As shown in Figure 6.2.1, the Blank Size Estimate dialog box enables the user to define material properties and thickness prior to the calculation of the blank outline. The estimated blank outline will be stored in a new part named OUTLI001.  Subsequent blank outlines will be placed on new parts, the names of which will increment by one.

 

Figure 6.2.1  Blank Size Estimate dialog box

An example of Blank Size Estimation is shown in Figure 6.2.2.

Figure 6.2.2  An example of blank size estimation

Solver

There are two solvers available for Blank Size Estimate as shown in Figure 6.2.3.

Figure 6.2.3  BSE solver

MSTEP is a new Modified One Step solver developed by ETA.

Conventional One Step Solver is a conventional one step solver which solves the problem in one calculation.

BSE Report

This function enables the user to generate a summary report of the Blank Size Estimation, which is saved in *.htm format.   The interface of the Blank Size Estimate Report is illustrated in Figure 6.2.4.

Figure 6.2.4  BSE Report interface

When the BSE Report dialog box pops up, the image displayed is captured as a JPG image and included to the .htm format report.

DATE

Display the date of the blank evaluation report.

FILE NAME

Enable the user to assign a file name and path to save the current blank evaluation report.

UNIT

Display current unit system in the blank evaluation report.

MATERIAL TYPE

Display type of the selected blank material.

MATERIAL THICKNESS

Display selected material thickness. The user may edit this field.

MATERIAL OFFSET

Display the user defined material offset used for calculations.

COMMENTS

Enable the user to write comments about blank evaluation.

Click on the Apply button to save the current blank evaluation report in the .htm format. The .htm file is automatically displayed in the default web browser (PC with Windows operating system). A sample of BSE report is illustrated as Figure 6.2.5.

Figure 6.2.5  BSE Report