center an array

[eglover]

I have a family in which the width is parametric. I have an array of graphics on the top, and the number of graphics changes according to the width. However, when I widen the object, the extra graphics are added onto one end, whereas the object stays centered. Is there an easy way to just tell it to stay centered, or shoud I use a reference plane and constraints to lock one end to the side of the part?

[mabrey]

Use reference planes for each end. Use the first and last option for your array and lock the ends to the reference planes.

-Jon

[Brian.Gemmell]

You could also dimension the first and last elements of the array to the edge of the solid geometry with a parameter called something like ArrayOffset. If you need the graphics to go edge to edge, just set ArrayOffset to 1/32".

[eglover]

Thanks for your help.

I ended up locking the array to one end of the object and then locking the spacing to a specific distance. The graphics now stay inside the object, as the number of graphics is a formula based on the width.

What has been more tricky is trying to get the graphic to flex based on the length of the object. I need a way to lock an intersection to a line or reference plane. I have tried dimensioning the graphic and giving it a parameter, but when I go to change types, I get an error that constraints are not satisfied.

Any ideas would really be appreciated.

I can make a single graphic flex the way I need it to, however, as soon as it is placed in an array, it looses all flexibility.

[Brian.Gemmell]

I found a solution, it uses a sweep instead of graphics (model lines I assume). If you create a sweep with a vertical path you can dimension the geometry to the reference planes that define the path. You can then array the sweep and change the dimensions because technically the array isn't referencing anything outside of the array.

I attached the file for you to check out. Let me know if that is what you were looking for.