Problem with creating an array of arrays

[JKent]

I am trying to create a series of square concentric rings of circles as shown in the picture and I'm unsure of the best way to go about this. The parameters I want to control are:

• Circle size
  
• Spacing between circles along a single path array
  
• Spacing between the separate path arrays
  

 

The pattern is not difficult to make for a small number of square rings, but I want to produce a pattern like this with potentially hundreds of them.

 

If anyone can suggest a simple way to do this, I would really appreciate it. I'm new to AutoCAD, and made this using the offset option on a single rectangle, changing the offset distance each time, and then setting a path array to each rectangle then deleted it. I also tried meddling with different offset options, such as exoffset but I haven't seen a way to quickly change the distance between different offsets, and I can't seem to simply offset a path array.

[Commandobill]

I can't seem to think of an easy way of going about it. If it's something you will do a lot, then perhaps look into creating a macro or a lisp.

[BIGAL]

Divide will do it but only for a square and you have to think a little bit to work out gap. Must be a multiple of 4 8 16 32 to get corners. If you have a rectang then need a lisp etc maybe then measure but the sides ratio must be a fixed ratio for corners to work again.

[JKent]

Bigal, I'm confused as to what you're talking about. Are you just talking about how to control the spacing between the separate circles along each path array? If you are that's not a worry because I get how to control that. The aspect that I'm finding challenging is to set up a constantly increasing/decreasing spacing between consecutive path arrays, or something that produces the same result. I suspect the answer may lie in dynamic blocks but I'm not certain.

 

Commandobill I will want to make approximately 20 variations of this design to test some effects of such a design in some experiments I'm doing and probably won't use it again after that, so I'm after a way to do it at least moderately efficiently, preferably without creating a macro or lisp, since I have no experience in this.

[pattyandme]

Its your path array of squares is it variable or set as double each path distance?

in a dynamic block, set a circle in the corner of a single path square, (array this with the set distance of each path from the other( this is a variable and is define as 1.225 I do not think your can set this as a result of a formula without lisp),

maybe scale the path ? once arrayed with the total number of paths explode them and path array the circle. of coarse you can block edit the cir to size it.

[BIGAL]

You have 11 circles on small sq but 15 on next offset so you need a rule for the spacing to be in the same proportion.

 

Length is 110 min spacing is 23 so 110/23=4.78 so you need 4 circles at 27.5 or you put a tolerance factor that allows under 23 use spacing 22 = 5 circles.

[Dadgad]

Welcome to CADTutor.

 

This link may prove useful

 

http://www.lee-mac.com/dynamicoffset.html

 

Thanks Lee!

 

Lee has tons of great lisps on his spectacular site, this will likely interest you, and open your eyes, whether or not you are able to incorporate it into a solution.

[JKent]

I actually want the spacing to remain the same on each square. Thanks though, that may come in useful later.

 

Dadgad I may declare my love for you after trying that out. Thank you!

[Dadgad]

Don't LOVE the messenger!

Just trying to help, and glad I could.

Lee on the other the hand, based on all he does for the "illisperati", like myself, amongst others; makes him a particularly well deserved target for Cupid's arrow and bountiful thanks from the global cad community.

 

In order for the hole spacing to be consistent between offset rows, the offset distance increments will need to be very strictly adhered to, as I assume that you will always want a hole at each of the corners.

Edited July 22, 2015 by Dadgad