Array Model Lines

[jeff.richards]

Reviteers,

I am trying to make a sectional overhead door family that uses only model lines to represent the door sections. I can't get the model lines to array and remain parametric. They will either array corrctly, but not flex with the door width, height, number of sections etc, or they flex but don't array. I have attached the family for review.

Thanks,

[cporter.207875]

Jeff,
I couldn't figure out how to get the array to work the way you want. But I did edit the family to ultimately show the door sections. Since you are only using model lines, it wouldn't be too memory intensive to draw Number of Sections for each planned type and control with visibility parameters. Cumbersome, I know... but it gets the job done.

Load the attached into your project to see the two starter types I created.

I am interested to see if someone else can figure out the array with other parametrics involved. Seems weird that it won't let you do it.

[bwbarch]

Jeff,

Arrays can be tough to tame. I struggled with the same thing you are when trying to do a window shutter family. Crazy as it may sound, what I found to work effectively was to do a nested family that contained nothing but a single model line constrained to a single Width parameter controlled in the nested family by a left, center, and right reference plane. (See my example below.) Nested families seem to be easier to predictably control in an array, as opposed to a live line in the family. Others methods may work also.

When nested, this family's Width is linked to the Width parameter of the host family. When arrayed, the nested family's centerline is aligned to the centerline of the host family's opening. You could easily adopt this technique for your door. Make sure you have a reference plane at the face of your door panel to associate the nested line family to.

62543

[aaronrumple]

...or just use a model hatch pattern on the door.

[jeff.richards]

Thanks for the response. Brian is correct, it is tough to control the arrays in a family. I had already attempted to nest a family with a single line, but still had the same problems. Finally I looked at the parameter controlling the line width. It was connected via a formula to another parameter. I dedicated a new parameter for the line width and connected it back to the original parameter. It worked! I am attaching the revised family for anyone that wants it.

Now all I have to do is nest in and array some windows.

Piece of cake right?

Thanks again,

[t1.shep]

I find it ridiculous that we must create a separate family just for a line in order to array it in an array family and then nest into another family. Why can I take that line into another blank family and array it there, and then take that arrayed family and nest it into another family. Why is is easy to array in a separate family, but not in a family that is combined with other geometry and lines?