Panel clustering is the process of reducing the number of unique panel geometries to ease fabrication and reduce costs.
The examples below show a panelised canopy structure with different numbers of clusters. A lower number of clusters will benefit fabrication complexity and reduce cost but may lead to higher deviations.
Understanding of acceptable deviation tolerances is important in this process such that the right number of clusters can be established. Further smoothing of the overall geometry can be employed to improve the deviations.