Arch Panel

Description
This tool allows you to build all kinds of panel-like elements, typically for panel constructions like the WikiHouse project, but also for all kinds of objects that are based on a flat profile.



The above image shows a series of panel objects, simply made from imported 2D contours from a DXF file. They can then be rotated and assembled to create structures.

Since version 0.17, the Arch Panel can also be used to create corrugated or trapezoidal profiles:



How to use

 * 1) Select a 2D shape (draft object, face or sketch) - optional
 * 2) Press the  button, or press  then  keys
 * 3) Adjust the desired properties

Options

 * Panels share the common properties and behaviours of all Arch Components
 * The thickness of a panel can be adjusted after creation
 * Press or the  button to abort the current command.
 * Double-clicking on the panel in the tree view after it is created allows you to enter edit mode and access and modify its additions and subtractions
 * It is possible to automatically make panels composed of more than one sheet of a material, by raising its Sheets property.
 * Panels can make use of Multi-Materials. When using a multi-material, the panel will become multi-layer, using the thicknesses specified by the multi-material. Any layer with a thickness of zero will have its thickness defined automatically by the remaining space defined by the Panel's own Thickness value, after subtracting the other layers.

Properties

 * : The length of the panel
 * : The width of the panel
 * : The thickness of the panel
 * : The area of the panel (automatic)
 * : The number of sheets of material the panel is made of
 * : The length of the wave for corrugated panels
 * : The height of the wave for corrugated panels
 * : The type of the wave for corrugated panels, curved or trapezoidal
 * : The orientation of the waves for corrugated panels

Scripting
The Panel tool can by used in macros and from the python console by using the following function:

Example:

Tutorials

 * Wikihouse porting tutorial

Limitations

 * There is currently no automatic system to produce 2D cutting sheets from panel objects, but such feature is in the plans and will be added in the future.
 * This tool is not available in FreeCAD versions prior to 0.15