Array 3D

Used to create multiple copies of objects in a 3D pattern. Use Array 3D to create an array defined by a number of Rows, Columns and Levels of the selected objects.

Accessed from:
  • Ribbon: Steel > Home > Edit Steel Elements > Copy/Move > Array 3D

Array 3D parameters can be defined in three ways:

  • Fixed
  • Variable
  • Proportional

Dialog Controls

Setting Description
Select objects Temporarily closes the Array 3D dialog so you can select the objects used to construct the array. When you finish selecting objects, enter a reset. The 3D Array dialog box is redisplayed.
Select Smartline Temporarily closes the Array 3D dialog so the pointing device can be used to define a closed shape to be used as the defining boundary. The array is distributed within that area.
OK Executes the array function. OK is enabled only if objects are selected to array.
Cancel Closes the dialog without applying an array.
Help Opens online help.
Template Activates the Template Manager dialog which is used to save and restore dialog settings.
Key-in: PROSTRUCTURE CREATE ARRAY3D

Fixed tab

Provides a familiar method of inputting parameters for by defining the Number of arrayed items and Offset distances between them in the X and Y directions. Level (offsets in the Z direction) can also be defined making 3d arrays.
Setting Description
Row (X) Defines the rows in the fixed array.
Column (Y) Defines the columns in the fixed array.
Level (Z) Defines the levels in the fixed array.
Number Sets the number of copies in the array for Rows, Columns and Levels (X,Y,Z).
Offset Sets the distance between the copies in the array for Rows, Columns and Levels (X-Y-Z).
Temporarily closes the 3D Array dialog so the pointing device can be used to set the Row, Column and Level offsets. This is done by identifying two points.

Variable tab

Provides Descriptions for specifying the varying distances between objects being arrayed.

Setting Description
Row (X) Defines the rows in the variable array.
Column (Y) Defines the columns in the variable array.
Level (Z) Defines the levels in the variable array.
Description Descriptions can be defined in three ways and can perform the same actions for Rows, Columns and Levels.
  • Number by Offset x*y - Similar to the Fixed tab method of describing an array with a Number of items and an Offset between the items.

    Here, x specifies the number items and y specifies the distance (in units) between the items. These variables are delimited an a asterisk * character. To add items in the opposite direction, specify a negative value. Negative numbers for x are not valid and will be treated as positive.

    For instance, 3*200 produces three items equally spaced 200 units apart.

    The symbol n can be used to allow the calculation of the number of items. If n is specified in the description then a overall distance is required.

    For instance, n*300 and a distance of 1200 would produce four items each 300 apart.

  • List y1,y2,y3,? - This method specifies individual offsets between items. The offsets are specified as numeric units and are separated by commas. The offsets are calculated from the previous item created.

    For instance, 2000,3000,4000 produces four items. The first two separated by 2000, second and third separated by 3000 and third and fourth separated by 4000.

    The symbol u can be used to specify absolute distances instead of relative distances. Absolute distances are offset from the first item rather than relative to the previous item. Absolute applies only to distances and not to numbers.

    For instance, 2000u,4000u produces three items equally spaced.

  • Combination x1*y1,y2,y3,?,x2*y4,y5u? - Any combination of the two previous options can be used.

    For instance, 3*2000,1000,8000u produces three items 2000 apart, a fourth item 1000 from the third, and a fifth item 8000 from the first.

    The combination Description also allows the specification of a n symbol.

    For instance, 1000,n*3000,2*4000 with a Distance of 24000 produce two items 1000 apart and another 2 items 4000 apart. In between, the remaining distance would six spacings of 3000.

Distance Sets the distance between the copies in the array for Rows, Columns and Levels (X-Y-Z).
Temporarily closes the 3D Array dialog so the pointing device can be used to set the Row, Column and Level distances. This is done by identifying two points.
Temporarily closes the 3D Array dialog so the pointing device can be used to set the Row and Column distances. This is done by identifying two diagonal corners creating a rectangle.

Proportional tab

Provides Descriptions that are used to distribute objects proportionally within a specified distance.

Setting Description
Row (X) Defines the rows in the proportional array.
Column (Y) Defines the columns in the proportional array.
Level (Z) Defines the levels in the proportional array.
Angle Indicates the angle of rotation for proportional array. This angle is normally 0, so the rows and columns are orthogonal with respect to the X and Y drawing axes of the current UCS.
Description Descriptions can be defined in three ways and can perform the same actions for Rows, Columns and Levels.
  • Value y1 - Specifies individual offsets between items. Values can be specified in a list form y1,y2,y3,?. The offsets are specified as in numeric units and separated by commas. Offsets are calculated from the previous item created.

    For instance, 2000,3000,4000 produces four items. The first two separated by 2000, second and third separated by 3000 and third and fourth separated by 4000.

  • Proportional Spacing xp - Spacing is specified by the symbol p. Proportion values are calculated in proportional relationships to other proportion values. These are unit values in relation to each other. If 1p represents a length of x then 2p represents twice x. The value of x is calculated depending upon the overall distance.

    For instance, 1p,2p,3p,2p,1p with a Distance of 18000 produces the first two objects 2000 apart, the next 4000 from the last, then 6000, then 4000 and then 2000.

    Also, the symbol * specifies the number of items to be at the particular proportional spacing.

    For instance, 1p,3*2p,2*3p with a Distance of 28000 would produce the first two objects 2000 apart, the next 3 would be 4000 apart and the last two 6000 apart.

  • Combination y1,x1p,n1*x2p,?,y2,x3p,n2*x4p? - Any combination of the two previous options can be used.

    For instance, 500,3p,2p,3*1p,2p,3p,500 with a Distance of 36000 would produce the first two items 500 apart and the last two items 500 apart. Proportionally in between them, an item at 6000, 4000, and 3 more at 2000, 4000 and 6000 offset distances.

Distance Sets the distance between the copies in the array for Rows, Columns and Levels (X-Y-Z).
Temporarily closes the 3D Array dialog so the pointing device can be used to set the Row, Column and Level distances. This is done by identifying two points.
Temporarily closes the 3D Array dialog so the pointing device can be used to set the Row and Column distances. This is done by identifying two diagonal corners creating a rectangle.