This function allows the user to draw a straight line.  In eta/DYNAFORM, a line is formed by a sequence of points and is displayed by the set of straight line segments between adjacent points in the sequence. To create a straight line, the user has to define the location of two points. Various methods of creating points are described below.

1.         To create a point of the line at an existing node or point.

·          Select Node or Point.

·          Select the location of the node or point. If the Point option is selected, the following buttons are used to determine the generation of point.

  At a point of an existing line close to the cursor location.

  At an point on a line.

  At the midpoint of a line.

  At the intersection of two lines.

  On the work plane. Click on the work plane icon to display the grids on the display area and activate Working Plane and Grid Setting button. The user can generate a line on the work plane by clicking the left mouse button on two or multiple points, as shown in Figure 5.1.2.

Figure 5.1.2  Working Plane and Grid

WORKING PLANE AND GRID SETTING

The user can define the setup of the work plane and grid from the Grid Setting dialog box as illustrated in Figure 5.1.3.

Figure 5.1.3  Work plane and Grid Setting dialog box

PLANE COORDINATE

Set the direction of the work plane, and the default work plane is view direction. The user can select the coordinate plane of the view direction or LCS from the list as the current work plane.

LIMIT BOX

Set the size of the grids extents displayed on the work plane. The user can define the maximum and minimum coordinate of the displayed grids.

DIVISION

Set the width of the grid division. The user can enter the width of grids.

2.         To create a point by its coordinates, as shown in Figure 5.1.4.

Figure 5.1.4  Input Coordinate dialog box

         Select the LCS or ABS option for the coordinates in the current local coordinate system or global system.  Refer to Section 2.5, Local Coordinate System.

         Select the XYZ or DXYZ option.

If XYZ is selected, the input values of U, V and W are the coordinates.

If DXYZ is selected, the input values of DU, DV and DW are increments of the previously created point.

         Type in each value in the corresponding field.

         Select Apply Input Value to confirm the values and create the point.

3.         To cancel the last created point

Click Reject once or click the right mouse button.

4.         To finish the definition of the line

Select OK or click on the middle mouse button.

5.         To close the dialog box

Select Cancel or click on the right mouse button. The selected points will be ignored when the Cancel button is selected.