FreeCAD: Path Array - Learn how make objects repeat, follow a path, align correctly and be tangent

Looking at the Path Array tool and learning how o use the feature to create objects that follow a path or a edge of say a sweep and learning how to make the objects the array tangent to the path or edge so they follow and point in the same direction. We will be using FreeCAD 0.19 to create a simple extrude that we can attach to a path. We will then make that tangent to the path. We will understand how the place our object to be repeated so it is not detached from the path or edge. We will be using a B-Spline as they are notoriously difficult and cause the most problems for CAD users. We will learn how to use the path array from ground up so beginners can follow on easily. We will learn about how to align the objects to the path along different axis and learn how to use the tangent vector for total control over the placement of each of the objects
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[@NicBellamy]

I think the most useful thing I got from this video is realizing that I can press ctrl-R while modifying a value that doesn't automatically recompute, instead of clicking away and back again. And it keeps my keyboard focus!

[@Creamms]

I was faffing the other day trying to add hinges to an extruded svg to make it an articulated toy. I knew there had to be an easier way than what I was doing. Going to try this when I get chance!

[@mohamedrahmouni6629]

thanks a lot i am going to use this to creat a track for a WWII tank model

[@grahampartridge9335]

I have only just started with freecad, Theres so much to cad but you're video's so good

[@MangoJellySolutions]

Thank you so much for your comment, and welcome to the journey.

[@ludovanginderen6850]

thanks ,as always a good explanation

[@MangoJellySolutions]

Thank you for the feedback really nice to know people are appreciating them.

[@peacefulandhappyzong]

Thank you for the great tutorial. I'm making a hairband and I have these pointy cones that I'd like to place it on a curvy path (the hairband body) and the pointy tips should point inwards to the center. Now I can use Patharray but they're all pointing downwards. Is there a way to make it point like in PolarArray but along the path?

[@MangoJellySolutions]

Glad you like. So on the path array there are some vertical settings that you can set force vertical and vertical vector. Also align mode. If you play with those you should be able to get the effect you want.

[@peacefulandhappyzong]

@@MangoJellySolutions Thank you for the clue. I'll try that

[@brucewilliams6292]

I really appreciate your videos! Have you considered writing a book?

[@MangoJellySolutions]

Thanks for that, really enjoying creating them. I have thought about a book but have never got anything down on paper. Must revisit it one day. Thank you for your donation once again. I really appreciate it.

[@Kotaztrafee]

***CHECK THIS OUT!
I was unable to set a Tangent Vector to 0. It would crash Freecad. So I added a 1 in the Y then changed X to 0. But after doing that I guess I have the problem mentioned of Referencing External Geometry...? My Object /Extrude is at the point of origin but my Path Sketch is external to the origin. I do not get the twisting action from Vector changes. I guess because the origin is so far away.
***Hmmm would a Construction Line connected to the origin work? WHHHHATTTT?! it Works! I just put a construction line from one end of my line sketch to the origin and IT WORKED! I don't have the twisting effect but maybe because my curved line is only 12 mm long. with four 2mm dots. But, as I seen in the video, the numbers do not stay as one enters them. They were staying put where I set them on the first attempt at the Construction Line. But I deleted that test to prove it works. On this second attempt I can get the Objects to move but the numbers do not stay as I input them.
What seems good about this technique is I don't have to create a new placement for all the different twists I have as I believe is necessary using polar array. But so far I can't get my object to twist the way I hoped.

[@AaaMirzaa]

I wonder, is it even possible to make something like Lucifer's (angel) wings with freecad? The feathers look so complicated, and there are too many of them.

[@MangoJellySolutions]

That is really strange, you must of been reading my mind this morning (or vice versa)! Today I was thinking about a lamp that I saw in a shop yesterday. I was doing some research for the next series and there was a lamp with a base made up of porcelain feathers. I took some photos and right next to it was a lamp with angel wings. I was looking at them this morning figuring out how I would create these feathers in freeCAD. There is a way but if I wanted really high detail I would use something like blender to create 3 different feathers, the long tip feathers, medium and the fluffy down feathers for the shoulders of the wings. I would then take the feathers, import as STL and place these with lattice workbench (look out for Saturdays video as I will be working with and introducing the workbench and at some point covering the lamp)

[@AaaMirzaa]

@@MangoJellySolutions Well I've been trying to figure out how to do this for months, so, as for mind reading, it must have been the other way around :) And to contribute to its strangeness I want to make a lamp too! A heart shaped lamp with wings, as a wedding gift for my niece. The heart was easy, programming my microcontroller to change the color of the led strip inside the heart with each short tap on a touch sensor and shutting it down after two and a half seconds long touch was challenging but successful. Now the only things that remain are the wings, I only managed to make flat wings which don't look very attractive. Despite all the wonderful things I've learned in your channel I couldn’t wrap my mind around how to make feathers look fluffy. What you suggested sounds promising, I’m looking forward to seeing your next tutorial.

[@MangoJellySolutions]

I must of been tapping into your SOS call lol. I like the idea of the microcontroller. I was getting inspiration from the local hardware store and spent a good half hour photographing a number of lamps. The one I saw had feathers around the base and I thought how I would tackle it. Started going down the route in my head of using a loft the same as I did with my spoon tutorial then using the project on object to add detail. I am still thinking of leaning to use Blender after exporting a basic shape from freecad and then importing them back in. Also thinking about 3D printing your limited to the resolution unless your thinking about a 3D carve on a CNC machine (which I have never dabbled with.... Yet)

[@AaaMirzaa]

That explains it! haha... Projecting details is an option, I didn't think about it. I''ll give it a try. Thank you for taking the time to write me back. Really appretiate it.

[@MangoJellySolutions]

@@AaaMirzaa No problems, nice to share ideas and help each other out