New

The user may click the New button to create a stage in the current setup. The program will pop up an interface illustrated in Figure 8.5.15.

Figure 8.5.15  Process

New stage: The user may define a name for the new stage. The default name is bending1, bending2, bending3, etc. Generally, it is recommended to use the default name, which is more convenient for understanding, setup and troubleshooting. 

Default setting: The user may assign default settings for parameters of the new stage. In this option, the user may choose the default parameters to set the new stage, or select a defined stage parameter as the default parameter.

Insert position: The user may insert the new stage before or after any stage.

Delete

The user may click this button to delete a stage. The program will pop up a prompt dialog box illustrated in Figure 8.5.16. Click OK to delete the current stage, or click Cancel to cancel the current operation.

 

Figure 8.5.16  Delete stage

Current stage

The pressed button in the stage list indicates the current stage. The user may click it to confirm the current stage, or enter a new name, as illustrated in Figure 8.5.17.

Figure 8.5.17  Current stage

Transformation

The user may perform the feed and rotation operations on the tube, and enter the bending angle before the current stage, as illustrated in Figure 8.5.18.

Figure 8.5.18  Transformation

Feed: the translation distance of tube before bending

Rotate: the rotation angle of tube before bending

Bend: bending angle

Note: Generally, the user does not need to modify the default parameters. The parameters of the tube movement are corresponding to the parameters in the bending list.

Tool assign

It is allowed to have multiple bend dies, clamp dies and die insert in bending simulation. The user may assign the corresponding tool for each stage in the Tool assign dialog box, as illustrated in Figure 8.5.19.

Figure 8.5.19  Tool assign

Note: If the tool has been created in the new simulation, the user does not need to assign tool. The program will assign the correct tool for each stage.

Tool control

This function is used to control the tool in the current stage. The default control methods are different for different tools, as illustrated in Figure 8.5.20.

Figure 8.5.20  Tool control

Bend die

There is only control method for bend die. Angular velocity indicates the angular velocity load.

Pressure die

There are two control methods along the radial direction. Force (radial) is the default option and it means to apply the force load along the radial direction. Stationary (radial) means to stay stationary along the radial direction. There are four control methods along the longitudinal direction. Velocity (longitudinal) is the default option and it means to apply the velocity load along the longitudinal direction. Stationary (longitudinal) means to stay stationary along the longitudinal direction. Force (longitudinal) means to apply the force load along the longitudinal direction. Displcmnt (longitudinal) means to apply the displacement load along longitudinal direction.

Wiper die

There are two control methods. Stationary is the default option and it means that the wiper die remains stationary. Non-active means the wiper die is not active in this stage.

Push assist

There are four control methods. Velocity is the default option and it means to apply the velocity load along the longitudinal direction. Non-active means the push assist is not active in this stage. Force means to apply the force load along the longitudinal direction. Displcmnt means to apply the displacement load along the longitudinal direction.

Mandrel

There are five control methods. Stationary is the default option and it means that the mandrel remains stationary. Non-active means the mandrel is not active in this stage. Force means to apply the force load along the longitudinal direction. Velocity means to apply the velocity load along the longitudinal direction. Displcmnt means to apply the displacement load along the longitudinal direction.

There are three load methods for different load types of each tool in Rotary bending.

·           Constant: apply constant load

·           VS. Time: apply variable load by defining the function curve of load vs. time

·           VS. Bend angle percentage: apply variable load by defining the function curve of load vs. bend angle percentage

D3plot

After the user defines the total frames, the program will automatically calculate the time interval and export it to the card, as illustrated in Figure 8.5.21.

Figure 8.5.21  D3plot