Progressive Die Guides

Access: To show the Die Guide Toolbars, right-click a currently displayed toolbar and select the appropriate Die checkbox from the popup list of available toolbars.
To hide the toolbar, unselect the checkbox.

The following guides are available for Progressive Die:

Die Process Design Guide (Progressive Forming)
Die Strip Design Guide
Die Tool Design Guide (Progressive)

Die Process Design Guide (Progressive Forming)

The Die Process Design Guide (Progressive Forming) menu is shown below. See the DieDesign Functions for functions that appear under the DieDesign menu.

Die Process
Design Guide
(Progressive
Forming)

Function Description

Setup. SummarySummary

Open the Setup table and define default parameters in the die-related tabs.

Analysis Tools. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used for performing Analysis operations.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

Form CS. SummarySummary

Create a Form CS (Coordinate System) on a forming shape. The Form CS is the master UCS for a forming shape part. The positioning of the parts in the forming shape assembly is defined according to this UCS.

Forming Shapes. SummarySummary

This group of functions enables you to add, relocate and delete forming shapes from the strip.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Add Forming Shape	Add a forming shape (where the part is gradually unfolded) to the forming environment. This is usually imported from an existing forming shape, however, an external part may also be added.
	Add 2nd (Forming) Row	Add a second row of forming shapes while copying the shapes of the first row as they are or as mirrored parts.
	Add Transfer Shape	Create a forming shape (where the part is gradually unfolded) by defining the appropriate transfer shape over a selected blank. Transfer shapes are used to create the minimum area nesting shapes (to use the minimum material) for the Transfer die. The new forming shape includes the selected blank(s) and the chosen transfer shape.
	Delete Forming Shape	Delete a forming shape from the forming environment.
	Insert & Reconnect	Insert a forming shape between two other forming shapes and create connections between them in the correct order.
	Relocate Forming Shape	Relocate a forming shape in the forming environment.
	Replace Master Part	Replace the original part with an imported modified ECO "Master" part, and automatically apply all the operations that were performed on the original part onto the new part. This replaces a time consuming manual ECO change operation with a fast, automatic mechanism.

Die Skin. SummarySummary

Create a skin (with no thickness) from an object. This enables clear and easy analysis of operations in the system.

Blank. SummarySummary

Create or edit the blank for the electrode, using finite element analysis (FEA).

Show Analysis. SummarySummary

Display analysis data such as thickness strain and safety zone ranges. This function can only be used on a file where a Blank has already been created.

Unfold. SummarySummary

Create flat faces from a simple given 3D model (containing planar & cylindrical faces).

Bend. SummarySummary

Bend objects around an axis.

Unbend. SummarySummary

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.

Local Blank. SummarySummary

Create a flat face out of a set of adjacent stitched faces using finite element analysis (FEA).

Geometry Manipulation. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used to manipulate geometry for die design.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Addendum	Create addendum faces between the blank faces and the binder. Addendum faces are those that bridge between the part (blank) faces and the binder faces. A predefined list of cross section shapes are available for the definition of the addendum faces.
	Auto Blank on Binder	Blank a set of adjacent stitched and skinned faces on the extension of other sets of planar and cylindrical faces, using finite element analysis (FEA).
	Bend	Bend objects around an axis.
	Blank on Binder	Blank a set of adjacent stitched and skinned faces on the extension of other sets of faces, using finite element analysis (FEA).
	Die Cut	Cut a forming shape with a 2D or 3D contour.
	Die Plate Compensation	Compensate the bend on the upper and lower die plates to prevent the work piece from being stuck in the die tools when the press is open.
	Drawbead	Create drawbeads to control material flow into the die cavity, forcing stretching and limiting cracking and wrinkling in the stamped part.
	Import By Reference	Import geometry from another part in the assembly to the active part by defining the origin and axes of two UCSs.
	L-Unbend	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.
	Local Blank	Create a flat face out of a set of adjacent stitched faces using finite element analysis (FEA).
	Twist	Twist objects around an axis according to specified angles.
	Unbend	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.
	Unbend Solid	Straighten bent solid objects.

Springback. SummarySummary

This group of functions provides tools for compensating springback deformation.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Create Points on Skin	Create points with a constant difference the points, ignoring areas with a small curvature. The points are created as a point cloud. These points can then be used in the Springback table of points.
	Load Point Cloud	Load a CSV file of points (X1, Y1, Z1; X2, Y2, Z2...) and create a point cloud object.
	Match Points on Point Cloud / STL	Create pairs of vectors between source points (a point cloud or regular points) and target points (another point cloud or STL). The resultant pairing between the source and target points is saved in a CSV file. These points can then be used in the Springback table of points.
	Match Points on Skin	To compensate for warpage, create pairs of vectors between a source body (a mesh, a point cloud or regular points) and their projection onto the skin of a target body (B-rep or mesh). The result is paired data between the source and target and can either be saved within the Cimatron file or saved in an external CSV file. This pairing can then be used for Springback Deform.
	Springback Deform	Deform a model based on start and end conditions. This can dramatically speed up and simplify modeling needed for springback compensation. 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.

Faces. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used for performing various operations on Faces.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

Curves. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used for performing various operations on Curves.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

Switch to Strip. Opens the Die Strip Design Guide.

Switch to Tool Design. Opens the Die Tool Design Guide (Progressive).

Die Strip Design Guide

The Die Strip Design Guide menu is shown below. See the DieDesign Functions for functions that appear under the DieDesign menu.

Die Strip Design Guide

Function Description

Setup. SummarySummary

Open the Setup table and define default parameters in the die-related tabs.

Nesting. SummarySummary

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.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Delete Nesting	Delete the existing nesting definition.
	Edit Nesting	Edit the existing nesting definition.
	One Part	Create nesting for a single part. This function 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.
	Two Different Parts	Create nesting for two parts. This function 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.

Strip Dimension. SummarySummary

Define the dimensions of the strip. This includes the strip width, margins, start margin, and number of steps. This function is only active if Nesting has been created.

Carrier Sketcher. SummarySummary

Create a sketch for the carrier. The Sketcher is invoked and the sketch features of the carrier are automatically displayed.

Punch Boundaries. SummarySummary

Create a sketch defining the punch boundaries manually. The Sketcher is invoked and the sketch features of the punch boundaries are displayed.

Sketcher. SummarySummary

The Cimatron Sketcher is the graphic environment used to create sketches - 2D parametric geometry. The 2D geometry can then be used elsewhere in Cimatron's hybrid environment, such as in Part Modeling functions or in NC. The Sketcher is a powerful, yet intuitive, tool enabling you to create and modify entities in relation to each other.

Punch/Trim Curve. SummarySummary

Define a contour that will be used to mark a punch or to trim the strip.

Cookie. SummarySummary

In Cimatron, a Cookie is an automatic curve offset and extension. Cookies are especially useful in die design and strip development because they quickly automate the overlap of punch areas; however, the Cookie function has many applications outside of die design. For example, for clearing pocket corners or creating contours for Wire EDM. Cookies can either extend an entire edge or just act in selected corners. Several options in the Cookie function provide complete control over every aspect of the shape and offset distance.

Curves. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used for performing various operations on Curves.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

Punch. SummarySummary

Pick a contour and define a punch on the strip or only trim it. The trimming is progressed to the next stations.

Trim. SummarySummary

Pick a contour and define a punch on the strip or only trim it. The trimming is progressed to the next stations.

Progressive Copy. SummarySummary

Copy geometry from forming shapes to the strip and progress it to the different stations.

Forming Shapes. SummarySummary

This group of functions enables you to add, relocate and delete forming shapes from the strip.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Add to Strip	Add a forming shape to the strip.
	Delete from Strip	Delete a forming shape from the strip.
	Relocate in Strip	Relocate a forming shape on the strip.

Switch to Forming. Opens the Die Process Design Guide (Progressive Forming).

Switch to Tool Design. Opens the Die Tool Design Guide (Progressive).

Die Tool Design Guide (Progressive)

The Die Tool Design Guide (Progressive) steps are detailed below. See the DieDesign Functions for functions that appear under the DieDesign menu.

Die Tool Design Guide
(Progressive)

Function Description

Setup. SummarySummary

Open the Setup table and define default parameters in the die-related tabs.

Tools (DieDesign). SummarySummary

This is a general group of tools used for die operations.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Add Binder Part	Add a binder part that holds the binder faces. These are the peripheral faces that are created to assist in the design of forming punches and will later on be used to cut the punches and matrix.
	Assign Comp.	Assign predefined attributes to selected plates or components, according to their role.
	Die Forces	Calculate, display, and manipulate die forces.
	Update Setup Bounding Data	Update the size of the bounding box around the work part(s) that are shown in the Setup Mold Layout tab.

Analysis Tools. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used for performing Analysis operations.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

Trimming Punch. SummarySummary

Create a trimming punch and create pockets for it in the relevant plates.

Punch Unit. SummarySummary

Add a punch unit from the catalog to your die.

Cut Active. SummarySummary

Cut a part by active and parting surfaces of an opening direction.

Faces. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used for performing various operations on Faces.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

Insert Tools (DieDesign). SummarySummary

This group of functions provide a simple automated way to add inserts, and enables you to establish pockets in the core and cavity at a very early stage in design, so that time consuming wire EDM and milling operations can begin on the first day of design.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Add Insert	Create the insert geometry and its cutting object including reliefs and cut the plate with it.
	Add Insert from Catalog	Add an insert part from the catalog.
	Add New Part	Add a part/component to the assembly/sub-assembly.
	Add Wedge	Add a wedge to a solid object to lock it in position. A cutting object can also be selected.
	Automatic Cut	Cut component(s) automatically by component(s) with Cutting Objects according to their cutting rules.
	Cutting Object	Create a new object that will be marked and used as a cutting object.
	Extrude	Extrude a contour to add or remove material. This function is displayed if a part is activated.
	Sketcher	The Cimatron Sketcher is the graphic environment used to create sketches - 2D parametric geometry. The 2D geometry can then be used elsewhere in Cimatron's hybrid environment, such as in Part Modeling functions or in NC. The Sketcher is a powerful, yet intuitive, tool enabling you to create and modify entities in relation to each other.

Add Die Set. SummarySummary

Add a die set (plates and components of a die) from the catalog to your die.

Add Die Components. SummarySummary

This group of functions is used to Add die components (such as die set plates, matrixes and more) from the catalog, to your die.

The following optionsoptions are displayed.

	Add Cam	Add a cam from the catalog. This function is available from the Add Die Component flyout option in the following DieDesign Guides: Die Tool Design Guide and Die Transfer Guide.
	Add Die Set	Add a die set (plates and components of a die) from the catalog to your die.
	Die Components	Add die components from the catalog to your die.
	Die Set Plates	Add die set plates from the catalog to your die.
	Matrixes	Add matrixes from the catalog to your die.
	Punch Retainers	Add punch retainers from the catalog to your die.
	Punches	Add punches from the catalog to your die.
	Springs	Add springs and pistons from the catalog to your die.
	Screws & Bolts	Add screws and bolts from the catalog to your mold.

Send To AutoForm (requires AutoForm license). SummarySummary

Send die design data to AutoForm for analysis. Data preparation for AutoForm is an important step for executing a successful and accurate simulation.

The Send to AutoForm function is an interactive guided dialog that helps in selecting the required information (for example, Pilot, Trimming, Forming, and Cams) for AutoForm integration directly from the Strip. For a safer and faster selection, some entities are automatically selected by the tool and some require manual selection.

Receive Data From AutoForm (requires AutoForm license). SummarySummary

Receive analysis data from AutoForm using AutoForm's Share via QuickLink tool.

Once the simulation results are available, you can read, manage, and display the results in Cimatron. This powerful capability allows Cimatron users to fix issues that were found in the simulation and optimize their Die design in a seamless continuous process.

BOM. SummarySummary

Create an assembly BOM (Bill of Materials). This BOM file contains all the data regarding the components that make up the complete assembly. The BOM function is also available in the Drafting application to create a Bill of Materials table for the drafting sheet.

Switch to Strip. Opens the Die Strip Guide.

Switch to Forming. Opens the Die Forming Shape Guide.

Some functionality may be dependent on the product package. Contact your Reseller if you require a license.