FREE FORM BINDER
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 6.2.35.
Figure 6.2.35 Free Form Binder dialog box
DEFINE BINDER ORIENTATION
This function is used to define UV-direction of the binder surface. The line with the arrowhead controls the surface shape and must be parallel to the direction of the part boundary. Figure 6.2.36 illustrates a typical orientation of the U-V axes relative to the part.
CURRENT VIEW AS V-W PLANE
This function enables the user to set the current view as workplane. 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 section line of the binder, following by clicking on the CURRENT VIEW AS V-W PLANE button to define the binder U-V 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 6.2.36. The part model in binder V-W 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 BUTTON TO SELECT, RIGHT TO REJECT, MIDDLE TO EXIT
Figure 6.2.36 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 6.2.37 illustrates a typical section line defined on the screen.
Figure 6.2.37 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 U-W plane and the following message is printed in the message prompt window.
CLICK LOCATIONS ON THE SCREEN TO DEFINE CONTROL LINE
CLICK LEFT BUTTON TO SELECT, RIGHT TO REJECT, MIDDLE 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 6.2.38 illustrates a typical control line joining the section lines.
Figure 6.2.38 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 6.2.1.
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 which 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 6.2.39 illustrates a typical free form binder with a curved control line.
Figure 6.2.39 A Typical Free Form Binder with Control Line
For a detailed description of other binder editing functions, refer to Section 6.2.1.