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Step-by-step instructions to construct array by points |
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To construct an array with instances whose positions are specified by point objects, use the Array by points 
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).
Specifying points
Positions and number of array instances are determined by specified points.
Principles of array construction...
To specify points, activate the Points field in the Array Parameters section and select the required point objects in the Design Tree or in the graphic area of the model. Points in space or sketch, vertices of ribs, origins, etc. are available to specify. All possible point objects are listed in the table. Model object types.
If points make up a group, e.g., multiple points in a sketch, an array of points, points plotted using the Group of points by curve and so on, you can specify both individual points of a group and the entire group as a whole. Separate points are selected in the model`s graphic area, and the group – in the Design Tree, where you need to choose a corresponding Tree item (sketch or operation). In the future the number of the array instances will change according to changes in number of points in the sketch or operation.
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You can also use the selection to indicate the sketch. By marquee in the graphic area — all the points of the sketch must fall into the frame. |
The specified objects are highlighted in the graphic area, and their names appear in the field Points. When you select individual points, this field contains points names. When you select point groups, it contains names of sketches and operations which contains them. You can remove items you don`t need from this field.
After you select points, the screen will display a phantom of the array being created.
Array instance orientation
Choose method of array instance orientation. To do this, press the relevant button in the Orientation group of the Array parameters section:
Keep original orientation,
Orient by object linked to the point,
Orient by specified object.
More details on orientation of array instances...
Array Advanced Options
If needed, specify advanced options for array construction.
•Choose an arbitrary point as a Base point of the base instance Array (position of this point affects placement of created instances). To do this, select the Point field in the Base point group of Array parameters section and select the point object required. Details...
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 instance positions are specified with sketch points, you can select a variant of instance location relative to the plane of this sketch. Details...
•Specify the array name and instance surface properties instances by means of 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 the dimensions of array instances. 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 the creation of the array, press the Create Object 
.
If the operation results in 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 respective icon appears in the Design Tree.
To complete operation of the command, click Finish 
.
See Also
Particularities of creating an array of operations
