Skip to main content
Solved

Do rays interact with the parent object when using Array Objects in Non-Sequential Mode?

Swati

Hi All,

I'm working in Non-Sequential Mode and using a Cylinder Volume  as a parent object to create an array using Array Ring.

I want to clarify:

  • When I create an array using the parent object, do rays still interact with the original parent object as well as the array instances?

  • If I only want rays to interact with the array elements (and not the original parent), what is the correct way to set this up? Should I disable drawing or use the "Ignore Rays" setting on the parent object?

Any guidance or official documentation links would be really helpful. Thanks in advance!

Best answer by David.Nguyen

​@Swati 

 

Unless an object is specifically ignored, such as with the Ignore Rays flag as you mentioned, it will also be considered as part of the Non-Sequential Component Editor (NCE). Since the Array Ring needs to be placed after the parent object in the editor, in the overlapping regions, the nesting rule will apply, and the properties of the array should prevail. Excerpt from the Help File (The Setup Tab » Editors Group (Setup Tab) » Non-sequential Component Editor » Non-sequential Overview » Object Placement):

If a ray strikes more than one object at the exact same point in space; the last object listed in the NSC Editor determines the properties of the surface or volume at that point.

In addition to Ignore Rays you can also opt to Do Not Draw Object such that said object doesn’t appear in the Layout anymore.

There’s a handy feature in the NCE that will do both Ignore Rays and Do Not Draw Object if you right-click on an object or a selection of objects:

I hope this helps and take care,

 

David

View original
Did this topic help you find an answer to your question?

2 replies

David.Nguyen
Luminary
Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • David.Nguyen
  • Luminary
  • 1113 replies
  • Answer
  • April 23, 2025

​@Swati 

 

Unless an object is specifically ignored, such as with the Ignore Rays flag as you mentioned, it will also be considered as part of the Non-Sequential Component Editor (NCE). Since the Array Ring needs to be placed after the parent object in the editor, in the overlapping regions, the nesting rule will apply, and the properties of the array should prevail. Excerpt from the Help File (The Setup Tab » Editors Group (Setup Tab) » Non-sequential Component Editor » Non-sequential Overview » Object Placement):

If a ray strikes more than one object at the exact same point in space; the last object listed in the NSC Editor determines the properties of the surface or volume at that point.

In addition to Ignore Rays you can also opt to Do Not Draw Object such that said object doesn’t appear in the Layout anymore.

There’s a handy feature in the NCE that will do both Ignore Rays and Do Not Draw Object if you right-click on an object or a selection of objects:

I hope this helps and take care,

 

David

Swati
1 person likes this
  • Swati
    Swati
Swati
  • Swati
  • Author
  • Monochrome
  • 4 replies
  • April 23, 2025

​@David.Nguyen Thanks a lot for your insights and quick response. That’s very helpful.

Best Regards,
Swati

David.Nguyen
1 person likes this
  • David.Nguyen
    David.Nguyen

Reply


Community Posting GuidelinesCookie settings

Cookie policy

We use cookies to enhance and personalize your experience. If you accept you agree to our full cookie policy. Learn more about our cookies.

 
Cookie settings


Zemax Community

Need more help?

To Chinese users:

Do not provide any information or data that is restricted by applicable law, including by the People’s Republic of China’s Cybersecurity and Data Security Laws ( e.g., Important Data, National Core Data, etc.).


不要提供任何受适用法律，包括中华人民共和国的网络安全和数据安全法限制的信息或数据（如重要数据、国家核心数据等）。



Privacy policy   License Agreements    Terms of use    Cookie Policy   Zemax Account Licensing Policies