Export Template

Bend-Tech 7x Wiki :: Main Menu Bar :: Tools :: Export Templates

Export Template allows part information to be exported to a file with custom formatting. Each template is designed to contain specific part information and tables.

These kinds of files can include die attributes, material characteristics, part design information, an XYZ coordinate table, and/or an LRA data table. Files can also be given custom file extensions. In the Export Template Design menu, the export templates can be viewed, edited, deleted, and/or added. Export Templates determine how and what part information will be displayed when a part is exported as a template.

Add Template

To add a new export template design, click the New button. Enter a name for the template is the prompt window and click OK. Once added, the new template will be automatically selected in the 'Available Templates' menu. Once a template is added, it can be edited using the editing functions explained below.

Edit Template

To edit a template, first select the template from the menu. Once chosen, the template contents will be displayed in the design area below and the edit tools can be used to change the template.

Variables

Variables are shown in the variable list on the right of the window. Part attribute and table variables are used as placeholders for the actual part information that will be included in the file.

Variables are broken into four categories: Die, Material, Design, and Tables. Each section can be expanded to view the variables by clicking on the plus next to the category name. Click the minus to collapse the section again. See image to the right.

To add a variable to the template, double click on the variable in the variable list. The variable will be placed at the current cursor location in the template design area. Each variable will be surrounded by a "$" and a "%". Be sure to keep these symbols in place as the variable will not appear in the final exported file if either of them are removed accidentally.

Bend Data Settings

The settings listed below the Bend Data Settings heading at the bottom of the window will control what is included in and how information is displayed in an $LRA Data Table% variable. After any changes are made in this area, be sure to click the Bend Data Table Settings Save button in the bottom right corner of this section.

These settings will only have an effect on the current template's LRA table. These settings will also have no effect if there is no LRA table in the current template.

• LRA Columns/Rows: An LRA table can have up to 6 columns (or rows - if vertical layout is selected). Each column can be adjusted to display the Length/Location, Rotation, Angle, Spring Angle, Bend Length, or Bend CLR. To adjust a column, click the drop down menu next to the column number that will be adjusted. Click on an option in the drop down menu to select it. Select "Blank" to have that column or row not shown in the chart. See image below.

• Delimiter/Separator: The delimiter or separator determines what is placed between each value in the LRA table. A single tab, a double tab, a specified number of spaces, or a chosen series of symbols and/or spaces can be used. To change the delimiter, click on the desired option. If Spaces is selected, the number of necessary spaces must be entered into the field to the right. If Other is selected, enter the the symbols and/or spaces into the field to the right.

• Show Bend Numbers: Check the box next to Show Bend Numbers to have each bend row labelled with the corresponding bend number.

• Vertical Layout: Check the box next to Vertical Layout to have each bend have a column instead of a row. See image below.

• Even Spacing: Depending on what kind of delimiter is used, it may be necessary to activate even spacing to ensure that the columns align properly for better readability. To turn on even spacing, check the box next to the Even Spacing option.

XYZ Data Settings

The settings listed below the XYZ Data Settings heading at the bottom of the window control the format of an $XYZ Data Table% variable. After any changes are made in this area, be sure to click the XYZ Table Settings Save button in the bottom right corner of this section.

These settings will only have an effect on the current template's XYZ table. These settings will also have no effect if there is no XYZ table in the current template.

• Delimiter/Separator: The delimiter or separator determines what is placed between each value in the XYZ table. A single tab, a double tab, a specified number of spaces, or a chosen series of symbols and/or spaces can be used. To change the delimiter, click on the desired option. If Spaces is selected, the number of necessary spaces must be entered into the field to the right. If Other is selected, enter the the symbols and/or spaces into the field to the right.

• Show Point Numbers: Check the box next to Show Point Numbers to have each row labelled with the corresponding point number.

• Vertical Layout: Check the box next to Vertical Layout to have each point have a column instead of a row. See image below.

• Even Spacing: Depending on what kind of delimiter is used, it may be necessary to activate even spacing to ensure that the columns align properly for better readability. To turn on even spacing, check the box next to the Even Spacing option.

Default File Extension

The default file extension will be the initial file extension added to the end of the file when a part is exported using the current template. For example: txt, dat, prg.

Save Template

Whenever any new templates have been added or a template has been edited, click the Save button at the top of the window to save the changes or finalize the addition of a new template.

Copy Template

To make an exact copy of a template, first select the template from the template drop down menu. Click the Copy button and a menu window will appear where the template copy can be renamed. Choose a name and click the OK button. The template will then appear in the menu.