Stacking 3D Object Arrays without a Z-Gap

[Anonymous]

Hey All,

I'm using AUTOCAD Mechanical to produce some STEP files for other work. I'm having issues with correctly aligning objects in the Z axis.

Attachment Geom1 gives the geometry of my design, consisting of a 3x3 array of objects with a 2x2 array placed above them. The arrays are exploded giving 13 unique objects. Attachment Looks_Aligned shows the objects apparently aligned in the Z axis (which is what I'd like to happen).

However, if I zoom in on the meeting point, as in attachment 'Zoom', these objects actually have a very small z-separation. This Z-Separation crashes some of the processing I do. Physically I expect these objects to be stacked on top of each-other with no air gap.

My current approach has been selecting the 9 object and 4 object (lower and upper) arrays, and using MASSPROP to find the bounding box. Both arrays are centred in XY at (0,0).  I then found (0,0,upper_plane) from the lower array (i.e the Z coordinate for the top surface of that array) and the opposing (0,0,lower_plane) for the upper array. With move I then select (0,0,lower_plane) and set the destination point to be (0,0,upper_plane).

I thought this would position them correctly and have also tried setting the alignment point to be the origin with the same results. 

I understand there is a 3D align tool, however I'm unsure how to apply that to get the alignment I'm interested in. 

Hoping this and the figures are helpful enough to get some constructive advice, I have been stuck on this for a week so appreciate any input or advice. I have searched the forums to the best of my ability but haven't seen anything helpful.

[Sergio.Bertino]

Hi @Anonymous 

Your question might be more complex, but here is a quick way to make sure that all the AutoCAD (Mechanical) solids lay on the plane at Z=0

Have a look at the following screencast:

Move to the Z=0 

I hope it helps

[Anonymous]

This solution looks like it is exactly what I need, however the geometry tab is missing in my properties palette. I followed the guidance given in:

 https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/proper...

however the geometry tab is still missing. Any further suggestions greatly appreciated.

EDIT: Have also tried re-installing AUTOCAD & AUTOCAD Mechanical. The view tab ls present when nothing is selected but I only get General, 3D Visualisation and Solid history as my tables

[cheryl.buck]

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD Mechanical forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

That's great news that the information provided by @Sergio.Bertino helped, thank you for posting letting the community know.

On your follow up question, the 3 sections you noted are correct when nothing is selected. Once an item is selected, relevant specialized sections are added. For the Geometry section to show, an object (usually linework) does need to be selected. 

If a post was helpful, Likes are always welcome.

Please click the Accept Solution button for any posts that resolve the issue or answer your question.

All the best,