MPanel
all about tension structures
Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ’s
Is MPanel an Autodesk product?
No. MPanel is a product of Meliar Design, a UK company. It is distributed by CAD Effects LLC in America and Structureflex Pacific in Australia, as well as Meliar Design in the UK.
Is MPanel an Autodesk product?
No. MPanel is a product of Meliar Design, a UK company. It is distributed by CAD Effects LLC in America and Structureflex Pacific in Australia, as well as Meliar Design in the UK.
MPanel works as an add-on toolbar inside AutoCAD and Rhinoceros® .
What versions of AutoCAD will MPanel work with?
The earliest version of AutoCAD that MPanel works with is AutoCAD 2000. MPanel works
with all later full versions including Architectural Desktop and Mechanical Desktop. MPanel does not work with AutoCAD LT.
What version of Rhino does MPanel work with?
MPanel-R presently works with Rhino 4 and Rhino 5 and will be tested against Rhino 6
in the near future. With Rhino 4 it needs at least Service Release 7
Do you offer a demo version of MPanel?
We have fully functional 30 day evaluation versions of MPanel. Just fill out our form on the 'Request MPanel Demo' page on this site. Once we have all of your contact information, we will email you a link to download your evaluation copy of MPanel.
Can I use your MPanel evaluation version on more than one computer?
Yes, but you will need to let us know the number of computers that you want to use your evaluation copy on, as we will need to set the user number when we authorize your license.
I don't use a cutting table. Can I still use MPanel for my design work and output my patterns in another format?
Yes. MPanel can output your results in several different ways:
1. The xy coordinates can be sent to a text file or spreadsheet and these figures can be used on a grid system for manual cutting.
2. You can plot the full size panel on paper, and then trace around the template.
3. Results can be sent to a cutting machine.
4. You can produce 'skeleton' drawings of the panel that let you draw simple panels using a tape measure and a curved bar.
Do you have an educational version that our University can purchase?
We do not charge Universities for the use of MPanel in their Architectural courses. We allow you to use MPanel free of charge, but we do have a licensing agreement that you will need to sign. To find out more, just contact us through email or give us a call. We will be happy to help!
Can I purchase MPanel from this website?
No. We prefer you to use MPanel for 30 days before purchasing! We will work closely with you to insure that MPanel is really the product for you. You will find our Support Team 'second to none' when it comes to timely answers to your questions. We will even help you with your first real MPanel project...and then once you realize that MPanel is the product you have been looking for, you can purchase from the distributor in your area. We accept payment by credit card, bank transfer, or company check, whichever you prefer. Your software is delivered electronically.
What versions of AutoCAD will MPanel work with?
The earliest version of AutoCAD that MPanel works with is AutoCAD 2000. MPanel works
with all later full versions including Architectural Desktop and Mechanical Desktop. MPanel does not work with AutoCAD LT.
What version of Rhino does MPanel work with?
MPanel-R presently works with Rhino 4 and Rhino 5 and will be tested against Rhino 6
in the near future. With Rhino 4 it needs at least Service Release 7
Do you offer a demo version of MPanel?
We have fully functional 30 day evaluation versions of MPanel. Just fill out our form on the 'Request MPanel Demo' page on this site. Once we have all of your contact information, we will email you a link to download your evaluation copy of MPanel.
Can I use your MPanel evaluation version on more than one computer?
Yes, but you will need to let us know the number of computers that you want to use your evaluation copy on, as we will need to set the user number when we authorize your license.
I don't use a cutting table. Can I still use MPanel for my design work and output my patterns in another format?
Yes. MPanel can output your results in several different ways:
1. The xy coordinates can be sent to a text file or spreadsheet and these figures can be used on a grid system for manual cutting.
2. You can plot the full size panel on paper, and then trace around the template.
3. Results can be sent to a cutting machine.
4. You can produce 'skeleton' drawings of the panel that let you draw simple panels using a tape measure and a curved bar.
Do you have an educational version that our University can purchase?
We do not charge Universities for the use of MPanel in their Architectural courses. We allow you to use MPanel free of charge, but we do have a licensing agreement that you will need to sign. To find out more, just contact us through email or give us a call. We will be happy to help!
Can I purchase MPanel from this website?
No. We prefer you to use MPanel for 30 days before purchasing! We will work closely with you to insure that MPanel is really the product for you. You will find our Support Team 'second to none' when it comes to timely answers to your questions. We will even help you with your first real MPanel project...and then once you realize that MPanel is the product you have been looking for, you can purchase from the distributor in your area. We accept payment by credit card, bank transfer, or company check, whichever you prefer. Your software is delivered electronically.
MPanel Toolbar
I am a new MPanel user….will you please explain the toolbar?
The MPanel toolbar is organized into the 5 sections shown below. You generally use the tools in order from left to right.
Mesh Tools include the Model Builder, and tools for form finding of Fixed Edge Meshes, Cable Edge Meshes, and Joined Edge Meshes.
Our Model Builder will automatically create a prototype of some of the most commonly used shapes, according to your input of dimensions and mesh sizes. You can then use our relaxation tools to form find the model, and you can fine tune the shape easily with our options for cable tension, warp/weft tension ratio, and adding links.
Panel Tools include Panel between Polylines, Panel a Complete Mesh, and Merging Panels.
With our MPanel patterning tools, you can easily create the panel set with one click on the tool...or you can use our advanced options which allow you to specify the exact number of panels you want. You can panel along the panel or across the panel, or even use our cross section tool, which allows you to place the cut lines anywhere you need them. You can merge panels together to make one panel, and our warning system lets you know when you have exceeded the capabilities of your fabric.
Panel Manipulation Tools include adding detail to panels, compensating panels, adding seam allowances, stamping and orienting panels, and final changes to panels for cutting.
These tools put the finishing touches on your patterns. You can draw in details such as corner plates or graphics markers. This is where you input amount for compensation, or shrink, to introduce pre-stress in the finished model.
We have 8 different seam styles to choose from, along with options to add balance marks and slits. Seam styles can be saved to files, so you only need to define seams for each project once.
Utility Tools include tools for converting CAD entities into polylines, converting meshes to polylines or polylines to meshes, cross sectioning tools, and changing mesh density tools.
These tools are useful when using models drawn previously, and for advanced model manipulation.
Information Tools include the Info button which supplies information about Meshes, 3D polylines and Panels that is not easily obtained from your CAD program; the text window button which toggles the text window on and off; the Delete Old Object button and a Help button to bring up the MPanel Help File.
How can I find out which tool to use?
When the Mpanel toolbar has the focus, if you will hold the cursor over a tool, the tool
name will be shown below the toolbar.
Formfinding
How do I know if I need a fixed, cabled, or joined edge mesh. In other words, which relaxation tool do I use?
Fixed Edge Mesh - use this when the mesh edges are all fixed.
Cable Edge Mesh - use this when the edges of the meshes will be cables, supported at fixed points, usually the corners.
Joined Edge Mesh - use this when the mesh edges that are joined together are to be treated as a continuous surface.
I am modeling a cone tent structure. Your Model Builder built it with no fixed edges. Is there an easy way to make the edges fixed?
If you tick the box 'With fixed edges' on the Model Builder will insert fixed edges on your model when building it. If you only want some of the edges fixed, you would first use the Model Builder with this box unticked. Then select the 'Fix Mesh Edges' tool, select the mesh you want to fix and the edge, then run the tool.
I need some edges fixed, and some as cables. How do I do that?
Either build the model with fix edges, and then delete the polyline that is fixing some of the edges.
How do I know if I need a fixed, cabled, or joined edge mesh. In other words, which relaxation tool do I use?
Fixed Edge Mesh - use this when the mesh edges are all fixed.
Cable Edge Mesh - use this when the edges of the meshes will be cables, supported at fixed points, usually the corners.
Joined Edge Mesh - use this when the mesh edges that are joined together are to be treated as a continuous surface.
I am modeling a cone tent structure. Your Model Builder built it with no fixed edges. Is there an easy way to make the edges fixed?
If you tick the box 'With fixed edges' on the Model Builder will insert fixed edges on your model when building it. If you only want some of the edges fixed, you would first use the Model Builder with this box unticked. Then select the 'Fix Mesh Edges' tool, select the mesh you want to fix and the edge, then run the tool.
I need some edges fixed, and some as cables. How do I do that?
Either build the model with fix edges, and then delete the polyline that is fixing some of the edges.
Or build the model without fixed edges, and then use the Model Builder 'Fixed Edges' tool to draw a polyline to fix just some of the edges.
What if my cone tent is fixed on one edge and has cables on the others, what relaxation tool do I use?
The model should still be relaxed as a Joined Edge Mesh.
Can I change the shape of a cone tent after I have drawn it using the MPanel Model Builder?
Yes… this is quite normal. The Model Builder is used to make a prototype, and that is then modified to meet your site requirements. You can scale, rotate, stretch, or move individual nodes in the drawing. You then need to re-relax the model to achieve the correct shape.
I am modeling a double conical and I want to raise the saddle height while leaving the sides unchanged. How do I do this?
To do this we use an advanced feature in MPanel called 'Extended Data'.
What if my cone tent is fixed on one edge and has cables on the others, what relaxation tool do I use?
The model should still be relaxed as a Joined Edge Mesh.
Can I change the shape of a cone tent after I have drawn it using the MPanel Model Builder?
Yes… this is quite normal. The Model Builder is used to make a prototype, and that is then modified to meet your site requirements. You can scale, rotate, stretch, or move individual nodes in the drawing. You then need to re-relax the model to achieve the correct shape.
I am modeling a double conical and I want to raise the saddle height while leaving the sides unchanged. How do I do this?
To do this we use an advanced feature in MPanel called 'Extended Data'.
Highlight the meshes that make up the saddle and then go to the Options screen. Under the Extended Data tab click on ‘Get’ to bring up the data for those meshes. Decrease the warp/weft ratio on the meshes that make up the saddle and ‘Set’. Then re-relax the whole structure using the ‘Relax joined edge mesh’ tool.
How do I know what Msurf and Nsurf to use for modeling?
You want to end up with a mesh with somewhat square cells that is not too coarse (you can of course, double the mesh with our ‘ Change Mesh Density’ tool). The mesh should be fine enough to capture the edge detail, and to provide enough definition for paneling.
How do the Msurf and Nsurf affect the paneling?
If the panels are going to be created directly from the mesh you will get the most choice of panels from choosing Msurf values of 9, 13, 25, and 37. These meshes will naturally make 8, 12, 24 and 36 panels, which the progam can then merge in pairs to make fewer panels.
How can I use MPanel on drawings that are built with entities that MPanel doesn’t use?
MPanel only needs the system fixed points. MPanel represents the fixed points as nodes on 3D polylines. So you can trace over your drawing with 3D polylines, and that will define the fixed points for MPanel.
How do I know what Msurf and Nsurf to use for modeling?
You want to end up with a mesh with somewhat square cells that is not too coarse (you can of course, double the mesh with our ‘ Change Mesh Density’ tool). The mesh should be fine enough to capture the edge detail, and to provide enough definition for paneling.
How do the Msurf and Nsurf affect the paneling?
If the panels are going to be created directly from the mesh you will get the most choice of panels from choosing Msurf values of 9, 13, 25, and 37. These meshes will naturally make 8, 12, 24 and 36 panels, which the progam can then merge in pairs to make fewer panels.
How can I use MPanel on drawings that are built with entities that MPanel doesn’t use?
MPanel only needs the system fixed points. MPanel represents the fixed points as nodes on 3D polylines. So you can trace over your drawing with 3D polylines, and that will define the fixed points for MPanel.
In models with fixed edges, use the supplied entities directly to generate the mesh with the Model Builder 'Edge mesh' tool. , and then use the “Fixed Edge Mesh” relaxation option.
Also you can use the MPanel 'Polyline Conversion' tool to convert all simple AutoCAD entities into 3D polylines that MPanel can use as fixed points.
Yes.... if your drawing is in millimeters.
If you did a drawing in centimeters, then the MPanel units would be centimeters.
In other words the value 1 in MPanel means the same as a line of length 1 in your drawing.
You can set the default units in the MPanel Options Screen under General settings.
But also several of the MPanel values are ratios (weft/warp tension ratio, cable tension ratios, etc) and these have no units as they are ratios.
I am modeling a cone tent with one corner attached to a guy. Can you show me how MPanel deals with this situation?
I am modeling a cone tent with one corner attached to a guy. Can you show me how MPanel deals with this situation?
MPanel uses lines to add a guy, or a short connector, between the mesh corner and the fixed point. You can do this easily by drawing in a line of the correct length, and making sure that the Link Relax setting is 'Guy Links'.
I am using guys on the corner of an asymmetric structure? Why isn't the guy bisecting the corner angle.
MPanel assigns more tension to the longer cables so that the guy line should not bisect the corner angle, it should favor the longer cable.
When I relax my model it collapses...why?
Somewhere in your model, the mesh is not connected to the fixed points. To easily find where the mistake is, set your number of iterations to 1. Now relax your model and you will see where the mesh begins to pull away from the boundary. When drawing your model it helps to have the AutoCAD OSNAP set to on, so that you can easily snap to the nodes, or end points.
I have built a cone tent with the MPanel Model Builder, but when I relax it the top half of the tent 'necks'. Why?
Usually with conics and pole tents it is best to specify "Variable warp stress" in the options. This puts more stress around the top ring, which will pull the model into shape. You might also have the warp/weft tension ratio set too high. On a cone tent you need more tension up and down than you do around. Try a warp/weft stress ratio below 1 to reduce the "around the pole" stress.
I would like to get a little more droop, sweep, or sag in the fabric between the center pole and the edges on my cone tent model. I have tried adjusting all the cable tensions and warp/weft ratios and have not been able to move it. Do you have any suggestions?
You are almost certainly relaxing with “Relax fixed edge meshes” . On these the edges of all meshes are fixed, so even when you change the weft/warp ratio, and the cable tension, the model doesn’t change much. You need to use “Relax cable edge meshes” if there are cables in the hips, etc where the meshes join, or “Relax joined edge meshes” if the mesh edges are to be smoothly joined.
When trying to join meshes on my drawings, I keep getting a poor connectivity error. What causes this?
The poor connectivity error is caused by trying to join meshes that have a different number of nodes on the edges that are to be joined. But why do you want to join meshes together? MPanel will correctly relax models that contain many meshes, and the cross section tool will produce panels that span over several meshes, so you probably dont need to join the meshes together.
Somewhere in your model, the mesh is not connected to the fixed points. To easily find where the mistake is, set your number of iterations to 1. Now relax your model and you will see where the mesh begins to pull away from the boundary. When drawing your model it helps to have the AutoCAD OSNAP set to on, so that you can easily snap to the nodes, or end points.
I have built a cone tent with the MPanel Model Builder, but when I relax it the top half of the tent 'necks'. Why?
Usually with conics and pole tents it is best to specify "Variable warp stress" in the options. This puts more stress around the top ring, which will pull the model into shape. You might also have the warp/weft tension ratio set too high. On a cone tent you need more tension up and down than you do around. Try a warp/weft stress ratio below 1 to reduce the "around the pole" stress.
I would like to get a little more droop, sweep, or sag in the fabric between the center pole and the edges on my cone tent model. I have tried adjusting all the cable tensions and warp/weft ratios and have not been able to move it. Do you have any suggestions?
You are almost certainly relaxing with “Relax fixed edge meshes” . On these the edges of all meshes are fixed, so even when you change the weft/warp ratio, and the cable tension, the model doesn’t change much. You need to use “Relax cable edge meshes” if there are cables in the hips, etc where the meshes join, or “Relax joined edge meshes” if the mesh edges are to be smoothly joined.
When trying to join meshes on my drawings, I keep getting a poor connectivity error. What causes this?
The poor connectivity error is caused by trying to join meshes that have a different number of nodes on the edges that are to be joined. But why do you want to join meshes together? MPanel will correctly relax models that contain many meshes, and the cross section tool will produce panels that span over several meshes, so you probably dont need to join the meshes together.
Paneling
When I do my paneling, I get a shear strain report. What does this mean and what can I do to fix it?
The shear strain report tells us how much the fabric has to shear to fit the shape. The strain is reported in the MPanel text window, and if it exceeds a limit value, set in the options, a warning message is issued.
When I do my paneling, I get a shear strain report. What does this mean and what can I do to fix it?
The shear strain report tells us how much the fabric has to shear to fit the shape. The strain is reported in the MPanel text window, and if it exceeds a limit value, set in the options, a warning message is issued.
The amount of shear strain that your fabric can accept without wrinkling depends on the softness or drape of the fabric… technically the shear stiffness. On many architectural fabrics it is wise to keep the shear strain below 1%. On some loose weave materials similar to Lycra, shear strains of 25% have been used with success.
To reduce the shear strain on the fabric you add seams. Each seam introduces 3D shape into the model without distorting the fabric. Often you will need more seams than your production department would like to see, just to keep the shear strain at an acceptable value.
When I panel between polylines I sometimes get funny shapes, like butterfly wings… what am I doing wrong?
One or some of the polylines are going in a different direction to the others. Check this with the MPanel Info tool, they should all have a similar mean direction reported. When you find the offending polylines, reverse them using the MPanel poly conversion tool.
Can I use triangular panels?
Support for triangular meshes and triangular panelling was introduced in MPanel ver 12.5 so you can use triangular meshes in cable edges structures, panel from them, and the panels will correctly compensate, seam and stamp. But there are still some areas in MPanel that have problems with triangular meshes: panels can be missing a top or bottom edge, but must be able to get good left and right edges from the mesh. Sometimes the mesh orientation needs to be swapped. Use the MPanel tool 'Swap warp/weft', to achieve this.
When I merge panels, I sometimes get funny shapes….what am I doing wrong?
You may be trying to merge so many panels that the shear strain is going too high. Or you may be merging in poor order… The preferred method of merging is to start at one side, merge the first 2 panels, then panel 3 & 4, then panel 5&6, etc. until you have half as many panels as you started with. Then start at the edge again and merge new panels 1&2, 3&4, etc. Follow this procedure until you have the number of panels you need.
How and why do I use the function for adding extra lines when using the cross section tool?
Extra cross sections can help with getting a smoother curve at the panel ends, and forcing the panel to fit the shape of the mesh between the main cross section. Generally you use enough extra cross sections to obtain a satisfactory panel edge detail. .
Where can I input the roll width so I have less waste in materials?
This question is often asked. MPanel can do do this, but in most cases you don't want to. Suppose that you have a shade sail of 6100mm width. With a specified 2000mm roll width you could make 3 panels of 2000mm, and one panel of 100mm. This will look silly. So it would be better to specify 4 panels evenly spaced across the shade sail.
When I panel between polylines I sometimes get funny shapes, like butterfly wings… what am I doing wrong?
One or some of the polylines are going in a different direction to the others. Check this with the MPanel Info tool, they should all have a similar mean direction reported. When you find the offending polylines, reverse them using the MPanel poly conversion tool.
Can I use triangular panels?
Support for triangular meshes and triangular panelling was introduced in MPanel ver 12.5 so you can use triangular meshes in cable edges structures, panel from them, and the panels will correctly compensate, seam and stamp. But there are still some areas in MPanel that have problems with triangular meshes: panels can be missing a top or bottom edge, but must be able to get good left and right edges from the mesh. Sometimes the mesh orientation needs to be swapped. Use the MPanel tool 'Swap warp/weft', to achieve this.
When I merge panels, I sometimes get funny shapes….what am I doing wrong?
You may be trying to merge so many panels that the shear strain is going too high. Or you may be merging in poor order… The preferred method of merging is to start at one side, merge the first 2 panels, then panel 3 & 4, then panel 5&6, etc. until you have half as many panels as you started with. Then start at the edge again and merge new panels 1&2, 3&4, etc. Follow this procedure until you have the number of panels you need.
How and why do I use the function for adding extra lines when using the cross section tool?
Extra cross sections can help with getting a smoother curve at the panel ends, and forcing the panel to fit the shape of the mesh between the main cross section. Generally you use enough extra cross sections to obtain a satisfactory panel edge detail. .
Where can I input the roll width so I have less waste in materials?
This question is often asked. MPanel can do do this, but in most cases you don't want to. Suppose that you have a shade sail of 6100mm width. With a specified 2000mm roll width you could make 3 panels of 2000mm, and one panel of 100mm. This will look silly. So it would be better to specify 4 panels evenly spaced across the shade sail.
MPanel has several tools to help with this:
Panel a complete mesh will produce a specified number of panels from the mesh representing one side. So on a 13 by 13 mesh, you can produce 12,6,4,3,2 or 1 panels, evenly spaced. The Info button will measure the panel width on each panel, so you can check that they are less than the roll width. The Merge button will take adjacent panels and merge them together, making a wider panel. Using the cross section tool, you can produce seams at any specified point, and control the panel width from them.
But if you really need to work to a roll width... in the cross section options, there is a specification for 'Fixed Spacing', that will produce cross sections spaced apart to make fixed width panels. There is a tutorial drawing on the web site illustrating this.
Can I use any entities other than lines for cross sections?
Yes, you can use 3D polylines as well. This allows complete control over the position and shape of the seam, and is used for creating coloured cut outs, etc.
Can I use any entities other than lines for cross sections?
Yes, you can use 3D polylines as well. This allows complete control over the position and shape of the seam, and is used for creating coloured cut outs, etc.
Production
Can I make panels with one straight edge?
Yes. This is required on some materials, that have a “join edge” on one side that is specially coated, or has the coating removed, to enable gluing or welding. To make straight edges panels use the cross section tool, with the option set to “create a straight edge. Of course the “other” edge that joins to it from the next panel will now be more curved.
How do I decide on the compensation in the panel depending on the type of fabric?
We have an example of how to determine the amount of compensation to apply, but it will require a fabric stretch graph, from your fabric manufacturer, and a knowledge of how much pre-stress you will be applying to the fabric.
How do I decide the end detail for the fabric where it is attached to anchor points and tensioning devices?
MPanel has parmetric design tools in the model builder for clamp plates and clamp disks. These are carried through from the model to the panelling process. Also the "Add 3D detail" can add a custom plate to a model, to a panel to show where corner plates etc are to be positioned. But in general there will be some additional detail design work required on the corner plates after MPanel has created them.
How do I get the panels from the CAD drawing to my cutter?
Export the panels as DXF's, and these will be read into the cutter software. Layer assignments will determine which parts of the panels are cut, drawn, etc.
The tutorials that I have studied on your website are quite clear but I’m not sure about the input of the values. Is it in millimeters?
