Modification of arrays in sketches.

[onwdowntwotogo]

When I make an array in a sketch. (ie. a set of points) All the points are going in one direction with and equal amount of spacing. The points come up not fully defined (I like to completely define the sketch so I know there are no places to miss a critical dimension). I usually have to select all the points, constrain them linearly and then dimension the first sets of points. This finally fully defines them. Is there an option or method which I can do this in one shot and not have to always make it fully defined? I guess I can do one and then array the geometry but that is two steps and I want to keep my hierarchy tree as small as possible.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

When making your array, make sure that you select the Fixed switch in the Array dialogue box. That will constrain the pitch of the object, then all you will have to do is constrain only one of the arrayed objects with whatever is available. I am assuming that the original object is fully constrained.
An alternative is to make the array & click OK, then click Fix on the original object dialogue box & click the green check mark. Your array should then be frozen. However if you want to modify it you will have to deselect the "fix" constraint.

I guess I can do one and then array the geometry but that is two steps and I want to keep my hierarchy tree as small as possible.
There are benefits to using this method, like hole counts & not having to constrain the arrayed sketch which is your original problem.
To keep the feature manager tree size smaller, you could place the feature & pattern into a folder. They are great for grouping things together in long trees. I often use one to group all my hardware in.


CorBlimeyLimey, Barrie, Ontario.
I intend to live forever - so far, so good
faq559-863

 

[JNR]

SW sketch patterns need some enhancement in these areas. It is about time fer cryin' out loud. Right now they are more like bulk copy command and you have to worry about the constraints. Usually the whole point of a pattern is to have the locations on a contant pitch and you want them to stay there. Some associativity to the seed entities and the ability to fully edit the pattern parameters are also long overdue. This is a long-term weakness in SW.

John Richards Sr. Mech. Engr.
Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamics

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