Are there any tools available to help you copy & pattern parts? Something like a patterning tool (similar to Fusion) to create sets of parts in rectangular or circular grids? And when you have a part selected is there a way to move along it only in one dimension (X, Y, or Z)?
The simple answer: No.
However, if you’re using the same part and simply want to lay out a simple grid, you can right click in the slicer and select “Fill bed with same part”. Based on what spacing you set in the autoarrange feature, it will create a simple grid of as many parts that can fit on the build plate.
The function you’re looking for as you surmised, is only available in CAD or CAD-like software. OpenSCAD might be a suitable tool if you are looking to create a simple pattern in 3D. Otherwise, Onshape, Fusion360 and FreeCAD all have these functions where one can make a pattern in either grid or circular fashion in 2D and 3D.
If you could provide a visual example, then it would be possible to give you a more granular answer.
When a part is selected, the keyboard arrows will move the part 10mm at a time in X and Y. Shift arrow moves by 1mm. There’s no keyboard shortcut for Z movement.
Also, when cloning, you can turn off “Auto Arrange Plate After Cloning” in Preferences\General Settings so the cloned part will be exactly at the same place as the original. You can then make precise keyboard X and Y moves from there.
Ok thanks. Is 1 mm the smallest move distance? And, there’s no way to pattern a selected part? The only way to do this is to manually move each part in 1 mm steps in X & Y at a minimum?
Correct, as far as I know.
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