This function is used to generate
a binder surface by using the section lines created on the work plane. The
dialog box is illustrated in Figure 7.2.22.
Figure 7.2.22 Free
Form Binder dialog box
DEFINE BINDER ORIENTATION
This function uses the
perpendicular lines with arrowhead to define UV-direction of the binder
surface. The perpendicular lines with
the arrowhead control the surface shape and must be parallel to the direction
of the part boundary. Figure 7.2.23 illustrates a typical orientation
of the U-V axes relative to the part.
Figure 7.2.23 Perpendicular lines with arrowhead
Click Define Binder Orientation
button to display the dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.2.24.
Figure 7.2.24 Define Orientation
Rotation Center
The default rotation center is the
Tipping center.
The user can define new rotation
center according to requirements. Click the Define button to display the Input
Coordinate dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.2.25. Select a point as rotation
center.
Figure 7.2.25 Define rotation center
The user may enter a rotation
angle in the data window to rotate the perpendicular lines with arrowhead. After
a value is entered, the program will display the perpendicular lines in the new
position.
The user may rotate the
perpendicular lines with arrowhead by moving the slider bar. If the slider bar
is moved to the right, the line will rotate counterclockwise; if it is moved to
the left, the line will rotate clockwise. When the user moves the slider bar,
the program will display the perpendicular lines at the new position in real
time.
CURRENT VIEW AS V-WPLANE
This function enables
the user to set the current view as the work plane. For certain parts, it is not suitable to
define the binder U-V axes from the top view using the Define Binder Orientation function. The user may rotate the part to locate a
suitable view for defining the section line of the binder, followed by clicking
on the Current View As VW-Plane button to define the
binder UV-plane according to the view. eta/DYNAFORM sets the binder V-Axis
parallel to the screen X direction (from left to right). The binder W-Axis is defined parallel to the
screen Y direction (from bottom to top).
The binder U-Axis is obtained by the right hand rule (normal from the
screen). In summary, the binder V-W axes
are parallel to the screen X-Y axes. The
user will be able to define the binder section line in the current view.
DEFINE SECTION LINE
This function is used to select locations on the screen to define the section line at both ends of the binder along the binder U-Axis. Click on the Define Section Line button to display the Select Points dialog box as illustrated in Figure 7.2.26. The part model in binder VW-Plane is automatically displayed and the following message is printed in the message prompt window:
CLICK LOCATIONS ON
THE SCREEN TO DEFINE SECTION LINE
CLICK LEFT MOUSE BUTTON
TO SELECT, RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON TO REJECT, MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON TO EXIT
Figure 7.2.26 Selected points dialog box
SHOW GRID: Select this option to display the V-W grid plane. Use mouse cursor to select locations on the grid to define the section line.
LENGTH: Set the edge length of the grid plane.
DIVISION: Set the unit length of the grid plane.
NUMBER: Set the number of grid lines.
UPDATE: Update the grid plane.
The user may define as many locations on the screen as necessary to define the section line. eta/DYNAFORM extends the section line according to the binder margin defined in the dialog box. Figure 7.2.27 illustrates a typical section line defined on the screen.
Figure 7.2.27 Typical Section Line
eta/DYNAFORM assigns the defined section line to both ends of the binder (along the binder U direction) according to the binder margin. The user may use the editing function to modify the section either or both section lines.
DEFINE CONTROL LINE
This function allows the user to define the shape of the binder along the binder U direction. If the user does not define the control line, straight lines between the section lines at both ends of the binder are automatically created. Once this function is activated, the part model is displayed in binder UW-Plane and the following message is printed in the message prompt window.
CLICK LOCATIONS ON THE SCREEN TO
DEFINE CONTROL LINE
CLICK LEFT MOUSE BUTTON
TO SELECT, RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON TO REJECT, MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON TO EXIT
The user may define as many locations on the screen as necessary to define the control line.
eta/DYNAFORM maps the control line to join the section lines. Figure 7.2.28 illustrates a typical control line joining the section lines.
Figure 7.2.28 Typical Control Line joining Section Lines
EDIT SECTION LINE
This function allows the user to modify the shape of the section line or control line. Please refer to a detailed description in Section 5.1.15.
DELETE SECTION LINE
This function allows the user to delete the section line or control line. If a section line is deleted, eta/DYNAFORM assigns the existing section line to the opposite end of the binder. If the control line is deleted, eta/DYNAFORM returns to the default setting that uses a straight line connecting the section lines at both ends of the binder.
COPY SECTION LINE
This function allows the user to
copy the section line to the opposite end of the binder. Figure 7.2.29
illustrates a typical free form binder with a curved control line.
Figure 7.2.29 typical Free Form Binder with control line