Calculating panel angles

Some boxes involve the folding of two-panel angles (dihedral angles). In them, adjacent panels are folded at angles other than 90 degrees. To ensure the correct folding of panels in packaging items, in 3D drawings the calculation is needed of the angles of folding between the panels. This is done by using the angle3d function.

About the angle3d function

The angle3d function lets you set the angle of folding between two panels of an angle. In the function, you enter the values of the angles — alpha, beta and gamma — between three merging edges. The function has the following syntax:

angle3d(gamma; beta; alpha)

A folded three-panel corner and the three panels, and respective angles, that define it

In the function, gamma, alpha and beta are the angles which each of panels that form the three-panel corner has at the corner. The arguments are divided by semicolons; decimal points are used for angle fractions. In the syntax, the positions of the angles belonging to the two panels of the calculated dihedral angle can be switched without affecting the calculation result.

IMPORTANT

• When you use the function to set the folding of a particular panel, it is essential that the angle of the panel to be folded and that of the panel receiving the folding are entered first in the argument string; the angle value of the third panel is entered last. On their side, the positions of the first two angle values can be switched without consequence to the function's result.
• For correct folding, ensure that while entering the function you use the decimal point and list separator formats set in your system's regional settings.

Setting folding angles in a three-plane corner; the angle3d function

1. In a 3D drawing, in the step in which you want to set a folding, in the Parameter Data column (in the middle vertical section of the tabular area), enter the formula with the corresponding angle values. (See the pictured example.)

The 1up with a map of its panels and angles

In the 3D drawing's tabular area, the expressions — featuring the angle3d function — that control

the folding of each panel. Notice the order of entering the angle values for each panel.

NOTE: In the example, the angle calculated with the angle3d function is subtracted from 180 degrees, because before the folding the two panels were parts of the same plane.

2. (Optional) To view the result, run the folding sequence.