Understanding Array Properties

Quick answer: A component array is an associative array made of a parametric component, with a special representation in the Mechanical Browser panel, confirming the Source and Elements node structure covered on this hub’s arrays of mechanical blocks page. The Source node holds the source object (a component or subassembly with its own properties) and its parameters; the Elements node holds every instance of that source object. Array properties display automatically when selecting an array in the panel.

The Array Context Menu

Right-click an array node for: Replace… (BMREPLACE); Dissolve (BMDISSOLVE); Unmech (BMUNMECH, removes all mechanical structure); Custom properties (opens the Mechanical Properties dialog); Edit source block (opens the source entity for editing); Reset instance custom properties (back to the defaults inherited from the corresponding block); Hide/Show; Visual Style (every style saved in the drawing, plus By parent component, rendering according to the parent’s shademode, and All by Viewport, rendering per the current viewport’s shademode); Zoom to; Select / Select all (same definition) / Select same (same definition and parameter values); Highlight all / Highlight same; Delete (removes the array from the assembly); Renumerate similar nodes; and Collapse all / Expand all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between an array’s Source node and its Elements node? Source holds the original object and its parameters; Elements holds every instance generated from that source.

How do I edit the underlying object that an entire array is based on? Right-click the array and choose Edit source block.

Does removing an array’s mechanical structure delete the geometry too? No, Unmech (BMUNMECH) removes the mechanical structure while keeping the underlying geometry intact.

Can I apply a different visual style to just one array, independent of the viewport? Yes, choose a specific saved style from the array’s Visual Style menu, rather than By parent component or All by Viewport.