This function enables the user to animate movement of the blank’s outer edge in real time during forming. An arrow is drawn to show the movement (including X, Y, and Z directions) of the edge nodes. The contour bar, located on the upper right corner of the graphic window, displays the corresponding contour value. The control window is shown in Figure 8.14.1. The highest contour value in the model is labeled with an asterisk (*) and the lowest one is labeled with zero (0), as shown in Figure 8.14.2. The default is the combination of X and Y-direction (i.e. the movement condition of material edge on the XY plane).

Figure 8.14.1  Edge Movement Control Window

1.       DELTA X/DELTA Y/DELTA Z

The default setting is 0. This value means that the specified displacement value will be added to the original movement of material edge.

Figure 8.14.2  Define Material Movement

2.       REFERENCE FRAME

This function enables the user to specify the reference frame. The edge line of this reference frame is used as the starting to calculate the edge movement. The user can click or slide the slider to select the starting frame.

3.       COORDINATION OPTION

There are three checkboxes to denote the directions of X, Y and Z. For example, if X is toggled on, only the displacement along X-axis is calculated and displayed. The user can toggle on all the three options at one time.

4.       SHOW FLOW

This function is used to open or close the initial blank outline and material movement curve between boundaries after deformation. Default setting is ON.

5.       SHOW NEAREST DISTANCE

This function is used to toggle ON/OFF the base step blank outline and the shortest flowing distance of material between boundaries after deformation. Default setting is OFF.