Forming Tool

To create sheet forming elements a Forming Tool command is used:

The operation enables users to apply stamped features to sheet metal parts. Standard or custom features can be used.

Stamped feature type can be chosen from a drop-down list or by an icon showing the feature type. If a type whose icon is absent is chosen from the list, the last right icon will be replaced with the icon of the last chosen type.

Available types and their icons are given below.

Choosing from the standard list:

There is a Select... option in the feature types drop-down list. It enables you to select types from user libraries. The content of the list is connected with the type chosen in the Standard field. The list changes if the standard is changed.

The following option is used for choosing the forming libraries:

More information about custom stamped features creation can be found in Creating Custom Type of Stamped Feature chapter.

A special library of typical stamped features (Sheet Metal Features) supplied with the system is used for creating elements. If necessary, the library can be complemented with custom elements.

If inches are set as the units of length in Document Parameters command in 3D tab, then Sheet Metal Features Inch library will be used.

Command parameters

Type. Enables users to choose stamped feature type from the list or by icon.

Standard. Enables users to choose standard from the list. It is metric by default.

The rest of the parameters depend on the selected type.

Parameter dialog for every feature contains a sketch of the element being created with input boxes for all the geometric dimensions.

Command automenu options are:

Finish input. To build geometry according to the given parameters. In case the parameters are insufficient, the option in not available.

Set entity Parameters. Call a standard 3-D design command parameters dialog.

Exit command. Shuts down the command cancelling the given parameters.

Preview Operation Result. The option enables/disables a standard option for reviewing 3-D design commands.

Library Configuration. The option calls library selection dialog.

Select 3D profile. The option chooses a 3D profile which will be the base for operation creation. The option is active by default.

Draw Profile. The option enables you to build a profile in the transparent mode. You should choose a workpiece face and the system automatically switches over to drawing work plane mode. Then you build an outline within the face. The created profile will be selected automatically on exiting from the drawing on the work plane mode.

Applying a stamped feature

To apply a stamped feature you should follow these typical steps:

•Select a 3D profile which will be the base for operation creation. Profile selection mode activates automatically at entering the command.

•Choose the stamped feature type in the command parameters window (a parameter dialog for the chosen type will appear in the bottom part of the window).

•Set the appropriate values of the parameters.

•Finish entering.

Topics in this section:

•Creating Custom Type of Stamped Feature

•Edit Forming Tool