Menu path
Cover > Estimate > Tapered panels > Insert
What it does
The Tapered Metal Panels function creates cutting lists for tapered standing seam panels automatically. These panels are bound by an outline (defined by connected lines and arcs that form the panel boundary) comprising at least one arc and may be pitched up or down.
Note: This feature is only available from the pulldown menu.
🧾 Tapered Panel Parameters
When you select Estimate > Tapered panels > Generate, the following dialog appears:
Field | Description |
Arc Length | Displays the actual length of the defining arc. The arc may be the high point or the low point of the geometry, but is usually the edge that defines the widest edge of each panel. |
Panel Width Max | The width of the widest part of the panel. |
Storey | Sets the pay scale (labour rates for installation) to use for the installation costing. |
Num. Panels | Displays the number of panels that will fit along that arc. This would typically be modified to a whole number of panels. |
Pitch | The pitch or slope up or down from the defining arc. |
Pitch Direction | Either up or down from the defining arc. |
Eave height | The eave or gutter height of the defining arc. |
🔧 Defining the Geometry
Before generating tapered panels, you need to define the geometry for panel placement. The geometry can be created as a 2D outline or profile, while the panels will be drawn accurately in 3D up the slope as defined by the pitch.
This approach is used because geometry is often provided from architectural CAD models in 2D format and may be imported directly into the workspace.
You can draw the outline using AppliCad tools such as CAD > Arc > Insert and CAD > Line > Insert functions.
🛠 Creating the Panels
Create the geometry outline using arcs and lines
Select Estimate > Tapered-Panels > Generate
Choose the Roof Material to use (typically a standing seam profile previously defined under Set-Up > Metal Panels)
Locate the arc defining the tapered panel layout near the lay start end (the end where panel installation begins). The panels are generated from that end
The dialog box for roof parameters is displayed - modify settings as required
Once parameters are set, you'll be asked to identify the entities that constrain the panels. These are the remaining lines and arcs that define the panel extents and should be selected in order:
The panels are then drawn according to the constraining shape and specified parameters:
Once panels are defined, quantify them using Estimate > Tapered-Panels > Tally:
🔧 Trim Panels
If a tapered panel needs trimming around a roof feature, use Estimate > Tapered-Panels > Trim.
Typically, you would trim the centre panels, leaving the outside panels at maximum lengths for field trimming:
To trim panels:
Select the Estimate > Tapered-Panels > Trim command
Select the panel to trim
Select the location to trim the panel to (snap using centre mouse button or left mouse button)
Re-tally to get new cut lengths before reporting
The Multi-Trim function allows you to trim multiple panel lines simultaneously.
🔧 Place Dimensions
The Place-TP-Dimensions feature adds documentation to the roof drawing about each panel, providing construction information along with the roof plan. This is useful when panels are being constructed on-site.
To place dimensions:
Select the defining circle/arc that determines the tapered panel path (the first circle/arc selected when defining panels)
A dialog box appears showing three display options: Maximum Panel Length, Panel Maximum Width, and Panel Minimum Width
Click Display to define what information to show
Click Place-Text to place the text on the drawing in an appropriate location
🛠 Complex Shapes
Very elaborate shapes can be created and panels calculated. Almost any combination of shapes where the defining edge is an arc can be accommodated:
🔧 Delete Tapered Panels
This function deletes a set of tapered panels by selecting the defining arc/circle.
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