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FreeCAD: Coping and arranging shapes in a grid

FreeCAD 0.19

In this article, we explain how to copy and arrange 3D shapes in a grid. You can create shapes as follow with this function.

Sample 1
Sample 2

Steps

  1. Create new documentNew Document icon and create a solid that is used as source.

    PolarArray1
    Solid that is used as source shape

  2. Switch workbench to Draft workbenchDraft workbench.

  3. Select source shape in model tree and execute Orthogonal Array toolDraft_Array to show the dailog in tasks tab.

    Fig. Dialog for Orthogonal Array tool
    Dialog for Orthogonal Array tool

  4. In the dialog, set parameters as following and click OK. Then 100 copies will be made.

    ParametersValue
    Number of elements(10, 10, 0)
    X interval(25.0, 0.0, 0.0)
    Y interval(0.0, 25.0, 0.0)
    Z interval(0.0, 0.0, 0.0)
    Fuseuncheck
    Link arraycheck

    When the copy is done, the shape will look like as following figure.

    Fig. Result of Orthogonal Array operation
    Result of Orthogonal Array operation

  5. The number of copies and interval of each direction can be changed after creation by selecting the created "Array" in the model tree and changing the array copy parameters in the Data tab at the bottom of the combo view.

    Fig. Changing Orthogonal Array parameters
    Changing Orthogonal Array parameters

References