The DISPLAY OPTIONS window displays the current part and contains the following commonly used functions, shown in Figure 1.10.1.

Figure 1.10.1  Display Options

1.       SHADE (toggle)  

This command displays the elements as if they were illuminated by a light source. Elements that are not directly exposed to the light source are appropriately “shaded” to simulate the actual shading effect.

Eta/Post uses two methods for object shading: flat and smooth. Flat shading shades each polygon upon the intensity of the light over a series of polygons making the elements appear flat and angled.

2.       SMOOTH SHADE (toggle)

This function uses the Gourmand shading method to make the model appear more smoothly. It interpolates shade across edges and reduces effect of the intensity change. The feature angles between adjacent elements are smoothed by this shading method.

NOTE:  The SMOOTH SHADE option is only available when the SHADE option is on.

3.       MATERIAL COLOR (toggle)  

If this function is toggled on, the model will be displayed in material color. This function can only be used in SHADE mode.

4.       FILL COLOR (toggle)   

This function toggles on/off FILL COLOR mode of the model. FILL COLOR fills the displayed elements with their designated part color.

5.       ELEMENT EDGE (toggle)   

This function can only be used in FILL COLOR mode. The outline of the elements is plotted in white when the option is toggled on. The model can be displayed without the outline by toggling off the option.

NOTE:      The ELEMENT EDGE is only available when the FILL COLOR or SHADE option is on.

6.       SHRINK (toggle)

SHRINK creates a plot with elements reduced in size by 20 percent. This option allows the user to toggle the function on/off.

7.       HIDDEN SURFACE (toggle) 

This function toggles on/off the model in HIDDEN SURFACE mode. HIDDEN SURFACE hides the elements behind the elements viewed from the user’s point of view.

8.       PLATE NORMAL (toggle) 

This function toggles plate normal on and off. The plate normal is shown with a vector drawn at the center of the element, and along the element’s normal direction.

9.       BACKGROUND (toggle)

If this function is toggled on, the background color is set to faded color (default). Otherwise, the default background color is black. The user may open the Background Color menu in EDIT menu to adjust background color.