Summary: Customize Bend Line Display

Description: Problem: Bend lines displayed on flat pattern views of idw drawings extend from perimeter cut edge to perimeter cut edge. The intersection of (yellow etch) bend lines with visible (black) cut lines can cause faults in laser processing software of dxf files.

Solution: Allow customizing how flat file bend lines display on views in idw. Allow bend line terminations to be offset from visible lines a finite amount. Instead of displaying the bend line as one continuous line from visible edge to visible edge, display it as two short lines originating near each edge. Specify the offset amount and the specify the maximum length of the lines. For example, offset each of the two lines that represent the bend line 1/4" from it's normally terminating edge and extend each of the two lines a maximum of 1/2" from its start. If these short lines intersect any intermediate visible (cut) lines (for holes or cut-outs, etc.) the bend lines must be offset and not intersect.

Specific problem: Tops software for Trumpf lasers faults with the intersection of the yellow (etch) bend line and the visible (cut) line. Bend lines must be manually edited in Tops to offset the endpoints of the etch line to not intersect. To reduce laser processing time on parts more than a couple inches in size, it is advantageous to display only short lengths of the bend line near each end. The brake operator of a manual sheet metal brake uses the bend lines to guide him. He only needs about a 1/2" line near each end of the part. The rest of the line is etched for no additional value and at additional laser processing cost.



Benefit of solution: 1) Laser (water jet?, etc.) software does not fault. 2) Laser technician saves time not having to edit bend lines. 3) The Inventor designer's dxf file need not be edited by the laser technician with the potential to make a mistake beyond the designer's control or knowledge.

Interim solution: The Inventor designer superimposes two short yellow sketch lines on the continuous bend lines, then turn off the bend line layer. Step by step: Open a sketch on the view of the flat file in idw. Click line, click annotate, select a layer for yellow (etch). Click on the full length bend line the beginning and end points of the two short lines. Zoom in close enough to snap to the bend line. Repeat for all bend lines. Right click. Click Finish Sketch. Hover over the location of any one of the new sketch lines to highlight them all to confirm complete placement of all lines. Zoom in close enough to confirm etch lines are superimposed sufficiently accurately as needed. THIS IS A LOT OF WORK WHEN PROCESSING HUNDREDS OF PARTS FOR ONE MACHINE.


Product and Feature: Inventor - API

Submitted By: jforker778945 on 02/16/2019