This function provides four methods to create curve: Free Curve, Rectangle, Circle/Ellipse and Sector. As illustrated in Figure 7.5.27. Curve Editor is used to define trim line, blank line and cut line.

Figure 7.5.27  Curve editor

Curve Editor provides four methods to create curve:

Free Curve

Create curve by creating free points on the screen, as illustrated in Figure 7.5.28.

Figure 7.5.28  Free curve

X, Y, Z

Display the coordinates of the selected control points, which can be modified by the user.

dX, dY, dZ

Display the position of the selected points after movement, and the relative coordinate increment of the initial position.

R

This function is enabled if the two sides of the selected control point are both straight lines. After the user enters a radius value and clicks <ENTER> to confirm, the program will generate an arc.

Ang.

This function is enabled to define the angle of two straight lines if the two sides of the selected control point are both straight lines. The user enters a value and clicks <ENTER> to confirm.

Len.

Display the length of the selected line segment.

Unlock

Select Unlock when the created two curves intersects. The program will automatically create the point of intersection. The two curves will change simultaneously when editing this point of intersection.

Snap

This function is used to snap the point on the curve. During the creation of curve, the program will automatically snap the point on this curve when the cursor is moved to other curve, and use it as the control point of the new curve.

Curve

This option is enabled after one line is selected. If this option is selected, the selected straight line will turn to a curve.

Straight

This option is enabled after one line is selected. If this option is selected, the selected curve will turn to a straight line.

Add Point: Click Add Pt or hold the <Shift> button and click the left mouse button to add point on the curve.

Remove Point: Click Remove Pt or click the right mouse button on the point to remove it.

Rectangle

This function enables the user to create a rectangle. The dialog box is illustrated in Figure 7.5.29.

Figure 7.5.29  Rectangle

X, Y, Z

Display the coordinates of the selected control points.

CX, CY, CZ

Define the coordinates for the intersection of rectangle diagonal. Change the position of rectangle by modifying these coordinates.

W

Define the Width of rectangle. The user enters a value and click <ENTER> to confirm. The program will re-generate a rectangle.

H

Define the Height of rectangle. The user enters a value and clicks <ENTER> to confirm. The program will re-generate a rectangle.

Ang.

Define the angle between the rectangle width direction and U direction. The user enters a value and clicks <ENTER> to confirm. The program will re-generate a rectangle.

Free Curve

Click Free Curve button to change the rectangle to free quadrilateral.

Circle/Ellipse

This function enables the user to create a circle or ellipse. The dialog box is illustrated in Figure 7.5.30.

 

Figure 7.5.30  Circle/Ellipse

X, Y, Z

Display the coordinates of the selected control points.

CX, CY, CZ

Define the coordinates of the center of circle or ellipse. Change the position of circle/ellipse by modifying these coordinates.

R1

Display the radius of circle when creating circle. Display the length of the long axis of ellipse when creating ellipse.

R

Display the length of the short axis of the ellipse when creating ellipse.

Theta

Display the angle between the long axis of ellipse and U direction when creating ellipse.

Sector

This function enables the user to create a sector by defining the center of circle as well as the starting and ending points of the arc, as illustrated in Figure 7.5.31.

Figure 7.5.31  Sector

X, Y, Z

Display the coordinates of the selected control points.

CX, CY, CZ

Define the coordinates of the center of sector. Change the position of sector by modifying the coordinates.

R

Define the radius of the sector arc.

Ang1

Define the angle between the starting radius of sector and U direction.

Ang2

Define the angle between the ending radius of sector and U direction.

Modify W-Axis

All the curves are created in one coordinate system. The user can rotate the created curve by changing the W direction (plane normal) of coordinate system. Click Modify W-Axis to display the Vector dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.5.32. Refer to Section 5.1.4 Shortest Curve for detailed description about defining vector.

Figure 7.5.32  Define vector

Offset

This function is used to offset the defined outline. Click Offset button to display the dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.5.33.

Figure 7.5.33  Offset Curve

Offset Dist: Define the offset distance.

Reset

Restore the latest setup to the initial state.

OK

Click this button to accept all the setup and exit the edit window.

Cancel

Click this button to exit the window without any modification.