Block instances how to project to Cplane?

Rhino Rhino for Windows
1

Hi
V5

Block instances, created using array, wont project to Cplane (using front view) and delete input yes.

I have had success with other arrays of these block instances, I say that seeing them already on Cplane…(maybe because they were created on Cplane !)

Is it anything to do with being arrays, or copy of copy ? Apparently not.

I am copying from the master circle most times though then making arrays of such.

I now have tried copying the master circle block instance to each circle of one of the rows and projecting those and it still fails.

I now have created a test piece and a block instance will not project.

I need also to project these onto Surfaces. Will that work ?..yes that works…phew !

Now what do I do ? I used Block instance to minimise memory for hundreds of circles, now I come to project them to Cplane they wont let me.

Oh strewth !

Steve

RefuseToProjectCplane.3dm (57.8 KB)

2

I wouldn’t use Blocks just for circles, and certainly not for circles you intend to modify by projecting to CPlane. That’s not what they’re meant for, you can’t edit the geometry inside blocks(which projecting to CPlane does even if for circles all it effectively does is move it) unless you explode them into geometry.

3

What about SetPt with CPlane option and set just Z to 0? Does that work on blocks?

–Mitch

4

Hi Steve,
SetPt is not allowed on a Block. (good try, Mitch!)
I think it is a bug that it even selects a block.
So I will get that on the tracker.

I would recommend the Align command.
If you select the blocks, and go to the front view, use the Bottom option.
Pick a point to align them too. And they will move only in the Z direction.

Command: _Align
Alignment type ( Bottom Concentric HorizCenter Left Right Top VertCenter ): Bottom
Alignment point. Press Enter to auto align:

Let us know if this works for you.
Sincerely,
Mary Fugier

2 Likes
5

Hi,
Tried it first on a vertical row of circles that were beyond Cplane,
Align
Bottom
then they are moving up/down my ront view with cursor hairs at bottom of sothern most circle.
I presume I pick the base of the existing circle as at least then they match up, result, no change, nothing on Cplane.
try again and this time pick the Cplane using Top View, no good.

I try the attached file in my opening post, working in front view, result definitely not flattened to Cplane.

I wouldn’t use Blocks just for circles, and certainly not for circles
you intend to modify by projecting to CPlane. That’s not what they’re
meant for, you can’t edit the geometry inside blocks(which projecting to
CPlane does even if for circles all it effectively does is move it)
unless you explode them into geometry.

I need somehow to minimise memory and by now if these were just normal circles, and I have a long way to go yet, they would have ground Rhino to a halt.

Also I am going to need to alter their size later on and the blocks allow for that. I need to do that before projecting as after project, they become unintelligent.

I am going to end up with a load of non planar circles with project to the aircraft skin, but dont want circle memory overload before I even do that.

The other suggestion of Record History in my post asking how to minimise memory for such is no good as one cannot move an individual ‘child’ circle afterwards, and if you move the master ‘mother’ everything moves…nightmare, wrecks the entire project.
Trying to keep a watch on whether or not record history is on, doesnt take much to knock it off recording !

If I could just project the blocks to Cplane I would be ok, they will project to a planar surface but not Cplane.
same thing, just is transparent !!!..joking of course !

Maybe I need to create a planar surface on Cplane and project to that !

That will give me curves not block instances, how can I then convert those to block instances to keep memory low ?

Steve

6

Hi Mary,

It worked. Thank you very much, you are a life saver.

Regards,
Mayank

1 Like
7

HI Mayank,
Thanks for the update. The Forum becomes a searchable archive, and this thread shows us how well that works.

Have you tried the Rhino 6 Distribute command?
You might find that is very useful in some cases as well.

Kind regards,
Mary Ann Fugier
McNeel Technical Support and Training
Seattle, WA

8

Hi Mary,

I didn’t know this command existed :face_with_hand_over_mouth: Hahaha.
This is a great command. I used to do curve array n all sorts of things to achieve what this command does.

Thank you,
Mayank