Dynamic Block - Rotating an XY Array

[Construc]

Guys,

 

Have been trying to create a dynamic block, with an array function, and also a rotate action.

 

Below is the process I have been using:

 

- Enter Block Editor

- Apply an XY Parameter to the block

- Apply a rotation parameter to the block

 

- Apply an Array action to the block using the XY Parameter. (Array set at 762mm between rows and 1270mm between columns.

- Apply a rotate action to the block selecting all objects besides the array action.

 

Doing this has enable me to array the block, but as soon as I rotate the block 90 degrees and try to array, the array action goes crazy due to the Array Action Parameters (762mm and 1270mm) not rotating with the block/actions.

 

Now I am starting to get to the point where I am thinking it is impossible to rotate an array function that operates in two directions... but I may just be doing something wrong.

 

I have attached the following screen shots:

 

Screen Shot 1 ; Shows the parameters and actions I have set

Screen Shot 2; Shows the desired array function, with it working perfectly in its original orientation.

Screen Shot 3; Shows what happens when the block is rotated and then arrayed... the array action functions without rotating the row and column parameters set previously.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Dana W]

What is the XY parameter for? That is for scale actions that work differently in either direction. I think that is messing you up. I have a couple of rotating array blocks and they work fine without it. Also, why did you avoid the array action in the object selection for the Rotate action.

[Construc]

The XY parameter was used to enable the block to array in both the X and Y direction at 1270mm Horizontally and 762mm Vertically. I could not find another parameter that allowed me to array in two directions, as the array action only allows one parameter to be chosen at a time.

 

Yeah, I would have though rotating an array as a dynamic block is possible, i just seem to be endlessly hitting issues.

 

Well reading through some advice on this forum, I did find some information highlighting when rotating an array or stretch; when selecting the objects you should select everything except for the action. Is this not correct?

[Construc]

To maybe assist in simplifying this problem, I have uploaded a file with a simple rectangle representative of the block shown in the first post.

 

This way you might able to get a better idea of what the problem is, and what I am hoping to achieve.

 

Cheers

CAD Dynamic Block Array_Rotate Problem.dwg

[Dana W]

Phewwww!! This one is strange.

 

I don't know if the XY parameter is required for a rectangular array in a dynamic block, it may be. I've never used it so It is new to me. I'll have to look at how a full rectangular array might be forced to work with two stretch actions, or a polar stretch, maybe.

 

I did NOT figure out how to fix it, but one of the drawbacks of the XY parameter apparently is that it is exactly that, "X" and "Y", and will not rotate dynamically even if in the selection set, so once rotated the array objects are out of alignment with the X and Y axis and lose all common sense.

 

The good news is, the entire block can be rotated with the regular Rotate command repeatedly, and will array it's behind off in any direction afterwards, so the full result is there, you just have to do it not so dynamically. If that is the only way to make it work cleanly, then the only use for the block is to store the array so it is retrievable.

 

It doesn't make sense that AutoDesk would not provide full functionality for a rotatable rectangular array in a dynamic block. (Did I just say that?) The XY thingy seems like too much of a constraint.

 

Maybe we are just missing something obvious, and one of the resident experts will step in and set us straight. I can't seem to find this particular condition discussed on the forum before, either.

 

I'm still at a loss.

[bertcad]

I am tryig to do this aswell, any luck? I need to create a flat 2d ladder tray that can spin and array in any direction. We use MEP, however my company will not allow me to use MEP objects for some lame reason.