Unwrap

Introduction

This topic will explain the Unwrap function, and the options found in it. This topic will also describe where to find the function, provide quick steps and an example on how to use it, and provide links to related topics.

The Unwrap Function

The Unwrap function unwraps cylindrical geometry to create groups of 2D geometric entities.

To open Unwrap:

 

  • In the Utilities group, of the Create 2D ribbon, click Unwrap.

 

The parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

The Data Entry Parameters

Selected Geometry

 

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.

(Delete All) - removes all entities from the list.
The list box will list the entities currently selected for the function.

 

Diameter

 

  • Automatic - uses the selected cylindrical geometry to define the unwrap diameter.
  • User Defined - select this option to type the unwrap diameter in the available text box.


  • Chaining Selected Geometry - alters the position of the unwrapped geometry to leave geometry that can be a closed chain, as a closed chain.
    Chaining Selected Geometry - leaves the geometry as it is and unwraps regardless of where the seam lays.

Chaining Selected Geometry Chaining Selected Geometry

 

Center Axis

  • Pick Axis - requires a line to be selected as the axis around which the geometry is unwrapped.
    Pick Axis - enables the Origin and Direction parameters for you to type values to define the axis to use for the unwrap.

Tip: When the selected geometry to unwrap is parallel to an X, Y, or Z axis, using Pick Axis is not necessary. When it is askew of an axis, Pick Axis makes it simple. See the images below for a situational example of each.

 

The following parameters vary depending on the Pick Axis option that is chosen: 

 

Pick Axis

 

 

  • Along X Axis - sets the X axis as the axis to unwrap from.
  • Along Y Axis - sets the Y axis as the axis to unwrap from.
  • Along Z Axis - sets the Z axis as the axis to unwrap from.
  • Customized Axis - allows for a custom axis to be used as the axis to unwrap from.

 

Pick Axis

 

 

Selected Center Axis

 

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.
The list box will list the entity currently selected for the function.

 

Note: The direction defines the vector of the rotation. The direction values are always visible, but can only be edited when Pick Axis is not selected, and the Customized Axis option is chosen. When it is, type in the desired values in the X, Y, Z  boxes to define the direction from the Origin Point.

 

  • Origin X - sets the X value for the center of unwrap function.
  • Origin Y - sets the Y value for the center of unwrap function.
  • Origin Z - sets the Z value for the center of unwrap function.


  • Direction X - lists the x value for the vector of the unwrap axis.
  • Direction Y - lists the y value for the vector of the unwrap axis.
  • Direction Z - lists the z value for the vector of the unwrap axis.

 

  • OK - finalizes the function.
  • Cancel - exits the function.

Quick Steps - Unwrap

  1. Open the function.

    The Selected Geometry list automatically has function.

  2. Select the geometry to unwrap.

    The geometry is added to the Selected Geometry list.

    A preview is automatically displayed, showing the results with the default options.

  3. Set the Diameter to be unwrapped.

  4. Choose whether or not to use the Chaining Selected Geometry option.

  5. Define the Center Axis.

  6. Confirm the result.

    The geometry is unwrapped.

  7. Click Cancel to close the function.

Example

Part 1) Part Orientation and the Unwrap Rotation Center Axis Overview

  1. The Unwrap function can accommodate various part orientations. When the rotational center of the part is aligned directly along the X-, Y-, or Z-axis, set the Unwrap Rotation Center Axis to the appropriate axis.

 

For the following example, X Axis is selected.

 

Example Part with X-Axis Orientation

 

 

  1. You can also draw a line through the rotational center of the cylinder to manually select as the Unwrap Rotation Center Axis. You select the line after selecting the unwrap geometry.

 

Using a Line for the Unwrap Center Axis

 

 

  1. Another way to deal with custom part orientations is to use the User Defined option.

 

When selected, the Origin and Direction groups become available.

 

In the Origin group, type X-, Y-, and Z- values to define a point along the Unwrap Rotation Center Axis.

 

In the Direction group, type the X-, Y-, and Z- values to define the direction from the Origin.

 

For example, the following image shows the part with the center axis aligned to +X5 (parallel to the Y-axis).

 

Notice that the Direction values define the direction as parallel to the Y-axis.

 

User Defined for the Unwrap Center Axis


User Defined Values
Origin   Direction  

X

5.000

X

0.000

Y

0.000

Y

1.000

Z

0.000

Z

0.000

 

Notice that the Origin values define a point along the rotational center of the part in the graphics area.

 

Notice that Direction, X0Y1Z0, is a vector that defines the direction of the rotational center of the part as parallel to the Y-axis.

Part 2) Using the Automatic option for the Unwrap Diameter

For this example, the part is oriented along the X-axis as shown in Part 1.

 

  1. In the Unwrap Rotation Center Axis group, select X Axis.

  2. In the graphics area, drag a window to select the entire part.

 

Press the Spacebar to confirm the selection.

 

Geometry Selection

 

 

  1. The geometry is unwrapped using the actual diameter of each section of the part.

 

In the next image, the part is hidden to better show the unwrapped geometry.

 

Unwrapped Geometry Top View

Right View with Part Shown

 

 

  1. To exit the Unwrap function, in the Data Entry tab, click Cancel.

Part 3) Using the User Defined option for the Unwrap Diameter

This example uses the same part and orientation as in Part 2. For this example, the geometry is unwrapped using the greatest diameter of the part which is 4 units.

 

  1. In the Utilities group, of the Create 2D ribbon, click Unwrap.

  2. In the Unwrap Diameter group, select User Defined.

  3. In the User Defined box, type 4.00.

  4. In the Unwrap Rotation Center Axis group, select X Axis.

  5. In the graphics area, drag a window to select the entire part.

 

To confirm the selection, press Spacebar.

 

Geometry Selection

 

 

  1. The geometry is unwrapped using the User Defined value of 4.00 units.

 

In the next image, the part is hidden to better show the unwrapped geometry.

 

Unwrapped Geometry Top View

Right View with Part Shown

 

  1. To exit the Unwrap function, in the Data Entry tab, click Cancel.

 

This concludes the example.

Related Topics

The CAD Overview