Help Aligning Objects to different Axes

Box · 8 Apr 2014, 20:35

If you have changed the group/components axis then you need to open that group/component for editing and copy the new object inside. It will then follow the axis of the open group/component.
I could explain it better with a drawing but I don't have a computer handy.

For example, draw a rectangle, rotate it 45deg, make it a component. Right click on it and change it's axes to suit it's new position.
Draw another rectangle and it will follow the global axis, select it and copy it. Open rotated component for editing and paste the new rectangle in and it will follow the axes of the component not the global axes.

TECHDAVE02 · 8 Apr 2014, 20:40

post a example??

TECHDAVE02 · 8 Apr 2014, 22:17

please save to 2013

numerobis · 9 Apr 2014, 07:41

you have to turn the group into a component to be able to set the axis. I don't know why this is not possible for groups, but this is the situation.
I use this technique always when i have to deal with different orientations.

pilou · 9 Apr 2014, 07:58

Use MoveIt by Jim and axes Tool by Thomthon for any problem with any axes!

Blastfurnace · 9 Apr 2014, 09:10

Ok,
So here is an example, very simplified.

When I first begin a new model I draw a rectangle and pull it up and call it "origin". That way I always can find the origin and get back to origin axes. (Plus sometimes when Engineering toolbox places fittings it places them on the origin.)

New references are created from shot points that are loaded into the model. I create the reference for these so I can go and move the axes to these new references.

The one labeled "slope" was the active axis when I created the flange from the plug in. I then moved the axes to a different reference.
I would like to be able to:
select the object
choose move
grab one of the rotation "+" symbols and rotate it with the protractor symbol being aligned to the new axis. I.E. 90 degrees on the protractor would be aligned with the new red green or blue.

It's not uncommon for me to have a large number of groups grouped together. I would like to rotate the parent group and all of the groups "inside" also be set to the new axis.

I am sorry I am making this more confusing.

Thanks for your time,

Mark

Alignment Example

Saved in version 8 format

TECHDAVE02 · 9 Apr 2014, 12:37

It is now a component glue to any surface
get a new instance out of the component window and observe behaviour

Align Example_v8 align.skp

Wo3Dan · 9 Apr 2014, 21:21

@numerobis said:

you have to turn the group into a component to be able to set the axis. I don't know why this is not possible for groups, but this is the situation. ...

Changing group's axes is possible, though only from within editing context of the group.
Components do have two options to do so. Either through the right click context menu (from the outside) or like groups, from within editing context.

@blastfurnace said:

..... The one labeled "slope" was the active axis when I created the flange from the plug in. I then moved the axes to a different reference.
I would like to be able to:
select the object
choose move
grab one of the rotation "+" symbols and rotate it with the protractor symbol being aligned to the new axis. I.E. 90 degrees on the protractor would be aligned with the new red green or blue........

Normally it is possible with groups (see * below) and components to align them with the 'Move' tool to the current drawing axes. The input would then be 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees, depending on the red grip that you grab.
So you best set up different scenes, each with its own drawing axes of cases that you are going to use, your measured "systems" in the field.

A group or component rotates (with the 'Move' tool) towards the current drawing axes with one of the values above. Towards which axes? That depends on your choice of scene.

(*) the flang group is a nasty one that seems to not obay the general rule.
You can turn this one into a component and add one straight from the components browser into the scene that has the correct drawing axes.

Blastfurnace · 11 Apr 2014, 16:48

Thank you all for your input.

Wo3Dan aligning a group with the Current axes is what I am ultimately trying to get. When I relocate an axis then I grab a group I want the Protractor (Axes) of that group to snap to the current axes.

It doesn't always do that and sometime it is off by so little between two axes that it isn't quickly noticeable.

But again, I thank everyone for their input.

Mark

Wo3Dan · 11 Apr 2014, 18:45

@blastfurnace said:

.....When I relocate an axis then I grab a group I want the Protractor (Axes) of that group to snap to the current axes.
**(A)**It doesn't always do that and **(B)**sometime it is off by so little between two axes that it isn't quickly noticeable....

(A) I notice that some groups are "stubborn" and keep their own axes to align to. They simply do not wish to adopt to the new drawing axes by use of the 'Move' tool and its protractor. I don't know the cause of this. Your flang group is one of them.
(B) Don't snap to axes. Use input 0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees after rotating to arbitrary angle.