Springback Reference Part and Constraints

Use springback tools to define a reference part and constraints in a springback operation.



Define Reference Part

Define a reference part in your model for a springback operation.

The reference part helps to locate any defined constraints on the formed part shape. This is helpful when a multi stage forming process is required and the formed part shape before springback is no longer available.

  1. From the Tryout ribbon, select a springback operation that you've added to your analysis.
  2. Click the Add Tool button below the springback operation.


  3. Select the Reference tool.


  4. Use the options in the guide bar to specify the reference part.


  5. Double right-click to confirm the reference part.

Define Springback Constraints

Define constraints to hold a part in its designated position during a springback operation.

You can apply constraints to a single point on the model, to an edge, or a face.

You can define springback constraints only on a meshed blank or reference part that is either geometry or a mesh representation.

  1. From the Tryout ribbon, select a Springback operation that you've added to your analysis.
  2. Click the Add Tool button.


  3. Select the Constraints tool.


  4. Follow the guide bar to define the constraints. Begin by clicking a point, edge, face, or hole on your model.
    • Hold the Shift key as you click to create a concentrated point support.
    • Hold the Ctrl key to apply the support to multiple features on the same part.
  5. To allow translation in one or more directions for a particular support, click on a cone for that support. A transparent axis trident appears.
  6. Click on the arrows to toggle the locks on and off in those directions.
    A green arrow indicates that translation is allowed in that direction, while a gray arrow indicates that it is locked.
  7. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Translate or Rotate Constraints

When you create a support, translation is locked in all directions by default; you can edit individual supports to allow translation in one or more directions.

  1. Double-click on a support to enter editing mode.
  2. Click the clear axis arrows to enable translation for that axis.
    A green arrow indicates translation or rotation is enabled.
Supports applied to a point, line, or face can translate in up to three directions.

Apply a Constraint to a Cylindrical Hole

Constraints applied to a cylindrical hole are a special case, and have different properties from constraints applied to a point, edge, or face.

  1. Select the Constraints tool for a springback operation.
  2. Follow the guide bar to define the constraints. Begin by clicking the interior of a hole.
    • Hold the Shift key as you click to create a concentrated point support.
    • Hold the Ctrl key to apply the support to multiple features.
  3. To allow translation or rotation, click on the red support cylinder.
    Transparent graphical handles appear.


  4. Click on the arrows to toggle the locks on and off in those directions.
    A green arrow indicates that translation or rotation is allowed in that direction, while a gray arrow indicates that it is locked.


  5. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Microdialog Options

Double-click a constraint to enter editing mode, which opens the Support microdialog.

 Translate or rotate the support using the Move tool. Use to place a support at a distance.
Align the support normal (perpendicular) to the face.
Align the support normal to the draw direction.
Align the support to the global axes.