Part Trim

Purpose:

This interface can be used to trim (cut) parts with curves. The target application for this function is to trim parts after a metal stamping operation but it can be useful for other purposes as well. Note that if stresses, strains, and thicknesses are available (typically from dynain files), then upon trimming this data is updated. Adaptive constraints are also handled in the trimming process.

Function:

Trim shells with curve.

Sample:

Trim the rubber cut line on a tennis ball : a example show how to use Closest 3D proj dir.

Dialog:

  • Parts : when active, parts to trim can be selected by clicking on them in the graphics window.

  • Curves : when active, curves that should be used for the trim/cut operation can be selected by clicking on them in the graphics window.

  • RefPlane : when active, pick reference plane on graphic area used for the trim operation.
  • Keep : If the Keep radio button is active, no elements will be deleted or moved to another part.

  • Delete : when active, one seed element should be picked. the elements that are topologically connected to the seed elements will be deleted after the trimming operation is performed.

  • Move : when active, one seed element should be picked. the elements that are topologically connected to the seed elements will be moved to a new part after the trimming operation is accepted.

  • Limit : Elements further away than this distance will not be trimmed.

  • Tolerance : Nodes close to the trim curve will be moved to the cutting surface if they are closer than Tolerance*element_size. This prevents very small elements from being created on the cut line.

  • Closest 3D proj dir. : The cutting surfaces are created from the curve definition and are extended in the normal direction of the closest element. This gives a cut on the selected parts as close as possible to the curve. This method is useful when the elements to be cut would be parallel or nearly parallel to the trim vector direction with the previous method. This method can, for example, trim the rubber cut line on a tennis ball, as shown in Figure 1, where the vector projection method would fail.

  • Vector projection : The part(s) will be cut with cutting surfaces that are made from the curve and extruded the distance Limit in both positive and negative Vector direction.

  • Vector : The general vector creation function can be activated

  • X/Y/Z : The vector direction is defined by the x, y, and z fields. X, Y, and Z buttons for quickly setting the vector to any of the global directions are also provided.

  • Trim : The trim operation is executed.

  • Reject : The trim operation can be rejected.

  • Accept : The result will be displayed, and the trimmed elements can be kept.

  • Done : Accepts the trim operation and exits the PTrim Interface.

Trim the rubber cut line on a tennis ball

Figure 1 : Closet 3D Proj Dir. Example