Bead Line: Offset Method

  1. On the ribbon, click the Die Design tab.
  2. Click the Drawbead icon.
  3. Select the Bead Line tool on the secondary ribbon.
  4. Select Offset on the guide bar.
  5. Choose a selection method on the guide bar, then select an edge to preview the offset.
    If you select this method Then do this
    Chain selection (default) Click an edge and all connected edges are selected automatically.
    Tangent selection Click an edge and the tangent edge is also selected automatically.
    Single selection Click an edge.
  6. To change the offset direction, click the +/- on the guide bar.
  7. To change the Offset value, click the selected edge and enter a value in the microdialog.
  8. Optional: In the control panel, enter a Degree, and then press Enter.
    Tip: You need to enter 2, 3, 4, or 5. Enter a higher degree for a smoother curvature.
  9. Optional: On the guide bar, select Draw view to view along the draw/forming direction.
  10. Optional: On the guide bar, select Add Relief to add an extension to the bead line. Modify the relief radius in the microdialog if needed, then right-click to confirm. Once Add Relief is selected, you cannot modify the control points.
  11. To edit the bead line:
    To Do This
    Reposition a point
    • Drag a point.
    • Click a point, click the chevron, enter the x, y, and z coordinates, and then press Enter.
    Delete a point Click a point, and then press Alt+D.
    Add a point While holding down Alt, click or drag the desired additional point .
    Smooth the curve Click a point, and then click Smooth.
    Sharpen the curve Click a point, and then click Cusp.
    Note: Only cusp curves have the option to change the radius.

    Click a point, click the chevron, enter a Radius, and then press Enter.
    Open the curve Click a point, and then click Open the curve here.
    Note: The curve needs to be closed before you can open it.
    Add weight to a point Click a point, click the chevron, enter a Weight, and then press Enter.
    Note: Add weight to a control point to give it greater influence over the shape of the curve.
  12. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.