This function allows the user to extend the part boundary and provide side-step features. The dialog box is illustrated in Figure 7.1.106.

Figure 7.1.106  Sidestep dialog box

·           SIDESTEP MANAGER

All the created Side Steps will be added into the Side Step Manager list illustrated in Figure 7.1.106. The selected Side Steps will be highlighted in the graphic display window, as illustrated in Figure 7.1.107.

Figure 7.1.107  Highlight the selected SideStep2

·           ADD

Click the Add button to highlight the boundary of the part as illustrated in Figure 7.1.108.

Figure 7.1.108  Highlight the boundary of part

The following message is printed in the message prompt window:

SELECT TWO POINTS ON BOUNDARY TO DEFINE THE FILL REGION

SELECT FIRST POINT ON BOUNDARY

SELECT SECOND POINT ON BOUNDARY

After two points are selected to define the fill region, it prompts:

SELECT TWO POINTS IN MARKED REGION TO DEFINE UPPER PLANE

SELECT FIRST POINT ON BOUNDARY

SELECT SECOND POINT ON BOUNDARY

After the four points are selected, the program will automatically generate the outline of the Side Step,  as illustrated in Figure 7.1.109, and pop up the Sidestep dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.1.110.

Figure 7.1.109  Outline

Figure 7.1.110  Add sidestep

1.  TO PART

Specify a part for sidestep. The user may directly input a part name or click the select part button  to select a created part.

2.  CONTROL LINE

After the desired region is selected, the program will automatically create Upper Plane-Line, Lower Plane-Line and Profiles, as illustrated in Figure 7.1.109, and add the plane lines and profiles into the list for the user to edit, as illustrated in Figure 7.1.111.

Figure 7.1.111  Control line

Note:   The user is allowed to edit plane lines but is not allowed to add and delete them. The user is allowed to add, edit and delete profiles.

3.  ADD

Click the Add button to add a profile in the specified position.

4.  EDIT

This function allows the user to edit the shape of control lines. Select the plane lines or profiles to be edited in the list. Click the Edit button to display the Curve Edit dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.1.112. Edit the lower plane-line as illustrated in Figure 7.1.113.

Figure 7.1.112  Curve edit window

Figure 7.1.113  Edit lower plane-line

The detailed description about Curve Edit dialog box is given below:

X, Y, Z          Show the coordinates of the selected control point.

dX, dY, dZ      Show the coordinate increments of the initial position and the moved position for the selected control point in the global coordinate system.

CURVE

This option is enabled after selecting a line segment. If this option is toggled on, the selected straight line will change to a curved line.

STRAIGHT

This option is enabled after selecting a line segment. If this option is toggled on, the selected curved line will change to a straight line.

R

This option is enabled if line segments on both sides of the selected control point are straight lines. The user may enter the radius value and press Enter to confirm. The program will generate an arc.

THETA

This option is enabled if line segments on both sides of the selected control point are straight lines. It is used to define the angle between the two straight lines. The user may enter an angle value and press Enter to confirm.

LEN

Show the length of the selected line segment.

ADD PT

Click this button to add points on plane lines.

REMOVE PT

Click this button to remove points from plane lines by using the left button.

MOVE PT

Click this button, select a point by clicking the left mouse button and hold the left button to move point, or directly move point in the display area by holding the left mouse button.

OK

Click this button to confirm all the settings and exit the Curve Edit window.

RESET

Restore the latest Curve Edit window without any modification of line.

 REMOVE

Allow the user to remove the selected profile.

EDIT END-POINT

Allow the user to edit the end-point of plane lines and profiles.

EDIT PLANE LINE END-POINT

Select Upper Plane-Line or Lower Plane-Line in the control line list. The program will automatically highlight the four end-points of the plane line as illustrated Figure 7.1.114. The user may re-define the filled region by moving the end-points of plane line using the mouse cursor.

Figure 7.1.114  Edit the filled region

EDIT PROFILE END-POINT

Select a profile from the control line list. The program will automatically highlight all the end-points of the profile. The user may edit the position of end-point by moving the mouse cursor as illustrated in Figure 7.1.115.

Figure 7.1.115  Edit end-points of profile

7.  PLANE LENGTH

This function allows the user to edit the length of plane line. This function is enabled after selecting the Upper Plane-Line or Lower Plane-Line in the control line list, as illustrated in Figure 7.1.116. Drag the slider bar to the desired length or or enter a specific value in the field.

Figure 7.1.116  Plane Length

8.  PLANE DIRECTION

This function is used to define the direction of plane lines. This function is enabled after selecting the  the User Define in the control line list, as illustrated in Figure 7.1.117. The user may drag the slider bar to adjust the direction or select the User Define option. After clicking this button, a Vector dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.1.118 appears. Refer to Section 5.1.4 Shortest Curve for detailed description about defining vector.

Figure 7.1.117  Plane Direction

Figure 7.1.118  Define direction vector

After finishing the editing, click Apply button to generate sidestep as illustrated in Figure 7.1.119.

Figure 7.1.119  Generate sidestep

·           EDIT SIDESTEP

This function is used to edit the created sidestep. Select the desired sidestep in the list and click the Edit button to re-edit all the parameters for sidestep in the dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.1.106.

·           DELETE SIDESTEP

This function is used to delete the created sidestep.