Local Blank : Options and Results

Access: Open this function from one of the following locations:

  • Select Die Design > Geometry Manipulation > Local Blank from the menu bar.

  • Select Local Blank from the following Die Design Guide: Die Process Design Guide (Forming).

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

The result is dependent on the list of parameters representing the material type and thickness and the 2D boundary conditions. This function uses a finite element enginefinite element engine.

The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) 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:

Whenever the finite element engine is used, resultant forces are calculated and stored for usage in the Die Forces operation.

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 Force Calculation Preferences.

Correction Factor: A Die Preference option enables the setting of a default Correction Factor to manipulate forces calculated by the finite element engine. The forces displayed in the above mentioned functions will be multiplied by this factor.

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, 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.

Required Step 1

  1. Pick the required reference (fixed) face:
  2. ExitExit(middle mouse button) the step.

Required Step 2

  1. 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 deselect these faces manually,
  2. ExitExit(middle mouse button) the step.  In the next step you will define the required parameters, as shown below.

Required Step 3

  1. Define the required parameters:

    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 Edges Tol.

    Enter the required Simplify Edges Tolerance value. In this case the system attempts to create analytical geometry within the specified tolerance, that is defined here.

    Remove Original Faces

    This is a toggle option - Remove Original Faces / Keep Original FacesRemove Original Faces / Keep Original Faces. When the default Remove Original Faces is selected, the original faces are removed, 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

     

    Region (Offset) of Influence

    This controls if the local blank is limited to the selected faces only (if the value = 0.000) or if an area of the fixed face will participate in the local blank (to smoothen the result).

    Examples of use:Examples of use:

    For example, in the picture below, the yellow faces should be locally blanked with respect to the fixed (blue) face:

    The result is not a smooth connection between the original (fixed) face and the newly created face:

    Using a region of influence will "use" the region closest to the fixed boundaries (the purple area in the picture below) as part of the Finite Element solution):

    The result is much smoother:

    Interaction examples: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.

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

  2. ExitExit(middle mouse button) the step.

Optional Step 1

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

Optional Step 2

  1. Show the analysis results. This step is identical to the appropriate options in the Show Analysis function.
  2. Click OKOK or ApplyApply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

    When completed, the Local Blank feature will appear in the Feature Tree

Additional ExampleAdditional Example

Required Step 1 : Pick the Reference Face

Pick the required reference (fixed) face and unselect the face marked in green and <exit><exit>(middle mouse button),

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,

Note: Ensure the Smooth Chain Off option is selected

  1. <exit><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><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),

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,

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:

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