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. Tip: Items are distributed relative to the objects picked. They are not transferred onto the boundary itself. If the objects are to be positioned within the boundary, it is recommended you place the selected objects at the lower left extent of the closed boundary shape.
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.

Tip: Values for Number and Offset can be provided for row, columns and levels. To specify Offset with the pointing device, use the offset buttons provided (

). The dialog closes temporarily so that the pointing device can be used to specify the distance. You must specify two points. The distance is used to supply the value for the offset.

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 `xy` - 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, `3200` 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, `n300` and a distance of `1200` would produce four items each 300 apart. Remember: Only one specification of n is allowed. 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. CAUTION: Use the absolute option carefully as unexpected results can occur. For instance, `2000u,2000u,2000u` produces four items but three would be on top of each other offset from the first by 2000. Or `32000u` produces three items on top of each other. Combination `x1y1,y2,y3,…,x2y4,y5u…` - Any combination of the two previous options can be used. For instance, `32000,1000,8000u` 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,n3000,24000` 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,32p,23p` 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,n1x2p,…,y2,x3p,n2x4p…` - Any combination of the two previous options can be used. For instance, `500,3p,2p,31p,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.