I have a project where I’m using LOTS of repetitive occurrences of components in my assembly.
I’d like to explore “Instances” as an approach to managing file size.
I’m aware of linking external BLOCKS and when appropriate and I find RHINO’s (RH-6) approach to this to be really useful - and it works really well, including edits common to all occurrences !!
Question:
Is there any provision in Rh-6 made in various internal commands like “Array” (circular and rectangular) for the creation of instances instead of discrete duplicates ?
Is there any provision in Rh-6 (or later … ) for instances connected to the copy command ?
All the commands that make copies - array, copy, ctrl-c/ctrl-v - create new instances if applied to an existing instance. Wherever you see a block on the drawing canvas you are looking at an instance. So Rhino is always doing what you are looking for.
If you want a “discrete duplicate” you actually have to disassociate an instance from its block by running the _ExplodeBlock command on that instance. The instance is turned into standalone geometry (which you can then convert into a new block).
HTH
Jeremy
p.s. I’m using terms like “instance” in the Rhino sense: we might be at cross-purposes if you are using the terminology differently!
!!