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New to Inspire PolyFoam? Learn the basics here.
Glossary
View a list of glossary terms and definitions.
Principal Axes
The principal axes or global axes are the x, y, and z axes in the View Rotator.

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Discover new features and enhancements.
Get Started
New to Inspire PolyFoam? Learn the basics here.
- What Is Inspire PolyFoam?
  Inspire PolyFoam is an essential toolset to simulate and validate the part design and physical processes that are required to create a polyurethane foam part.
- The Five Steps
  Five basic steps are required to define and run a foaming analysis.
- Get Started with Inspire PolyFoam
  Learn the basics of the Inspire PolyFoam user interface.
- Systems
  Use the Systems tool to create and apply user-defined coordinate systems to loads, supports, and displacements.
- Variables
  Create and assign variables to parametrize a model. This allows you to quickly iterate and compare design concepts by tweaking the values of the variables.
- Glossary
  View a list of glossary terms and definitions.
  - Configuration (model)
    You can use the Configure toolbar on the Model Browser to activate and deactivate parts. This is called configuring your model.
  - Context Menu
    Context menus contain commands that allow you to edit a selected item, and are available for parts, entities, and tools on the ribbon.
  - Installation Directory
    The installation directory is the location where the application was installed.
  - Instance (part)
    An instance is a copy of a part that is linked to the original part.
  - Model Browser
    The Model Browser shows all of the objects in your model in a tree structure.
  - Modeling Window
    The modeling window, sometimes referred to as the graphics area or window, is where you interact with your model.
  - Mouse Controls
    Mouse controls are used to pan, zoom, and rotate the model.
  - Orthographic Projection
    In Inspire, there are two basic methods of displaying 3D objects on a 2D plane: perspective projection, which takes perspective effects into account; and orthographic projection, which does not.
  - Parts
    A part is a geometric object made up of any combination of solids, surfaces, and curves. It can also be a mesh.
  - Perspective Projection
    In Inspire, there are two basic methods of displaying 3D objects on a 2D plane: perspective projection, which takes perspective effects into account; and orthographic projection, which does not.
  - Principal Axes
    The principal axes or global axes are the x, y, and z axes in the View Rotator.
  - Property Editor
    The Property Editor shows all the properties of a selected object and allows you to edit them.
  - Ribbon
    The ribbon allows you to quickly access tools and standard functions, and is located at the top of the Inspire workspace.
  - Screen Capture
    The Screen Capture tool saves an image or video of your model.
  - Snap Filter
    The Snaps Filter icon is located in the lower right corner of the application window. It opens the snaps menu.
  - Status Bar
    The status bar displays model status information and includes the snaps filter and unit system selector.
  - Unit System Selector
    Use the Unit System Selector to change the display units used in the user interface. (These can be the same or different as the modeling units, which are set in the Preferences.)
  - View Controls
    The view controls are located in the lower left corner of the modeling window.
  - View Normal to Grid
    When in sketch mode, the Rotate to Closest Principal Axes icon is replaced with the View Normal to Grid icon in the view controls.
  - View Rotator
    Use the View Rotator to achieve finer control of rotation than is possible by using the mouse.
  - Workflow Help
    Most tools on the ribbon include text prompts beneath the tool or guide bar that explain what to do next. These prompts are a form of user assistance called workflow help.
- Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
  Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.
Tutorials
Start using Inspire PolyFoam with our interactive tutorials.
Parametric Modeling
Create 2D sketches, surfaces, and solids with construction history and variables.
Model Setup - Foaming Ribbon
Set up your foam part, nozzles, materials, tooling and process parameters prior to analysis.
Model Setup - Dispensing Ribbon
Set up your part, nozzles, materials, tooling and process parameters prior to analysis.
PolyFoam Analysis
Run an analysis to minimize defects and prevent manufacturing problems for a foam part design.
Dispensing Analysis
Run an analysis to minimize defects and prevent manufacturing problems for a fluid part design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We have answers!

Principal Axes

The principal axes or global axes are the x, y, and z axes in the View Rotator.

Click the Rotate to Closest Principal Axes

icon in the view controls, or press N.

The first click rotates the view to the closest planar axes and fits the selected object(s) in the view.
Successive clicks toggle between fitting just the selected object(s) in the view and fitting the entire model.