Preparing the Flattening Process

You can prepare the flattening process by choosing how to flatten the branches in the geometry. The Flatten Status command enables you to check and modify the flatten status of a branch based on its flatten status attribute.

This command is useful especially for internal branches of complex connectors because it does not make sense to have them flattened. The selected devices must belong to the same electrical geometry.

A complex device assembly is a set of devices linked to the end of a branch route through the segment connection point or the cavity. This set can have several layers or levels starting from the branch end till the equipment connector.

Before you begin: Extract an electrical geometry.
See Also
Flattening Entirely
Flattening Partially
  1. From the Formboard section of the action bar, click Flatten Status .
    In the 3D area protections are hidden and colors of the branches are modified to indicate the flatten status of each branch:



    The following colors can appear:

    ColorCorresponding Flatten Status
    Can be flattened

    This status means that during the flattening process, the branch is straightened and flattened.

    Note: By default, this color is displayed on every branch whose flatten status is not set.
    Cannot be flattened

    This status means that during the flattening process, the branch keeps its 3D shape, and therefore is not flattened.

    Rigid flattened

    This status means that during the flattening process, the branch is flattened but not straightened to keep some bend portions.

    Note: For more information about the flattening of rigid branches, see Rigid Branches in About the Flattening Results.

    Already flattened

    This status means that the branch is flattened and its flatten status cannot be edited.

    Note: : Indicates objects like devices and supports.

  2. Modify the flatten status of the branch:
    • Click once to change its can be flattened status to cannot be flattened status.

    • Click twice to change its cannot be flattened status to rigid flattened status.

    Note: Any flatten status (except already flattened) is editable by successive clicks.

  3. Double-click in the 3D area to validate.
    The model regains its initial color and protections are shown again.

You are now able to flatten the geometry.