Rectangular array along varying angle 1

[TechnicalConsultant]

I am currently creating a load of template parts and have come on to do some wire mesh.

I have created a mesh which has a bend in it by creating a sketch, then using the tube feature.I then create a sketch and extrude and unite along the width. I unite because this then allows me to use array. I have tied in my expressions so I have the correct amount of wires along the length/width in relation to the pitch.

See image(

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m270/mark_noyce/untitled.jpg)

The trouble I am having is controlling the array along the length that has a varying angle. As the array uses the WCS, as soon as I change the angle the array falls over. Any ideas how I can do this?

 

[kevklem]

Noyce,
From the picture I see two legs of mesh. Is the array pitch different on each leg of the angle? If the pitch is the same, how about bisecting the angle with a datum plane and then use mirror feature(s) of the first leg of mesh?

 

[TechnicalConsultant]

Unfotunately the length and pitch could be different so I can't use that method (which is a shame). This is giving me more problems than I was expecting

Many thanks though

 

[kevklem]

Have you looked over the "Pattern Face" option under instance? I have not used it before except a basic test just now. Check the Help Docs, but essentially you pick the faces instead of the feature itself, but the good thing is that you get the vector menu for x and y references so you can rely on datum axes rather than the WCS.

 

[TechnicalConsultant]

EXCELLENT! It worked an absolute treat, many thanks kevlem!