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I want to create array on curve with geometry nodes, but I am unable to merge the instances so I get a continuous mesh, like a rail.
I tried to use the weld modifier but it does not work with geometry nodes and it won't weld loose parts.
Is it possible to merge vertices of the instances on a curve in geometry nodes, like the array modifier merge by distance function?
In order to have the vertices at the ends of your array-elements coincide closely enough to be welded, the array will have to be deformed to the curve.
This GN Group will create an array of your elements along the element X-axis:
This GN Group will deform geometry to a given curve, with its X-axis along it; a limited version of the Curve modifier:
It works by collapsing the mesh in Y and Z onto a curve, with its X stretched along it by the original length of the mesh, starting from length Offset along the curve. It then 're-inflates' the mesh, mapping the original Y and Z coordinates of the vertices on to the curve's Normal and (Normal x Tangent) vectors, at the relevant X.
These groups can be combined into an 'Array along Curve' group:
The result is similar to the use of Array and Curve modifiers, but giving you more access under the bonnet, should you need it.
(Blender 3.0)
Edit:
Since this answer was written, you may want to check out @Kuboå 's method, here, which I think is snappier than this one, and more easily adapted to multiple curves.
Radius. 2. You can't transfer attributes from a curve-target. So the only way I could think of, so far, is to resample the curve as points, and transfer from the new points. But I really want to sample the radius exactly at the collapsed mesh-points, so no sampling error. Just up the street of your ingenuity, surely? ; ) ...
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