Use the action menu to process the design and calculate the intersections and unfolded pattern results.
Action Commands Description
Weld All
Calculates and displays the intersections results of all parts in the design. Prior to welding the parts are
displayed in their 'outline' form, showing none of the intersection results. The kind of intersection
calculated depends on the kind of links between parts. Where the parts have their end nodes linked
together a bend relationship is created and the intersection should completely terminate the ends of both
parts. For this to happen correctly the parts must be matched to compatible sizes. The match commands
are used to establish these matching sizes. If a mid node is linked to another parts's end node a tee is
formed. In this case the tee-on part can be of matching size or smaller. If a mid node is linked to another
miod node of the linked part a junction is formed. Itn these cases the match is not so important.
If several parts are linked at the same node the intersection is calculated for all parts. Sheet Lightning is
able to sort out the complexities of the case and weld and unfold the results.
The weld results are affected to some extent by the weld options .
The view of the weld results is affected
by the line options .
Weld Selected
The selected objects intersections are calculated and displayed, as opposed to the whole design. All the
conditions of the 'Weld All' command apply.
Unfold All
All parts in the design are unfolded into a 2D default layout view. The parts are show in a default,
vertically arranged format. This is a special view which differs from the CAD view and the view install its
own menu in the main woindow with commands specific to handling the 2D layout.
The alpha version provides no tools for creating a curstom layout. The beta updates will reintroduce it,but
the current method of customizing the layout is to export it to a general CAD system using the Export
menu commands .
Unfold results calculation is affected to some degree by the weld options .
Unfold Selected
The selected objects unfolded patterns are calculated and displayed a default layout, as opposed to the
whole design patterns. All the conditions of the 'Unfold All' command apply.
Outline All
Returns all the 3D design parts from the welded intersections back to their outline form, showing no
intersection between the parts. When commands and operations are executed on parts to change them in
dsome way the parts automically gravitate back to their outline form, thus requiring the weld commands
to recalculate and redisplay the intersections.
Outline Selected
Returns only the selected parts back to their outline form (see Outline All command).