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Sheet Metal Help

Question asked by Glenn Schroeder on Mar 2, 2017
Latest reply on Mar 2, 2017 by John Stoltzfus

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Hello,

I pretty much never use sheet metal, but here's this Part that I modeled this morning, and the client is asking for a flat pattern. Would someone mind taking a look at it and see if it can be easily converted? I wouldn't expect anyone to spend much time on it, but I'm hoping it's fairly simple using the "Convert to Sheet Metal" command. I tried, but don't know what inputs are needed to make the command work. It's one body of a multi-body Part, and I'm afraid I can't post the rest due to the client's proprietary concerns.

I'd appreciate any help,

Glenn

Dennis Bacon Mar 2, 2017 10:51 AM

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Start out with the sheet metal loft feature. You cannot convert your solid to sheet metal since it is a loft.

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sheet metal part.SLDPRT.zip430.2 KB

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John Stoltzfus Mar 2, 2017 10:45 AM
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Is the original model a loft or an imported part from another program? There is no flat face or a line/curve edge and SW doesn't do Sheet Metal with splines. If you could drop that part into an assembly file and create a part that uses lines and arcs instead of splines it'll be very easily with the Lofted Sheet Metal Feature...
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- Jason Edelman @ John Stoltzfus on Mar 2, 2017 10:49 AM
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  Agreed, currently there is a curvature that would require forming, but should be able to be simplified as 4 bends.
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Dennis Bacon Mar 2, 2017 10:51 AM
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Start out with the sheet metal loft feature. You cannot convert your solid to sheet metal since it is a loft.
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- sheet metal part_db.SLDPRT.zip1.5 MB
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- Glenn Schroeder @ Dennis Bacon on Mar 2, 2017 11:19 AM
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  I appreciate all the help. It did start out as a Surface loft that I then thickened. If I have to do more of this type of thing I guess I need to learn more about it.
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- Jason Edelman @ Dennis Bacon on Mar 2, 2017 11:21 AM
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  But where are the bend lines?
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  - Dennis Bacon @ Jason Edelman on Mar 2, 2017 11:24 AM
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    Since the bends are freeform there are not going to be any bend lines.
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  - John Stoltzfus @ Jason Edelman on Mar 2, 2017 11:33 AM
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    You can get close to the actual pc top and bottom using an Air Press Break, however what you would notice is two triangular bends that would be needed to give the part a twist, otherwise a part like this is not a sheet metal part, just a stamp formed part...
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    - Dennis Bacon @ John Stoltzfus on Mar 2, 2017 11:39 AM
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      Personally, I no longer ask the customer if I can do it another way (adding bends) or fudging. I just make the tool and charge them for it.
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      - Glenn Schroeder @ Dennis Bacon on Mar 2, 2017 11:53 AM
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        I think I'll just send the fabricator the finished dimensions and let them figure out the flat pattern (and ask them to share it with me, if they don't mind).
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        Dennis Bacon @ Glenn Schroeder on Mar 2, 2017 12:00 PM
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        From my experience Glenn, the sheet metal loft has given me perfect flat patterns every time. Of course, it's always a good idea to ask the fabricator. I seriously doubt that they would mind. I also think it is a good idea to never give the fabricator a flat pattern. It will only confuse.
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        John Stoltzfus @ Glenn Schroeder on Mar 2, 2017 12:15 PM
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        Just a plus on your part - I would find out how they intend to make the part, if they attempt just Air Bending then I would ask for a drawing, then you can be assured that the part will come out ok or not. If the part is supposed to be stamped so it wraps around another part better, then I would say there is no way you can air bend it...
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Sheet Metal Help

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