STOR STOR CONET STOS TINK TAPB RTY MLoft Square-To-Round (STOR) first created 09/11/05 - last modified 27/09/08 Page Author: Ty Harness
News:
Beta Versions available to STOR full version users:
STOR20beta features
STOR21beta features
STOR22beta features

Pyramid-to-Cylinder (PYCS) available soon for full version users of STOR - More info on PYCY
Cone-to-Cuboid (CotoCu) available soon for full version users of STOR - More info on CotoCu

STOR Version 1.2 available to buy from ShareIT - Isometric views + face centroid and face normal calculations, see Figure 1 below. Full version users can export the normals with the 3D DXF geometry.
More info on the face normals

STOR Version 1.02 - CAD Depot Tool of the Week - Feb. 12th 2006

[Back] [Pricing information] [Min. Specification] [Features] [Additional material] [FAQ's] [Downloads] [Home Page]
STOR is not just an alternative method to the manual drawing of patterns but an engineering tool to help design the transformations. You can control key geometrical parameters and perform advanced calculations like finding the internal volume and once you have designed your square-to-round then the pattern has already been developed and you're ready to go.

Within the construction industry, tradesmen and especially sheet metal workers need to know how to construct a square-to-round. Square-to-rounds are often used for hoppers, stove chimney hoods and HVAC pipe work systems. The square-to-round is such an elegant geometrical form and has always been the first great challenge for any apprentice sheet metal worker. Anyone in the sheet metal trade will be aware of the "luminous" green book by Dickason (1) which is the definitive guide for any aspiring pattern maker. Developing your patterns on paper with set squares and dividers is a highly admirable and desirable skill. I hope computer software never fully stops people from learning manual drafting skills. If you're an apprentice sheet metal worker I would prefer you to buy the Dickason book before buying this software.

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Figure 1 - {Screen shots from version 1.2} with the new isometric views and face normal calculations.


The square-to-round software also allows rectangle-to-round development with the ability to off-centre the circle position when required. When you're developing a pattern on the drawing board it would be unusual to divide the circle into any more than 36 divisions because of the length of time it would take. This software allows a greater precision by dividing the circle up to 96 divisions. This helps define the pattern curve describing the round end and reducing the truncation error.

The software is designed not only for the sheet metal worker to draw a square-to-round but also for managers and estimators who need know how much material is required. There are functions for the engineer like setting the area of the circle or rectangle. In fact you can design the area of the round to be equal to area of the rectangle and then lock off either rectangle side lengths and the adjustment of the area will only occur in the unlocked axis. Additional calculated properties (from the menubar) are available like the 2D pattern area and minimum blank area and hence any wasted area.

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Figure 2 - Paper sheet mode allows you to visualize your paper dimensions and the drawing can be scaled to that paper size.
Note: You can produce rectangle-to-offset circle transformers as shown.
The area of the circle and square areas have been set equal but the X axis
has been locked forcing the Y axis to accommodate.


Encad Plotter Encad Plotter
Figure 3a - Encad NovaJetII plotter - accurate plotting of patterns.
Figure 3b - Hopper for rain water guttering -3 mm Mild Steel Square to Round with a galvanized finish


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Figure 4 - Square-to-circle fan nozzles

I'm hoping the software will reach a wider audience than the Dickason book i.e. draughtsmen - maybe: school children, model makers,mould makers, dress makers,fashion designers, toy makers, robot shoe makers, and anybody who is fascinated in how a square can transform into a circle. There's a free version for anyone curious which contains nag screens, and a full version for commercial users.

Limited Free Version (Free with Nags)
  • Draw a Square-to-Round
  • Dynamic redrawing when the properties are changed
  • Print a simple spec. sheet containing a list of all properties of the square-to-round.
  • Paper Sheet mode - Novel scaled vector printing method for accurate scaled plots.
  • Additional geometric properties calculated.



    If you find a bug or have any comment please email me and I'll correct any errors.

    Full Version - additional features
  • 2D DXF Export of plan,front elevation and pattern.
  • 2D DXF Export of Pattern as a continuous poly line suitable for CNC machine tools and CAM software.
  • 3D DXF Export for CAD operators and marketing purposes.
  • 3D VRML Export for web browser plugins
  • JPEG export which is an ideal format for web page documentation or email attachment.
  • BMP export useful a starting point for graphic designers.
  • Quick Snapshot (BMP) on the press of key (F10) - ideal for then compiling into AVI or animated GIF files.
  • Html export to enable you to communicate your ideas via the web.
    Pricing

    The limited version is free for non-commercial use which displays nag screens and occasionally prints a nag order form before or after printing. The limited version is NOT to be SOLD. The limited version is really to give you the chance the try before you buy. Please fully evaluate the limited version and only buy it if it is of commercial use to you. You can distribute the limited version (in its entirety) to as many people as you like. Shareware compilers are permitted to distribute the limited version providing other engineering shareware products are offered and the cost of any accompanying media is of a nominal value. You should never purchase the limited version. If you require a temporary code to unlock the full features (but nags still occur) to evaluate the full features then please email me.



    The registered (full version) user may install the full version on as many PC's at the owner's home or work premises as required. Minor version upgrades/bug fixes are free by email delivery or via the website. Full version users will also be able to buy all future major upgrades and other Ty Harness Software at a discounted price. Electronic payment is made available only from ShareIT.com to allow you to pay via Credit Card.

    Shop: Current Prices

    I'm also keen to give away the software to educational establishments (charities,schools universities etc.) and students. Please send me an email of your requirements. Tutor's may install as many copies on campus as required. The educational version will be time locked and return to the limited version after 2 semesters or 3 terms giving the student enough time to use it on their course. If the software is needed for a further year then ask your tutor for another unlock code.

    Minimum Specification
    Windows 98SE, Windows Millennium, Windows NT4 SP6a,Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP Home or Pro. SP2
    No special graphics card required - 800x600x256 min.

    A printer must be installed (local, network, virtual or generic print to file).
    Additional Material
    Simple printing method using virtual PDF print driver (CutePDF)
    The original simple method of printing a spec. sheet which is often useful for faxing to a customer.

    Example 1 of the scaled print out result using virtual PDF print driver (CutePDF)
    Example 2 of the scaled print out result using virtual PDF print driver (CutePDF)
    Using the square-to-round software

    Mathematics behind the square-to-round transformer

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Extra Material

    Home page
    References

    [1] Dickason A,., The Geometry of Sheet Metal Work, Longman Scientific & Technical(1987)

    Acknowledgments

    CutePDF is a virtual printer driver which is very useful for making PDF files.

    DXF file format is a registered Trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

    Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

    If I've omitted or incorrectly used any trademark please contact ty@tyharness.co.uk and I'll correct any errors or omissions, Ty Harness.