DieDesign

CimatronE 10.0 User Guide

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪i

Table of Contents
DieDesign ....................................................................................................................................... 1
CimatronE DieDesign ................................................................................................................. 1
DieDesign Basics ....................................................................................................................... 2
DieDesign Basics ............................................................................................................. 2
DieDesign Workflow......................................................................................................... 3
Progressive Die Setup Wizard ......................................................................................... 8
Transfer Die Setup Wizard.............................................................................................10
DieDesign Functions ................................................................................................................12
DieDesign Functions ......................................................................................................12
DieDesign Guides ..........................................................................................................20
Add 2nd (Forming) Row .................................................................................................34
Add Die Components .....................................................................................................38
Assign Comp. .................................................................................................................46
Auto Blank on Binder .....................................................................................................50
Blank on Binder ..............................................................................................................57
Blank Tool ......................................................................................................................79
Die Forces ......................................................................................................................97
Die Set / Station Settings .............................................................................................104
Die Skin ........................................................................................................................113
Form CS .......................................................................................................................119
Forming Punch .............................................................................................................121
Forming Shape.............................................................................................................123
General.........................................................................................................................134
L-Unbend......................................................................................................................158
Local Blank...................................................................................................................165
Material.........................................................................................................................177
Move Assembly ............................................................................................................189
Nesting .........................................................................................................................193
New Die Set .................................................................................................................218
Piercing Design ............................................................................................................219
Progressive Copy.........................................................................................................231
Punch Attributes ...........................................................................................................239
Punch Unit....................................................................................................................244
Punch/Trim ...................................................................................................................245
Punch/Trim Curve ........................................................................................................253
Setup (DieDesign) ........................................................................................................254
Show Analysis ..............................................................................................................262
Springback Deform ......................................................................................................266
Station Forming Shape ................................................................................................283
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪ii

Strip Dimension ............................................................................................................290

Strip Forming Shape ....................................................................................................294
Trimming Punch ...........................................................................................................303
Unbend.........................................................................................................................326
Unfold ...........................................................................................................................336
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪1

DieDesign
CimatronE DieDesign
The CimatronE DieDesign application enables the design and creation of the complete
die tool assembly. DieDesign supports the two tooling designs that are generally used to
produce mass volume, multi-station stamped and formed parts: a Progressive Die or a
Transfer Die.
Leveraging data in Progressive Die (from the Forming and Strip Design phases) or in
Transfer Die (from the Process Design and Tool Design phases), DieDesign allows die
makers to choose parts from either standard or dedicated die catalogs. The system also
features automatic BOM generation, at the early design phases.

Stamping dies are tools used to produce high volume sheet metal parts. These parts
achieve their shape through the effects of the die tooling.
"Die" is used to describe the tooling used to produce the stamped parts. A die set
assembly consisting of a male and female component is the actual tool that produces the
shaped stamping. The male and female components work in opposition to both form and
punch holes in the stock.
The most common types of dies perform cutting and forming. Cutting dies are used to
shear sheet material into what is called a blank. These blanks are then exposed to
blanking dies which cut the entire perimeter of the part, or to forming dies where the
blank is stamped into a part. Cutting dies are also used to trim excess metal from around a
formed part.
Punching is another function of cutting dies. Punching is the cutting of a piece from the
sheet metal stock to produce a hole or slot.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪2

"Forming" is used to describe a stamped part whose shape and contour is reproduced
directly from the shape and contour of a die set. An example of such an operation is
bending.
Multiple station dies are arranged so that a series of sequential operations are
accomplished with each press stroke. Two die types may be used; Progressive and
Transfer. In Progressive Die operations, coil stock is fed into the press. Individual
stampings are connected with a carrier strip as they progress through the various die
operations and are ultimately separated and then discharged from the press. In Transfer
Die operations, individual stock blanks are mechanically moved from die station to die
station within a single die set. Large stampings are done with tandem press lines where
the stock is moved from press to press in which specific operations, such as drawing or
trimming, are performed.
The cost of a die operation is determined by the amount of features, which determine
what tooling will need to be used. Cimatron's DieQuote Generator can be used to
produce quotes, either on a stand-alone basis, or in conjunction with CimatronE. If you
have installed the DieQuote Generator, see the DieQuote Generator Help for additional
information on this tool).
To learn more about the CimatronE DieDesign application, see:
• DieDesign Basics
• DieDesign Functions

DieDesign Basics
DieDesign Basics
The CimatronE DieDesign tool is one integrated solution replacing multiple CAD and
analysis tools, saving hours generating accurate quotes (even for complex jobs). It
enables shortening your strip design cycle and reduces trial iterations and mistakes.
This section describes the basic introductory steps to the DieDesign process including the
following:
• DieDesign Workflow: summarizes the main DieDesign tasks performed in the
DieDesign application.
• Progressive Die Setup Wizard: assists you in setting up a new Progressive Die
project by prompting you to define the appropriate parameters.
• Transfer Die Setup Wizard: assists you in setting up a new Transfer Die project
by prompting you to define the appropriate parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪3

DieDesign Workflow

DieDesign Workflow
The workflow within the DieDesign application depends on whether you are creating a
Progressive Die or a Transfer Die:
Progressive Die Transfer Die

Each step in the workflow summarizes the main tasks performed, for example:
• Die Setup Wizard: this includes one of the following:
o Progressive Die Setup Wizard: assists you in setting up a new Progressive
Die project by prompting you to define the appropriate parameters.
o Transfer Die Setup Wizard: assists you in setting up a new Transfer Die
project by prompting you to define the appropriate parameters.
For detailed information about each of the workflows, see:
Progressive Die Workflow
Transfer Die Workflow

Progressive Die Workflow

The CimatronE processes involved in creating a Progressive Die are detailed below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪4

1. Run the Progressive Die Setup Wizard and browse for a master part (final
product). Two masters can be handled in Progressive Die.
A default assembly tree with a predefined structure is created with two distinct
environments - the Strip Application environment and the Forming Shape
environment.

The Forming Shape Guide is displayed.

2. Within the Forming Shape environment, first create intermediate shapes using
the Forming Shape function. This includes creating the forming shapes that will
be included in the strip. These forming shapes are generally copies of parts
originating from the master die design file, that are changed using the bend,
unfold, unbend and blanking operations.

3. If required, you can then add a 2nd row of forming shapes using the Add 2nd
Forming Row function. Added forming shapes may be mirrored or not.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪5

4.
You can now plan the piercing sequence (which holes
will be created at which station) using the Piercing
Design function (this function is also applicable for
Transfer Die).
Piercing design is used for parts having arrays of holes
that must be pierced in several consecutive operations,
such as parts used in the electronic and computer
industries.
5. You now switch to the Strip Application environment
by clicking the Switch to Strip button at the bottom of
the Forming Shape Guide.
6. Designing the Strip: this includes, nesting, designing
the strip layout, dimensions, carrier, stations,
punch/trim and more.
7. Designing the die tool.

Transfer Die Workflow

The CimatronE processes involved in creating a Transfer Die
are detailed below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪6

1. Run the Transfer Die Setup Wizard and browse for a master part (final product).
Only one master can be handled per project.
A default assembly tree with a predefined structure is created with two distinct
environments - the Process Design environment and the Tool Design environment.

The Process Design Guide is displayed.

2. Within the Process Design environment, first create intermediate shapes using the
Forming Shape function (this is no different than Progressive Die). This includes
creating the forming shapes that will be included in the process. These forming
shapes are generally copies of parts originating from the master die design file,
that are changed using the bend, unfold, unbend and blanking operations.

3. If required, you can then add a 2nd row of forming shapes using the Add 2nd
Row function. Added forming shapes may be mirrored or not.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪7

4. You can now plan the piercing sequence (which holes will be created at which
station) using the Piercing Design function (this function is also applicable for
Progressive Die).
Piercing design is used for parts having arrays of holes that must be pierced in
several consecutive operations, such as parts used in the electronic and computer
industries.
5. You now switch to the Tool Design environment by clicking the Switch to Tool
Design button at the bottom of the Forming Shape Guide.
6. Within the Tool Design environment, define the progression value, the number of
stations and the die sets arrangement, by using the Die Sets / Station Settings
function. The output of this function is a number of sub-assemblies that are used
later in tool design. Each sub-assembly corresponds to a suitable die set,
incorporating one or more stations.

7. Use Forming Shapes > Add to Die Set function to add forming shapes to the
appropriate tool sub-assemblies, so that eventually, the previously created sub-
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪8

assemblies will contain one or more forming shapes (this is analogous to the Add
to Strip function in Progressive Die).

Progressive Die Setup Wizard

The Progressive Die Set Wizard assists you in setting up a new Die file by prompting
you to define the appropriate parameters. The die application enables you to set up two
different forming shape parts. You can import parts containing other formats, such as,
DXF, IGES and more.
General Interaction

The Progressive Die Setup Wizard dialog is displayed:

Define the following parameters:
1. From the 1st File Name, select or import the required
die assembly file, as follows:

• Open File : Open a CimatronE Part or

Assembly file (from the CimatronE Explorer)
for which you wish to create a new Die file.
• Import File : Import an external file
(PFM, IGES, SAT, etc.).
The Assembly Name for the die assembly file is
automatically created.
Note: If required, you can select another file from the
2nd File Name.
2. In the Folder Name field, either:
a. Accept the default location to save the die
assembly file.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪9

b. Select the Create New Folder checkbox to

activate the Folder Name field. Browse to
display the CimatronE Browse For Folder
window, click Create New Folder to define the
folder name and click OK.

3. If you selected the Create New Folder checkbox

above, the Copy Masters to Folder checkbox becomes
enabled. Select this checkbox to add the master part to
the project folder.
Note: This step is optional, and enables setting up an
organized environment.
4. In the Units area, select mm or inch as the required
units of measurement for the die file.

5. Click the Die Setup button. The Die Setup

window is displayed, enabling you to change the die
setup. This includes defining default parameters for
forming shape tools and nesting data.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪10

6. Press the appropriate confirmation button, follows:

Cancel, to exit the dialog.
OK, to accept the data in the dialog and display the
selected die file.

Transfer Die Setup Wizard

The Transfer Die Setup Wizard assists you in setting up a new Die file by prompting
you to define the appropriate parameters. The die application enables you to set up two
different forming shape parts. You can import parts containing other formats, such as,
DXF, IGES and more.
General Interaction

The Transfer Die Setup Wizard dialog is displayed:

Define the following parameters:
1. From the File Name, select or import the
required die assembly file, as follows

• Open File : Open a CimatronE

Part or Assembly file (from the
CimatronE Explorer) for which you
wish to create a new Die file.
• Import File : Import an external
file (PFM, IGES, SAT, etc.).
The Assembly Name for the die assembly file
is automatically created.
2. In the Folder Name field, either:
a. Accept the default location to save the
die assembly file.
b. Select the Create New Folder
checkbox to activate the Folder
Name field. Browse to display the
CimatronE Browse For Folder
window, click Create New Folder to
define the folder name and click OK.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪11

3. If you selected the Create New Folder

checkbox above, the Copy Masters to
Folder checkbox becomes enabled. Select
this checkbox to add the master part to the
project folder.
Note: This step is optional, and enables setting
up an organized environment.
4. In the Units area, select mm or inch as the
required units of measurement for the die
file.

5. Click the Die Setup button. The Die

Setup window is displayed, enabling you to
change the die setup. This includes defining
default parameters for forming shape tools
and nesting data.
6. Press the appropriate confirmation button,
follows:
Cancel, to exit the dialog.
OK, to accept the data in the dialog and
display the selected die file.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪12

DieDesign Functions
DieDesign Functions
The following DieDesign functions appear under the DieDesign menu:
The actual functions that are displayed under the DieDesign menu, depend on whether
you are in Progressive Die or Transfer Die.
Progressive Die Functions: Transfer Die Functions:

Add 2nd The Add 2nd Forming Row operation enables you to add
(Forming) another row to the strip.
Row
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪13

Add Die The Add Die Components feature enables you to add die
Components components, such as die set plates, matrixes, and more. It
includes the following functions:
Die Enables you to add die components
Components from your catalog to a die file.
Die Set Plates Enables you to add plates from
your catalog to a die file.
Matrixes Enables you to add matrixes from
your catalog to a die file.
Punch Enables you to add punch retainers
Retainer from your catalog to a die file.
Punches Enables you to add punches from
your catalog to a die file.
Screws & Enables you to add screws and
Bolts bolts from your catalog to a die
file.
Springs Enables you to add springs from
your catalog to a die file.

Assign Displays the Assign Components function, enabling you to

Comp assign different components to their die role.
Auto Blank The Auto Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element
on Binder engine which enables you to blank a group of faces on the
extension of fixed faces (consisting of planar as well as
cylindrical faces). The function is similar to the Local Blank
and Blank On Binder tools. However, in this case the fixed
faces do not only consist of planar faces.
Bend The Bend operation enables deforming entire objects
(including composite curves and sketches) under specific
conditions. This tool may be used for bending sheet materials
(as well as skins, solids and wires).
Blank on The Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine
Binder which enables you to create a local blank or global blank
(FEM) on 3D groups of faces.
Blank Tool The Blank operation uses a finite element engine, for blanking
(unfolding) a set of adjacent (stitched) faces and creating a flat
wire-body.
Cookie Modify a punch contour (planar wire or face) to allow a clean
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪14

cutoff in overlapped punching areas by adding:

• Circular notching
• Extended edges
Die Forces The Die Forces function enables you to calculate, display and
manipulate die forces in the DieDesign application. This covers
the DieDesign / Forming Shape and the tool environments.
Die Set / This group of functions is used in Transfer Die to define and
Station edit the die set and station settings. It includes the following
Settings functions:
Define Die The Define Die Set & Station
Set & Settings function is used in Transfer
Station Die to create the appropriate sub-
Settings assemblies under the Tool Design
assembly and to create a suitable
array for the placement of forming
shapes.
Edit Die The Edit Die Set & Station Settings
Set & function is used to edit die sets and
Station stations created using the Define Die
Settings Set & Station Settings function.

Die Skin The Die Skin operation creates a thin skin of the outer surface
of the selected solid part, enabling clear and easy analysis of
operations in the system.
Form CS The first stage that is performed when defining the forming
shapes, and is described as the reference UCS (called Form
CS) in the forming shape environment. Each part of the
forming shape will contain a unique Form CS.
Forming The Forming Punch feature includes the following:
Punch
Punch Enables you to add a punch unit to a die
Unit file.
Export This function enables you to export
to Part parting faces to already existing active
parts or to create new parts and export
active faces to it.

Forming Enables you to create a forming shape and edit it by relocating

Shape it or deleting it from the system. It includes the following
options:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪15

Add This function enables you to create

Forming the main forming shapes that will be
Shape included in the strip.
Delete This function enables you to remove
Forming one or more forming shapes.
Shape
Relocate This function enables you to
Forming relocate the forming shapes, placing
Shape them in different positions, as
required,

General The General category includes various general operation, as

described in the table below.
Die Cut This function enables cutting
forming shape parts, according to a
2D or 3D contour. This operation
can also be performed on forming
shapes that have been added to the
strip.
Twist This function enables you to twist an
object (or several objects) at a given
axis according to specified angles.
The twisting affect may be global or
limited between two planes (normal
to the axis).
Import By This function enables you to import
Reference selected geometry
(Objects/Faces/Wires/UCS, etc..)
from a different part in the assembly
enables relocating them in the active
part.
Information This function enables you to display
tooltip information regarding
selected faces. This includes, face
area, face perimeter, face type, face
name and more.

L-Unbend The L-Unbend operation enables you to unbend and flatten

specific areas of the die part along planar faces. The length of
the original faces remain the same without any changes after
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪16

the unbending result is achieved.

Local Blank The Local Blank operation uses a finite element engine which
enables you to blank (meaning, unfold) a defined set of
adjacent (stitched) faces and create a flat face in reference to a
fixed face.
Material The Material database enables you to define regional
standards (Din, JIS, AISI, UNI, etc.) and to define materials
belonging to these standards. It includes the following
functions:
Define Define your regional standard.
Standard
Edit View and edit the properties of materials,
Database and add or delete materials.

Move The Move Assembly operation enables you to select a forming

Assembly shape and move it to a different location.
Nesting This Nesting option enables you to place the blank forming
shapes into the strip and organize them in a layout manner.
Using this option you can control the utilization of the strip by
arranging the blanks in the most efficient way. It includes the
following options, each of which is described below.
One Part This option enables you to create
additional instances of one forming
shape, and place them in the X
direction of the active UCS of the strip
Sub-Assembly. It includes the
following options:
One In this case the die
Part - application produces
One one part in every
Row operation.
One In this case the die
Part - application produces
Two two identical parts in
Rows every operation.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪17

Two This option enables you to create

Different additional instances of two forming
Parts shapes, placing them in the X direction of
the active UCS of the strip Sub-Assembly
in two rows. Mirror parts are considered
as two different parts. This option
includes the following:
Two In this case the die
Different application produces
Parts - Two two parts in every
Rows operation.

Edit After performing the nesting operation on

Nesting one part or two parts, the system enables
you to edit the nesting parameters using
this option.
Delete After performing the nesting operation on
Nesting, one part or two parts, the system enables
you to delete the nesting result using this
option.

New Die Set Enables you to add a new die set to a die file.
Piercing The Piercing Design functions deal with large arrays of holes
Design or openings existing in die parts. The functions are used in the
progressive die strip environment or the transfer die process
design environment.
Piercing Design includes the following options:
Hole The holes are analyzed, arranged into
Analysis groups according to their shape and
size, and then marked by a contour on
their circumferences.
Delete Delete a previously run Hole Analysis.
Analysis
Piercing After running the Hole Analysis
Faces function, the Piercing Faces function
creates faces with a Piercing Face
attribute for selected holes.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪18

Progressive The Progressive Copy operation enables you to copy any type
Copy of geometry from specific forming shapes to any location on
the strip.
Punch In the strip environment, this function enables you to assign
Attributes groups of faces with attributes that will be used later in the
DieQuote Generator (each group of faces is related to a row
in the Tool Expenses tab of the Active Components Expenses
Area). If you have installed the DieQuote Generator, see the
DieQuote Generator Help for additional information on this
tool).
Punch Unit Enables you to add a punch unit to a die file.

Punch/Trim The Punch/Trim operation is a special tool in strip design and

is enabled only when the strip environment is activated. Using
this operation, you can select a 2D wire (meaning a sketch,
composite or wire body) and can then trim/punch the strip at a
single station or several stations in one operation.
Punch/Trim This function enables you to create a closed contour (by
Curve selecting a closed and planar composite curve) in order to
define a punch. The system finds a closed loop from all
displayed edges/curves lying in the defined plane (within the
specified tolerance).
This function is the same as the Composite Curve function with
the 2D Single Indication option.
Setup The Setup operation is used to define default parameters for
(DieDesign) forming shape tools, nesting data and die tool design. These
include, thickness, material, K-factors (for bend, unfold and
unbend), minimum distance (nesting) and more.
Show The Show Analysis operation is used to display analysis data.
Analysis This option can only be used on a file where a blank has
already been created.
Springback Springback is the condition that occurs when sheet metal is
Deform cold-worked (stamped at room temperature); upon release of
the forming force, the material has a tendency to partially
return (spring back) to its original shape because of the elastic
recovery of the material.
The CimatronE Springback Deform function assists you to
use springback data to compensate for springback during the
tool development phase, to reduce expensive and time-
consuming die tryouts. This springback data is created either
by a Finite Element application, or by measuring after
completing a test punch, or by using your die maker
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪19

experience.
Station This group of functions is used in Transfer Die to add or
Forming delete forming shapes to stations. It includes the following
Shape functions:
Add to This function is used in Transfer Die to
Die Set add forming shapes to stations that were
created by using the Define Die Set &
Station Settings function.
Delete This function is used in Transfer Die to
delete forming shapes that have been
added to stations.

Strip The Strip Dimension operation is a special tool in strip design

Dimension and is enabled only when the strip environment is activated.
Using this operation, you can set the dimensions of the strip.
Strip Enables you to create a forming shape and edit it by relocating
Forming it or deleting it from the system. It includes the following
Shape options, as follows:
Add to This function enables you to create
Strip the main forming shapes that will be
included in the strip
Delete This function enables you to remove
from Strip one or more forming shapes.
Relocate in This function enables you to relocate
Strip the forming shapes, placing them in
different positions, as required.

Trimming Enables you to select a planar face (punch) or a planar wire.

Punch The system then creates the necessary cutting objects and
performs a cutting operation on all relevant parts.
Unbend The Unbend operation enables the you to unbend and flatten
specific areas of the die part along cylindrical (and cone) faces.
The length of the original cylindrical faces remain the same
without any changes after the unbending result is achieved.
Unfold The Unfold operation enables you to create flat faces from a
simple given 3D model (containing planar & cylindrical faces).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪20

DieDesign Guides
The DieDesign Guides, located on the right side of the CimatronE window, lists the
DieDesign functions in a logical order to guide you through the die creation process,
from start to finish.
The DieDesign Guide that is displayed depends on whether you are in the Progressive
Die or Transfer Die environments. Each guide allows quick access to all functions that
may be useful in the appropriate die creation process.
The DieDesign applications consist of the following guides:
Application: Guides:

Progressive Die Die Forming Shape Guide

Die Strip Guide
Die Tool Design Guide
Transfer Die Process Design Guide
Transfer Tool Design Guide
Sheet Metal Sheet Metal Guide
How to show or hide these guides
Notes:
• See Navigating the Guide Bars.
• The Guide Bars can be customized as required.

Progressive Die Guides

The following guides are available for Progressive Die:
Die Forming Shape Guide
Die Strip Guide
Die Tool Design Guide
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪21

Die Forming Shape Guide

The Die Forming Shape Guide steps are organized as follows (see the DieDesign
Functions for a description of the functions in this guide that also appear under the
DieDesign menu):
Die
Forming
Shape

The following options are displayed.

The following options are displayed.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪22

The following options are displayed.

The following options are displayed.

The following options are displayed.

The Assign Faces option includes the following:

• Attach Faces: Opens the QuickSplit function, which
enables splitting an open or closed object into faces
according to specific directions and attach parting
attributes to faces/composites.
• New Group: Opens the New Direction function. This
option enables you to define different groups of faces.
We recommend using this feature to mark the change
(bend, unbend and so on), that occurred in the station on
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪23

the strip. Select the faces and then click OK. These faces
can easily be transferred to the forming punches using
Export Active.

Opens the Die Strip Guide.

Opens the Die Tool Design Guide.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪24

Die Strip Guide

The Die Strip Guide steps are organized as follows (see the DieDesign Functions for a
description of the functions in this guide that also appear under the DieDesign menu):
Die
Strip

The following options are displayed.

Carrier Sketcher: This function enables you to sketch the

carrier. The Sketcher is invoked and the sketch features of the
carrier are automatically displayed.
Punch Boundaries: This function enables you to sketch the
punch boundaries. The Sketcher is invoked and the sketch
features of the punch boundaries are automatically displayed.

The following options are displayed.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪25

The Curves option includes the following:

• Sketcher
• Extend
• Corner
• Split
• Merge Wires
• Offfset
• Line
• Circle
• Mirror Wire
• Copy Wire

The following options are displayed.

Refer to the Assign Faces option in the Die Forming Shape

Guide.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪26

Opens the DieQuote Generator to help die makers with the

quoting process, by using information created in CimatronE
DieDesign together with the knowledge of the die maker. If you
have installed the DieQuote Generator, see the DieQuote
Generator Help for additional information on this tool).
Opens the Die Forming Shape Guide.

Opens the Die Tool Design Guide.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪27

Die Tool Design Guide

The Die Tool Design Guide steps are organized as follows (see the DieDesign Functions
for a description of the functions in this guide that also appear under the DieDesign
menu):
Die Tool
Design
Guide

Refer to the Assign Faces option in the Die Forming Shape

Guide.

The following options are displayed.

The Export Active function enables you to easily transfer faces

to the forming punches.
The following options are displayed.

The Faces option includes the following:

• Offset
• Extend
• Sweep
• Blend
• Bounded
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪28

• By Sketcher
• Trim
• Extend Planar & Cones

The following options are displayed.

New Cam: Displays the Add New Cam dialog, enabling you to
add a new Cam.

The following options are displayed.

The Quick Modif. option includes the following:

• Remove Pocket
• Relocate Component
• Edit Dimensions
BOM: The BOM (an assembly parts list with component data)
enables you to create a Bill of Materials for the drafting sheet.

Switch To Forming: Opens the Die Forming Shape Guide.

Switch To Strip: Opens the Die Strip Guide.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪29

Transfer Die Guides

The following guides are available for Transfer Die:
Process Design Guide
Transfer Tool Design Guide

Process Design Guide

The Process Design Guide steps are organized as follows (see the DieDesign Functions
for a description of the functions in this guide that also appear under the DieDesign
menu):
Process
Design
Guide

The following options are displayed.

The following options are displayed.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪30

The following options are displayed.

The following options are displayed.

Refer to the Assign Faces option in the Die Forming Shape

Guide.

Opens the DieQuote Generator to help die makers with the

quoting process, by using information created in CimatronE
DieDesign together with the knowledge of the die maker. If you
have installed the DieQuote Generator, see the DieQuote
Generator Help for additional information on this tool).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪31

Opens the Die Tool Design Guide.

Transfer Tool Design Guide

The Transfer Tool Design Guide steps are organized as follows (see the DieDesign
Functions for a description of the functions in this guide that also appear under the
DieDesign menu):
Transfer
Tool
Design
Guide

Refer to the Assign Faces option in the Die Forming Shape

Guide.

The following options are displayed.

The Export Active function enables you to easily transfer faces

to the forming punches.
The following options are displayed.

The Faces option includes the following:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪32

• Offset
• Extend
• Sweep
• Blend
• Bounded
• By Sketcher
• Trim
• Extend Planar & Cones

The following options are displayed.

New Cam: Displays the Add New Cam dialog, enabling you to
add a new Cam.

The following options are displayed.

The Quick Modif. option includes the following:

• Remove Pocket
• Relocate Component
• Edit Dimensions
BOM: The BOM (an assembly parts list with component data)
enables you to create a Bill of Materials for the drafting sheet.

Switch To Forming: Opens the Die Forming Shape Guide.

Switch To Strip: Opens the Die Strip Guide.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪33

Sheet Metal Guide

The Sheet Metal Guide steps are organized as follows (see the DieDesign Functions for
a description of the functions in this guide that also appear under the DieDesign menu):
Sheet
Metal

Unbend Solid: Deforms closed solid objects.

The following options are displayed.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪34

Wrap: Wrap geometry (faces/wires/curve/points) from the

original face onto a target face.

Showing or Hiding the DieDesign Guides

To show the DieDesign Guides, click the Access button at the top of this topic to display
the Access button dropdown text.
To hide the DieDesign Guides, do the opposite of the Access button dropdown text.

Add 2nd (Forming) Row

Add 2nd Forming Row / Add 2nd Row

The Add 2nd Forming Row function (in Progressive Die) or Add 2nd Row function (in
Transfer Die) enables you to add another row to the strip. The 2nd row can either be a
mirror or copy of the 1st row.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪35

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Add 2nd Row.
Remember: You
can open the
Feature Guide at
any time on the
graphic display area
by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the forming shapes and set the mirroring option.

Add 2nd Forming Row / Add 2nd Row : Options and Results
The Add 2nd Forming Row function (in Progressive Die) or Add 2nd Row function (in
Transfer Die) enables you to add another row to the strip. The 2nd row can either be a
mirror or copy of the 1st row.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪36

Required Step 1 :
Pick the forming shapes and set the mirroring option.

The following toggle options are displayed Mirror On / Mirror Off:

Mirror Create a 2nd row and mirror the 1st row.
On For example:
In this example the 1st row is selected for clarity. The 2nd row is the lower row, which
is a mirror of the 1st row.

Mirror Create a 2nd row and do not mirror the 1st row.
Off For example:
In this example the 1st row is selected for clarity. The 2nd row is the lower row, which
is a copy (not a mirror) of the 1st row.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪37

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The Assembly
Tree is updated as follows:
The Assembly Tree prior to adding the 2nd The Assembly Tree after adding the 2nd row
row - one row exists. - two rows exist.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪38

Add Die Components

Add Die Components

The Add Die Components feature enables you to add die components, such as standard
parts, screws, springs, plates and more. It includes the following functions:
Die Enables you to add die components from your catalog to a
Components die file.
Die Set Plates Enables you to add plates from your catalog to a die file.

Matrixes Enables you to add matrixes from your catalog to a die file.

Punch Retainer Enables you to add punch retainers from your catalog to a
die file.
Punches Enables you to add punches from your catalog to a die file.

Screws & Bolts Enables you to add screws and bolts from your catalog to a
die file.
Springs Enables you to add springs from your catalog to a die file.

Add Die Components > Die Components

Add die components from your catalog to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.

Required Step 1 :
Select a die component from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Add Die Components function).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪39

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Add Die Components > Die Set Plates

Add die set plates from your catalog to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪40

Required Step 1 :
Select a die set plate from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Add Die Components function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Add Die Components > Matrixes

Add matrixes from your catalog to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪41

Required Step 1 :
Select a matrix from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Add Die Components function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Add Die Components > Punch Retainers

Add punch retainers from your catalog to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪42

Required Step 1 :
Select a punch retainer from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Add Die Components function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Add Die Components > Punches

Add punches from your catalog to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪43

Required Step 1 :
Select a punch from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Add Die Components function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Add Die Components > Screws & Bolts

Add screws and bolts from your catalog to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪44

Required Step 1 :
Select a screw or bolt from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Add Die Components function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Add Die Components > Springs

Add springs from your catalog to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪45

Required Step 1 :
Select a spring from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Add Die Components function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪46

Assign Comp.

Assign Components
The Assign Components feature enables you to assign predefined attributes to selected
plates, according to their die role. These attributes and their offset default values are
defined in the Punch tab of the Die Setup dialog. In this procedure you may change the
offset values, as required.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Assign Components.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Select the component(s).

Required Step 2 : Define the parameters.

Assign Components : Options and Results

After loading a new Die Set file, you can then assign different attributes to selected plates
and define the offset value, as described in the following procedure. If required, you may
use multiple selections to select multiple plates to assign the same attribute to different
plates.
Note: You can edit the function by repeating Steps 1 and 2 shown below to change the
assigned attributes.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪47

Required Step 1 : Select the Component(s)

1. Select plate which to assign an attribute, as follows:

2. Exit(middle mouse button) to enter then next step where you can select the
attribute and define the offset. The following is displayed.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪48

Required Step 2 : Define the Parameters

1. Click to display the following dropdown list containing the attributes
(these attributes are defined in the Punch tab of the Die Setup):

2. Select the attribute to assign to the plate. In this case Die Plate was selected, as
follows:

Note: The default offset value is derived from the Punch tab of the Die Setup.

3. Click the button to define the offset for the selection then click
OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪49

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to assign different attributes to the other plates. The
result is displayed in the following example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪50

Auto Blank on Binder

Auto Blank on Binder

The Auto Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine which enables you to
blank a group of faces on the extension of fixed faces (consisting of planar as well as
cylindrical faces). The function is similar to the Local Blank and Blank On Binder tools.
However, in this case the fixed faces do not only consist of planar faces.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Auto Blank on Binder.
Remember: You
can open the
Feature Guide at
any time on the
graphic display area
by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference (Fixed) Faces.

Required Step 2 : Pick Faces to Blank.

Required Step 3 : Set the Parameters.

Optional Step 1 : Pick the Points to be Transferred.

Optional Step 2 : Show Analysis Results.

Optional Step 3 : Change the tipping direction.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪51

Auto Blank on Binder : Options and Results

The Auto Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine for blanking a given
set of adjacent stitched and skinned faces on the extension of other sets of planar and
cylindrical faces (based on material properties and thickness).

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference (Fixed) Faces

Pick the required reference (fixed) faces (planar and cones marked in red) and
Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪52

Required Step 2 : Pick Faces to Blank

Pick the required faces to blank (marked in red ) over the extension of the faces that were
selected in step 1 above.
The system automatically identifies (and selects) all the faces adjacent smooth faces. If
required, you can unselect these faces manually, as follows:

Exit(middle mouse button). In the next step you will define the required parameters, as
shown in the next step.

Required Step 3 : Set the Parameters

Define the required parameters and then Exit(middle mouse button):
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪53

Some of these parameters are common to other functions. See the parameter explanations
of these parameters under the Blank function.
In addition to the above parameters, the following parameter also appears in the Auto
Blank on Binder function:
Remove This is a toggle option - Remove Original Faces / Keep Original Faces. When the
Original default Remove Original Faces is selected, the original faces are removed, as shown
Faces here and in the results of the procedure below. When toggled Keep Original Faces is
selected the original faces are maintained.

Remove Original Faces Keep Original Faces

Note: If required you can click the blue arrow to change the direction of the local blank
operation.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪54

Optional Step 1 : Pick the Points to be Transferred

For further details on the points to be transferred, refer to the same option in the Blank
function.

Optional Step 2 : Show Analysis Results

This step is identical to the Show Analysis function.

Optional Step 3 : Change the tipping direction

For further details on changing the tipping direction, refer to the same option in the Blank
on Binder function.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

When completed, the new Auto Blank on Binder feature will appear in the Feature Tree
as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪55

Additional Example

Required Step 1 : Pick the Binder Faces

Pick the required reference fixed faces (marked in red) and Exit(middle mouse button) ,
as follows:

Required Step 2 : Pick Faces to Blank

Pick the required faces to blank (marked in red ) over the extension of the faces that were
selected in Step 1 above.
The system automatically identifies (and selects) all the faces adjacent smooth faces. If
required, you can unselect these faces manually, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪56

Exit(middle mouse button) . In the next step you will define the required parameters, as
shown below.

Required Step 3 : Set the Parameters

Define the required parameters as described in the Step 3 of the previous example, then
Exit(middle mouse button) :

Optional Step 1 : Pick the Points to be Transferred

For further details on the points to be transferred, refer to the Blank tool.

Optional Step 2 : Show Analysis Results

This step is identical to the Show Analysis function.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪57

Auto Blank on Binder: Editing

Editing the Auto Blank on Binder Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Auto Blank on Binder object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you defined the parameters.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Blank on Binder

Blank on Binder
The Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine which enables you to create
a local blank or global blank (FEM) on 3D groups of faces.
Note: The binder object may contain any type of faces but for best results it is
recommended that the binder object contains only smooth, planar and cylindrical faces.
Two types of Blank on Binder operations exist, as follows:
Local In this example you select specific faces (marked in yellow) and create
blank on an extension of the blue faces. The result is the blanking of the yellow
Binder faces on the binder.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪58

Global In this example you select all the faces and create a binder of these faces.
Blank on The result is wire body that represents the blanking of the yellow faces
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪59

Binder on the binder.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪60

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Blank on Binder.
Remember: You
can open the
Feature Guide at
any time on the
graphic display area
by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Binder Body

Required Step 2 : Pick Faces to Blank

Required Step 3 : Set the Parameters

Optional Step 1 : Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions

Optional Step 2 : Pick the Points to be Transferred

Optional Step 3 : Show Analysis Result

Optional Step 4 : Change the tipping direction.

Options and Results

Blank on Binder : Options and Results

The Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine for blanking (flanging) a
given set of adjacent stitched skinned faces and then create a contour on another set of
faces, based on the material properties and thickness. Various types of Blank on Binder
options exist, as follows:
• Local blank on Binder
• Global Blank on Binder
• Working with Two Forming Shapes
Note: The binder object may contain any type of faces but for best results it is
recommended that the binder object contains only smooth, planar and cylindrical faces.

Local Blank on Binder

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪61

Before activating the Blank on Binder operation perform the following steps:
Step 1: Skin the Faces
Step 2: Create the Extended (Binder) Faces
Step 3: Stitch the Extended Faces
Step 1: Skin the Faces
The first step that is required when creating a Local Blank on Binder is to skin the object
containing the required faces. For further details refer to Die Skin.
1. From the DieDesign menu, select Die Skin.
2. Select the top face, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪62

3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

When completed, the new Skin feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Step 2: Create the Extended (Binder) Faces

After Die Skin has been performed, the next step is to create the extended binder faces.
This includes:
• Unstitch the Faces
• Create a Composite Curve
Unstitch the Faces
This step describes how to Unstitch the required faces (on which to create the binder), as
described in the following procedure. For further details refer to Unstitch.
1. From the Faces menu, select Unstitch and ensure the As Groups option is
selected:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪63

2. Select the faces to unstitch (marked in yellow), as follows:

3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

When completed, the new Unstitch feature will appear in the Feature Tree, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪64

Create a Composite Curve

This step describes how to create a composite curve which is an extension of the selected
faces. For further details refer to Composite.
1. From the Curves menu selected Composite and select the entities for the
composite curve, as follows:

2. Select the yellow faces and then click Hide . The following is displayed:

3. From the Faces menu select Extend. Ensure the Natural - Multi Continuous
and Manual Directions options are selected, as follows:

4. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪65

When completed, the new Composite feature will appear in the Feature Tree, as
follows:

Step 3: Stitch Extended Faces

After Composite and Extend have been performed, the next step is to stitch all the
extended faces. For further details refer to Stitch.
1. From the Faces menu, select Stitch, then select the extended faces (marked in
red) and click Show to display the yellow faces, as shown below:

Note: Ensure the Stitch only toggle button is selected, as shown above.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪66

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

When completed, the new Stitch feature will appear in the Feature Tree, as
follows:

Blank on Binder: Local

The Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine for blanking (flanging) a
given set of adjacent stitched skinned faces and then create a contour on another set of
faces, based on the material properties and thickness. Various types of Blank on Binder
options exist, as follows:
• Local blank on Binder
• Global Blank on Binder
• Working with Two Forming Shapes
Note: The binder object may contain any type of faces but for best results it is
recommended that the binder object contains only smooth, planar and cylindrical faces.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪67

After you have skinned the faces, created the extended (binder) faces and stitched the
extended faces, you can now activate the Blank on Binder operation, as described
below.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Binder Body

1. From the DieDesign menu, select Blank on Binder.
2. Select the binder body (marked in green), as follows:

Required Step 2 : Pick Faces to Blank

1. Select the faces to blank (marked in red), as follows:

2. Exit(middle mouse button) to display the following step 3, as shown below.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪68

Required Step 3 : Set Parameters

1. Define the required parameters and then Exit(middle mouse button):

Some of these parameters are common to other functions. See the parameter
explanations of these parameters under the Blank function.
In addition to the above parameters, the following parameters also appear in the
Blank on Binder function:
Remove This is a toggle option - Remove Original Faces / Keep Original Faces. When the
Original default Remove Original Faces is selected, the original faces are removed, as shown
Faces here and in the results of the procedure below. When toggled Keep Original Faces is
selected the original faces are maintained.

Remove Original Faces Keep Original Faces

Trim This is a toggle option - Trim Binder-On / Trim Binder-Off. The parameter either
Binder - trims the binder object or not.
On
Trim Binder - On
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪69

Trim Binder - Off

Note: The system automatically creates a constant of the free edges.

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪70

Optional Steps
For a description of the Optional Steps for this function, see Blank on Binder: Global.

When completed, the new Blank on Binder feature will appear in the Feature Tree, as
follows:

Blank on Binder: Global

The Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine for blanking (flanging) a
given set of adjacent stitched skinned faces and then create a contour on another set of
faces, based on the material properties and thickness. Various types of Blank on Binder
options exist, as follows:
• Local blank on Binder
• Global Blank on Binder
• Working with Two Forming Shapes
Note: The binder object may contain any type of faces but for best results it is
recommended that the binder object contains only smooth, planar and cylindrical faces.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Binder Body

1. From the DieDesign menu, select Blank on Binder.

2. Select the binder body (marked in red), as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪71

Required Step 2 : Pick Faces to Blank

1. Select the faces to blank (marked in red), as follows:

2. Exit(middle mouse button) to display the following step 3, as shown below.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪72

Required Step 3 : Set Parameters

1. Set the parameters as required (see the parameter explanations in Blank on Binder:
Local):

Note: The system automatically creates a constant of the free edges (marked in yellow) in
the picture above).

Optional Step 1 : Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions

1. Click the Clear Selection icon to clear the free edges that were created by the
system automatically (marked in yellow in the picture above). The following is
displayed:

2. Select the fixed edges, as follows:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪73

Optional Step 2 : Pick the Points to be Transferred

Select the points to be transferred (marked in red) as follows:

Optional Step 3 : Show Analysis Results

This step is identical to the Show Analysis function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪74

Optional Step 4 : Change the tipping direction

This option enables you to change the tipping (press) direction. In some cases, the default
Z direction is not the required direction.
The following dropdown menu options are displayed:

Z- Set the Z direction as the tipping direction. This is the default option.
Direction If the part is a die forming part, the option Work CS is displayed.
If the part is a non-forming part, the option Z - Direction is displayed.
Auto If this option is set, the system selects the "best" tipping direction. This
Tipping is done by finding a mean plane according to the binder faces and
defining the tipping direction as normal to this plane.
User- This option enables you to define the tipping direction by using the
Defined displayed directional arrow.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

Keep Original Faces - example result:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪75

Remove Original Faces - example result:

Additional Example - Remove Original Faces (Trim Binder - Off)

When completed, the new Blank on Binder feature will appear in the Feature Tree, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪76

Blank on Binder: Working with Two Forming Shapes

The Blank on Binder operation uses a finite element engine for blanking (flanging) a
given set of adjacent stitched skinned faces and then create a contour on another set of
faces, based on the material properties and thickness. Various types of Blank on Binder
options exist, as follows:
• Local blank on Binder
• Global Blank on Binder
• Working with Two Forming Shapes
Note: The binder object may contain any type of faces but for best results it is
recommended that the binder object contains only smooth, planar and cylindrical faces.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Binder Body

1. Select the outer body (marked in red) as the binder, as follows:

2. Exit(middle mouse button) to display the following:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪77

Required Step 2 : Pick Faces to Blank

1. Select the faces from the first forming shape to define as a reference (marked in
red), as follows:

2. Exit(middle mouse button) to display the following step 3, as shown below.

Required Step 3 : Set Parameters

1. Accept the default parameters, as shown below (see the parameter explanations
above):

Note: In the first object, the system creates a yellow boundary and marks the
reference area for the blank (marked in green) that will be created in the second
object.
2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪78

The system performs the Blank on Binder operation on the second object based on
the area that was defined on the first object, as shown in the result above.

Optional Steps
For a description of the Optional Steps for this function, see Blank on Binder: Global.

When completed, the new Blank on Binder feature will appear in the Feature Tree, as
follows:

Blank on Binder : Editing

Editing the Blank on Binder Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Blank on Binder Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you defined the parameters.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪79

Blank Tool

Blank Tool
The Blank operation uses a finite element engine, for blanking (unfolding) a set of
adjacent (stitched) faces and creating a flat wire-body. The result created is based on a list
of parameters such as, material type, thickness, some 2D boundary conditions and more.
Various rules exist when creating a blank. These rules are defined, as follows:
• When using the transfer entities option, faces connected to planar faces can be
transferred, unlike faces connected to 3D faces (which cannot be transferred). In
addition, wires on edges that are on a planar face are transferred as is (meaning,
no changes are made).
• Edges and entities on 3D faces are recreated as splines.
This option enables you to pick a reference face (or a plane) and then a set of adjacent
faces to be blanked (the blue faces in the picture below), and then define a set of
parameters (and/or constraints), as shown in the example
below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪80

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Blank.
Remember: You
can open the
Feature Guide at
any time on the
graphic display area
by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the face(s).

Required Step 2 : Set the Parameters.

Optional Step 1 : Define Boundaries.

Optional Step 2 : Pick Additional Faces to be Transferred.

Optional Step 3 : Show Analysis Results.

Blank Tool : Options and Results

The Blank operation uses a finite element engine, for blanking (unfolding) a set of
adjacent (stitched) faces and creating a flat wire-body. This includes selecting the faces
for which to create a wire body result, defining the required parameters, defining the
fixed boundaries and transferring entities.
Various examples, describing the different options, are shown below:
• Example 1: Pick Additional Entities to be Transferred - Smooth Chain On
• Example 2: Pick Additional Entities to be Transferred - Smooth Chain Off
• Example 3: Define Boundary - Fixed Conditions
• Example 4: Define Boundary - Fixed Conditions (Close to Face Option)

Example 1: Pick Additional Entities to be Transferred and Show Analysis

Results
In the example below, Smooth Chain Selection On is selected.
In this case, the faces on which to perform the blank, the system automatically selects all
the adjacent smooth faces, as shown below. You can then define the required parameters
and select the entities to transfer to the blank, as shown below. In this case the third
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪81

optional step is also displayed, where you can generate and display the analysis results
(safety zone thickness and thickness strain analysis).

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face

Pick the required reference (fixed) face and Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:

The system automatically identifies (and selects) all the adjacent smooth faces, as shown
above.

Required Step 2 : Define the Parameters

Define the required parameters and then Exit(middle mouse button):

Some of these parameters appear in the following DieDesign functions:

Blank Tool
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪82

Local Blank
Auto Blank on Binder
Blank on Binder
These common parameters are:
Material From the Material Type dropdown list, select the required material
Type provided by the finite element engine.
The materials that are displayed in this
list are those that have been entered into
the Material Database. The Material
Standard that is used is displayed in
brackets next to the Material Type
parameter name.
Materials that are defined in the selected
regional standard are shown in blue.
Other (generic) materials (which have no
name in the defined standard) are shown
in gray.

Thickness Enter the required thickness of the sheet metal in the relevant field. The
default value is derived from the Die Setup. However, you can change
this value according to your requirements.

Neutral Select this option to offset the skin or toggle to the Selected Skin
Fiber option to perform this operation without offsetting the skin.
Note: This example displays this operation using the Neutral Fiber
option. Example 4 (shown below) displays this operation using the
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪83

Selected Skin option.

Bending Select the Bending Type - Form option to form the bending type or
Type - toggle to Bending Type - Draw to draw the bending type.
Form Draw Die
When forming a part using draw die (as illustrated below), it is
recommended to use the Draw Die forming process. As material
passes over the radius on the die, additional strain is added to the part
due to the friction between the part and the die and the bending and
unbending process. These additional strains are not present when a part
is manufactured using a form die.
The friction and bending effects are automatically considered by
Forming Suite when the Draw Die setting is turned on. The Draw Die
process formulation determines the areas of curvature on the part and
adds the required forces and strains to any material that would flow
over them during forming.

Note: when applying bend lines manually, the Draw Die process
should not be used.
Form Die
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪84

When forming a part using a Form Die (illustrated below) use the Form
Die forming process. This process is typically used in progressive dies
and simple flanging operations.
In this type of operation, the blank material is not pulled through a
radius, it is simply bent around it. As a result, there are no additional
strains produced by friction.

Normal Select this option to create the blank at a regular accuracy level. You
Accuracy can change the accuracy level by clicking on this button to display a
dropdown list and then select the Low Accuracy or High Accuracy
options, as required.
In addition to the above parameters, the following parameters also appear in the Blank
function:
Simplify Enter the required Simplify Edges Tolerance value. In this case the
Edges system attempts to create analytical geometry within the specified
Tol. tolerance, that is defined here.
Create This is a toggle option - Create Blank / Create Analysis Data. Select
Blank Create Blank to create the blank or toggle to Create Analysis Data (the
analysis can also be activated from the Optional Step 3, Show Analysis
Results).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪85

If the Blank function is used on a forming shape, an additional toggle

option is displayed, Create New Part / Create a Feature in the Active
Part:

or
Create New Part Create a new part in the forming shape. An
additional parameter is displayed enabling you
to define the file name of the part.
Create a Feature Instead of creating a new part, this option
in the Active enables you to create a new feature in the active
Part part.

Note: If required you can click the blue arrow to change the direction of the blank
operation.

Optional Step 1 : Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions

This step is described in detail below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪86

Optional Step 2 : Pick Additional Entities to be Transferred

Select the following entities (marked in red).

Select the Filter Edges and Curves button and then select the following edges:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪87

Optional Step 3 : Show Analysis Results

This step is identical to the Show Analysis function.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

The entities that were selected in Optional Step 2: Pick Additional Entities to Be
Transferred have been transferred to the blank shown above (marked in red).
When completed, the new Blank feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪88

Example 2: Pick Additional Entities to be Transferred - Smooth Chain Off

When the Smooth Chain Off option is select the system does not automatically select the
adjacent smooth faces, as shown in the example, below.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face(s)

Pick the required reference (fixed) faces, as shown below and Exit(middle mouse button),
as follows:

Required Step 2 : Define the Parameters

Define the required parameters, as explained above.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪89

Optional Step 1 : Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions

This step is described in detail below.

Optional Step 2 : Pick Additional Entities to be Transferred

Proceed to the second optional step Pick Additional Entities to be Transferred.

Click the Filter Edges and Curves button and then select the following edges
(marked in red):

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

In this case the edges that were selected have been transferred to the blank that was
created.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪90

Example 3: Defining Boundary - Fixed Conditions

The first optional step Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions, enables you to define
fixed boundaries in specific areas of the object, as described below.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face(s)

Pick the required reference (fixed) faces, as shown below and Exit(middle mouse button),
as follows:

Required Step 2 : Define the Parameters

Define the required parameters, as explained above.

Optional Step 1 : Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪91

1. Click the Top View button and then proceed to the first optional step

Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions select the boundaries that you want to
create as fixed boundaries (marked in red)
2. Select the required X and Y constraint type. In the following example the Fix X
& Y button was selected, as follows:

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

In the following examples the other X,Y contraint options and their results are displayed:

• :
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪92

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows

•
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪93

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

Example 4: Defining Boundary - Fixed Conditions (Close to Face Option)

The first optional step Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions, enables you to define
fixed boundaries in specific areas of the object using the Close to Face filter button, as
described below.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face(s)

Pick the required reference (fixed) faces, as shown below and Exit(middle mouse button),
as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪94

Required Step 2 : Define the Parameters

Define the required parameters, as explained above.

Optional Step 1 : Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions

Proceed to the first optional step Define Boundary (Fixed) Conditions. Click the
Close to Face icon and select a point on the selected face, as follows:

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪95

In this case the face had been fixed to the blank, as shown above. However, you can
change the Thickness and change the direction of the blue arrow, with or without
offsetting the skin, to display different results, as shown in each of the examples below:

Additional examples:
Neutral Fiber, Thickness - 40, Arrow - Down
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪96

Neutral Fiber, Thickness - 40, Arrow - Up

Selected Skin, Thickness - 40

Blank Tool : Editing

Editing the Blank Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Blank Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you define the parameters.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪97

Die Forces

Die Forces
The Die Forces function enables you to calculate, display and manipulate die forces in
the DieDesign application. This covers the DieDesign / Forming Shape and the tool
environments.
Forces are calculated in the background of the following forming shape environment
operations:
• Trimming punch
• Unbend
• Local Blank, Blank on Binder, Auto Blank on Binder.
• The force value is calculated and stored for usage inside the Die Forces function.
Within the Die Forces function, the pre-calculated die forces are shown, the sum of all
forces are indicated and so is the point of moment equilibrium. You can type in values
other than those automatically calculated and using optional stages, are able to combine a
few forces together, or "attach" new forces to selected geometry.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Die Forces.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Automatically display the pre-calculated forces, type in values,

modify parameters.

Optional Step 1 : Pick faces and create new forces.

Optional Step 2 : Copy force figures to new locations. The new forces are included
in all relevant total force and moment calculations.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪98

Die Forces : Options and Results

The Die Forces function enables you to calculate, display and manipulate die forces in
the DieDesign application. This covers the DieDesign / Forming Shape and the tool
environments.
Forces are calculated in the background of the following forming shape environment
operations:
• Trimming punch
• Unbend
• Local Blank, Blank on Binder, Auto Blank on Binder.
• The force value is calculated and stored for usage inside the Die Forces function.
Within the Die Forces function, the pre-calculated die forces are shown, the sum of all
forces are indicated and so is the point of moment equilibrium. You can type in values
other than those automatically calculated and using optional stages, are able to combine a
few forces together, or "attach" new forces to selected geometry.
Required Step 1
Optional Step 1
Optional Step 2

Required Step 1
Automatically display the pre-calculated forces, type in values, modify parameters. When
the function is invoked, the pre-calculated forces are automatically displayed, for
example:

The system generated screen parameters (the ones that are displayed grayed out), show
the type of material used, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the picked material, the sum
of the die forces and the location of the equilibrium point:
User controlled screen parameters are:
Units This determines the units of force value. Options are as shown (for
metric and inch unit files). Default force units are Kilo Newton (KN)
for metric and Libra forces (Lbf) for inch files. This also determines
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪99

the (system generated) Total Force value.

Units of force for mm files: Units of force for inch files:

Include Toggle between these options to include or exclude the blanking

Blanking force from the force calculation.
Force /
Exclude
Blanking
Force
Reset Resets all definitions as they were when the function was invoked,
i.e. resets all the original values, restores deleted forces, cancels
combination of forces and also deletes newly added forces.
Hide Figures A toggle button to show or hide all force value figures.
/ Show
Figures

When the button (in the figures ) is pressed, the value is

hidden. Restore the value by pressing Show Figures. Irrespective of
the hide/show status, the arrow figure is still displayed.
A progress bar is displayed while the forces are calculated.
You can overwrite calculated values by typing the required value into the appropriate
field.

All calculations are instantly modified according to the new value and the figure color
changes to indicate that the default value has been changed, as shown:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪100

When the base of force figure is picked, the figure turns green and the following menu is
displayed (as in the Arrow tool):

The following popup options are displayed:

Restore Restore the original calculated value, if you changed it. The color
Value reverts back to blue and the total force and moment calculation are
modified accordingly.
Show Restore the force figure it is hidden. This option is disabled when the
Figure figure is shown.
Delete The force is deleted; it is not shown on the screen and ignored in all
calculations (this is valid only for new forces created in the optional
stage).

Optional Step 1
Pick faces and create new forces. When new forces are calculated, a finite element engine
is used.
Pick a face to display a bounding box and a force figure (arrow). No value boxes are
displayed while in the Optional Step 1 stage. The relevant value boxes are only displayed
when you return to the Required Step 1 stage, as shown:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪101

The force point of origin is at center of the bounding box for the picked faces. As long as
faces are adjacent and stitched, they are considered to be attached to the same force. If
two sets of disconnected or unstitched faces are selected, then two new forces will be
created.
Force calculation
Moment calculations
The following options are displayed:
Smooth Toggle between these two options.
Chain On /
Smooth
Chain Off
Same/Single Toggle between these two options. The default option is Same/Single Value. You
Value / can toggle to Different Values only if there are at least two selected sets. If
Different Same/Single Value is used, an additional parameter enables you to type in a uniform
Values force for all selected sets; this value is then available when you return to the
Required Step 1 stage, as shown:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪102

Calculate Calculate the dimple forming force. If the option Different Values is used, when you
return to the Required Step 1 stage, value boxes with the value 0 are displayed for the
new forces attached to each set.
This optional stage is actually the Blank operation. Input for this operation is
currently the selected faces, or the 1st set of selected faces if more than one set
exists.

Optional Step 2
Copy force figures to new locations. The new forces are included in all relevant total
force and moment calculations.
Pick the force figures to be copied and set the following copying parameters:
Mirror Mirror the picked forces about the center of the strip.
On
Mirror Additional parameters are displayed enabling you to define the Delta X
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪103

Off and Delta Y distances from the picked forces.

The copied force figures are displayed in blue while you are setting the parameters.

When you return to Required Step 1, the new forces are added as shown:

The new forces are included in all relevant total force and moment calculations.

Force calculation:
The force calculation employed depends on the type of operation being calculated. For
additional information and to define some of the values used in force calculations, see the
Die Preferences.

Moment calculations:
A special figure ( ) is drawn on the strip face at the moment point of equilibrium
location.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪104

FTI
The finite element engine used in the DieDesign application is based on technology
supplied by the Forming Technologies Inc (FTI) 3rd party engine. For additional
information on FTI, see www.forming.com.
The finite element engine is used in the following functions:
Blank
Local Blank
Auto Blank on Binder
Blank on Binder
Whenever the finite element engine is used, resultant forces are calculated and stored for
usage in the Die Forces operation.

Die Set / Station Settings

Die Set / Station Settings

This group of functions is used in Transfer Die to define and edit the die set and station
settings. It includes the following functions:
Define Die The Define Die Set & Station Settings function is used in
Set & Station Transfer Die to create the appropriate sub-assemblies under
Settings the Tool Design assembly and to create a suitable array for
the placement of forming shapes.
Edit Die Set The Edit Die Set & Station Settings function is used to edit
& Station die sets and stations created using the Define Die Set &
Settings Station Settings function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪105

Define Die Set & Station Settings

Define Die Set & Station Settings

This function is used in Transfer Die to create the appropriate sub-assemblies under the
Tool Design assembly and to create a suitable array for the placement of forming shapes.
Die set and station definitions can be edited by selecting Edit Die Set & Station Settings.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Create Stations.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Set the parameters and/or drag the boxes to define the die sets.

Define Die Set & Station Settings : Options and Results

This function is used in Transfer Die to create the appropriate sub-assemblies under the
Tool Design assembly and to create a suitable array for the placement of forming shapes.
Die set and station definitions can be edited by selecting Edit Die Set / Station Settings.

Required Step 1 :
Set the parameters and/or drag the boxes to define the die sets.
In general, you need to set the number of stations, the general progression value, the
number of rows (one or two) and direction, Left to Right or Right to Left. In addition,
you can set an individual progression and define the die set arrangement by dragging the
box figures and setting appropriate names (this determines which stations are included in
which die set).
The following screen parameters and icons are displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪106

The following icons represent different elements in this function:

Represents the stations.
Represents the die sets. Each die set is a sub-assembly under the Tool
Design assembly. See below for additional information.
Set the parameters as required:
Number of Set the number of stations. The default number of stations is derived from the
Stations process design, however, you can add or delete stations as required.
Progression Set the Progression value. The initial value is as set in the process design,
however, you can change this as required.
In addition, you can also set a local progression value that is different from the
general value.
To set a local progression value:
1. Select the figure that is displayed between two adjacent die sets, for
example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪107

2. A label is displayed with the current progression value. Set the required
local value, for example:

To delete a local progression value, press the button at the top right hand corner
of the appropriate label.
Left to Define the direction of the die sets. This is a toggle button: Left to Right or
Right Right to Left.
Hide Name This toggle button hides or shows the die set figures (labels).
Figures
One Row This toggle button enables you to define one or two rows of stations (represented,
as mentioned above, by ). Two rows are used to support die sets designed for
tooling mirrored parts.
One One row of stations is displayed per die set.
Row For example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪108

Two Two rows of stations are displayed per die set.

Rows For example:

An additional parameter is displayed, Distance Between Rows. This

parameter controls the distance between the rows within the die set.
For example:

When finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
Each die set is represented as a sub-assembly under the Tool Design assembly.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪109

A UCS is created at each station. These UCSs are used later on to add forming shapes to
the die sets. All sub-assemblies (die sets) have their main UCS at the left-most station (if
Left to Right is defined) or right-most station (if Right to Left is defined).
For example:

Additional operations that can be carried out:

Die Set Figures
Die Sets with more than one station
Station Figure Operations

Die Set Figures

A figure (label) is attached to each die set. This figure can be shown or hidden by
toggling the Show/Hide Name Figures button in the screen parameters (see below).
Initially, the figures display "DieSet_<n>" where n is the die set number. However, you
can rename these figures as required, for example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪110

Die Sets with more than one station

To include more than one station in the same die set:

1. Drag the required die set box over the next station (as shown).

This informs the system that both stations are included in the same die set.

Note that the die set that was included in the preceding die set, in this case
DieSet_2, was deleted.
If you subsequentially drag the die set back past the mid point between the stations
(the point), the dragged box does not encompass the neighboring station.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪111

A new die set (sub-assembly) is created around any station that does not have a die
set associated with it.

Station Figure Operations

Additional options are available by right-clicking on a station figure. These options are
especially useful in Edit mode if extra forming shapes are added later.
Insert to the Inserts a new die set to the left of the currently highlighted die
Left set.
For example:

The result is as follows:

Insert to the Inserts a new die set to the right of the currently highlighted die
Right set.
For example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪112

The result is as follows:

Delete Deletes the currently highlighted die set.

Edit Die Set & Station Settings

This function is used to edit die sets and stations created using the Define Die Set &
Station Settings function.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Edit Stations.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Set the parameters and/or drag the boxes to define the die sets.

Detailed Interaction
The die sets and stations created by using the Define Die Set & Station Settings function
are displayed. The interaction of this Edit function is identical to that of Define Die Set
& Station Settings. This enables you to continue to edit and refine the layout of the die
sets and stations.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪113

Die Skin

Die Skin
The Die Skin operation enables you to create a skin (with no thickness) from a solid
body. When selecting a face (or faces), all the smooth faces are automatically selected,
provided the smooth selection option is turned on.
It includes the following:
• Enables selecting one or more faces.
• Enables selecting faces from different objects.
• Enables performing more than one Die Skin operation on the same part.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Die Skin
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-
clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the face(s) of a solid object from which to create the Die
Skin.

Die Skin : Options and Results

The Die Skin operation creates a thin skin of the outer surface of the selected solid part,
enabling clear and easy analysis of operations in the system. An example is shown below:
Solid body before creating the skin The skin result.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪114

Note: When a face is selected, the system checks whether the thickness matches the
thickness value defined in the Die Setup dialog. If this thickness value does not match, a
warning message is displayed.

Required Step 1 :
Pick the face(s) of the solid object from which to create the die skin.

The following parameters are displayed in a dropdown list:

Smooth Automatically select all smooth faces.
Selection Examples:
On Pick a face:

All the smooth faces are The skin result.

automatically selected.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪115

Smooth Pick individual faces.

Selection Examples:
Off Pick a face:

The picked face is selected. The skin result.

Overcome This option enables you to select all faces if only sharp edges exist in the solid
Sharp object (bend radii are not defined). Additional parameters are displayed that enable
Corners you to create a die skin from objects that either have a constant or variable
thickness. Examples of these types of objects are as follows:
Example of an object with sharp Example of an object with sharp corners
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪116

corners and constant thickness: and variable thickness:

Additional parameters are displayed when using this option.

Examples:
The toggle options Auto / Define Thickness are displayed:
Auto The system automatically calculates the thickness of the part.
This option is for parts with a constant thickness (a skin that was
shelled).
When a face is picked, the The skin result.
sharp corners are overcome
and all the faces are selected.

Define Define the thickness of the part. This option is for a more
Thickness complex part (mainly in electronic equipment parts) when the
thickness is not constant (in some areas the "global" thickness is
changed). In this case, you need to define a range of thickness
levels, so that all the thickness values in the object are included in
the Die Skin operation.
The following parameters are displayed:
From Set the lower value of the thickness
Thickness range.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪117

To Thickness Set the higher value of the thickness

range.
The default thickness for this operation is either taken from the
Die Setup dialog (if it has been defined), or from the thickness
range.
When a face is picked, the sharp corners are
overcome and all the faces are selected.

The skin result.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪118

When completed, the new Die Skin feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Die Skin : Editing

Editing the Die Skin Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Die Skin object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you picked the faces of the solid object.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪119

Form CS

Form CS
The Form CS operation is the first stage that is performed when defining the forming
shapes, and is described as the reference UCS (called Form CS) in the forming shape
environment. Each part of the forming shape will contain a unique Form CS.
The Form CS is known as the master UCS for a forming shape part. The positioning of
the parts in the forming shape assembly is defined according to this UCS.
The Form CS also defines the connection between the strip UCS (at certain stations) and
the forming shape part when the part is added to the strip assembly.
Since the Form CS is located on the strip UCS, which is the Z=0 of the carrier, we will
define the Form CS on a face that will not change its height (meaning, the Zero Z level of
the forming shape) which will be used as a reference plane for the other faces that will be
changed (bend, unfold and so on.)

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Form CS.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Form CS.

Form CS : Options and Results

Before selecting the Form CS which is the first step required when defining the forming
shapes described as the reference UCS in the forming shape environment, you must
create the UCS based on existing points, as described in UCS_By_Geometry. This UCS
will then be selected as the Form CS for the selected part, as described below.
The procedure below describes how to first create the UCS by selecting three points and
then define it as the Form CS.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪120

Required Step 1 : Select the Form CS

1. Open the part and define the UCS, as described in UCS_By_Geometry by
selecting the three points, as shown below:

2. Activate the Mirror part and repeat step 1 to define the UCS, as described in
UCS_By_Geometry.

3. Select Form CS from the DieDesign menu and select both UCS's that you
defined in step 1 and 2 (simultaneously), as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪121

4. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

Forming Punch

Forming Punch
The Forming Punch feature includes the following:
Punch Displays the Add Punch Unit dialog enabling you to add a punch
Unit unit. Before activating this option, you must first save the die file
as a Die Unit > Forming Punch, as described in this procedure.
Transfer Displays the Transfer to Part function, enabling you to easily
Faces transfer faces to the forming punches.
Note: After loading the die unit you may assign attributes and offset values, as described
in Assign Comp.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪122

Punch Unit
Add a punch unit to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.

Required Step 1 :
Select a punch unit from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Punch Unit function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪123

Forming Shape

Forming Shape
This group of functions enables you to add, relocate and delete forming shapes from the
strip. It includes the following functions:
Add Forming The Add Forming Shape operation enables you to create the
Shape main forming shapes.
Delete The Delete Forming Shape operation enables you to remove
Forming one or more forming shapes.
Shape
Relocate The Relocate Forming Shape operation enables you to
Forming relocate the forming shapes, placing them in different
Shape positions, as required.
Insert & The Insert & Reconnect Forming Shape operation enables
Reconnect you to insert a new forming shape between existing forming
Forming shapes and to reconnect the stations. For example, you can
Shape insert a forming shape number 3a, between stations 3 and 4
and then reconnect the stations such that station 3a is related
to station 3 and station 4 is related to station 3a.

Forming Shape Popup Submenu

The Forming Shape popup submenu is displayed in the forming shape environment from
any of the procedures described below:
• Add Forming Shape
• Relocate Forming Shape
• Delete Forming Shape
When right-clicking in the Forming Shape environment, the following popup submenu
is displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪124

Add Forming Shape

Add Forming Shape

The Add Forming Shape operation enables you to create the main forming shapes.
These forming shapes are generally copies of the master DieDesign file, and are changed
using the bend, unfold, unbend operations.
You can delete, relocate or insert & reconnect forming shapes as required.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Add Forming Shape.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪125

Required Step 1 : Pick the forming part.

Required Step 2 : Place the forming part.

Add Forming Shape : Options and Results

The procedure below describes how to select a part and add it as a new forming shape.
The example below shows how to add a new forming part by selecting it.
Alternatively, you can add a new forming shape using one of the following options:

• Open File : Select this option to open another *. elt file.

• Import File: : Select this option to import a file directly from the Data
Interface ( DI).

• Add New : Select this checkbox to add a new blank part and create
sketches.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Forming Part

This example below shows how to select and add a new forming part.
1. Select the required forming part to add. The selected part is highlighted in red, as
shown below:

2. In the Add Forming Part window, click OK . The selected part is added
and highlighted in grey, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪126

Required Step 2 : Place the Forming Part

This step describes how to place the part using the navigation buttons, as follows:
1. Click the right navigational button (highlighted in red). The part has been
relocated one step to the right, as follows:

2. Click the top navigational button (highlighted in red). The part has been relocated
to the top far right, as follows:

Notes:

• When using the top and bottom navigational arrows, the system
always relocates the part at the end of the row. You can use these top ,
bottom , left and right navigational buttons to locate the part,
as required.
• When one forming shape row exists, if you add a forming shape, the
system only enables you to move a forming shape left or right (only the
Left or Right arrows are enabled), as follows:

After adding a second forming shape row, the Up and Down arrows
also become enabled, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪127

3. Click the button. The following dropdown list is displayed:

4. Select the required option, as follows:

• Copy Part: Saves the part under a different name (like, Save As),
maintaining all features.
• Copy Part Import: Imports the part from another *. elt file without its
features and is incorporated into the current part.

5. When the button is selected, the button is

enabled. When clicking this button, the following dropdown list is displayed:

• Regular: Places the part as is in the current *. elt file.

• Mirror XY: Places the part according to user defined Form CS ( XY) in
the current *. elt file.
• Mirror XZ:Places the part according to user defined Form CS ( XZ) in the
current *. elt file.
• Mirror ZX:Places the part according to user defined Form CS ( ZX)) in the
current *. elt file.
6. In the Forming Progression field, enter a value to determine the distance
between two sequence parts. For example, entering a value of 75. The distance
between the parts changes, as follows:

7. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

When completed, the new Forming Shape will appear in the Feature Tree as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪128

Delete Forming Shape

Delete Forming Shape

The Delete Forming Shape operation enables you to remove one or more forming
shapes.
You can add, relocate or insert & reconnect forming shapes as required.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Del. Forming Shape.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the forming part which you want to delete.

Delete Forming Shape : Options and Results

The Delete Forming Shape operation enables you to remove one or more forming
shapes.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Forming Part(s) to Delete

This step describes how to delete one or more forming parts.
1. Select the required forming part to delete. The selected part is highlighted in red,
as shown
below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪129

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The

selected part has been removed, as follows:

Additional Example: Multi Selections

If required, multi selection to remove many forming shapes, as described below.
1. Select the required forming parts to delete. The selected parts are highlighted in
red, as shown below:

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The

selected parts have been removed, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪130

Relocate Forming Shape

Relocate Forming Shape

The Relocate Forming Shape operation enables you to relocate the forming shapes,
placing them in different positions, as required.
You can add, delete or insert & reconnect forming shapes as required.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Relocate Forming.
Remember: You
can open the Feature
Guide at any time
on the graphic
display area by
right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the forming part which you want to relocate.

Required Step 2 : Place the forming part in the relevant location.

Relocate Forming Shape : Options and Results

The Relocate Forming Shape operation enables you to relocate the forming shapes,
placing them in different positions, as required.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Forming Part to Relocate

Select the required forming part to relocate. The selected part is highlighted in green as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪131

Required Step 2 : Place the Forming Part

Use the navigation arrows to place the forming shape in the required location. See Add
Forming Shape: Options & Results for an explanation of how to use the navigation
arrows.

In this case the forming shape has been relocated two positions to the right.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪132

Insert & Reconnect

Insert & Reconnect Forming Shape

The Insert & Reconnect Forming Shape operation enables you to insert a new forming
shape between existing forming shapes and to reconnect the stations. For example, you
can insert a forming shape number 3a, between stations 3 and 4 and then reconnect the
stations such that station 3a is related to station 3 and station 4 is related to station 3a.
You can add, delete or relocate forming shapes as required.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Insert & Reconnect.
Remember: You
can open the Feature
Guide at any time
on the graphic
display area by
right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick a forming shape part (the new part will be inserted before the
picked part).

Required Step 2 : Place the forming part in the relevant location.

Insert & Reconnect Forming Shape : Options & Results

The Insert & Reconnect Forming Shape operation enables you to insert a new forming
shape between existing forming shapes and to reconnect the stations. For example, you
can insert a forming shape number 3a, between stations 3 and 4 and then reconnect the
stations such that station 3a is related to station 3 and station 4 is related to station 3a.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Forming Part to Relocate

Pick a forming shape part (the new part will be inserted before the picked part). The
selected part is highlighted in green as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪133

The first feature of this picked part should be "Import Model" or "Blank" or "Unfold" and
the feature should be connected to the existing server in the Forming Shape environment.
If the picked part does not have a server connection, an appropriate warning message is
displayed and the selection is ignored.
If the picked part does have a server connection, the part name of the new part is
displayed in the File Name parameter box.

Exit(middle mouse button) to move to step 2.

Required Step 2 : Place the new Forming Part

The new forming shape part is positioned before the part selected in Step 1.
Use the navigation arrows to place the new forming shape in the required location. See
Add Forming Shape: Options & Results for an explanation of how to use the navigation
arrows.

In this case the new forming shape part is positioned just before the picked part and has
an "Import Geometry" feature connected to the server of the picked part and the picked
part itself is connected to the new part.
Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪134

General

General
The General item in the DieDesign menu contains the following operations:
• Die Cut: Enables cutting forming shape parts that were added to the strip,
according to a 2D or 3D contour.
• Twist: Enables twisting an object (or several objects) at a given axis according to
specified angles. The twisting effect may be global or limited between two planes
(normal to the axis).
• Import By Reference: Enables the user to import selected geometry
(Objects/Faces/Wires/UCS etc) from a different part in the assembly and
relocating them in the active part.
• Information: Enables you to display tooltip information regarding selected faces.
This includes, face area, face perimeter, face type, face name and more.

Die Cut

Die Cut
The Die Cut operation, enables cutting forming shape parts, according to a 2D or 3D
contour. This operation can also be performed on forming shapes that have been added to
the strip.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Die Cut.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the component.

Required Step 2 : Pick the trimming contour.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪135

Die Cut : Options and Results

Enables you to trim objects from a forming shape part (these also include forming shapes
that were added to the strip). It includes the following options:
• Die Cut by 2D Contour

• Die Cut by 3D Contour

In this example, the object, will be trimmed by the purple composite.

In this example, the object is cut by the contour in the Z direction (normal to the strip).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪136

Die Cut by 2D Contour

Required Step 1 : Pick the Component

This example describes how to apply the Die Cut option by a 2D contour.
Pick the component to cut and Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:

Required Step 2 : Pick the Trimming Contour

1. Select the 2D trimming contour (marked in red), as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪137

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

When completed, the new Die Cut feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Die Cut by 3D Contour

Required Step 1 : Pick the Component

This example describes how to apply the Die Cut option by a 3D contour.
Pick the component to cut and Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪138

Required Step 2 : Pick the Trimming Contour

1. Select the 3D trimming contour (marked in red), as follows:

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

When completed, the new Die Cut feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪139

Die Cut : Editing

Editing the Die Cut Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Die Cut Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you picked the trimming contour.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Twist

Twist
The Twist operation enables you to twist an object (or several objects) at a given axis
according to specified angles. The twisting affect may be global or limited between two
planes (normal to the axis). It enables you to perform the following types of operations:
• Twist entire objects.
• Twist specific areas of an object, between two points, for example.
• Define areas not to be twisted and achieve a global twist.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Twist.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-
clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Faces of the Solid Object to be Twisted.

Required Step 2 : Pick the Twist Axes.

Required Step 3 : Select Twisting Points and Define Angles.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪140

Twist : Options and Results

Enables you to twist an object (or objects) at specified angles. It includes the following
options:
• Global Twist: In this case the twisting operation is performed for the entire
object globally, as illustrated in the example below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪141

• Limited Region Twist: In this case the twisting operation is performed on a

limited defined area of the object, as illustrated in the example below which
shows how to create a screw using the Limited Region Twist option. In this case,
Sections A and B intersect the part and a limited twist region is applied. The
twisting angle in Section A is 0, while in Section B the twisting angle is defined
at 360 * 2 degrees.

The Limited Region Twist includes the following options (illustrated in the
example below):
• Free: No continuous is accomplished between the faces in the twisted area and
the untouched area.
• Tangent G1: Creates a smooth (G1) continuous between the twisted area and
the untouched area.

• Curvature G2: Creates a smooth (G2) continuous between the twisted area
and the untouched area.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪142

Required Step 1 : Pick the Faces of the Solid Object to be Twisted

This example describes how to apply the Global Twist option.
Pick the required faces to twist and Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:

Required Step 2 : Pick the Twist Axes

Pick the required twist axes and Exit(middle mouse button). The object is displayed, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪143

You can twist the above object from two points, each at a different twist angle in a
different direction, as required.

Required Step 3 : Select Twisting Points and Define Angles

In this step you define whether to apply a global twist or to define a limited twisting area.
You can then select the twisting points and define the angles.
Select the required option, as follows:
• Global Twist
• Limited Region Twist
Global Twist
In this case the twisting operation will be performed for the entire object using the
Global Twist option.
To apply a global twist:

1. Ensure the toggle button is selected and enter the required Twist
Angles in the relevant fields, as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪144

2. Click the blue directional arrows to define the direction of the twist.
3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as
follows:

When completed, the new Twist feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Limited Region Twist

In this case the twisting operation is performed on a limited defined area of the object. A
different example will be used for this operation, as shown below:
To define a limited twisting region:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪145

1. Pick the required faces to twist and Exit(middle mouse button), select the twist
axes, and ensure the toggle button is selected, as follows:

2. Select the required option,as follows:

• Free
• Tangent G1
• Curvature G2
Each of the these options and their results are illustrated below:

• : When this option is selected, no continuous is accomplished

between the faces in the twisted area and the untouched area.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪146

• : Creates a smooth (G1) continuous between the twisted

area and the untouched area.

• : Creates a smooth (G2) continuous between the twisted

area and the untouched area.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪147

3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The

result of each option is shown above.

Twist : Editing
Editing the Twist Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Twist Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you picked the twisting points and defined the angles.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪148

Import By Reference

Import By Reference
The Import By Reference operation enables you to import selected geometry
(Objects/Faces/Wires/UCSs, etc.) from a different part in the assembly and relocate them
in the active part.
In the assembly example shown here, the purple and the green set of faces can be copied
from the Source (Reference) part to the corresponding place in the Destination (Active)
part, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪149

• You can select the reference geometry to copy (in this case purple or green faces)
and by default, the geometry will be imported to the active part according to the
absolute position and orientation as placed in the source file.
• You can then define the orientation of the two reference UCSs to control the
correct position of the imported geometry on the active part.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪150

Note:The Import By Reference function is not available if the Assembly or NC part is

active or when opening a part in the Assembly environment. In this case, select File >
Import > Geometry and use the Place By Reference option.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Import Geometry.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Entities.

Required Step 2 : Relocate Entities.

Optional Step 1 : Offset and Rotation.

Import By Reference : Options and Results

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Entities to Copy

1. Select the entities from the reference (source) object on the right to copy to the
active object on the left. The select faces are selected, as shown below:

2. Exit(middle mouse button). The faces to be copied appear, as follows:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪151

Required Step 2 : Relocate Entities

In this step you select the reference and active starting and end points, to locate the
copied components from the reference object to the required location on the active object.
The following options are displayed:
Disassociate / This is a toggle option. By default an Import feature is disassociated; see
Associate Associativity. This means that there is no relation between the reference and
active parts (when changes are made to the reference, the active is not
influenced and visa versa).
If you use Disassociate, the Import Geometry feature that appears in the
Feature Tree (when the function is completed - see below) gets the
disassociated icon .
If you toggle to the Associate option, they will affect each another (changes
made to one object will affect the other object).
Unlock When you pick the entities to copy and then exit(middle mouse button), two
Arrows groups of arrows are displayed; one on the reference part and one on the active
part. This is a very helpful mechanism to place geometry on bent metal.

So what you do is:

1. Pick the origin for each group of arrows (one on the reference part and
one on the active part).
2. Set the orientation of the Red arrow - (once on the reference part and
once on the active part).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪152

3. Set the orientation of the Blue arrow - (once on the reference part and
once on the active part).
After the direction of an arrow is set, it becomes locked (this means that after
you set the directions of an arrow on the reference and active parts, the arrows
cannot be changed). The Unlock Arrows toggle button then becomes enabled
and you can click it to unlock the required arrow. In addition, when the second
(Blue) arrow is in use the first (Red) arrow is locked automatically.
The order of changing the arrows direction is important. The first changed one
will be free, the second will define only the plane (with respect to the first one)
and the third arrow will not be changeable at all (except flipping).

Example:
1. Select the two starting points, as follows:
• One starting point on the reference object on the right
• One starting point on the active object on the left
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪153

2. Select the two end points, as follows:

• One end point on the reference object on the right
• One end point on the active object on the left

3. On the Reference object on the right, click on the Red arrow. From the popup
menu select Normal to Plane/Face and the select the face, as follows:

Note:This selected Red arrow becomes hollow - meaning it is in use.

4. On the Active object on the left, click on the Red arrow. From the popup menu
select Normal to Plane/Face and the select the face, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪154

5. On the Reference object on the right, click on the Blue arrow. From the popup
menu select Two Points and select two points along the line, as follows:

6. On the Active object on the right, click on the Blue arrow. From the popup menu
select Two Points and select two points along the line, as follows:

You now change the orientation of the two reference UCSs controlling the correct
position of the imported geometry, as required.

Optional Step 1 : Offset and Rotation

If required you can define the offset and rotation.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪155

When completed, the new Import Geometry feature will appear in the Feature Tree as
follows:

Import by Reference : Editing

Editing the Import by Reference Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Import By Reference Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you relocated the entities.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪156

Information
Information
The Information function enables you to display tooltip information regarding selected
faces. This includes, face area, face perimeter, face type, face name and more.

Note: You can also display information regarding selected faces in the Unfold procedure
by moving the mouse over the selected face for which you want to display the required
information. The information displayed in the Unfold procedure is as follows:Original
Radius, Natural Plane Radius, Arc Length, Natural Plane Arc Length.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Information.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪157

Required Step 1 : Select the faces.

Information: Options and Results

The Information function enables you to display tooltip information regarding selected
faces. This includes, face area, face perimeter, face type, face name and more.

Required Step 1
Pick the faces for which to display the required information, you can also use multiple
selections, as shown in the example below. In addition you may move the cursor over an
area to display the tooltip information of a specific face, as shown in the tooltip below.
Multiple Selections
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪158

If required, you can click the button at any time to remove all the
information, as follows:

L-Unbend

L-Unbend
The L-Unbend operation enables you to unbend and flatten specific areas of the die part
along planar faces. The length of the original faces remain the same without any changes
after the unbending result is achieved.
L-Unbend is similar to Unbend, but is used for cases where there are no rounds on the
sharp edges; for example:
To unbend this area (which includes a To unbend this area (which does not
round), use the Unbend function. include any rounds), use the L-Unbend
function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪159

The product of the L-Unbend operation can either be a face(s) unbent by a specific angle
or flattened; for example:

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for L-Unbend.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick a reference (fixed) face(s).

Required Step 2 : Pick additional faces to be unbent or unpick some of the system
selected faces, as required. Flip the material side (using the blue arrow) if required. Set
the displayed parameters.

L-Unbend : Options and Results

The L-Unbend operation enables you to unbend and flatten specific areas of the die part
along planar faces. The length of the original faces remain the same without any changes
after the unbending result is achieved.
L-Unbend is similar to Unbend, but is used for cases where there are no rounds on the
sharp edges; for example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪160

Required Step 1
Pick the required reference (fixed) face(s), as shown below.
Note: At least one linear coedge must exist on the boundary (inner and outer) of the
picked fixed face(s) and this coedge must be sharp with respect to another stitched face,
as in the example below. In this case, the system automatically selects the blue face and
displays the 2nd required step of the function.

The system automatically selects the appropriate face(s) (to be unbent) and moves to the
2nd required step.
Notes (Automatically Selected Faces):
• If only one face is stitched to the boundary of the fixed face(s), it is selected
together with any other face that is similarly connected to it. In the example
below, the system automatically selects the blue faces and displays the 2nd
required step of the function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪161

• If two or more sharp corners are found and they are not on the same "line", the
system does not select any faces, as shown below. In this case, the system moves
to the 2nd required step, and you need to pick the face(s) that are to be unbent.

• If there are multiple faces that rest on the same "line", the system selects all these
faces. In the example below, the system automatically selects the blue faces and
displays the 2nd required step of the function.

Required Step 2
Pick additional faces to be unbent or unpick some of the system selected faces, as
required. Flip the material side (using the blue arrow) if required. Set the displayed
parameters.
The following parameters are displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪162

Set the parameters as required:

Thickness Enter the required thickness of the sheet metal in the relevant field. The
default value is set to 1 mm.
For an explanation of this parameter, see the Bend function parameters.
By K - This is a toggle option: By K - Factor / By Bend Allowance:
Factor /
By K - Use the K-Factor for the L-Unbend operation. The
By Bend
Factor following parameter is displayed:
Allowance
K- Define the required K factor. The
Factor default value is set to 0.5.
For an explanation of this parameter,
see the Bend function parameters.

By Bend Use the bend allowance method for the L-Unbend

Allowance operation.
Example:
In the By Bend Allowance option, you need to enter
the Allowance (Arc Length) (L) as it reflected on
the flat.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪163

The final length is equal to A + B + L.

The following parameters are displayed:

Ref. K - The Reference K - Factor is for
Factor display only. This parameter is
calculated by the system and
displayed.
The value of this parameter is
dependent upon the Thickness
value, the material side and the
Arc Length value. If the Ref. K -
Factor value < 0 or > 1, it is
displayed in red.
Allowance Define the arc length. See the
(Arc example in the By Bend
Length) Allowance description above.

To Flat / This is a toggle option: To Flat / By Angle.

By Angle
To Perform a flat L-Unbend operation.
Flat

By Perform a L-Unbend operation by the required angle.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪164

Angle The following parameters are displayed:

Angle Set a specific angle value for the L-
Unbend operation.
Fix Radius - This is a dropdown list which
Fix Center enables you to define how the Angle
value is applied.

For an explanation of these options, see the planar examples in the

Unbend function parameters.

Substitute Set the substitute inner bend radius value. The substitute radius is
Inner always for the inner radius of the object. For example, to L-Unbend the
Bend simple L shape below:
Radius

If you look at the shape from the side, the substitute radius is dependent
on the material side. If the material side is upwards, the radius value
represents the inner radius (not on selected skin) and hence, the actual
radius (on the selected skin) will be the defined + thickness.

If the material side is downwards, the substitute radius is actually on the

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪165

selected skin.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The object is
unbent as per the defined parameters.
When completed, the new L-Unbend feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

L-Unbend : Editing
Editing the L-Unbend Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the L-Unbend Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you picked the additional faces.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Local Blank

Local Blank
The Local Blank operation uses a finite element engine which enables you to blank
(meaning, unfold) a defined set of adjacent (stitched) faces and create a flat face in
reference to a fixed face. The result is dependent on the list of parameters representing
the material type and thickness and the 2D boundary conditions.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪166

Pick the reference (fixed) face(s) and then pick the faces to blank. Then define the
required parameters, such as material type and thickness and the result is a new face with
an unfolded area of the selected faces based on the plane defined by the fixed faces.
In the picture below, yellow faces are locally blanked in reference to the purple (fixed)
face. The result is the green face shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪167

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Local Blank.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference (planar) Face(s)

Required Step 2 : Pick the Face(s) to Blank

Required Step 3 : Set the Parameters

Optional Step 1 : Define Transfer Entities

Optional Step 2 : Show Analysis Results

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪168

Local Blank : Options and Results

The Local Blank operation uses a finite element engine which enables you to create a 2D
face out of 3D faces containing 2D fixed boundaries, as shown in the example below:

Smooth Chain Selection On: In this case when selecting the faces on which to perform
the local blank, system will automatically select all the adjacent smooth faces.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪169

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face

Pick the required reference (fixed) face and Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:

Required Step 2 : Pick the Face(s) to Blank

Pick the required faces to blank (marked in red ). The system automatically identifies
(and selects) all the faces adjacent smooth faces. If required, you can unselect these faces
manually, as follows:

Exit(middle mouse button). In the next step you will define the required parameters, as
shown below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪170

Required Step 3 : Define the Parameters

Define the required parameters and then Exit(middle mouse button):

Some of these parameters are common to other functions. See the parameter explanations
of these parameters under the Blank function.
In addition to the above parameters, the following parameters also appear in the Local
Blank function:
Simplify Enter the required Simplify Edges Tolerance value. In this case the system
Edges attempts to create analytical geometry within the specified tolerance, that is
Tol. defined here.
Remove This is a toggle option - Remove Original Faces / Keep Original Faces. When
Original the default Remove Original Faces is selected, the original faces are removed,
Faces as shown here and in the results of the procedure below. When toggled Keep
Original Faces is selected the original faces are maintained.

Remove Original Faces Keep Original Faces

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪171

Region This controls if the local blank is limited to the selected faces only (if the value
(Offset) = 0.000) or if an area of the fixed face will participate in the local blank (to
of smoothen the result).
Influence Examples of use:
For example, in the The result is not a smooth
picture below, the connection between the original
yellow faces should be (fixed) face and the newly created
locally blanked with face:
respect to the fixed
(blue) face:

Using a region of The result is much smoother:

influence will "use" the
region closest to the
fixed boundaries (the
purple area in the picture
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪172

below) as part of the

Finite Element solution):

Interaction examples:
When the Region of Influence = 0, the local blank is limited to
the selected faces only.

When the Region of Influence > 0, the offset amount within the
fixed area is displayed.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪173

Notes: If required you can click the blue arrow to change the direction of the local blank
operation.

Optional Step 1 : Define Transfer Entities

For further details on defining transfer entities, see Additional Example, shown below.

Optional Step 2 : Show Analysis Results

This step is identical to the Show Analysis function.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

When completed, the new Local Blank feature will appear in the Feature Tree as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪174

Additional Example

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face

Pick the required reference (fixed) face and unselect the face marked in green and
Exit(middle mouse button) , as follows:

Required Step 2 : Pick the Face(s) to Blank

1. Pick the required face to blank (marked in red). The system automatically
identifies (and selects) all the faces adjacent smooth faces and unselect the cup
marked in green, as follows:

Note: Ensure the Smooth Chain Off option is selected

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪175

2. Exit(middle mouse button) . In the next step you will define the required
parameters, as shown in the next step.

Required Step 3 : Define the Parameters

Define the parameters and Exit(middle mouse button) . In this case, note that the Selected
Skin option is used.

Optional Step 1 : Define Transfer Entities

Pick the entities to be transferred (in the example below, marked in red), as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪176

Optional Step 2 : Show Analysis Results

This step is identical to the Show Analysis function.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

Note, that the cup has not been blanked due to the fact that it was unselected and
therefore was not included in the blank operation, see additional enlargement of the area,
in the picture below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪177

Local Blank : Editing

Editing the Local Blank Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Local Blank Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you defined the parameters.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Material

Material Database
The Material Database enables you to define regional standards (Din, JIS, AISI, UNI,
etc.) and to define materials belonging to these standards. The materials defined in the
database can then be used in the following DieDesign functions:
Blank Tool
Local Blank
Auto Blank on Binder
Blank on Binder
Specifically, the Material database enables you to:
1. Define your regional standard (Din, JIS, AISI, UNI, etc.).
2. Check the material properties.
3. Edit the material database.
4. Create new materials.
The Material item in the DieDesign menu contains the following operations:
Define Define your regional standard.
Standard
Edit Database View and edit the properties of materials, and add or delete
materials.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪178

Define Standard
This tool enables you to define your regional standard.

General Interaction
The following dialog is displayed:

From the dropdown list, select the required Material Standard.

The standards displayed in this list appear in the file

\Data\Die\Materials\Material_Conversion.csv under your CimatronE installation. You
can edit this file as required, however, use the Edit Database tool (do not edit the .csv file
directly).
Press the appropriate approval option:
Accept the changes and exit the current dialog.
Cancel the changes and exit the current dialog.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪179

Edit Database
Edit Database
This tool enables you to view and edit the properties of materials, and to add or delete
materials.
The Material Database dialog is displayed:
See:
Additional
Information
Material
Parameters
Buttons

This dialog contains the entire information of the defined material (see Additional
Information and Material Parameters) and affects the "show analysis" results
(specifically, the Thickness Analysis and Safety Zone Analysis results) when using the
following DieDesign functions:
Blank Tool
Local Blank
Auto Blank on Binder
Blank on Binder
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪180

Editing the Material Database

To edit the database:
1. Select the Material Standard from the dropdown list. Edit this list as required
(see the Define Standard tool).

2. Select a Material from the list.

You can edit the material list and/or the properties of a specific material.
a. Editing the Material List
Right-click on the appropriate material (in the list) and select the required
option from the popup submenu:

Delete Delete a material from the list. A prompt is displayed to

confirm the deletion.
Copy Copy a material, together with all its properties. This is useful
if you need to create another material with similar properties to
an existing material.
The system initially creates a default material name the same as
the copied material name, but with a # suffix. You can rename
this material as required.

Export Export a material, together with all its properties, to an xml

file. This is useful if you need to send a material to another
user. The receiving user imports the material using the Import
button , explained below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪181

b. Editing the Material Properties

The properties of the material are then displayed to the right of the material
list. These properties include the material name and the following parameters
displayed under appropriate tabs:
Mechanical properties tab: Forming Limit Diagram properties
tab:

Edit the properties as required. See Additional Information and Material

Parameters.
3. Select the dialog buttons as required:
Open the file \Data\Die\Materials\Material_Conversion.csv under
your CimatronE installation. You can edit this file as required, however,
use the Edit Database tool (do not edit the .csv file directly).
Save all changes.

Import material from an external materials file.

Add a new material to the selected standard. In this case, enter the
material name and define the appropriate properties. See Additional
Information and Material Parameters.
Close the dialog. If you made changes and then close the dialog without
saving, a message is displayed prompting you to save the changes.

Defining Materials: Additional Information

The data to define a new material can be obtained through a number of sources. The
material supplier/steel company may be able to provide the required data (especially for
materials commonly used for stamping). The material properties are sometimes included
on the tag on the individual coils. There are a variety of materials testing companies
(BodyCote is one example) that can perform tests to obtain this data from a supplied
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪182

sample of material. In the case of automotive companies, most companies have a

standard spec for each type and grade of material. Stampers/die shops may be able to get
the data from the customer. Somewhat surprisingly, the data is often very hard to find on
the internet.
Many material specifications provide a range of values. For the purposes of analysis, it is
wise to choose conservative values from within the range. Use the lower end of the scale
for n, r values and the higher end for UTS or K-value.
Here is some information (rules) about the material parameters (see Material Parameters
for explanations of the terms used here):
1. Young's Modulus (sometimes called Elastic Modulus) and Poisson's Ratio are
only required for springback calculations. So, depending on which package you
have, these values may not be necessary. As long as you are not running
springback, they are not required.
2. Yield stress is also only used for springback and incremental.
3. A user defined stress strain curve completely eliminates the need for the UTS or
the K-value. If the FLD0 is calculated, this calculation does use the n-value,
however the n-value is not used in the process of actually determining the
deformation/thinning of the part. So it is only required if you will be using a
calculated FLD0 and if you have access to the safety zones plot. The materials
database does require that a value be entered for n-value so it is generally good
practice to put in the correct value. Also note that the equation for the calculated
FLD0 works well for conventional steels, however it will not be accurate for
aluminum and some high strength steels.
4. The r-value is always required, even if you defined stress strain curve is being
used. This value is not dependant on the stress strain data.
5. The yield stress does not appear to be used in the calculated FLD0, so this is an
error in the help file that should be corrected.
6. When dealing with advanced high strength steels such as DP (dual phase), TRIP
(TRansformation Induced Plasticity) and TWIP (TWin Induced Plasticity) steels,
best results will be obtained by importing a stress strain curve and FLC (Forming
Limit Curve - see below).
For the purposes of analysis, the finite element engine requires the following material
properties:
• n-value
• r-value
• Young's Modulus
• Yield Stress
• Poisson's Ratio
Plus one of the following:
• K-Value
• UTS
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪183

• User Defined Stress Strain Curve

Below is a summary of the majority of the material codes used in the material database:
• CR = Cold Rolled
• HR = Hot Rolled
• CQ = Commercial Quality
• DQ = Drawing Quality
• DDQ = Deep Drawing Quality
• EDDQ = Extra Deep Drawing Quality
• AK = Aluminium Killed
• IF = Interstitial Free
• BH = Bake Hardening
• HSLAXX = High Strength Low Alloy (usually followed by the Yield in ksi)
• DP = Dual Phase
• TRIP = Transformation induced plasticity
• EG = Galvanized
• HD = Hot Dipped
• GA = Galvanneal
• HSS = High Strength Steel
• Mart = Martensitic steel

Material: Glossary
The following material parameters are used in the Material Database:
Strain
Stress
Young's Modulus
Yield Stress
Poisson's Ratio (ρ)
K-Value
Ultimate Tensile Stress (UTS)
Stress-Strain Curve
Forming Limit Curve/ Diagram
n-Value
r-Value

Strain
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪184

Strain can be defined simply as a measurable deformation of the metal. In other words,
metal must be "strained" in order to change its shape. Strains can be positive (pulling the
metal apart, or tension) or negative (pushing the metal together, or compression). Strains
also can be permanent (plastic) or recoverable (elastic). The result of elastic straining
commonly is referred to as springback, or elastic recovery.
Remember, every metal type wants to return to its original shape when it's deformed. The
amount the metal springs back is a function of its mechanical properties. When engineers
refer to part areas that are "high strain," they typically are referring to areas that have
been subjected to substantial stretch or compression.
Note: When there is NOT a lot of strain (like in brackets, etc), changing material (even
form steel to aluminum) will have almost no affect on the BLANK size. However, when
there is much strain (deep drawing, etc), the BLANK size may e different if changing
materials.

Stress
Stress is simply the result of straining the metal. When subjected to stress, metal incurs
internal changes that cause it to spring back or deform non-uniformly. Trapped stresses
within a part often result in a loss of flatness or other geometric characteristics. All cut or
formed parts incur stress.

Young's Modulus
Is the slope of the linear (elastic) portion of the stress-strain curve - also known as the
Modulus of Elasticity (E).

Yield Stress
The stress at which plastic (permanent) deformation begins and elastic deformation stops.
Since the yield point for most metals is not a distinct point. It is common practice to
define the yield stress as the stress which corresponds to an offset of 0.2% strain.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪185

Poisson's Ratio (ρ)

The ratio of the stretch perpendicular to and in-line with the stress.

K-Value
Is the material strength or stress coefficient is used in the power law relationship to
determine the shape of the plastic portion of the stress/strain curve.

Ultimate Tensile Stress (UTS)

The maximum stress that a material can withstand without fracture.

Stress-Strain Curve
The relationship between the stress and strain that a material displays is known as a
Stress-Strain curve. It is unique for each material and is found by recording the amount of
deformation (strain) at distinct intervals of tensile or compressive loading. These curves
reveal many of the properties of a material (including data to establish the Modulus of
Elasticity, E).
A typical stress-strain curve may be look as in the graph below:

Forming Limit Curve/ Diagram

Circular grid patterns on the surface of a sheet metal part deform differently based on the
type of loading. There exists a relationship between the distortion of the circle and the
type of stressing. By conducting a series of experiments, it is possible to find
combinations of maximum strain (corresponding to the major axis of the ellipse) and
minimum strain (perpendicular to the major strain and corresponding to the minor axis of
the ellipse) for which neither necking nor fracture occurs. These results can be plotted in
the shape of a diagram, known as the forming-limit diagram (FLD). These diagrams are
valid for a definite sheet-metal-quality and define two zones.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪186

•
Fracture
• The beginning of
necking
The strains plotted are the
critical points, where
cracks are likely to form.
Between the two zones of
"good" and "failure" there
is a zone of critical
deformation.
Forming Limit Diagrams
can be obtained by
conducting experiments for
different zones. The most
widely used method of
obtaining the Forming
Limit Diagram is by means
of drawing tests with strips
and a hemispherical punch.
The different stress conditions are simulated by changing the width of the strips.
Improvements on these testing methods have been made by using circular-shaped strips
with material removed on the side. The strips are drawn until cracks occur. With details
from these tests, the Forming Limit Diagram can be obtained for strain paths ranging
from biaxial tension (stretch forming) to equal tension and compression (deep drawing).
The diagram must be determined for each particular sheet material.
Learn more in web:
http://public.carnet.hr/metalurg/Metalurgija/2005_vol_44x/No_4/MET_44_4_249_253_S
lota.pdf
http://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/s.j.bull/mmm452/FORMING/sld017.htm
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪187

n-Value
The work hardening exponent determines the rate at which a material hardens and
describes the ability of the material to stretch. It is also called the work hardening
exponent and is obtained from a uniaxial tensile test on a material sample.

To understand n-value (known also as the work or strain hardening exponent), we must
understand that every time metal is exposed to permanent deformation, work hardening
occurs. It's the same thing that happens when you bend a coat hanger back and forth. As
you bend the hanger, it gets harder and harder to bend. It also becomes more difficult to
bend it in the same place. This increase in strength is the result of work or strain
hardening. However, if you continue to bend the hanger in the same spot, it will
eventually fail.
Ironic as it may seem, materials need to work-harden to achieve both good stretchability
and stretch distribution. How they work-harden is the key. The n-value of a material can
be defined fundamentally as the metal's stretchability; however, it also is an expression of
a material's stretch distribution characteristics.
Perhaps one of the most important mechanical properties to consider if the stamped part
requires a great deal of stretch, the n-value is expressed numerically in numbers from
0.100 to 0.300. The higher the number is, the greater the metal's stretchability and stretch
distribution. Higher-strength metals, such as spring steel, have very low n-values, while
metals such as those used for making oil pans and other deep-formed parts usually exhibit
higher n-values.
The metal's n-value also is a key mechanical value used in creating forming limit
diagrams.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪188

r-Value
The coefficient of anisotropy or r-bar is used to measure the differences in material
properties through the thickness of the sheet versus in the plane of the sheet and describes
the drawability of a material.
r-bar = (r0 + 2*r45 +
r90) / 4
The metal's r-value
is defined
metallurgically as
the plastic strain
ratio. To understand
this concept, you
must clearly know
the difference
between stretching
and drawing.
Stretching is a metal
forming process in
which the metal is
forced into tension.
This results in an
increase in surface
area. Items such as
most automobile
hoods and fenders
are made using this
process.
Drawing is the
displacement of
metal into a cavity or over a punch by means of plastic flow or feeding the metal. Items
such as large cans, oil pans, and deep-formed parts usually are made using this process.
The metal's r-value can be defined simply as the metal's ability to flow. It also is
expressed numerically using a value from ~0.5 to 2. The greater the r-value is, the more
drawable the metal.
The metal's r-value is not uniform throughout the sheet. Most metals have different r-
values with respect to the metal's rolling direction. Testing for a metal's r-value requires
tensile testing in three different directions - with the rolling direction, against the rolling
direction, and at 45 degrees to the rolling direction. The test results usually are averaged
and expressed as the r bar, or average of the r-values.
Differences in the plastic strain ratio result in earring of the metal when being drawn. For
example, when drawing a round shell from a round blank, the results will be a near
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪189

square bottom on the flange of the cup. This effect (see below) is caused by different
amounts of metal flow with respect to the metal's surface topography.

Earring Caused by Differences in the Metal's r-value.

Move Assembly

Move Assembly
The Move Assembly operation enables you to select a forming shape and move it to a
different location.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Move.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Select the Forming Shape to Move.

Move Assembly: Options and Results

Enables you to select a forming shape and move it to a different location, as illustrated in
the procedure below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪190

Required Step 1 : Select the Forming Shape to Move

1. Click the required forming shape row to move, as follows:

2. Drag the forming shape to the required location, as follows:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪191

3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

Additional Example
This option can also be used to move an entire forming shape row, as shown in the
example below:
1. Select an entity on the required forming shape row to move, as follows (see
selected forming shape marked in green) :
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪192

2. Click and drag the selected forming shape row to the required location (marked in
red), as follows:

3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪193

Nesting

Nesting
This group of functions enables you to place the blank forming shapes into the strip and
organize them in a layout manner. Using this option you can control the utilization of the
strip by arranging the blanks in the most efficient way. It includes the following
functions:
One Part This option enables you to create additional instances of one
forming shape, and place them in the X direction of the active
UCS of the strip Sub-Assembly. It includes the following
options:
One Part - In this case the die application produces one
One Row part in every operation.
One Part - In this case the die application produces two
Two Rows identical parts in every operation.

Two This option enables you to create additional instances of two

Different forming shapes, placing them in the X direction of the active
Parts UCS of the strip Sub-Assembly in two rows. Mirror parts are
considered as two different parts. This option includes the
following:
Two Different In this case the die application
Parts - Two Rows produces two parts in every
operation.

Edit After performing the nesting operation one part or two parts, the
Nesting system enables you to edit the nesting parameters using this
option.

Delete After performing the nesting operation one part or two parts, the
Nesting system enables you to delete the nesting result using this option.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪194

One Part

Nesting > One Part

This option enables you to create additional instances of one forming shape, and place
them in the X direction of the active UCS of the strip Sub-Assembly. It includes the
following options:
• One Part - One Row: In this case the die application produces one part in every
operation

• One Part - Two Rows: In this case the die application produces two identical
parts in every operation.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪195

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Nesting - One Part.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D wire body.

Required Step 2 : Define the nesting parameters.

Nesting > One Part : Options and Results

The procedure below describes the steps required for the Nesting operation of one part.
This includes selecting the 2D wire body and defining the nesting parameters, such as the
minimum distance between the parts in the strip, the rotating angle, the number of
progressions and more. The example below describes how to perform nesting on one part
containing one or two rows. It includes two options, as follows:
• Progressive Die
• Transfer Die

Progressive Die

When using the Progressive Die the system displays the pre-defined nesting parameters,
strip width, minimum distance and more.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪196

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D Wire Body

1. Ensure the Progressive toggle button is selected and select the forming shape
(marked in green), as follows:

One Row

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) and ensure the One Row toggle button is selected, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪197

2. (Optional) You can click the arrow button to display the pre-defined nesting
parameters, as follows:

3. In the field, enter a value of 5.0000.

4. In the field, enter a value of 270.

5. In the field, enter a value of 100. The Float

button automatically changes to Fix button.
6. Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪198

Two Rows

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D Wire Body

1. Select the required 2D wire body (marked in green), as shown below:

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Ensure the Two Rows toggle button is selected, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪199

2. (Optional)You can click the arrow button to display the pre-defined nesting
parameters, as follows:

3. In the field, enter a value of 5.0000.

4. In the field, enter a value of 270.

5. In the field, enter a value of 270.

6. In the field, enter a value of 180.You can toggle the

button to . (In this case the default button was maintained).

7. In the field, enter a value of 90. The button

automatically changes to .

8. In the field, enter a value of 0.05.

9. Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪200

Transfer Die
• The new Transfer Die option eliminates the need for an actual strip required in
order to place the forming shapes when using the Progressive Die option.
• Unlike a 2D blank part in Progressive Die, the forming shape or part selected in
the 1st stage is not copied to nesting locations; instead, dummy parts named
Transfer are created and copied to locations. These parts hold the coordinate
system required to place forming shapes.
• The Strip Dimension function is disabled with this option.
When using the Transfer Die option you perform the following procedures, as required:
• Exit Without Selection
• Select a Forming Shape
• Select a Part

Transfer Die - Exit Without Selection

In this case you exit the first step without selecting any forming shape or part.

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D Wire Body

1. Ensure the Transfer Die toggle button is selected.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪201

One Row

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) the first step without selecting anything and ensure the
One Row toggle button is selected, as follows:

2. Maintain the default values and press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the
function, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪202

3.

Two Rows

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) the first step without selecting anything and ensure the
Two Rows toggle button is selected, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪203

2. Maintain the default values and press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the
function, as follows:

Transfer Die - Selecting a Forming Shape

In this case you first select a forming shape before exiting the first step.

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D Wire Body

1. Ensure the Transfer Die toggle button is selected and the select the forming
shape part (marked in red), as follows: .
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪204

One Row

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) and ensure the One Row toggle button is selected, as
follows:

2. Maintain the default values and press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the
function, as follows:

Note: Although the row of forming shapes are displayed in step 2, they are not
displayed in the final result, as shown above.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪205

Two Rows

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) and ensure the Two Rows toggle button is selected, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪206

2. Maintain the default values and press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the
function, as follows:

Note: Although two rows of forming shapes are displayed in step 2, they are not
displayed in the final result, as shown above.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪207

Transfer Die - Selecting a Part

In this case you first select a part before exiting the first step.

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D Wire Body

1. Ensure the Transfer Die toggle button is selected and then select the part (marked
in red) or switch to the next stage without selecting any part:

One Row

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) and ensure the One Row toggle button is selected, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪208

2. Maintain the default values and press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the
function, as follows:

Note: Although the row of parts are displayed in step 2, they are not displayed in the
final result, as shown above.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪209

Two Rows

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) and ensure the Two Rows toggle button is selected, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪210

2. Maintain the default values and press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the
function, as follows:

Note: Although two rows of forming shapes are displayed in step 2, they are not
displayed in the final result, as shown above.
When completed, the new Part appears in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪211

Two Different Parts

Nesting > Two Different Parts

This option enables you to create additional instances of two forming shapes, placing
them in the X direction of the active UCS of the strip Sub-Assembly in two rows. Mirror
parts are considered as two different parts. This option includes the following:
• Two Parts - Two Rows: In this case the die application produces two parts in
every operation, as shown in this sample picture.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Nesting - Two Parts.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D wire body.

Required Step 2 : Define the nesting parameters.

Nesting > Two Different Parts : Options and Results

The procedure below describes the steps required for the Nesting operation of two parts.
This includes selecting the 2D wire body and defining the nesting parameters, such as the
minimum distance between the parts in the strip, the rotating angle, the number of
progressions and more. The example below describes how to perform nesting on two
parts containing two rows, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪212

Required Step 1 : Pick the 2D Wire Body

1. Select the two blank forming shapes (the part and the mirror part) (marked in
green), as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪213

Required Step 2 : Define the Nesting Parameters

1. Exit(middle mouse button) and define the nesting parameters, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪214

2. (Optional) You can click the arrow button to display the pre-defined nesting
parameters, as follows:

3. In the field, enter a value of 3.0000.

4. In the field, enter a value of 90.

5. In the field, enter a value of 90.

6. (Optional) Click the to flip the part direction if required.

7. In the field, enter a value of 170.The button

automatically changes to .

8. In the field, enter a value of 85.

9. In the field, enter a value of 0.05.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪215

10. Press OK in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

When completed, the two Parts appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪216

Edit Nesting
After performing the nesting operation one part or two parts, the system enables you to
edit the nesting parameters using Edit Nesting as described below:

To edit the nesting parameters:

1. Select Nesting > Edit Nesting from the main menu. The parts containing the
nesting parameters are displayed, as shown in the following example:

2. Edit the parameters as described in Nesting Two Parts - Options and Results
since this example displays two parts. When editing nesting parameters for one
part refer to Nesting One Part - Options and Results.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪217

Delete Nesting
After performing the nesting operation one part or two parts, the system enables you to
delete the nesting result using Delete Nesting as described below:

To delete the nesting result:

1. Open a file containing a nesting result, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪218

2. Select Nesting > Delete Nesting from the main menu. A confirmation
message is displayed, to confirm the removal of the strip sub-assembly. Click Yes
to proceed. The strip sub-assembly has been removed displaying the result, as
follows:

New Die Set

Add a new die set to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.

Required Step 1 :
Select a new die set from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the New Die Set function).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪219

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Piercing Design

Piercing Design
The Piercing Design functions deal with large arrays of holes or openings existing in die
parts. The functions are used in the Progressive Die - Strip environment or the Transfer
Die - Process Design environment.
The output of these functions are faces with a Piercing Face attribute created for selected
holes. The same holes (i.e. having the same edge ID) in a preceding forming shape are
plugged with regular bounded faces, as they are not pierced yet (as far as the
manufacturing process is concerned).
Holes that have not been analyzed, display a contour annotation around them in all the
forming shapes. This way, you can quickly tell which holes still need a piercing
definition.
The faces with the Piercing Face attribute can later be used in tool design to quickly
place punches, matrixes etc..
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪220

Piercing Design includes the following options:

Hole The holes are analyzed, arranged into groups according to their
Analysis shape and size, and then marked by a contour on their
circumferences.
Delete Delete a previously run Hole Analysis.
Analysis
Piercing After running the Hole Analysis function, the Piercing Faces
Faces function creates faces with a Piercing Face attribute for selected
holes.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪221

Hole Analysis

Hole Analysis
The holes are analyzed, arranged into groups according to their shape and size, and then
marked by a contour on their circumferences. The analysis is performed on the final
product (the "master" part); however, the holes get marked not only on the master part
but on every forming shape derived from it (since all holes in all forming shapes can be
traced back to the master part).

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Hole Analysis.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-
clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the master part to analyze its holes.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪222

Hole Analysis : Options and Results

The holes are analyzed, arranged into groups according to their shape and size, and then
marked by a contour on their circumferences.

Required Step 1
Pick the master part to analyze its holes. When you have picked the master part, the
analysis is performed and annotations are drawn on the perimeters of master part holes.

The annotations have different colors according to existing hole groups; each group
having its unique color (defined in the Preferences: Tools > Preferences > Die > Hole
Analysis Colors).
A hole group is defined as a group of holes having the same shape and size. Only the
following shapes are considered:

If a hole or opening with a shape other than the types shown above exists in an analyzed
forming shape, then it is ignored and is irrelevant to hole analysis.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, and suitable
annotations for all relevant holes in all forming shapes are drawn.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪223

Annotations for the same hole in the various forming shapes are linked, based on edge
ID.
Annotations also adjust to geometrical modifications. Thus if a flange containing holes
was flattened, the annotations are drawn on the hole boundaries in their new position, as
shown below:

Hole Analysis : Editing

When the Hole Analysis function is invoked again, the current analysis is updated as
follows:
• Contours are removed for holes that have been removed.
• Contours are added to new holes of a previously existing group.
• New contours are added (with new colors) to new holes of a new type.
Contours are displayed for holes already having faces.
Other forming shapes can be picked with in edit mode.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪224

Delete Analysis
Delete a previously run Hole Analysis.
This function immediately deletes the hole analysis when you confirm the displayed
warning message.
The function is grayed out if an analysis has not been performed yet or if it has already
been deleted.

Piercing Faces

Piercing Faces
After running the Hole Analysis function, the Piercing Faces function creates faces with
a Piercing Face attribute for selected holes. The same holes (i.e. having the same edge
ID) in a preceding forming shape are plugged with regular bounded faces, as they are not
pierced yet (as far as the manufacturing process is concerned).
Holes that have not been analyzed, display a contour annotation around them in all the
forming shapes. This way, you can quickly tell which holes still need a piercing
definition.
The faces with the Piercing Face attribute can later be used in tool design to quickly
place punches, matrixes etc..

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Piercing Faces.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪225

Remember: You can

open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-
clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick contours created by the Hole Analysis function to create/edit
piercing faces.

Required Step 2 : Pick the location of the actual piercing.

Optional Step 1 : Display piercing forces for all holes, current and previous.

Piercing Faces : Options and Results

After running the Hole Analysis function, the Piercing Faces function creates faces with
a Piercing Face attribute for selected holes.

Required Step 1
Pick contours created by the Hole Analysis function to create/edit piercing faces and
exit(middle mouse button).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪226

Required Step 2
Pick the location of the actual piercing.
The contour(s) picked in the 1st step (in the selected forming shape) are displayed in
green. The corresponding contour(s) in previous forming shapes are displayed in pink,
and those in later forming shapes are displayed in black.
In the next forming shapes In the forming shape select in In the previous forming shapes
(process wise), the color of the 1st step, the color of the (process wise), the color of the
the contours around the picked contours is green. These contours around the corresponding
corresponding holes to are the contours around holes holes to those picked in the 1st step,
those picked in the 1st step, where the piercing faces are is black.
is pink. about to be created

The initial location of the piercing is in the forming shape selected in the 1st step,
however, you can pick another forming shape to indicate that the piercing faces will be
created there.
Piercing faces are created in selected holes (formerly having green contours). Capping
faces are created in corresponding holes of all previous forming shapes (formerly having
black contours). Contours are removed in corresponding holes of all future forming
shapes (formerly having pink contours).
Notes:
• Piercing faces are created with the relevant color and are used later to place
punches and punch units.
• All previous forming shapes have capping faces, that have not yet been pierced.
• All future forming shapes have no markings on already processed holes. This
enables you to quickly determine what holes still need to be processed.
When picking the location of the actual piercing:
• Contours too close to each other should not be picked; otherwise the punch units
placed on the resultant piercing faces will intersect each other.
• All picked contours within a single operation must be of the same hole group and
forming shape.
• Picking By Box can only be performed if you first pick at least one contour.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪227

• If you wish to restart the whole process in another location, you can clear the
selection in the 1st step and start again.

Optional Step 1
Display piercing forces for all holes, current and previous. The optional stage enables you
to quickly determine what forces act on each forming shape, not only piercing forces but
also bending forces.
When this option is invoked, the pre-calculated forces are automatically displayed, for
example:
The system generated
screen parameters (the
ones that are displayed
grayed out), show the
type of material used,
ultimate tensile
strength (UTS) of the
picked material and the
total piercing force per
forming shape.
The piercing forces are
displayed for all the
forming shapes, and for
all piercing faces
created in current and
previous sessions.

Figures are
shown only for forces
relevant in the current
session.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪228

User controlled screen parameters are:

Units This determines the units of force value. Options are as shown (for
metric and inch unit files). Default force units are Kilo Newton (KN) for
metric and Libra forces (Lbf) for inch files. This also determines the
(system generated) Total Force value.
Units of force for mm files: Units of force for inch files:

Hide A toggle button to show or hide all force value figures.

Figures /
Show
Figures
When the button (in the figures ) is pressed, the value is
hidden. Restore the value by pressing Show Figures. Irrespective of the
hide/show status, the arrow figure is still displayed.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪229

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

The following occurs:
Faces having a Piercing
Face attribute are created
per selected contour, on
relevant holes and have
the same color as the
picked contour.
Faces are also created on
holes with edges that have
the same ID in all
preceding forming
shapes.
These faces have the
same color as the
surrounding face in the
relevant forming shape.
Contours on all holes
having the same edge ID
in all forming shapes are
removed.
The Piercing Face
feature is created in the
Feature Tree of all
forming shapes in which
faces are created (the
picked and also preceding
forming shapes).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪230

Piercing Faces : Editing

Right-click on the Piercing Face name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you picked the location of the actual piercing.
This enables you to edit piercing faces not only in the selected part, but all faces created
in the same procedure in all relevant parts.
While editing, piercing faces are automatically updated according to updated hole
contours. This means that:
1. If contours are removed, relevant faces are removed as well (in the selected and
preceding forming shapes).
2. If additional forming shapes are added and more holes with same edge ID now
exist, these holes are also included. Piercing and capping faces are not imported to
the new part. The piercing design can be extended to the new part by invoking
analysis (to create the suitable contours in the new part) and then editing the
various piercing faces features.
In edit mode, you can only pick or unpick additional contours from the same hole group.
You can also pick a different location for piercing faces in the 2nd step. If necessary, new
features are created in additional forming shapes (if the piercing face creation is moved
"forward", or are removed from the selected forming shape (if the piercing face creation
is moved "backwards").
If you delete piercing faces (by selecting Delete Feature from the Feature Tree popup
submenu), this deletes the piercing faces not only in the selected part, but all faces
created in the same procedure in all relevant parts.
If you delete a part that owns a piercing face feature, a warning message is displayed
requiring your confirmation.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪231

Progressive Copy

Progressive Copy
The Progressive Copy operation enables you to copy any type of geometry from specific
forming shapes to any location on the strip. It enables creating multiple entities such as
dimples on the strip. You can copy the selected geometry to the entire strip or define the
number of time the geometry should be repeated on the strip.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Progressive Copy.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the entities to copy to the strip.

Required Step 2 : Define the parameters.

Progressive Copy : Options and Results

The Progressive Copy operation enables you to copy any type of geometry from specific
forming shapes to any location on the strip.
In the example shown below, the user picks to copy an entity on the forming shape and
copy it either to the entire strip or define the number of times to copy the entity on the
strip, as shown in the results below.
• Copied to Entire Strip
• Copied to Specific Locations on Strip
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪232

Copied to Entire Strip

In this case the system displays all the instances of the copied entities up to the end of the
strip.

Copied to Specific Locations on Strip

In this case the user will be able to select the first appearance and the number of steps to
follow. The result is displayed, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪233

Required Step 1 : Pick the Entities to Copy to the Strip

Select the required forming shape (highlighted in red), using the Filter Objects icon,
and Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:

Required Step 2 : Define the Parameters

In this example, the selected object will be marked as a punch. The object is copied to the
first row to the end of the strip, as shown below:
1. Ensure the required parameters are selected, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪234

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

You can now rotate the image as required. Since the option was selected
in this case, the selected face has been trimmed from the strip, as follows:

When the option is selected, the selected face will not be trimmed
from the strip, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪235

The selected item has been copied to both rows in the strip, as required.
When completed, the new Progressive Copy feature will appear in the Feature
Tree as follows:

Additional Examples:
Copy By Number of Progressions
Mark First as Punch

Example 1: Copy By Number of Progressions

: Use this option to define how many times want the copied
object to appear in the strip.
1. Select a circle from within the strip (highlighted in red), as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪236

2. Exit(middle mouse button). Then toggle the Copy to End toggle button to
and enter a value of 3 in the displayed
field, as follows:

In this case the first circle is marked in yellow dotted lines (number 1 in picture
below) to indicate the first appearance is not marked as a punch. Then three
instances are marked in full circles (number 2 in picture below) based on the value
that was entered in the field. In this case three circles are selected.
The other circles in the strip (number 3 in picture below) are marked with yellow
dots, as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪237

3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

The selected circle appears three times in the strip, as defined in step 2.

Example 2: Mark First as Punch

: Use this option to define the first appearance of the copied object as a
punch.
1. From within the strip, select the circle (highlighted in red) to copy to the end of
the strip.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪238

2. Exit(middle mouse button). Then toggle the toggle button

to . Ensure the button is selected. The following is
displayed:

In this case the circle that appear before the selected circle (marked in green) are
marked in yellow dotted lines to indicate they will not be taken into account. Then
all the instances after the selected circle to the end of the strip are marked in full
circles (marked in cyan).
3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as
follows:

The selected circle is copied to the end of the strip and the first instance will be used a
punch.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪239

Progressive Copy : Editing

Editing the Progressive Copy Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Progressive Copy Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you defined the parameters.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Punch Attributes

Punch Attributes
This function enables you to assign groups of faces with attributes that will be used later
in the DieQuote Generator (each group of faces is related to a row in the Tool Expenses
tab of the Active Components Expenses Area). If you have installed the DieQuote
Generator, see the DieQuote Generator Help for additional information on this tool).
Notes:
• It is recommended to use this function after the Die Forces have been calculated,
in order to display the Force Value in the Load Data from CimatronE dialog in
the DieQuote Generator.
• It is recommended to use this function when the main assembly is active.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪240

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Punch Attributes.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Attach faces to a set or create a new set.

Punch Attributes : Options and Results

This function enables you to assign groups of faces with attributes that will be used later
in the DieQuote Generator (each group of faces is related to a row in the Tool Expenses
tab of the Active Components Expenses Area). If you have installed the DieQuote
Generator, see the DieQuote Generator Help for additional information on this tool).

Required Step 1 : Attach faces to a set or create a new set

The interaction is similar to that of the QuickSplit function, all sets are shown on the
screen and you can attach unassigned faces to existing sets, detach faces (attach them to
an unassigned group or screen) or attach faces from one set to another.
The following parameters are displayed:

New Set Create a new set of faces. The following toggle parameter is
displayed:
Ignore Assigned Faces / These are identical to the same
All Faces QuickSplit parameters.
A new set of faces is created by picking the required face(s) and
pressing Exit(middle mouse button). An attribute label is then
displayed for the new set of faces. Numerous attribute labels can be
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪241

displayed, depending on the number of sets you create, or one

attribute label can be created for multiple faces (see the example
pictures below).

Hide Figure A toggle button to hide or show all the attribute labels (you may
/ Show wish to hide all the attribute labels for clarity).
Figures Individual attribute labels can be hidden using the button (see
below).
Add Display all predefined punches.
Predefined In Strip Design, this includes the punches created in the progressive
Punches die. In Transfer Die, this includes all the Piercing Faces.

Attribute Label
An attribute label is displayed for each set of picked faces. The parameters displayed in
this attribute label will be used later in the DieQuote Generator (each group of faces is
related to a row in the Tool Expenses tab of the Active Components Expenses Area). If
you have installed the DieQuote Generator, see the DieQuote Generator Help for
additional information on this tool).

This attribute label consists of the following:

Name The set name. The default name is "P1", "P2" etc..
To change the default name, select the name row and enter the
required name.

Color The default set color which enables you to identify the Punch in the
picture.
To change the default color, select the color dropdown arrow and
choose or define a color.

Type The type of punch. This data is loaded from the Punches and
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪242

Expenses table in the DieQuote Generator.

Initially, this field is blank. Select a punch type from the dropdown list
of available types in the database.

Complexity The complexity factor of the punch entered as a positive integer. The
default value is 1. This is one of the parameters used to decide the
cost/price of the quote.
To change the value, either select the row and enter the required value,
or use the arrow buttons.

Press (top right-hand corner of the dialog) to close an attribute label and detach
corresponding faces from the set.
Press (bottom right-hand corner of the dialog) to hide an attribute label. All hidden
attribute labels can be restored if the Show Figures parameter is selected.
Notes:
• All face/set attributes defined in this function, are valid for this function only.
When you exit this function, the original color of the faces is displayed.
• If relevant faces are detached or deleted, or have their Name changed in edit
mode etc., then the attributes will be lost. If all a set's faces lose attributes, then
the set will no longer exist and the attribute label is not displayed.

An example of punch attributes defined on a strip:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪243

An example of multiple punch attributes linked to a single attribute label. The attribute
label is created per shot and per geometry type.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪244

Punch Unit
Add a punch unit to a die file.

General Interaction
The general interaction is similar to that for adding mold parts. The only difference is the
dialog displayed during the required step 1.

Required Step 1 :
Select a punch unit from the catalog.
The Component Selection dialog is displayed with the appropriate catalog Category and
Sub-Category component types automatically displayed (depending on the Category
type you selected when you invoked the Punch Unit function).

The remaining interaction is identical to that for adding mold parts.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪245

Punch/Trim

Punch/Trim
The Punch/Trim operation is a special tool in strip design and is enabled only when the
strip environment is activated. Using this operation you can select a 2D wire (meaning a
sketch, composite or wire body) and can then trim/punch the strip at a single station or
several stations in one operation.

In addition, this option enables you to define whether to trim only the 2D faces or both
2D and 3D faces on the strip. You can define whether or not to add a punch as well as
trim the face or just trim the face without adding a punch, as illustrated described in this
example.

The following result is displayed when the Trim 2D option is selected:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪246

The following result is displayed when the Trim 2D + 3D option is selected (meaning,
the 3D dimples are also trimmed):

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Punch/Trim.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Replace blank face.

Required Step 2 : Pick the contour.

Required Step 3 : Define the parameters.

Punch/Trim : Options and Results

The Punch/Trim operation enables you to trim the strip part at specific station or several
stations in one operation and create a punch with specific attributes for automatic use in
the die setup.
In the example shown below, you can create a punch and trim the face all the way to the
end removing the scraps.
Note: The system can only trim 3D objects that were added by the Progressive Copy

function. Otherwise the option is disabled.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪247

Required Step 1
The face is automatically selected (marked in green) when entering the Punch/Trim
function, providing the face is part of the strip and the strip environment is enabled.

Required Step 2
Pick a single or multiple predefined closed 2D contour(s), such as sketch, composite or
wire.
The following toggle options are displayed:
Single Pick a single contour. The 3rd required step is automatically displayed.
Selection See the Additional Examples.
Multi Pick multiple contours. An unlimited number of contours can be picked
Selection and this is reflected in the number of features created in the tree (one
feature per contour), which can save a lot of time (especially in
electronic equipment dies). See the Additional Examples.
Press Exit(middle mouse button) to display the 3rd required step.
Note: If you pick multiple contours and subsequently select the Single
Selection option, all the picked contours are cleared.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪248

In the example below, a single contour has been picked (marked in green):

Required Step 3
Define the parameters. In this case the following parameters are selected.

In this example, no punch will be created and the face be trimmed all the way to the end,
maintaining the scraps. In addition, both 2D and 3D faces will be trimmed, since the
Trim 2D+3D option is selected.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪249

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

The selected contour has been created as a punch, the face has been trimmed to the end of
the row and the scraps maintained.
When completed, the new Punch/Trim feature will appear in the Feature Tree as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪250

Additional Examples
Punch

In this case the Punch option is selected is selected. This means, the system trims the
face in addition to creating a punch. Since the Trim 2D option is selected, the system will
trim both the contour and the dimples, removing the scraps, as shown below:
1. Select the predefined closed 2D contour, such as sketch, composite or wire
(marked in green), and Exit(middle mouse button). The following is displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪251

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

In this case, a punch has been created (highlighted in green), the system has
trimmed both the 2D contour and 3D dimples, and any additional existing scraps
are removed.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪252

Punch: Multiple Selections

1. Select the predefined closed contours (sketch, composite or wire) then toggle the
toggle button to the , then in the number
field , enter the value of 4 and Exit(middle mouse button), as
follows:

In this example, the selected contours will be created as a punch and the 2D face
will be trimmed with this contour four times and the scraps removed.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪253

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

Punch/Trim : Editing
Editing the Punch/Trim Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Punch/Trim Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you defined the parameters.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Punch/Trim Curve
This function enables you to create a closed contour (by selecting a closed and planar
composite curve) in order to define a punch. The system finds a closed loop from all
displayed edges/curves lying in the defined plane (within the specified tolerance).
This function is the same as the Composite Curve function with the 2D Single Indication
option; see the Composite Curve > 2D Single Indication option for details of how to use
this function. The information in this topic is specific to Punch/Trim Curve.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪254

The Punch/Trim Curve function differs from the Composite Curve > 2D Single
Indication option in the following ways:
• If the Punch/Trim Curve function is invoked(for instructions on how to invoke
this tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic) from the menu bar,
the feature is defined in the active part.
• If the Punch/Trim Curve function is invoked from the Guide or the popup menu,
the feature is defined in the Strip Part and appears at the beginning of the Feature
Tree.
• In the Punch/Trim Curve function, only the first two "blank" stations are
displayed (the remaining stations are temporarily hidden) and you are prompted to
pick a point (Single Indication) to create the closed contour.

Setup (DieDesign)

Setup (DieDesign)
Setup parameters are parameters that are significant for various aspects of a project
design. They represent geometrical features of the model being designed, and also
parameters that influence that design.
These parameters are displayed in a Setup dialog. Variations of the Setup dialog appear
in Assembly, MoldDesign and DieDesign. See the general description of the Setup
dialog, which is common to all the projects.
The DieDesign Setup allows you to pre-define various parameters to be used later for
creating relations.
Each parameter can be assigned a value, and the dimension related to this parameter is
updated accordingly. This functionality is used to create assemblies that auto-adjust their
size as soon as they are placed inside a parent assembly with a matching set of
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪255

parameters. When an assembly holding a set of parameters is placed inside an assembly

holding the same set of parameters, the corresponding values are updated according to the
parent assembly.
The following tabs and parameters are available in the DieDesign Setup dialog (see
Dialog Tabs for an explanation of each tab):
Tool tab: Workpiece tab: Punch tab:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪256

Setup (DieDesign) : Dialog Tabs

The following tabs and parameters are available in the DieDesign Setup dialog (see
below for an explanation of each tab):
Tool tab: Workpiece tab: Punch tab:

To define the Die Setup parameters:

1. Load the Die file for which you want to define and view the Die Setup. Note that
you can only modify the setup values in the setup holders (the main assemblies
holding the setup data).
2. Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the
top of this Help topic) the Die Setup function.
3. Set the parameters as required (as explained below).
See the Setup Dialog Description for an explanation of elements which are common in all
the tabs:
• the editing options.
• the Format and Units dropdown menus.
• the dialog buttons.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪257

Tabs

Tool Tab
Workpiece Tab
Punch Tab

Tool Tab
As long as the assembly is a stand-alone assembly (not placed in a parent assembly), all
value cells are enabled and you can type in any valid number. See the Setup Dialog
Description for an explanation of stand-alone and placed assemblies.
The Tool tab is displayed, as shown below:
When working in Progressive Die, the When working in Transfer Die, an
dialog is displayed as follows: additional parameter (Die Set) is
displayed at the top of the dialog with a
dropdown list that enables you to browse
between different die sets.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪258

Workpiece
This tab contains Forming, Progressive Die Nesting and Bounding Data parameters.
The latter are derived from the work piece size and most of them are grayed out (read
only), if a work piece has been defined.
The Workpiece tab is displayed, as shown below:

Ensure the Strip tab is selected, as shown above and define the following parameters:
• In the Thickness field, enter the required material thickness value.
• In the Forming area, define the forming shape parameters:
o From the Material dropdown lists, select the Material Standard and the
required Material type. The default material type is HRCQ (If this material
is not available, the default material will be set to first one on the list).
o In the K-Factor For Bend field, enter the required bend K-Factor value
(between 0 and 1).
o In the K-Factor For Unfold & Unbend field, enter the required unfold &
unbend K-Factor value (between 0 and 1).
• In the Progressive Die Nesting area, define the nesting parameters, as follows:
o In the Minimum Distance field, enter the required nesting minimum
distance value.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪259

o In the Top/Bottom field, enter the required nesting value for the top and
bottom margin.
o The other parameters are read only and are retrieved from nesting.
o In the Bounding Data area, define the parameters, as follows:
• If a work piece has been defined, then these parameters are derived from
the work piece size and are grayed out (read only). You can, however,
round the values as required, by setting a rounding factor.
• If a work piece has not been defined (or has been suppressed), these
parameters can be edited as required. If a work piece is subsequentially
added (or unsuppressed), then these values are taken from the work piece
and grayed out (as described above).
Note: In Transfer Dies, the Progressive Die Nesting area of this tab is disabled and no
values are displayed.

Punch
The Punch tab is displayed, as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪260

Define the following parameters:

• In the Thickness field, enter the required material thickness value.
• Click Show Picture to view a preview of the Trimming Punch parameters, as
follows:

The numbers in the Trimming Punch preview correspond to the numbers in the
Die Setup dialog, as shown above.
• From the Punch and Strip area, define the following parameters:
o Through Depth
o Upper Strip
o Lower Strip
• From the Default Offset Values area, define the parameters applicable to the
following component types:
o Die Shoes
o Die Backing Plates
o Die Plates
o Matrixes
o Stripper Plates
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪261

o Stripper Backing Plates

o Punch Backing Plates
o Punch Plates
• From the Die Plate Parameters area, define the following parameters:
o Type: Select the required cut type , as follows:
ƒ Type 1

ƒ Type 2

ƒ Type 3

ƒ Type 4

• Alpha: Enter the angle of the cut.

• h: Enter the cut height value.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪262

Show Analysis

Show Analysis
The Show Analysis operation is used to display analysis data. This option can only be
used on a file where a blank has already been created.
Note: The edit capabilities are not relevant for this function. Since it used only for
viewing data. However, you can re-enter the function at any time to select and view a
different a data analysis option.
This function appears as an optional step in the following DieDesign functions:
Auto Blank on Binder – (in Optional Step 2)
Blank – (in Optional Step 3)
Blank on Binder – (in Optional Step 3)
Local Blank – (in Optional Step 2)

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Show Analysis.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Select the analysis option to view.

Show Analysis : Options and Results

The Show Analysis operation you to view analysis data. These include thickness strain
and safety zone ranges and can only be used on a file where a blank has already been
created.
Note: The edit capabilities are not relevant for this function. Since it used only for
viewing analysis data. However, you can re-enter the function at any time to select and
view a different a data analysis option.

Required Step 1 :
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪263

Select the appropriate option to view the analysis. The following dropdown list of options
is available:
•None
• Thickness Strain Analysis
• Safety Zone Analysis
None When this option is selected, no data analysis is displayed.
Example:

Thickness When this option is selected, a thickness stain analysis range is

Strain displayed as shown below. This option enables evaluating the formality
Analysis of stamping. A negative value indicates the part is thinning out. Severe
thinning indicates splitting can occur and thickening indicates wrinkling
can occur.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪264

Notes:
• You can move the mouse over the part to get detailed
information regarding a specific area, as shown in the example
above.
• Set the upper and lower limit range of the analysis in the Die
Preferences.
Safety When this option is selected, a safety zone thickness analysis range
Zone ranging from Low Strain to Fail as shown below. For additional
Analysis information on the meaning of each zone, see the table below the
example.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪265

The meaning of each safety zone follows:

Low Strain Minimal stretch or compression in either the
major or minor directions.
Strong Slight stretch in one direction and compression
Wrinkle in the other with material thickening. In this
Tendency case, wrinkles are very likely to occur.
Wrinkling Stretch in one direction and compression in the
Tendency other with slight material thickening. In this
case, wrinkles may occur.
Safe This is the area below Forming Limit Curve
where failure is not likely to occur.
Marginal This is the area between the Safe and Fail zones
where the forming process is marginally safe.
Fail This is the area above Forming Limit Curve
where splitting is likely to occur (localized
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪266

thinning).
Note: You can move the mouse over the part to get detailed information
regarding a specific area, as shown in the example above.

Click the Close button from the Feature Guide to exit the Show Analysis function.

Springback Deform

Springback Deform
Springback is the condition that occurs when sheet metal is cold-worked (stamped at
room temperature); upon release of the forming force, the material has a tendency to
partially return (spring back) to its original shape because of the elastic deformation
tendencies of the material.
This
example
shows a
single
dimension
for the
springback,
but in
reality there
are multi-
dimensional
interactions
on many
different
areas on the
part and
their
springback
interacts
with
adjacent
areas,
introducing
new strain.
Steel and aluminum (two common stamped materials) exhibit both elastic and plastic
deformation tendencies. Elastic deformation (springback), is inherent to all stamped sheet
metals and is non-permanent - the material "recovers". Plastic deformation is the
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪267

permanent shape change intended for a sheet metal part. Beyond the elastic limit the
material undergoes plastic deformation. Ductile materials undergo large plastic
deformations before fracturing, whereas brittle materials undergo very little plastic
deformation.
Due to this elastic deformation, it is necessary to over-bend the sheet a precise amount to
achieve the desired bend radius and bend angle. The amount of springback depends upon
several factors, including the material, thickness (the thicker the material, the less the
springback), grain direction of the metal to be bent (bending with the grain gives a
different result than bending against it), bending operation, bend radius and bend angle.
The CimatronE Springback Deform function assists you to use springback data to
compensate for springback during the tool development phase, to reduce expensive and
time-consuming die tryouts. This springback data is created either by a Finite Element
application, or by measuring after completing a test punch, or by using your die maker
experience.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Springback Deform.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick an object.

Required Step 2 : Pick fixed constraints (faces, edges or points lying on the object).

Required Step 3 : Pick pairs (source/target) of constraints and set the punch
direction.

Optional Step 1 : Pick points on the object and set the offset value and side.

Optional Step 2 : Pick 2D section (composite/sketch) and define offset

values/points.

Optional Step 3 : Load a CSV file (table of points) and adjust the source and target
points, defined from the previous steps of this function, to set the final target points.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪268

Springback Deform : Options and Results

Springback is the condition that occurs when sheet metal is cold-worked (stamped at
room temperature); upon release of the forming force, the material has a tendency to
partially return (spring back) to its original shape because of the elastic recovery of the
material.
The CimatronE Springback Deform function assists you to use springback data to
compensate for springback during the tool development phase, to reduce expensive and
time-consuming die tryouts. This springback data is created either by a Finite Element
application, or by measuring after completing a test punch, or by using your die maker
experience.
An example of this process is as follows:
1. 2.
Below is a rough example of The actual result due to
the part and punch and shows springback is shown below.
the desired result.

3. 4. 5.
The springback deformation To achieve the required result, The desired result.
can be measured, as shown the springback deformation
below. can be applied in the opposite
direction (at a desired scale).
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪269

Required Step 1
Pick the object upon which the springback operation is to be performed. For example:

The system automatically proceeds to the next required step.

Required Step 2
Pick fixed constraints lying on the object and press <exit>(middle mouse button) to
proceed to the next required step; or press <exit> without selecting any constraints. These
constraints can be faces, edges, curves, sketches, composites, wire curves or points.

Required Step 3
Pick pairs (source/target) of constraints and set the punch direction. These constraints can
be edges, curves, sketches, composites, wire curves or points.
When a constraint is picked, a label is attached to the constraint identifying whether it is a
source or target and showing the source/target pair number. When additional constraints
are picked, the source/target pair numbers are both incremented by one to identify the
pairs. For example:
A source constraint is picked. A target constraint is picked.
An identifying label is displayed. An additional label identifies the constraint
and the identical source/target numbers
signifies that these are a pair.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪270

Notes:
• The source and target constraints can only be of the same type. This means that if
a point is picked as a source constraint, the target can only be a point, etc..
• If a source constraint is deleted, then its corresponding target constraint is also
deleted and the remaining source/target pair numbers are adjusted accordingly.
• If a target constraint is deleted, then its corresponding source constraint is giving
the last number and you are prompted to pick a new target for this source.
• If a wire constraint is picked, it must be smooth.
The following parameters are displayed:
Punch This is a toggle option that enables you to define the punch direction: Punch
Direction Direction - Z / Punch Direction - User-Defined.
-Z
Punch Direction - Z Set the Z direction as the punch direction. This is the
default option.
If the part is a die forming part, the option Work CS is
displayed.
If the part is a non-forming part, the option Z -
Direction is displayed.
Punch Direction - This option enables you to define the tipping direction
User-Defined by using the displayed directional arrow.
Note: In the Advanced Warping function, the Punch Direction parameters are
renamed as Main Warping Direction, as shown below:
DieDesign > Springback Solid > Warp > Advanced Warping
function function

Punch Direction – Work CS Main Warping Direction – Work CS

Punch Direction – Z Main Warping Direction – Z
Punch Direction – User- Main Warping Direction – User-Defined
Defined

Keep This option is displayed once a target constraint had been picked.
Target This is a toggle option that enables you to reverse the direction of the target points:
Keep Target / Reverse Target.
Keep Keep the position of the target constraints as they were selected.
Target
Reverse Reverse the direction of the target constraints by a defined scaled
Target factor (the parameter Scale Factor is displayed when this option is
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪271

selected). When this option is selected, the reverse target constraint

is displayed, positioned according to the scale factor value. The
reverse target constraint is displayed in blue, however, in the
examples below, the constraints are displayed in white for clarity.
Example:
The reverse target constraint is positioned according to the scale
factor value.

Do Not This is a toggle option that enables you to either copy or not to copy the original
Copy object from the source to the target constraints: Do Not Copy Original / Copy
Original Original.

Optional Step 1
Pick points on the object and set the offset value and side. These offsets define the
movement constraints of the points.

When a point is picked, a label is attached to it displaying the offset value. In addition,
the offset point (offset from the picked point) is displayed according to the offset value
and flip button direction. This offset point represents the target constraint.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪272

The offset value is in the direction normal to the face at the picked point. If the picked
point is on a sharp edge, the offset is in the direction between the normals of the two
faces.

If an offset value greater than 0 is entered, a flip button ( / ) is displayed enabling

you to flip the offset to the other side of the picked point, as shown below:
For an offset > 0, the offset point is When the flip button is toggled, the offset
displayed in blue at the offset distance point is displayed at the offset distance on
from the picked point and according to the other side of the picked point. (In this
the flip button "direction". example the point is displayed in white
for clarity).

To delete a point, pick the X on the appropriate offset value label.

Optional Step 2
Pick a 2D section (composite/sketch) and define offset points and values to define 2D
constraints. The selected wire must be smooth and should contain a single loop (lump).
The following interaction is initially displayed:

This signifies that you are currently defining the first constraint. The Add New
Constraint button is grayed out until a constraint is defined.
Pick the required wire, as shown below, for example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪273

Pick a point on the wire.

When the point is picked, a label is attached For an offset > 0, a constant offset wire is displayed
to it displaying the offset value. at the offset distance from the picked point and
according to the flip button "direction". This offset
wire represents the target constraint.

As in the previous optional step, if an offset value greater than 0 is entered, a flip button
( / ) is displayed enabling you to flip the offset wire to the other side of the
selected wire.
At this stage, you can either pick additional points on the selected wire or add a new
constraint. If you pick additional points on the current constraint (wire), the offset wire
will be displayed according to the offset value entered at the picked points, as shown
below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪274

To delete a point, pick the X on the appropriate offset value label.

To add a new constraint, press the Add New Constraint button (this button is available
once a constraint is defined). The following interaction is then displayed:

This means that the first constraint has been defined and that the currently active
constraint is # 2 (the green highlight denotes the currently active constraint). The
subsequent interaction is as described for the Constraint # 1.
Notes:
• To edit a constraint, select the required # box (Constraint # 1, # 2, etc.). Once a
constraint has been selected it is highlighted in green and may be edited.
For example:

• To delete a constraint, press the appropriate X button adjacent to the constraint #

box.

Optional Step 3
Load a CSV file (table of points) and adjust the source and target points, defined from the
previous steps of this function, to set the final target points.
The following interaction is displayed:

None This is a toggle option None / By Table.

None Do not display the dialog containing the table of points. In
effect, selecting this option means that this optional step of the
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪275

function is not active (there is nothing to do here).

By Display the Springback Points dialog containing the
Table coordinates of the source and target points defined from the
previous steps of this function. These previously defined target
points are initially shown in this dialog as "intermediate"; by
setting additional options in this dialog, you can define these
target points as final.
For a description of what to do when the Springback Points
dialog is displayed, see By Table option interaction - below.
For a description of the field and parameters in the Springback
Points dialog, see Springback CSV Points Dialog.
Note: Some FEM programs provide two STL files containing
the source and target points respectively. CimatronE enables
you to convert these two STL files into a CSV file so that you
can use the By Table option. For additional information, see
STL to CSV Converter - below.

By Table option interaction

Initially, the Springback Points dialog is displayed empty, as shown here.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪276

In the CSV Points area of the dialog, browse to and load the CSV file containing the
coordinates of the previously defined source and target points. This also activates some of
the buttons in the dialog, as shown below (see Springback CSV Points Dialog for an
explanation of this dialog):

See Springback CSV Points for an explanation of this dialog.

When the position of the final target points are set (using the parameters in this dialog)
and calculated, the dialog is displayed as shown below (the Deformed (target) points
XYZ columns are filled and the dialog displays "Constraint Points Defined" in green):
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪277

STL to CSV Converter

Some FEM programs provide two STL files containing the source and target points
respectively. CimatronE enables you to convert these two STL files into a CSV file so
that you can use the By Table option.

To use the STL to CSV Converter:

1. Invoke the ParserStl.exe program from the folder: \Program
Files\Cimatron\CimatronE\Program.
The STL to CSV dialog is displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪278

2. Complete the dialog:

a) Browse to the source and target STL files and enter them in their
respective fields.
The two STL files must have the same number of triangular elements
with a correlation between them.
b) Enter the output CSV file name. By default, the file name prefix of the
CSV file is the same as the source STL file name. The CSV file is saved
to the same folder as the source STL files.
c) Enter a points dilute factor, if required.
3. Press the Convert button.
The CSV file is created and is saved Note that the point dilution factor
to the same folder as the source STL affects the number of points in the
files. CSV file.

4. Use the output CSV file as the input to the Springback Points dialog, described above.

To complete the Springback Deform function, press OK or Apply in the Feature

Guide.
When completed, the new Springback Deform feature will appear in the Feature Tree as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪279

Springback Deform: CSV Points Dialog

In the last optional step of the Springback function, load a CSV file (table of points) and
adjust the source and target points (defined from the previous steps of this function) to set
the final target points.
When the None option is toggled to By Table, the Springback Points dialog is
displayed. This dialog contains the coordinates of the source and target points defined
from the previous steps of this function. These previously defined target points are
initially shown in this dialog as "intermediate"; by setting additional options in this
dialog, you can define these target points as final.
In the CSV Points area of the dialog, browse to and load the CSV file containing the
coordinates of the previously defined source and target points. This also activates some of
the buttons in the dialog, as shown below:
CSV Points area
Nominal (source) Points area
Deformed (target) Points area
General area
Table area

CSV Points area

Nominal (source) Points area
Deformed (target) Points area
General area
Table area
CSV This area of the dialog enables you to load the CSV file containing the
Points table of points and to set other parameters related to the points.
area

Browse Browse to and load the CSV file containing the

coordinates of the previously defined source and
target points.
/ Toggle button to expand () or collapse () the dialog. In
collapsed mode, the dialog only displays the CSV
Points area.
Example:

Dilute Reduce the number of source/target constraint points

CSV by the defined factor.
points by Select the checkbox to activate the factor value field.
factor After changing the factor value, reload the CSV file to
display the diluted points in the display area and the
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪280

"number of points after the dilute" in the dialog.

Example:

Dilute CSV points by Dilute CSV points by

factor = 1 or if the factor = 10; the
checkbox is not display of the
selected: all the source/target points is
source/target points diluted by the defined
are displayed. factor amount.

CSV File Set the CSV file units from the dropdown list.
Units
Ref. UCS Set the reference UCS from the dropdown list of
UCSs available in the part.

Nominal This area of the dialog enables you to set the tolerance of, and to
(source) analyze, the defined source points.
Points
area
Tolerance Set the tolerance of the source points.
Analyze Points Analyze the defined source points.

Deformed This area of the dialog enables you to change the position of the target
(target) points (as defined in the previous steps of this function) and to calculate
Points the Deformed (target) points, based on these changes.
area

Scale Move the location of the target points by a defined

Factor scale factor.
Example:
Scale Factor = 1; the Scale Factor = 2; the
target points are target points are
located where they moved to a new
were originally position according to
positioned. the scale factor.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪281

Same Side This is a toggle button that enables you to change

the side of the target points from where they were
originally positioned: Same Side / Opposite Side.
Example:
Same Side: the Opposite Side: the
target points are target points are moved
located where they to the opposite side
were originally from where they were
positioned. originally positioned.

Calculate Press this button to calculate the Deformed

Deformed (target) points based on the settings of the other
Points parameters in this dialog.
Example
Before the Calculate Deformed Points button
is pressed: the Deformed (target) point
coordinates area is empty and a message
informs you that the target constraint points
have not been defined.

After the Calculate Deformed Points button is

pressed: the Deformed (target) point
coordinates are calculated and displayed and a
message informs you that the target constraint
points have been defined.

General This area of the dialog enables you to fix the location of a specific
area Nominal (source) and Deformed (intermediate) pair of points or to
delete them. Multiple pairs of points can be selected for these
operations.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪282

To select the required source/target pair of points, press the appropriate

row number of the table of points; this highlights the row and activates
the Fixed Point and Delete Point buttons (these buttons are grayed out
until a row is selected).
To unselect a row, select anywhere on the table.
Example:

Fixed Fix the position of a source/target pair of points,

Point irrespective of the settings of other parameters in this
dialog.
Delete Delete the selected source/target pair of points.
Point

Table This area of the dialog displays the coordinates of the previously
area defined Nominal (source) and Deformed (intermediate) pair of points,
the calculated Deformed (target) points, and also enables you to show
the points on the part in the graphics area.

Hide/Show Examples:
Points not displayed: Source points displayed:
( ) ( )

Zoomed in:
Points not Source points Source and target points
displayed: displayed: displayed:
( ) ( ) ( )

Nominal The coordinates of the previously defined

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪283

(source) Points Nominal (source) points.

Use the hide/show toggle button ( / ) to hide
or show the source points on the part.
Deformed The coordinates of the previously defined
(intermediate) target points. These points are shown as
Points Deformed (intermediate) points; by setting
additional options in this dialog, you can
define these target points as final.
Derformed The coordinates of Deformed (target) points.
(target) Points These points are calculated based on the
coordinates of the "intermediate" target points
and the settings of the other parameters in this
dialog.
Use the hide/show toggle button ( / ) to hide
or show the final target points on the part.

Station Forming Shape

Station Forming Shape

This group of functions is used in Transfer Die to add or delete forming shapes to
stations. It includes the following functions:
Add to This function is used in Transfer Die to add forming shapes to
Die Set stations that were created by using the Define Die Set & Station
Settings function.
Delete This function is used in Transfer Die to delete forming shapes
that have been added to stations.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪284

Add to Die Set

Station Forming Shape: Add

This function is used in Transfer Die to add forming shapes to stations that were created
by using the Define Die Set & Station Settings function.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Forming Shape Add.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick a forming shape to be added to a station.

Required Step 2 : Pick the station to which the forming shape is to be added.

Station Forming Shape: Add

Options and Results
This function is used in Transfer Die to add forming shapes to stations that were created
by using the Define Die Set & Station Settings function.

Required Step 1
Pick a forming shape to be added to a station.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪285

The stations are displayed and you automatically move to the next step in the function.

Required Step 2
Pick the station to which the forming shape is to be added.

The forming shape is added to the required station.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪286

Note: Already placed forming shapes are displayed in light green, while occupied
stations are marked red, as shown below.
Already placed forming shape: Occupied station:

When finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
Forming shapes are added under suitable sub-assemblies representing the die sets. This
allows you to open and work on each die set separately.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪287

If there is more than one station per die set, the resulting configuration is as shown
below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪288

Delete

Station Forming Shape: Delete

This function is used in Transfer Die to delete forming shapes that have been added to
stations.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Forming Shape Delete.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the forming shape(s) to be deleted.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪289

Station Forming Shape: Delete

Options and Results
This function is used in Transfer Die to delete forming shapes that have been added to
stations.

Required Step 1
Pick the forming shape(s) to be deleted.

The selected forming shape(s) are highlighted.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪290

When finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The selected forming shape(s) are deleted.

Strip Dimension

Strip Dimension
The Strip Dimension operation is a special tool in strip design and is enabled only when
the strip environment is activated. Using this operation the user can set the dimensions of
the strip. These include, strip width, margins, start margin and number of steps. The Strip
Dimension operation will only be active if Nesting has been created.
Note: You can edit the strip dimensions by re-entering the function and editing the
parameters, as required.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Strip Dimension.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Set the strip parameters.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪291

Strip Dimension : Options and Results

The Strip Dimension operation enables you to define the strip dimensions. These
include, the width (controls strip width) top margin (controls the distance from the top
end of the bounding box of all blanks to the top end of the strip) and more. This operation
will only be active providing Nesting has been created.
Note: You can edit the strip dimensions by re-entering the function and editing the
parameters, as required.

Required Step 1 : Set the Strip Dimensions

1. Define the strip dimension by entering the values into the relevant fields:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪292

To review additional information, click the arrow to display the following

information:

Set the parameters:

Net A read only field. It is provided for information purposes only and is
Utilization defined from the Nesting operation.
No. of Define the number of progressions (the number of steps to create in
Progressions the strip).
Toggle the button beside the field. It becomes green and the field
is now activated.
Strip Set the strip length.
Length
Toggle the button beside the field. It becomes green and the field
is now activated.
Left to Define the dimension direction of the strip.
Right Keep the default value to set the strip dimension from left to right.
You can toggle this button to define the dimensions from right to left,
if required.
Trim This is a toggle option: Trim Forming Stations / Do Not Trim.
Forming
Stations Trim When this option is selected, an additional parameter
Forming is displayed enabling you to define from which
Stations station to start the trimming:
In the case of one row: From Station.
In the case of two rows: From Station (Row 1) and
From Station (Row 2).
The trimmed stations are displayed in purple, as
follows

After executing the function, the strip is trimmed, as

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪293

shown below:

Do Not Do not trim the forming stations.

Trim

Strip Width Set the width of the strip by either entering a value or using the arrow
buttons.
The Top Margin and Bottom Margin fields are automatically
affected by this value.
Note: If required, you can change these top and bottom margin values
but they are relative to one another; changing one value also changes
the other.
Start Set the Start Margin by either entering a value or using the arrow
Margin buttons. When this value is entered, the system automatically updates
the read only End Margin field.
2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪294

Strip Forming Shape

Strip Forming Shape

This option enables you to create a forming shape and edit it by relocating it or deleting it
from the system. It includes the following options, as follows:
Add to Strip The Add to Strip operation enables you to create the main
forming shapes that will be included in the strip.
Delete from The Delete from Strip operation enables you to remove one or
Strip more forming shapes.
Relocate in The Relocate in Strip operation enables you to relocate the
Strip forming shapes, placing them in different positions, as required.

Strip Popup Submenu

The Strip Popup Menu is displayed in the strip forming shape environment from any of
the procedures described below:
• Add to Strip
• Delete from Strip
• Relocate in Strip
When right clicking in the Strip Forming Shape environment, the following popup
submenu is displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪295

Add to Strip

Add Forming Shape to Strip

The Add to Strip operation enables you to select a forming shape (which was defined in
Forming Shape) and add it to an empty location in the strip.
Note: You can relocate forming shapes in the strip at any time, as described in Relocate
in Strip. You can remove forming shapes from the strip, as described in Delete From
Strip.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Forming Shape Add.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-
clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the component that you want to add to the strip.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪296

Required Step 2 : Place the component in the target location in the strip.

Add Forming Shape to Strip : Options and Results

The procedure below describes how to select a part and add it to the strip.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Component to Add to the Strip

Select the required component to add. The selected part is highlighted in red. The
available spaces in the strip are marked in Green circles and the occupied spaces are
marked in Red circles, as shown below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪297

Required Step 2 : Place the Component in Target Location in the Strip

1. Place the cursor over the required location in the strip. The Green circle becomes
highlighted , as follows:

2. Click to add the selected forming part to the required location in the strip. The
selected forming part is located in place (highlighted in Gray), as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪298

3. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:

When completed, the new Strip Forming Shape will appear in the Feature Tree
as follows:

Delete from Strip

Delete Forming Shape from Strip

The Delete from Strip operation enables you to select a forming shape (which was added
to the strip in Add to Strip) and remove it from the strip.
Note: You can relocate forming shapes in the strip at any time, as described in Relocate
in Strip. You can add forming shapes to the strip, as described in Add to Strip.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Forming Shape Del.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪299

Remember:
You can open
the Feature
Guide at any
time on the
graphic
display area
by right-
clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the component(s) that you want to remove from the strip.

Delete Forming Shape from Strip : Options and Results

The procedure below describes how to select a part or parts in the strip (that you
previously added) and remove them from the strip.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Component(s) to Remove from the Strip

Select the required components to remove. The selected parts are highlighted in red, as
shown below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪300

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as follows:

The selected parts have been removed form the strip.

Relocate in Strip
Relocate Forming Shape in Strip
The Relocate in Strip operation enables you to select forming shapes (which were added
to the strip in Add to Strip) and move them to a different location in the strip.
Note: You can remove forming shapes from the strip at any time, as described in Delete
from Strip. You can add forming shapes to the strip, as described in Add to Strip.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Forming Shape Reloc.
Remember:
You can open
the Feature
Guide at any
time on the
graphic display
area by right-
clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the component(s) that you want to relocate in the strip.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪301

Required Step 2 : : Place the component(s) in the target location in the strip.

Relocate Forming Shape in Strip : Options and Results

The procedure below describes how to select parts in the strip (that you previously added)
and relocate them to a different target location using the navigation keys.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Component(s) to Relocate in the Strip

1. Select the required components to relocate. The selected parts are highlighted in
red, as shown below.

2. Click to exit. The parts are highlighted in grey, and the navigation arrows, are
displayed as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪302

Required Step 2 : Relocate the Components

1. Click the navigation arrows, as required to relocate the group of parts. In the
following example, the parts have been moved two steps to the left, by clicking
the left navigation arrow twice.

2. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function, as

follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪303

Trimming Punch

Trimming Punch
The Trimming Punch operation enables you to select a planar face (punch) or a planar
wire. The system then creates the necessary cutting objects and performs a cutting
operation on all relevant parts.
This is an assembly feature tool that is invoked when a part is activated or non-activated
in the assembly environment. You can perform the Trimming Punch operation using the
following options:
• Create New Part
• Create in Active Part
• Create in Non-Active Part
• Cut
Note: When editing the Trimming Punch feature, only the plates that are included in the
cut will be shown in the Cutting Objects dialog. See Trimming Punch - Editing

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Trimming Punch.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1: Pick a 2D Contour or Face.

Required Step 2: Define Punch Parameters.

Required Step 3: Define Cutting Offsets and Shapes.

Optional Step 1: Add a wedge body on top of the punch body, for fastening
purposes.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪304

Trimming Punch : Options and Results

The Trimming Punch operation enables you to select a planar face (punch) or a planar
wire. The system then creates the necessary cutting objects and performs a cutting
operation on all relevant parts.
This is an assembly feature tool that is invoked when a part is activated or non-activated
in the assembly environment.
Note: When editing the Trimming Punch feature, only the plates that are included in the
cut will be shown in the Cutting Objects dialog. See Trimming Punch - Editing

Required Step 1 : Pick a 2D Contour(s) or Face(s)

The following parameters are displayed; click the dropdown list to display the available
options:
Displayed parameters: Displayed parameters
showing the dropdown list
options:
Create
New
Parts
Create
in
Active
Part
Create
in
Non-
Active
Part
Cut
Only

Create New Parts

This option enables you to create multiple new parts under the selected assembly and
then perform the trimming punch operation on these parts.
Example:
1. Select the Create New Parts option.

2. Click the arrow beside the Target Assembly field and then select the target
assembly. The selected assembly name is displayed in the Target Assembly field,
as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪305

3. Pick the new parts. Multiple parts can be selected by picking faces or 2D
contours. For each face/contour selected, a label is displayed indicating the part
name, as shown below:

Pick a label to edit the assigned part name. If invalid characters are entered, an
appropriate message is displayed. If a part name already exists, a message is
displayed and the last valid name is restored.
4. Press exit(middle mouse button) to move to the next step.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪306

Create in Active Part

This option enables you to perform the trimming punch operation in an activated part.
Therefore, before accessing the Trimming Punch operation, you must activate a part in
the assembly, as shown in the example procedure below:

To activate a part component in the assembly environment:

Example:
1. In the die assembly tree, right-click the selected part and select Activate
Component from the displayed a popup menu, as follows:

2. Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the
top of this Help topic) the Trimming Punch function.
3. Select the Create in Active Part option, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪307

Note: The button is grayed out and disabled to indicate the P1

activated part is selected and cannot be changed at this stage.
4. Pick a 2D Contour as shown below (marked in red).

5. Press exit(middle mouse button) to move to the next step.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪308

Create In Non Active Part

This option enables you to perform the trimming punch operation in a non-activated part.
Therefore, you must select a non active part from the required assembly. The Trimming
Punch operation will then be performed on this non-active part.
Example:
1. Select the Create in Non-Active Part option.

2. Select a non-active part in the selected assembly, as shown in the example below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪309

3. Pick a 2D Contour as shown below (marked in green).

Note: The button is grayed out and disabled to indicate the

P4 non-activated part is selected and cannot be changed at this stage
4. Press exit(middle mouse button) to move to the next step.

Cut Only
This option enables you to cut surrounding components, without actually creating the
punch part itself (for cases where a catalog punch is used).
Example:
No other parameters are displayed in this step.
1. Select the Cut Only option.
2. Pick 2D closed contours or planar faces. If required, pick more than one face. See
Multiple Punch Operations.
3. Press exit(middle mouse button) to move to the next step.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪310

Required Step 2 : Define Punch Parameters

A punch has now been added, as shown in the picture below. The default values of the
punch parameters defined in this procedure are derived from Die Setup. In this stage, you
define the extrude value and whether it will appear on the upper or lower side of the strip
and more.

The following options are displayed:

If the Create New Parts If the Cut option
or Create in Non-Active was selected in the
Part options were selected 1st required step.
in the 1st required step.

For further information of these parameters, refer to DieSetup.

Delta / This is a toggle option: Delta / Reference. Set how the extrude is to be
Reference created:
Delta The extrude is created on one side, with a given value.
The following additional parameter is displayed:
Delta = Enter the delta distance for the extrude.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪311

Reference Set the direction and choose the reference face to

which the contour will be extruded, as described in
Example: To Reference: Upper Strip.
For further details on these options, refer to Extrude.
Upper This is a toggle option: Upper Strip / Lower Strip. Define on which
Strip / side of the strip the extrude is to be created:
Lower
Upper Create the extrude on the upper side of the material strip.
Strip
Strip The following additional parameter is displayed:
Thickness Enter the thickness of the workpiece.
The default values are defined, as shown here in the

DieSetup
dialog.
Lower Create the extrude on the lower side of the material strip.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪312

Strip The default value is defined, as shown here in the

DieSetup
dialog.

Punch Enter the depth of the punch through the strip.

True
Depth
Note: The direction of the extrude is always in the normal to the strip plane direction,
therefore no arrows are required here.
1. Define the punch parameters as required. (Refer to the Example below, for further
details on the To Reference and Upper Strip options).
2. Exit(middle mouse button) to proceed to the next step where you define the
cutting objects for the plates, including parameter values, attributes and more.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪313

Example: To Reference - Upper Strip

The procedure below describes how to create a new part under the selected assembly
using the To Reference option.
1. From the Assembly tree, select the face to which the contour will be extruded. In
our example StripperPlate is selected, as follows:

2. Toggle the selected StripperPlate icon to the hide position, to hide the
selected plate, as follows:

3. Set the Reference parameters.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪314

Required Step 3 : Define Cutting Offsets and Shapes

The Cutting Objects dialog is displayed. If the Create New Parts option was selected in
the 1st required step, a With Cut/Without Cut toggle option is displayed; in this case,
the Cutting Objects dialog is displayed if the With Cut option is selected.
The Cutting Objects dialog
includes the following
Plates pane
Matrix/Die Plate pane
Multiple Punch Operations
Rectangular Cut pane

Buttons:
Hide Entire
Assembly: Hides the
entire assembly.
Show Entire
Assembly: Displays
the entire assembly.
Recalculate:

Preview: Display a
preview of the cut.
Define as Die
(Cutting with Draft
Angle):
Define as Straight
Cutting Tool:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪315

To define cutting offsets and shapes:

1. From the Plates pane select the plate to cut, as shown in the picture below. (In this
case select the StripperPlate marked in red.)

2. Click the Define as Die (Cutting with Draft Angle) button to move this row
to the Matrix/Die Plate pane, as shown below:

3. In the Matrix/Die Plate pane, set the parameters as required.

Notes:

• Click the Preview button at the top of this pane to display a preview of
the cut.

• Click the button to move a selected row from the Plates pane to the
Matrix/Die Plate pane. Each time this button is pressed, another selected
row is added to the Matrix/Die Plate pane.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪316

• Click the button to move up a plate from the Matrix/Die Plate pane
(where the components are tapered cut) to the Plates pane, (where the
components are not tapered cut). If more than one component is available in
the Matrix/Die Plate pane, this button is only available when a specific
component is selected in the pane.
4. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The
new part (Punch002), is displayed under the selected assembly, as follows:

Optional Step 1:
Add a wedge body on top of the punch body, for fastening purposes.

This optional stage becomes enabled after completing Required Step 1 (i.e. only after
having a preview of the punch body). If the Cut Only option is selected in Required
Step 1, then this optional stage is grayed out.
Pick straight, circular or chained edges and set the parameters to define the wedges. The
display is updated according to the number of edges you pick and also the currently
defined parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪317

Notes:
• Pick one edge for a single wedge or two edges for a double wedge.
• Edges can be picked in more than one punch; this means that wedges can be
created simultaneously in a few punches, according to the dimensions specified
(in the appropriate tab of the Fastening Details dialog or in the parameter box
displayed for each selected edge).
• All the picked edges must be on top punch face.
Various types of edges can be selected at once, for example:

In this step, the Smooth Chain On/Off toggle option is displayed as well as the
Fastening Details dialog. Select the required option and set the appropriate parameters in
the dialog:
Smooth Chain On: All edges connected to Smooth Chain Off: Only the picked edge is
the selected edge in a smooth chain (no selected. Pick other edges as required.
sharp corners) are automatically selected.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪318

The Fastening Details dialog is displayed with the relevant parameters in each of the
tabs appropriate to the type of edge selected - Straight, Circular or Chained Edge, as
shown below. These tabs display the global wedge and cutting dimensions, according to
the type of edge selected. Wedge dimensions can also be set locally for individually
selected edges.
See Setting Local Wedge Parameters
Straight Edge parameters: Circular Edge parameters: Chained Edge parameters:
This tab is displayed if a This tab is displayed if a This tab is displayed if a chain
straight edge is selected. circular edge is selected. of two or more edges is
The wedge dimension "L" is The wedge dimensions "D" selected.
set locally for each selected and "F" are set locally for The wedge dimensions "W"
edge. The "W" and "H" each selected edge. The "H" and "H" are set globally in the
values are set globally in the and "A" values are set dialog, but can, however, also
dialog, but can, however, also globally in the dialog, but can, be set locally.
be set locally. however, also be set locally.
In the dialog, the "A" value is
empty and grayed out if
Rotation Lock = "None".
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪319

Setting Local Wedge Parameters

The parameters for each edge can be set locally by selecting the + figure displayed on
every selected edge. This displays a local parameter box with parameters specific to the
type of edge selected. When the parameters for an edge are displayed, a O is displayed in
place of the +; thus, even is the parameter box is hidden, the O signifies that individual
local parameters may have been defined. A different parameter box is displayed for each
type of edge selected:
Straight Edge Circular Edge parameters: Chained Edge
parameters: parameters:

If the Lock parameter is other than In this case, the

"None", the parameter box is selected contours
expanded to display additional can also be open:
parameters:

Each parameter box displays the following icons:

Press this to close the parameter box and to revert the locally set parameter
values of the edge to those of the current values displayed in relevant tab of the
Fastening Details dialog.
Press this to hide the parameter box of the relevant edge. The edge is still
denoted by a O, signifying that local parameter values have been set.

When completed, the new Trimming Punch feature will appear in the Feature Tree as
follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪320

Cutting Objects dialog: Matrix/Die Plates pane

The Cutting Objects dialog appears in Required Step 3 of the Trimming Punch function.
This topic describes the Matrix/Die Plates pane of the Cutting Objects dialog.
The Matrix/Die Plates pane (marked in red) in the Cutting Objects dialog is shown
below:
The Cutting Objects dialog
includes the following
Plates pane
Multiple Punch Operations
Rectangular Cut pane

The Matrix/Die Plates pane

contains the plates that are tapered
cut (cut at an angle).
The top part of this pane contains
the rows moved from the Plates
pane and hence the same
parameters are displayed. See the
Plates pane for these parameter
descriptions.
Multiple components can be
added to the Matrix/Die Plate
pane, which means that in the
case of split matrices (where the
matrices are placed side by side),
all the components in the pane
can be tapered cut.

See below for the parameter

descriptions of this pane.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪321

Parameters
Type: Select the required cutting type as shown in the pictures below:
Type 1 Type 3

Type 2 Type 4

The following parameters are displayed when selecting the Type:

Parameter Contains the cut parameters, as follows:
Alpha Defines the angle of the cut.
h Defines the cut height value.
Through When this option is selected the cut is performed through the plate
Delta When this option is selected, the cut will stop at the delta distance
measured from the bottom of the plate.
Bottom Appears only in Type 1 and Type 4. This option is automatically
Offset calculated and shows the offset value relative to the original picked
contour on the bottom plate of the die. This offset value is for reference
use only. It is recommended to change the offset value of the Lower
Die Shoe to be either equal to or larger than the Bottom Offset value.
Pressing the Expand/Collapse toggle button, displays the Rectangular
/
Cut Parameters area. This area enables you to define values for each
pocket in every plate.
Notes:

• Click the Preview button at the top of this pane to view the die file plates
included in the cut at any time.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪322

• Click the button to move a selected row from the Plates pane to the
Matrix/Die Plate pane. Each time this button is pressed, another selected row
is added to the Matrix/Die Plate pane.
• Click the button to move up a plate from the Matrix/Die Plate pane
(where the components are tapered cut) to the Plates pane, (where the
components are not tapered cut). If more than one component is available in
the Matrix/Die Plate pane, this button is only available when a specific
component is selected in the pane.

Multiple Punch Operations

If the Cut option is selected in the 1st required step, you can pick multiple faces and cut
all of them at once.
In this case, the Part Name column in the Cutting Objects dialog is empty. The parts
are cut according to their attributes with no detailed listings.
One feature is created in the component tree, even if it gets cut many times.
If the Rectangular Punch checkbox is selected together with the Bounding Box Offset
option (Rectangular Pocket Parameters area) and different size faces are selected, each
punch is created according to a suitable bounding box and offset definitions.
If the Rectangular Punch checkbox is selected together with the Specify Dimensions
option (Rectangular Pocket Parameters area), a rectangular cavity with the specified
dimensions is created everywhere, irrespective of the specific bounding box for each
face.

Cutting Objects dialog: Rectangular Cut pane

The Cutting Objects dialog appears in Required Step 3 of the Trimming Punch function.
This topic describes the Rectangular Cut pane of the Cutting Objects dialog.

In the Cutting Objects dialog, pressing the Expand/Collapse / toggle button,

displays the Rectangular Cut Parameters pane (marked in red below). This pane
enables you to define values for each pocket in every plate.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪323

The Cutting Objects dialog

includes the following
Plates pane
Matrix/Die Plate pane
Multiple Punch Operations

The part name selected in the

Plates pane of the dialog, is also
displayed in the Rectangular
Cut pane. In the example below,
as the Die Shoe was selected in
the Plates pane of the dialog, it is
also displayed here.

See below for the parameter

descriptions of this pane.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪324

Parameters

The parameters are as shown in the pane diagram:

W Width.
L Length.
R Radius.
Bounding Create the rectangular cut according to the bounding box of the picked
Box Offset face.
The W and L dimension boxes are grayed out if the Bounding Box
option is used, however, they show the real dimensions.

Specify Create the rectangular cut according to the dimensions specified.

Dimensions All dimension boxes are available and can be edited as required. The
Round up values checkbox is grayed out and cannot be used.

Round up If this checkbox is selected, the values in the dimension boxes are
values rounded up by the number in the Value field.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪325

For example,in the picture below the checkbox is not selected and the
values are as shown:

Below, the values are rounded Below, the values are rounded
up by 1. up by 5.

Trimming Punch : Editing

When editing the Trimming Punch feature, only the plates that are included in the cut
will be shown in the Cutting Objects dialog.

Editing the Trimming Punch Object by Feature Guide

Right-click on the Trimming Punch Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you defined cutting objects and shapes.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪326

Unbend

Unbend
The Unbend operation enables you to unbend and flatten specific areas of the die part
along cylindrical and planar faces. The length of the original faces remain the same
without any changes after the unbending result is achieved.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Unbend.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick a reference (fixed) face.

Required Step 2 : Pick the cylindrical face(s).

Required Step 3 : Pick additional faces to be unbent or unpick some of the system
selected faces, as required. Flip the material side (using the blue arrow) if required. Set
the displayed parameters.

Unbend : Options and Results

The Unbend operation enables you to unbend and flatten specific areas of the die part
along cylindrical and planar faces. The length of the original faces remain the same
without any changes after the unbending result is achieved.
In the example picture below, the fixed face is marked in blue and the movable faces are
marked in purple.
The original angle of the body is defined at 80 degrees. The thickness (T) is 10 and the
K-Factor is 0.5. The radius of the cylindrical face is 35 and the radius of the neutral plane
is 30, as shown below.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪327

Required Step 1
Set the unbend toggle option to define the type of unbend operation you need and pick
the required reference (fixed) face and exit(middle mouse button) as follows:
Planar This option enables you to perform the unbending operation on planar
faces.

Cylindrical This option enables you to perform the unbending operation on

cylindrical faces, providing the selected faces have linear boundaries.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪328

Required Step 2
Pick the required cylindrical face (as shown below in the next step, containing the blue
arrow). The system automatically identifies (and selects) all the faces containing the same
radius and axes. (If required, you can unselect these faces manually.) Exit(middle mouse
button).
Note: If required, you can select additional faces to include in the operation or accept the
default faces that were selected automatically. In this case no additional faces were
chosen.

Required Step 3
Pick additional faces to be unbent or unpick some of the system selected faces, as
required. Flip the material side (using the blue arrow) if required. Set the displayed
parameters.
The following parameters are displayed:

Set the parameters as required:

Thickness Enter the required thickness of the sheet metal in the relevant field. The default
value is set to 2 mm.
For an explanation of this parameter, see the Bend function parameters.
By K - This is a toggle option: By K - Factor / By Elongation:
Factor /
By K - Use the K-Factor for the Unbend operation. The following
By
Factor parameter is displayed:
Elongation
K- Define the required K factor. The default value
Factor is set to 0.333.
For an explanation of this parameter, see the
Bend function parameters.

By Use the elongation method for the Unbend operation.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪329

Elongation Example:
In the By K - Factor option, the length (l) of the flat (purple)
face is dependent on the K - Factor, Thickness and Material
side. For K - Factor = 0 (irrespective of the thickness or side),
the length (l) is the arc length of the cylindrical face.
In the By Elongation option, for Elongation = 0, the length (l)
on the flat is equal to a + b.

In general, l = a + b + e; where e is the defined elongation and

can be either positive or negative. However, e cannot be
smaller than (a + b) and there is a limit to its maximum value
depending on the material side and thickness.
For example, if the Thickness ≠ 0, and the material side is
upwards, and the option On Inner Skin is set (see below), the
resulting length is l = a' + b' + e as shown below.
In the same example, if the option On Outer Skin is set, the
resulting length is a + b + e.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪330

The following parameters are displayed:

Ref. K - The Reference K - Factor is for display
Factor only. This parameter is calculated by the
system and displayed.
The value of this parameter is dependent
upon the Thickness value, the material side
and the Elongation value. If the Ref. K -
Factor value < 0 or > 1, it is displayed in
red.
Elongation Define the elongation value. See the
example in the By Elongation description
above.
On Outer This is a toggle option to define on which
Skin / On skin to base the By Elongation parameters
Inner Skin on.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪331

To Flat / This is a toggle option: To Flat / By Angle:

By Angle
To Perform a flat unbend operation.
Flat Example - Planar
The cylindrical face(s) is automatically selected. Set the parameters
and press OK .

The result is as follows; the system flattens the selected faces:

Example - Cylindrical
The cylindrical face(s) is automatically selected. Set the parameters
and press OK .

The result is as follows; the system flattens the selected faces:

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪332

By Perform a unbend operation by the required angle. The following

Angle parameters are displayed:
Angle Set a specific angle value for the Unbend
operation. Possible angle values may be in the
range of > 0.001° and < 180°, where 0° is the
reference (fixed) face you picked in the 1st
required step.
Fix This is a dropdown list which enables you to
Radius - define how the Angle value is applied. See below.
Fix Center
Example - Planar
The cylindrical face(s) is automatically selected. Set the parameters
and press OK .

The result is as follows; the system unbends the selected faces by the
required angle:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪333

Example - Cylindrical
The cylindrical face(s) is automatically selected. Set the parameters
and press OK .

The result is as follows; the system unbends the selected faces by the
required angle:

Fix Radius This is a dropdown list which is displayed when the By Angle option is selected
- Fix above. This dropdown list enables you to define how the Angle value is applied.
Center The following options are available:
Fix The radius is maintained and the cylindrical face is extended and
Radius - straightened to achieve a fixed length of the neutral plane, as
Fix shown in the examples below.
Center Example:
30 Degree Angle: 100 Degree Angle:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪334

L represents the original length of the cylinder, and when the

center of the cylinder does not move (Fix Center) then it is
extended (red line) at the end of the cylinder (the blue circle arc),
on the neutral line (plane) L = L1 + L2.
If angle is close to 0, L1 will be almost 0 and L2 will be same as
L (this is basically the To Flat result).

Fix The radius is kept and the cylindrical face gets a straight
Radius - extension (the red line below) before the cylinder (the blue circle
Move arc) to achieve the fixed length of the neutral plane.
Center Example:

Different The radius is changed (relative to defined angle) to achieve the

same length of the neutral plane.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪335

Radius Example:

Note: The K Factor multiplied by Thickness (with the side, flip arrow) defines the
Offset value.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The object is
unbent as per the defined parameters.
When completed, the new Unbend feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Unbend : Editing
Editing the Unbend Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Unbend Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you picked the additional faces.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪336

ƒ Deleting a Feature

Unfold

Unfold
The Unfold operation enables you to create flat faces from a simple given 3D model
(containing planar and cylindrical faces). This function provides a geometrical unfolding
solution for simple models (planar, cylindrical and conical faces) without using a finite
element solution.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Unfold.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face.

CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪337

Required Step 2 : Unpick the Faces.

Required Step 3 : Set the main parameters.

Optional Step 1 : Pick additional faces, if required.

Unfold : Options and Results

The Unfold operation enables you to create flat faces from a simple given 3D model
(containing planar and cylindrical faces). This function provides a geometrical unfolding
solution for simple models (planar, cylindrical and conical faces) without using a finite
element solution.
Besides the interaction examples, see the additional examples below.

Required Step 1
Pick the reference face and Exit(middle mouse button), as follows:

Required Step 2
Unpick the faces that will not be unfolded.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪338

Exit(middle mouse button) to display the following.

Required Step 3
Flip the material side (using the blue arrow) if required. Set the displayed parameters.
The following parameters are displayed:

Define the required parameters as follows:

Thickness Enter the required thickness of the sheet metal in the relevant field. The
default value is set to 1.5.
For an explanation of this parameter, see the Bend function parameters.
Global K Define the required K factor. The default value is set to 0.333.
Factor For an explanation of this parameter, see the Bend function parameters.
Remove Hide all figures from the display.
All
Figures
Create This is a dropdown list which enables you to define which entities are
Wire created as a result of the operation:
Create In this case, a wire body is created. This is a peripheral
Wire composite (Blank) around the unfold result and a single
composite for each internal loop and all faces that are
undergoing transformation.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪339

Create The result will include only the faces.

Faces Example:

Create The result will include wires and faces.

Wire Example:
and
Faces

Center This is a toggle option: Center Line - Off / Center Line - On and enables
Line - Off you to place center lines that mark the original axes of cylindrical faces on
/ Center the unfolded result.
Line - On For example, when unfolding the following:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪340

Center Unfold the faces without displaying center lines. This is the
Line - default option.
Off
Create Wire option Create Faces option

Center Unfold the faces and display the center lines in the middle of
Line - the relevant cylinder/cone section of the unfolded result.
On
Create Wire option Create Faces option

Remove This is a toggle option: Remove Original / Keep Original: and enables you
Original / to either remove or keep the original model from the unfolded result.
Keep For example, when unfolding the model used in the above example:
Original
Remove Original Unfold the faces and remove the original model.
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪341

Keep Original Unfold the faces and keep the original model.

In this case the default options are selected. No faces were unselected. In addition, you
can move the mouse over the selected face for which you want to display the required
information, as shown below.

Note: The K Factor multiplied by Thickness (with the side, flip arrow) defines the
Offset value.

Optional Step 1 : Pick Additional Faces

If required you can select additional faces to include in the operation or accept the default
faces that were selected automatically. In this case no additional faces were chosen.

Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function. The result of
the operation depends on which of the following options you selected in the 3rd required
step.

When completed, the Unfold feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪342
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪343

Additional Examples
This option creates an unfolded (flat patter) face from a given 3D model containing
planar and cylindrical faces. The reference (fixed) plane must be a planar face. You will
be able to pick additional faces (dimples), marked in purple in the picture below. The
faces will not be unfolded but will be transformed according to the islands they belong to.
See the example below.

Note: Internal dimples are not selected automatically. Select the dimples in the optional
stage to transform them (and not to flatten them).
Another sample is described, as follows:
In this case the green face is the Fixed face (selected in step 1) and the blue faces are
those picked (auto selected) in step 2 and the purple faces are the dimples (optional step
1), the results is shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 DieDesign User Guide ⎪344

Unfold : Editing
Editing the Unfold Object by Feature Guide
Right-click on the Unfold Object name in the Feature Tree.
In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature. The Feature Guide will appear,
automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the same situation in
which you define the parameters.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature