Calculate Preform and Amount into the Parts List

Sheet-Metal Design

The preform dimensions (Preform/Shape) and area (Amount) of a sheet-metal part are calculated automatically. The unit of the preform dimension and area is m2 and the accuracy is to within 0.01 m2. The data are updated in the drawing sheet and the part model item data when you update the drawing.

The preform dimensions are automatically updated in the material data, if the Preform field is currently empty or its contents have been previously updated by the software. If necessary, you can prevent the automatic preform dimension calculation. In such a case, you should note that if the geometry of the sheet-metal part is changed, the change will not be automatically updated in the material data of the sheet-metal part.

Calculate the preform dimensions automatically as follows:

  1. Define a material for the part.
  2. Select the context-sensitive function Item Data.
  3. Leave the Preform and Amount fields blank.
  4. Select OK.
Note: If the field has been previously updated by the software, the preform and quantity data will be displayed in the fields, and the last character of the preform dimensions is a backslash (\). Do not change the contents of the field. For example, contents of the Preform field: 200x100x3\

Define the preform dimensions manually as follows:

  1. Define a material for the part.
  2. Select the context-sensitive function Item Data.
  3. Enter the X and Y dimensions and the thickness of the flattened sheet in the Preform field and the area into the Amount field. Enter the preform dimensions separated by the character x. For example, contents of the Preform field: 400x200x3
  4. Select OK.
Note:
  • Manually entered preform dimensions are not updated automatically even if the part’s geometry changes.
  • Do not add a backslash (\) to the preform dimensions.