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, trapezoidal or spiked
 * : The orientation of the waves for corrugated panels
 * : If the bottom wave of the panel is flat or not

Scripting
Arch API and FreeCAD Scripting Basics.

The Panel tool can be 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