Two-axis Parametric Array flexing issues

[Anonymous]

Hi all, I am new to this forum and appreciate if any expert here is able to help me on the issues on array:

So here is the story, i am trying to create a two-axis parametric array, which means it requires arraying the object in vertical axis first and then to the horizontal axis. I have set and locked some offset from the edge of the slab to the center of the arrayed object to constrain the array so that the array will evenly spread along the Slab Length/ Slab Width and fall within the range of length specified less the (offset*2) without having the need to specify the spacing between the array objects (The spacing here shows 142). Ideally, by adjusting the  parametric Slab Length/Slab Width, the horizontal array and vertical array will flex accordingly.

However, that is not the case here. Apparently, only the horizontal array behaves in that way, but not the vertical array. Does anyone has clue on how this happen? Appreciate if anyone can enlighten me with the solution. 

Attached the sample model for your reference. 

[ToanDN]

- Create a family for one unit (A)
- Nest (A) in a (line based recommended) family (B), array in one axis
- Nest (B) in another family (C), associate the array parameter, array (B) in the other direction'
- Load (C) in project

* Create (A) as a shared family if you need to schedule how many units in project.

[Anonymous]

Hi @ToanDN 

 thanks for your reply. 

---

@ToanDN wrote:
- Create a family for one unit (A)
- Nest (A) in a (line based recommended) family (B), array in one axis
- Nest (B) in another family (C), associate the array parameter, array (B) in the other direction'
- Load (C) in project

* Create (A) as a shared family if you need to schedule how many units in project.

---

How to create (A) as shared family? The shared family here that you mentioned here is actually the shared parameter? To change the array parameter to shared family type? 

Thanks,

lokct

[ToanDN]

Shared family as shown below.  Not shared parameters.

[Anonymous]

Hi @ToanDN 

Sorry for my lack of experience for this software. 

Can you provide me a sample model like what u have suggested? You may use back the sample model which i had uploaded earlier.

Thanks,

lokct

[ToanDN]

I can do it tomorrow. You can search and there are many similar topics.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/parametric-array-in-x-and-y/td-p/7055905

[Anonymous]

Hi @ToanDN ,

Attached my model which i created in only 2 families. First, i created the object which i going to use it as my array object and nest the object into a new family which contain a blank slab. Then i will start array the object in horizontal direction followed by vertical direction. Be noted that the array for both horizontal and vertical axis was done in a single family(not a shared family). As explained earlier, the horizontal array in my model is able to flex accordingly to the Slab Length that i input, but vertical array doesnt work that way. Hope that you might help me out on this. 

Thanks,

lokct

[ToanDN]

Please read my 1st reply again. You cannot array horizontally and vertically in one family. You need to array in one direction in one family, nest it in another family and array in the other direction. Associate the array parameter from the 1st family to a parameter of the 2nd family so that you can control both arrays in the 2nd family and in the project.

[Anonymous]

Hi @ToanDN ,

Ok, i kinda understand your solution here. I still have a doubt on the parameters for the horizontal array X family. After i have label the horizontal array parameter, let say as "No of Nozzles in X", after that i have load into XY family, this parameter is nowhere to be found. How can i link this parameter from the X family and incorporate into the model in the XY family? 

Thanks,

lokct

[ToanDN]

I can make a screencast tomorrow in the office. Sorry I forgot about it today.

[ToanDN]

Try this one.

[Anonymous]

Hi @ToanDN ,

The result still the same by using the model that you have uploaded. It is able to flex accordingly to the Slab Length i have adjusted, but not for the Slab Width. The spacing between the vertical array seems to be larger than the horizontal array. Any idea how to improve this?

Thanks,

lokct

[ToanDN · Accepted solution]

Try this one.

[Anonymous]

Hi @ToanDN ,

Wow, it works! 

I 've noticed that you have locked a reference plane to the array object and added a formula to control the vertical length between first Y array and the last Y array.

Care to explain what other modifications you have done here in the model here compared to the earlier one?

Thanks,

lokct

[ToanDN]

The vertical array is a family (if you tab to select it inside a group you will see see the parameters of that family being associated with the equivalent parameters of your family. When you change the Slab Width and the vertical array number, the length of that family changes and the units are re-distributed.

[Anonymous]

Well-explained.

Thank you very much!

Can submit my assignment thanks to your help 🙂