Arrays of 3D Elements

An Array of 3D elements is an operation in T-FLEX CAD for creating copies of already existing 3D objects.

Depending on the array class elements of array can be positioned:

•along the direction vector, at the specified step ( linear array);

•on a circle about the specified axis ( circular array);

•along a path ( array by path);

•at the specified 3D points ( array by points);

•following the prescribed parametric law ( parametric array);

•in a similar way to elements of another array or a set of holes created by a single operation ( array by pattern);

•at points of Cartesian, cylindrical or spherical coordinate system with coordinates defined by the database ( array by table).

The source objects for creating an array (copy objects) can be selected among 3D construction elements, operations, bodies, faces, 3D fragments. The set of objects replicated in the array can contain several elements, however, of the same type. The arrays are divided into the following types, depending on the type of the objects to copy:

• arrays of construction elements;

• arrays of operations;

• arrays of bodies;

• arrays of faces;

• arrays of fragments.

All arrays of the same type share same creation and editing techniques, regardless of the array class.

Creating an Array

In order to create an array (regardless of its type and class), you have to call the corresponding command an perform following steps:

1.Select a type of an array;

2.Select source objects of an array;

3.Select guiding elements and specify main parameters of an array (actions required at this step depend on a class of an array);

4.Define limitations and exclusions (if necessary and applicable);

5.Specify optional parameters of an array (the set of available optional parameters depends on a type of an array);

6.Confirm the array creation ( in the automenu or in the header of command's parameters window).

Dynamic Preview

The dynamic preview is enabled by default, when creating and editing any arrays of 3D elements. I.e., the preview of operation result is displayed in 3D scene and is dynamically updated, when changing array parameters. The dynamic preview can be disabled by disabling the checkbox located at the Options tab of the command's parameters window.

Topics in this section:

•Types of Arrays of 3D Elements

•Selecting Source Objects for Array of 3D Elements

•Classes of Arrays of 3D Elements

•Layout and Half-Step Shift in Arrays of 3D Elements

•Limitations and Exclusions in Arrays of 3D Elements

•Referencing 3D Elements of Array

•Optional Parameters of Array of 3D Elements

See also:

•Arrays of 2D Elements

•Copy of 3D Elements

•Symmetry of 3D Elements