Configure a Drawbead

Designate a part or surface(s) on your model for the drawbead.

The drawbead is a rib or cavity that aids in controlling the rate of metal flow during a forming operation especially with irregularly shaped stampings.
  1. Add a drawbead to an operation, then select the Drawbead.
  2. On the model, select the tool where you want to attach the drawbead.
  3. Click to confirm.
  4. Select the line(s) or edge(s) where you want to create the drawbead.
  5. Click to confirm, or click Create on the guide bar.
    1. If you make multiple selections for drawbeads, on the guide bar, click Assign to create the drawbeads for all of the selected lines.
  6. In the microdialog that appears, enter values for the drawbead parameters:
    • RF (restraining force)
    • CF (closing force)
    • Type: select Rectangular, Circular or Step
  7. To further calculate and define the parameters for the drawbead, click .
  8. In the expanded microdialog, enter values for these drawbead parameters: radius, height, groove shoulder radius, and groove width.
    The values you enter are calculated and populated for the restraining and closing force.
  9. To lock the material at a particular percentage, to the left of the field RF click the arrow to expand options for controlling the restraining and closing force. Enter a value or select a preset button L (low) 20%, M (medium) 50% or H (high) 80%.
    Note: The drawbead shoulder radius is automatically modified to match the desired lock percentage.
  10. Move outside of the microdialog, and click to confirm the configuration of the drawbead.


    Figure 1. Example of a Drawbead in a Single Action Operation

Keyboard Shortcuts & Mouse Controls

To Do this
Add/remove from selection Ctrl+click
Reverse selection Ctrl+R