Select the Line option on the Draw / Edit tab to create a line. When prompted, select a starting point and drag with the mouse to the ending point. As the line is dragged out, notice how the values update in the Pattern Properties panel. All values for a line can be edited in the Pattern Properties panel.

Note: The value typed in for the starting point is measured from the reference point of the part. The value typed in for the ending point is measured from the starting point of the line. Locking the values and stepping provide great versatility for drawing lines. In addition to specifying the X and Y values, use the <A> and <R> hot keys useful for defining the angle and radius (the radius of a line is the same as its length). Note: To precisely position patterns try the Coordinates feature in the Draw menu.

Option

Description

General (Line)

Start Pt. X

The X coordinate for the starting point from the reference point of the part. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value. Also, when the field is hi-lited click the placement button that appears, move the cursor into the work area and manually place the Start point in x.

Start Pt. Y

The Y coordinate for the starting point from the reference point of the part. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value. Also, when the field is hi-lited click the placement button that appears, move the cursor into the work area and manually place the Start point in y.

End Pt. X

The X coordinate for the ending point from the reference point of the line. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value. Also, when the field is hi-lited click the placement button that appears, move the cursor into the work area and manually place the End point in x.

End Pt. Y

The Y coordinates for the ending point from the reference point of the line. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value. Also, when the field is hi-lited click the placement button that appears, move the cursor into the work area and manually place the End point in y.

DX

The distance the line moves in the X direction from its starting point. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value.

DY

The distance the line moves in the Y direction from its starting point. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value.

Length

The overall length of the line. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value.

Angle

The angle of the line from its starting point. Edit the value by selecting the field and typing in a new value.

Start Tab
End Tab

The Start Tab text box allows a tab to be specified for the starting point. To place tabs on a line, move into the property window and edit the values for the Start Tab (beginning of the line) or End Tab (end of the line). To shorten the tool path or cutting path (make the line shorter), use a positive number. To lengthen the tool path or cutting path (make the line longer), use a negative number.

Note: It may be best to wait and place tabs on individual part copies after arranging the sheet. Tabs drawn on one part affect all the copies made of that part.

Scallop Ht

Type a value in the Scallop Ht. text box to specify the scallop height for the line. The scallop height is the distance formed by the scallop created by nibbling tools. See Pitch/Overlap/Scallop Info.

Overlap

The value in this text box allows the user to control the distance between tool hits along the length of the line.

Scribe Gap

Use the Scribe Gap option to control the pitch between hits for a designated scribe tool. Changes made here will be reflected in the  Tool Info panel.

Side

Change the side of the punched line while adding or editing a pattern. Move into the property window and select the Side option of your choice from the drop-down list: Left, Right or On.

Learn how to use the Change Line Side option on the Tool menu (punching) or Change Side on the Cut Sequence menu (cutting) to change the line side after assigning punch or cutting tools. When shearing or punching a line, specify which side to cut or punch. When shearing or cutting around the part in a clockwise direction, the line is processed on the left side. When shearing or cutting around the part in a counter-clockwise direction, the line is processed on the right side. It functions like the positive and negative values of the NC code; the left side is positive and right side is negative.

Draw Type

The Solid and Construction options control whether the line appears as a solid line (one to cut or punch) or a construction line (for bending or reference only). Construction lines appear as dashed lines. Use a solid line for cut or punched patterns.

Line Snap Points

Once a line has been drawn out, edit by clicking the Edit button. When a line is ready to be edited, it will have three snap points: one at the beginning, one in the center and one at the end.