Formula Array "Snap" to a given size?

[jsteinhauer]

Hi All,

I posted the following on another thread, but it wasn't getting a response. So, I've restated it here. If you can help me figure out problem #4, I would be grateful.


So, I was using the "Tutorial Arrays & Nested Families" to make a shelving standards family. I ran in to a few problems, mostly because I don't read everything. But here's what I got stuck on, and the solution I found/came up with.

1) Array wouldn't stay in the correct location. I needed to lock the nested family to the reference planes.
2) When family stretched to need addional components in the array, componets would extend beyond the reference planes on one side or another. I needed to check "Last" when setting up the array.
3) Array formula didn't like my units. Divide all my length parameters by 1'-0".
4) I want to have my array snap to a given size 2'-6", 3'-0", 3'-6" & 4'-0". Is this possible? and what would I need to setup in the family?

Thanks,
Jeff S.

[Steve_Stafford]

Switching "types" is really the closest thing to "snap" to sizes we have. A line-based family is for "infinite" variety where variety is more important than specific sizes. As soon as there are specific sizes...types are "the way". I'm not suggesting the preset snap feature of dynamic blocks is wrong or not a good idea, just we don't have that feature.

[aaronrumple]

Here's a quick sample of a family that snaps every 1'.
A little more work an you can have it snapping every 6"

[dfriesen]

Here's a quick sample of a family that snaps every 1'.
A little more work an you can have it snapping every 6"

Ah, nice, I'll have to remember that method.

[Steve_Stafford]

Not really an elegant solution when you have no idea what length it is as you alter it. Granted it is rounding to the nearest whole value but it doesn't stack up well in delivery against dynamic blocks which I assume is the benchmark the poster was using? Maybe not...

[aaronrumple]

Not really an elegant solution ...

I do the best I can with what I've got...

[Steve_Stafford]

I do the best I can with what I've got...

Good one! Twoshay~