
Extra options for array construction for objects of certain types
Depending on type of objects being copied, following array construction options may be available.
Type Operations — creating a geometric array. To do this, use the Geometrical Array toggle switch in Array parameters section. Details...
Type Arbitrary — defining the operation application area using elements of the Application area section. Details...
Type Operations or 
Curves, points, construction geometry — modifying array instance sizes. To work with dimensions, set the Show Dimensions toggle switch to I (enabled) position. The toggle switch is located in Instance parameters section. Details...
For all types except Solids or surfaces – changing array instance variable values using the table of modifiable variables. To create a table, click the field name Table of modifiable variables in the Instance parameters section. Details...
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Changing instances through variables and dimensions table is not allowed for geometrical array. |
Deleting and restoring array instances
You can delete certain array instances or restore deleted instances. To do this, open the Deleted instances section. In graphic region, handle dots Delete/restore instance will appear by array instances. Click the handle of the instance to be deleted/restored. Details...
Completing the operation
To complete creation of the array, press the Create Object 
.
If the operation results is a solid consisting of multiple parts, then after completing the operation, the program starts the process of modifying this set of parts. Select the parts to be retained (see section Selecting the parts to keep).
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Each instance in array of operations inherits the application area of its source element. Details... |
After performing the specified actions, the created array appears in the graphic area of the model, and the corresponding icon appears in the Design Tree.
To complete operation of the command, click Finish button 
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•The number of array instances and step of copying can be specified in the graphic area of the model using defining points.
•You can set linear and angular parameters using the geometrical calculator.
•You may assign tolerances, specified in linear or angular units, to operation parameter values. To do this, invoke the Tolerance command located in the desired parameter's menu, or click the icon 
displayed in the parameter field (the icon is displayed if a tolerance is assigned to the parameter value). More details on assigning tolerance...
See Also
Particularities of creating an array of operations
