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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

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  • 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
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  • Swati
    Swati
Swati
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  • April 23, 2025

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

Best Regards,
Swati

David.Nguyen
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