An interface program which makes it possible to animate finite element
models of metal forming processes in an ''Autodesk 3D Studio'' enviro
nment is presented. The program converts typical finite element result
s files for a succession of deformation stages into an ASCII file suit
able for loading into ''3D Studio''. The interface presented processes
two-dimensional models only; it requires that the models are discreti
zed by linear rectangular elements and dies by linear two-noded elemen
ts. Conversion of mesh objects is based on the creation of triangular
three-dimensional faces structured on a set of vertices which are defi
ned by the node positions in the finite element result file. The progr
am is written in FORTRAN and a glossary of terms and the source listin
g are included. For axisymmetric cases, guidelines are provided for ge
nerating three-dimensional effects. An elaborate example of the operat
ional procedure is given.