This function allows the user to define single or multiple groups of lines. These lines are chosen to perform piercing, lancing and/or trimming operation illustrated in Figure 8.3.97.

Figure 8.3.97  Trimming process

GROUP LIST

Group List lists all the defined group names of the current line. The user classifies these lines for ease of line management. If multiple line groups are defined, the latest line group is always highlighted in the interface as well as on the display screen. The line groups that are not completely defined are displayed in red.

ADD

Create new line group.

DELETE

Remove selected or current line group. The dialog box illustrated in Figure 8.3.98 is displayed prompting the user to confirm Delete operation.

Figure 8.3.98  Delete question dialog box

NAME

This function allows the user to modify the name of the current group. When creating groups, the user can specify a unique name for the new group. The user may highlight the group Name field to modify the group name by typing the new name in the input data field of Name, following by press the Enter key to complete the operation.

ATTRIBUTES

This function allows the user to define line type, trimming mode and direction, seed, gap, tolerance, etc. The user can select different line type for definition of different attributes.

TYPE

There are two types of line: Tool cut (2D) and Laser cut (3D), which correspond to 2D and 3D trimming respectively.

Note: The trimming direction of 2D line is determined according to the defined vector direction; and the trimming direction of 3D line is determined according to the normal direction of element.

MODE

There are three modes of 2D trimming: Trimming, Hole and Lancing. For Trimming and Hole, the user must select the closed curve. The user can classify these curves.

DIRECTION

Define trimming direction. Refer to the previous sections for description about defining direction.

TOLERANCE

Trimming tolerance is used to control the size of elements generated after trimming operation. If the value is zero, element size is not restricted; if the value is 0.5, the size of the newly generated element should at least be half of its parent element; if the value is 1, it is allowed to move the original node to the trim curve without generating new element after trimming. If the tolerance value is negative, the user only perform simple trimming, i.e. deleting the entire element while keeping the serrated boundary. The default tolerance is 0.25.

SEED

Any node on a trimmed element after trimming operation can be defined as seed node. If the user selects Point option, and then selects node or point, the seed will be exported in coordinate point format. Therefore, the problem of not finding the seed due to mesh adaptivity will be avoided in the multi-step setup.

GAP

Define the maximum gap between trim curve and mesh. If the value is greater than a specified gap, the corresponding segment of trim curve is disabled.

GEOMETRY

This function allows the user to translate, add and delete lines.

POSITION

Translate the selected trim curve. The user can input the translation value and click on the distance to be translated to complete the line translation. There are three input data fields corresponding to dx, dy and dz values under the current C.S.

ADD

Allow the user to add one or more trim curves. Click Add button to display the Select Line dialog box. Refer to the previous sections for information on methods of selecting lines.

DELETE

Remove the selected lines. Select the lines and click the Delete button to display a dialog box illustrated in Figure 8.3.99.

OK:       Confirm the selected line.

CANCEL: Abort the Delete operation.

Figure 8.3.99  Delete line question dialog box