AutoDesSys products: form&middotZ
 
Unfolding

Quite unique are the unfolded projections of 3D objects that form·Z is capable of deriving from any form, including shapes that contain holes. The pattern in which an object will be unfolded can be controlled by clicking on the segment where the unfolding will start. That is, for most objects, different unfolded patterns will be derived if you click on different segments to select the object. The unfolded pattern can also be regulated by breaking an object into parts before unfolding it.

Three solid objects unfolded.


Among a variety of other applications, the unfold operation offers an effective method for constructing physical cardboard models, or for manufacturing sheet metal objects. To facilitate such constructions, the unfolded patterns may optionally include connectors for reassembling the surfaces of the original object.

Left to right : A cuboid, unfolded with connectors. Refolding the cube with and without connectors.

Smooth developable surfaces can also be unfolded. Developable or ruled surfaces are those that can be generated by sweeping a single straight line. Examples follow.

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form·Z feature list

Introduction


Interface


Modeling

Primitives
Spherical objects
Metaballs
3D solids and 2D shapes
Patterned polygons
Derivative surfaces, extrusions, enclosures
Parallel objects
Frames

Projection objects
Unfolding
Terrain models
Revolved objects
Helixes
Screws and bolts
Stairs
Sweeps
Draft Sweeps
Skinning
Lofting
S-lofts
Meshed objects
Subdivisions
Moving and disturbing meshes
Deformations
Bending along curves
Morphing
Image based displacements
Rounding
Blending and filleting
Draft angles
Splines and c-curves
C-Meshes
Nurbz
Formula curves and surfaces
Patches
Boolean operations
Trimming, splitting, and stitching
2D and 3D sections
Deriving contours
Lines of intersection
Grouping and ungrouping/Joining and separating
Placing and editing text
Symbols
Editing 3D lines
Converting representations of objects
Extracting controls
Inquiring and measuring
Repairing objects and projects
Moving, rotating, resizing, and mirroring
Clones
Attaching
Replace
Inserting
Deleting

Drafting


Rendering


Special features

Extensive import/export
Panoramic views
Straight up perspectives
View matching
Walk through animation
Rapid prototyping
2D/3D digitizing

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