Rectangular array error, NX4 1

[VmaxVboost]

Insert > Associative Copy > Instance > Rectangular Array

Everything works OK, including the preview, after all of the numeric values are entered, but when I click OK to create the array, I get the error, "Tool body completely outside of target body".

If the object to be arrayed is 2 inches wide, the distance between two instances is 10 inches, so no overlap.

Any help??

Brian

 

[JohnRBaker]

Are you attempting to array individual bodies? Remember, this function is for arraying FEATURES and the results must be a single solid body, no loose or disjointed pieces.



John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
UGS NX Product Line
SIEMENS PLM Software
Cypress, CA

http://www.siemens.com/ugs

http://www.plmworld.org/museum/

 

[MSPBenson]

In NX3 and earlier the solids you are instancing must be conected by another common solid.
For instance if you wanted to array 4 cylinders the first must be united to a base plate solid and the other 3 must also "land" on this solid,

I think this is still the case in NX4.


Mark Benson
Aerodynamic Model Designer

 

[VmaxVboost]

OK, maybe I'm using the wrong function.

Say for example I wanted to model the side 2x4 beams in a house.

I'd sketch one beam, extrude it, then array it every 16".

What function should I use?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[Xwheelguy]

That's not the correct application of an Array in NX, at least in my opinion.

Your example would be an assembly. You'd model only 1 2x4 then when ready to build the frame, start adding instances of the 2x4 as a component to the frame assembly.

You MIGHT be able to use Group Feature and add the Extrude to the Group. Once the Group Feature is created, try Arraying the named Group Feature.

If you're running NX5, you can do this quite easily using Geometry Instance.

Tim Flater
Senior Designer
Enkei America, Inc.

http://www.enkei.com

Some people are like slinkies....they don't really have a purpose, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.

 

[MSPBenson]

To use the array function using your example.
Model the wall the beams will be set in.
Create your beam as per your example. Unite it to the wall. Now array the extrude.


Mark Benson
Aerodynamic Model Designer

 

[Xwheelguy]

I think the key to point out here is that in order for an Array to work in NX, there usually has to be some sort of Boolean associated with the feature you're wanting to array....as Mark has already mentioned.

If you're wanting separate bodies as an end result, then you'll have to use the Group Feature step and Array the Group or if using NX5, Geometry Instance will do the trick quite well.

I didn't see any mention of walls being modeled in the example, so that's why I suggested the assembly route, thinking you were referring to a frame only and no walls.

Tim Flater
Senior Designer
Enkei America, Inc.

http://www.enkei.com

Some people are like slinkies....they don't really have a purpose, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down the stairs.

 

[VmaxVboost]

Uniting it to the wall worked. Thanks!