Parametric Array of 3D Elements by Table

Parametric array by table allows to set up a correspondence between columns of a database and variables of a model.

In order to create a parametric array by table, you need to choose a type of the array ( array of constructions, array of operations, array of bodies, array of faces, array of fragments), select source objects, select a database and, optionally, define a number of copies.

Next, you need to enable the Parametric Array checkbox located in the General Parameters tab of command's parameters window.

Upon enabling this checkbox, the Coordinate System group of parameters as well as corresponding automenu options disappear, while the set of drop-down lists in the bottom area of the tab is replaced by a row containing two drop-down lists - Variable and Column. The Variable drop-down list contains names of all variables available in the current document.

The detailed information on working with variables can be found in the Variables and Related Parametric Tools chapter.

The Column drop-down list contains names of columns of the selected database.

You need to select items in both drop-down list, so the content of the selected column will be used as values of the selected variable.

The Add Variable button is located below. Clicking this button adds into command's parameters window another row with another couple of Variable and Column drop-down lists. You can add as many rows as you need by sequentially clicking this button. Then you can to set up a correspondence between variable and column in each row in the same way as described above. Any row, except the first one, can be deleted, using the Delete Variable button, which is located in the right side of the row.

The [not set] option is selected in all drop-downs by default. You don't have to select variables and columns in each drop-down, non-set values do not prevent the array creation, if the correspondence is set between at least one variable and one column of the database.

The same column can be used for defining values of several variables at once.

The system does not prevent selecting the same variable for several columns at once, however the resulting array will use as values of such variable the content of the database column, which is selected in the bottommost drop-down list.

 

You can also define optional parameters of array.

Upon specifying all necessary parameters, confirm the operation creation ( in the automenu or in the command's parameters window).

 

See also:

•Array of 3D Elements by Table

•Types of Arrays of 3D Elements

•Classes of Arrays of 3D Elements

•Referencing 3D Elements of Array