topic Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible) in Inventor Forum

How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

oransen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 08:50:58 GMT

I'm more of a programmer than a user so maybe this is a stupid question, but here goes:

Is it possible to detach an object from a linear array, so that the rest of the array remains, but the detached object can be moved into a slightly non-array position?

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

CCarreiras — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:28:47 GMT

HI!

No.

You have to suppress the object.

Place another equal object and position it like you need.

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

-niels- — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:35:20 GMT

Which version of inventor?

For sketches:

In Inventor 2017 you have sketch driven patterns that would allow for elements to have different positions.

In previous versions you'll have to suppress and create a new instance, like @CCarreiras mentioned.

For assemblies:

If you want a single element to be moved around, you can expand the pattern and select the element you want moveable, right-click on it and select "independent":

Hope that helps.

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

Rob67ert — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:29:41 GMT

If you expand the feature you see all the occurrence. Right click on one of them and select suppress.
Then just place a new sketch of the object you like at a different position.

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

oransen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:18:12 GMT

As usual I discovered a solution as soon as I posted this. Right click on the object in the array and click on "free rotate" or "free move". Inventor 2015

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

oransen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:21:22 GMT

In Inventor 2015 I get "Free Rotate" and "Free Move" but not "independent"...

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

-niels- — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:27:31 GMT

Make sure they don't snap back in to place if you update the model when using "free move"... i don't think it's a permanent function.

You could use the move body / direct edit tools though.

(Assuming you want this for sketches / .ipt, not assemblies... still a bit confused about that.)

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

oransen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:45:12 GMT

You're right. If I save and re-open the assembly the free move has vanished and the part is back in place.

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

oransen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:46:48 GMT

I'm doing it for part arrays inside assemblies. I think the suppress and insert another part is the best solution...

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

CCarreiras — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 10:49:49 GMT

Free move and free rotate are always temporary situation.

You marked the correct answers as solution, why you are using a different process?! 🙂

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

oransen — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 11:12:44 GMT

"You marked the correct answers as solution, why you are using a different process?! :)"

I don't understand your statment. I think that suppress and insert a new part is the correct solution...

Re: How to detach an object from an array... (if that is even possible)

CCarreiras — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 11:27:08 GMT

@oransen wrote:

I don't understand your statment. I think that suppress and insert a new part is the correct solution...

Suppress and insert a new part is the correct solution.

The free move and rotate is wrong.