Defining Process Steps

This task shows you how to use steps to define a stamping process.
Tools are available from the Quick/Hide Show, Quick Analysis and Quick Colorize toolbars and menus.

Start Process Steps

  1. Click Process Step in the Process Definition toolbar.
    If the check box Display detailed text in dialog in Tools/Options/Mechanical Design/Die Face Design is cleared, the dialog box looks like this:

    If the check box Display detailed text in dialog in Tools/Options/Mechanical Design/Die Face Design is selected, the dialog box looks like this:

    When required, click Open to access the dialog boxes.

Define the Step Reference Position


A step is postioned in three steps:

  • The step axis system (purple) an initial blank axis sytem position (blue) and the initial part axis system (green) are computed from the reference position options.
  • The final blank axis sytem (blue) and an axis system for each part are computed from the computed initial blank axis system position, using the blank swiveling.
  • The final positioning of each part axis system (green) is computed using the corresponding part swiveling.

  1. From the list, select:
    • Automatic for an automatic positioning that uses the translation value defined in the corresponding method plan. Additional rotation is possible.
    • Manual to use a transformation (Translation and Rotation). Set required translation and rotation value below.
    • Axis to use the specified axis.

Define the Blank and Part Swiveling

  1. Define the blank and part swiveling options, by editing the compass.
    The swiveling is a local modification of axis system of either the blank or the part, combined with the reference position. It allows adjusting the step geometries for an easier cut or wast removal, for example. When you open the dialog box for the first time, the compass is on the blank axis system, thus allowing the swiveling of the blank.
    • Open the Blank and Part Swiveling dialog box.
    • Click Edit Swivel Robot Coordinates for a more precise positioning of the compass.
    • Click Reset Local Position to reset the swiveling.
    • Select the Part Separate check box to allow the swiveling of each part.
      Use this option when there is no cutting left between the parts, i.e. when the parts are really separated.
    • Select a part axis system to define a swiveling on the part, or the blank axis system to define the swiveling on the blank.

    The compass is displayed on the selected axis system.

Define the Detailed Design

  1. Define the detail design, that is the geometry of the output parts of the step.
    The geometry includes the remaining scraps and compensation done in the detailed design and replaces the geometry computed from the process definition.

Define Geometries Parameters

  1. Specify the tolerance for the resulting geometries, to be used in analyses.