When creating strategies in the Strategy dialog box, select a
Propagation Mode to define how to generate the start course and all subsequent courses.
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Constant Angle: All courses are generated at the angle of the rosette defined in the ply; this is typically 0, 45, 90, or -45 degrees. Constant Angle propagation follows that angle as closely as possible while it generates courses.
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Constant Angle Offset: Generates the same course as Constant Angle for the first course, but all subsequent courses have a parallel offset. In other words, the edge of the course matches up with all other subsequent course edges. There are no gaps or overlaps between courses. The disadvantage to this is that the angle is not respected.
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Guide Curve Offset: Similar to Constant Angle but with a defined start curve instead of just having a straight path from the rosette direction. For this mode, you must set a seed curve in the Seed tab, and the seed point must be on the curve.
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Hoop Wind: This is for a closed surface, such as a cylinder, where you want to wrap the material around the surface.
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Natural: Upon encountering certain surface conditions, material is applied in a "relaxed" state to the surface to minimize potential defects. For example, if the material is being applied over an edge or protrusion, the material will be stretched (within the
Stretch Limit value set under Course Parameters in the Strategy dialog box), to be applied as smoothly as possible. When you use this mode, make sure to set
Stretch Limit to a value appropriate for your material.
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Fabric Draping: Draping enables you to apply large pieces (or even one piece) of cloth to a shape by hand. Often, draping is used for simpler surfaces that do not necessarily require expensive fiber placement machines.