This function is used to generate a binder surface by using the section lines created on the work plane. The dialog box is illustrated in Figure 7.2.22.

Figure 7.2.22  Free Form Binder dialog box

DEFINE BINDER ORIENTATION

This function uses the perpendicular lines with arrowhead to define UV-direction of the binder surface.  The perpendicular lines with the arrowhead control the surface shape and must be parallel to the direction of the part boundary.  Figure 7.2.23 illustrates a typical orientation of the U-V axes relative to the part.

Figure 7.2.23  Perpendicular lines with arrowhead

Click Define Binder Orientation button to display the dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.2.24.

Figure 7.2.24  Define Orientation

Rotation Center

The default rotation center is the Tipping center.

The user can define new rotation center according to requirements. Click the Define button to display the Input Coordinate dialog box illustrated in Figure 7.2.25. Select a point as rotation center.

 

Figure 7.2.25  Define rotation center

The user may enter a rotation angle in the data window to rotate the perpendicular lines with arrowhead. After a value is entered, the program will display the perpendicular lines in the new position.

The user may rotate the perpendicular lines with arrowhead by moving the slider bar. If the slider bar is moved to the right, the line will rotate counterclockwise; if it is moved to the left, the line will rotate clockwise. When the user moves the slider bar, the program will display the perpendicular lines at the new position in real time.

CURRENT VIEW AS V-WPLANE

This function enables the user to set the current view as the work plane.  For certain parts, it is not suitable to define the binder U-V axes from the top view using the Define Binder Orientation function.  The user may rotate the part to locate a suitable view for defining the section line of the binder, followed by clicking on the Current View As VW-Plane button to define the binder UV-plane according to the view. eta/DYNAFORM sets the binder V-Axis parallel to the screen X direction (from left to right).  The binder W-Axis is defined parallel to the screen Y direction (from bottom to top).  The binder U-Axis is obtained by the right hand rule (normal from the screen).  In summary, the binder V-W axes are parallel to the screen X-Y axes.  The user will be able to define the binder section line in the current view.

DEFINE SECTION LINE

This function is used to select locations on the screen to define the section line at both ends of the binder along the binder U-Axis. Click on the Define Section Line button to display the Select Points dialog box as illustrated in Figure 7.2.26.  The part model in binder VW-Plane is automatically displayed and the following message is printed in the message prompt window:

CLICK LOCATIONS ON THE SCREEN TO DEFINE SECTION LINE

CLICK LEFT MOUSE BUTTON TO SELECT, RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON TO REJECT, MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON TO EXIT

Figure 7.2.26  Selected points dialog box

SHOW GRID: Select this option to display the V-W grid plane.  Use mouse cursor to select locations on the grid to define the section line.

LENGTH: Set the edge length of the grid plane.

DIVISION: Set the unit length of the grid plane.

NUMBER: Set the number of grid lines.

UPDATE: Update the grid plane.

The user may define as many locations on the screen as necessary to define the section line. eta/DYNAFORM extends the section line according to the binder margin defined in the dialog box.  Figure 7.2.27 illustrates a typical section line defined on the screen.

Figure 7.2.27  Typical Section Line

eta/DYNAFORM assigns the defined section line to both ends of the binder (along the binder U direction) according to the binder margin.  The user may use the editing function to modify the section either or both section lines.

DEFINE CONTROL LINE

This function allows the user to define the shape of the binder along the binder U direction.  If the user does not define the control line, straight lines between the section lines at both ends of the binder are automatically created.  Once this function is activated, the part model is displayed in binder UW-Plane and the following message is printed in the message prompt window.

CLICK LOCATIONS ON THE SCREEN TO DEFINE CONTROL LINE

CLICK LEFT MOUSE BUTTON TO SELECT, RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON TO REJECT, MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON TO EXIT

The user may define as many locations on the screen as necessary to define the control line. 

eta/DYNAFORM maps the control line to join the section lines. Figure 7.2.28 illustrates a typical control line joining the section lines.

Figure 7.2.28  Typical Control Line joining Section Lines

EDIT SECTION LINE

This function allows the user to modify the shape of the section line or control line.  Please refer to a detailed description in Section 5.1.15.

DELETE SECTION LINE

This function allows the user to delete the section line or control line.  If a section line is deleted, eta/DYNAFORM assigns the existing section line to the opposite end of the binder.  If the control line is deleted, eta/DYNAFORM returns to the default setting that uses a straight line connecting the section lines at both ends of the binder.

COPY SECTION LINE

This function allows the user to copy the section line to the opposite end of the binder. Figure 7.2.29 illustrates a typical free form binder with a curved control line.

Figure 7.2.29   typical Free Form Binder with control line