Creating Twists

A twist is a virtual object grouping wires and determining the shape of their path. It enables the twisting of wires, which allows extra wire to fit in a given twist length. A twist is not a physical entity and is therefore not relevant for the bill of materials. Twists must contain at least two objects to be valid.

Twists can be pulled through other twists or bundles (including those with surface protections) and leading parts. The following objects can be pulled through twists: other twists, bundles (including those with surface protections), cables, and wires.

Twists have the Twist factor property, which determines how much extra wire can fit into a given twist length. A twist factor of 1 will have no effect. Any value larger than 1 will multiply the length of wire in the twist.

Two types of interpolation are available for twists: Spline and Rounded corners. These can be set in the command bar during twist placement, or in the properties bar for already placed twists. With interpolation set to spline, the twist will pass through control points. If the interpolation is set to rounded corners, a bending radius can be set. The twist then follows a straight-line path between two control points, and bends with the given radius around any middle control points.

Objects can be routed through twists similarly to bundles; however, fully automatic commands like AutoRoute all unrouted wires will not work for twists.

The outside diameter of an empty twist can be adjusted in the General section of the properties panel. If there are objects pulled through the twist, its diameter is recalculated automatically.

Default color, default diameter (for empty twists) and the diameter calculation algorithm (for non-empty twists) can be determined in the Workspace or Workdesk section of Settings.

Placing a twist in the workspace

Select the Insert > Twist menu items or the button on the toolbar.
Determine the first end point of the twist by clicking anywhere in the working window. Alternatively switch to the command bar, determine the diameter of the twist and the coordinates of the first end point, and click [OK].
Determine the other points in the same way.

Other points like leading part end points or clip points can be used as throughgoing points.

You can change its Path diameter and Interpolation values in the command bar.

With the Interpolation set to Rounded corners, a Bending radius can be set for the twist.
If you accidentally place an unwanted control point, press the [Backspace] key to remove it.

The command remains active.
Click [Finish] or right-click to finish the command.
Repeat the command by using the space bar, if desired.

Placing a twist in the workdesk

Select the Insert > twist menu items or the button on the toolbar.
Enter the desired coordinates for any control points, or click in the working window.

While placing the twist, the diameter is shown in the command bar and can be changed.

Start, end and control points are automatically snapped to the global grid in the workdesk working window.

The Interpolation can be set in the command bar.

You can switch between the Cartesian and the polar coordinate system in the System section of the command bar.

You can also switch between absolute and relative coordinates in the Measurement section of the command bar.
If you accidentally place an unwanted control point, press the [Backspace] key to remove it.

The command remains active.
Click [Finish] or right-click to finish the command.

The so-called "active dimensions" are inserted within the twist. You can edit their values, and the twist changes accordingly.

The bending radius is displayed at each control point; by selecting a particular control point you can individually modify it in the properties panel. The radius of several control points can also be changed at once in the same way.
Repeat the command by using the space bar, if desired.