topic Re: Stretching an array object and hatching in Dynamic Blocks Forum

Stretching an array object and hatching

äcäp — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 09:48:09 GMT

Hi and greeting all,

I had been trying to do a new dynamic block - Sectional Detail of Carpet (attached: Carpet.dwg), which finally I had a problem with it and I can't find a solution that I want.

The issue is just, I can't make the carpet stretch together aligned with woven base. Probably it is just a simple issue but quite confusing for me My bad. Could anyone please advise me the solution to correct this? What did I missed?

Many thanks in advance for the advise, knowledge and your support.

Cheers!

Re: Stretching an array object and hatching

Libbya — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 15:53:07 GMT

I made a custom hatch pattern based on your carpet and then added an associative hatch using that pattern rather than attempting to use an array. You can find your updated file attached along with the hatch file.

As an aside, don't just add constraints without purpose. None of the constraints in your block did anything helpful and unless serving a useful purpose they can often mess up the functions of the block.

Re: Stretching an array object and hatching

MMcCall402 — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:18:58 GMT

Interesting use of a custom hatch pattern. I recall a post a while back about a top view of block wall dynamic block that needed to display portions of the concrete block unit when the wall was stretched. I wonder if that could have been solved with a custom hatch.

My thoughts for this were going in the direction of using a series of array paths of individual carpet fibers using the top line of the mat as the path. I ran out of time before I competed it. This hatch solution works well.

Re: Stretching an array object and hatching

Libbya — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 16:27:44 GMT

I think that hatch patterns could be used for a lot of array situations. I considered arraying the individual fibers which is a decent alternative but depending on how accurate you want the cutoff to be could require many array actions and still not be precise. The hatch is still only an approximation of the original pattern, but probably close enough. I used the HatchMaker LISP routine for making the hatch. It's a very useful LISP but only allows lines within a 1" x 1" square with all endpoints on a 0.01" grid so there are limitations.

Re: Stretching an array object and hatching

äcäp — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 03:49:48 GMT

Oh Wow! What a simple solution you have just shared. I never realised that my carpet pattern can also be converted into hatch pattern and apply it as an associative hatch. Although the carpet pattern is just an approximation but it still close enough to the original and it really helps.

To be true, I have no idea of how to create a hatch pattern except by using Express Tool's Superhatch. Thank you for the Hatchmaker tips. This will really change the way my Dynamic Block creation in future.

As for the constraints, earlier I tried to do some study and experiment based on a block from one of the contributor in 'Dynamic Blocks Showcase: Share Your Favorite Dynamic Blocks' thread which managed to stretch array item with some constraints. I tried to play with the block and duplicate the actions into my block but it did not work. I should do more reading and practice to understand more about Constraints in dynamic block.

Anyway, thanks again Libbya! I am very happy that you have solved my problem.

Re: Stretching an array object and hatching

dana — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:22:30 GMT

are you still monitoring this site?