Dear all,
I have a problem while after folding the sheet metal doesn’t return into the same position as it was before I made unfolding. Below are the pictures for better understanding. Can somebody help me and explain why this happening and what I’m doing wrong? What do I have to change when doing unfolding so after the folding material will go exactly into the same position as it was before?
Thank you.
Double-check all the parameters of the unfold and fold and make sure they are the same. This includes band factor/allowance. Also check if bends are using default values. Use the same base face or edge for both operations.
freaky lion,
Normally yes the Fold option is done as a companion to Unfold and the part should go back to the original position. What is the cut operation you are making between the folding? Could you post your part file?
Hi,
Unfortunately I can't post my part file. Below is the picture of fold and unfold operation. There is nothing to set up. The sheet is curved on ellipse (size 600x900mm). I'm doing all the unfold and fold operations while if I do all the cuttings at once folding is not possible any more (I come an error when try to fold). There was a lot of questions on this forum about that but without answer. That’s why I made partial cuts to solve that.
Best regards.
Okay I have an idea, I'm attaching a part for you to check out. Now beware normally I do standard press brake sheet metal so lofted designs are not my usual. When I do the lofted sheet metal bend I immediately get some non-normal edges in the flat. I believe that's what's giving you the fold error. When I encounter this kind of difficulty I take the approach of starting with a model that's larger than what's needed and then cut away the extra stuff. See if this idea gets you where you need to go.
I have version 2015 unfortunately.
I tried to start with modeling of new item and didn't met this problam again. Strange. I dont know what is the the differnce between the old an new file.
Best regards.
Sorry, I can't save to a previous version. Sounds like you got around the problem, good to hear it. Here's a visual of what I was suggesting in case you can benefit from it. By cutting the strap profile out this part can fold & unfold successfully.
In my original reply I didn't notice it was a lofted bend. Lofted bend = all bets are off.
OK, thank you for the tip.
Best regards
It's hard to tell from the pictures.
Measure before and after to be SURE that they are different. Just because they look different may not be the case. SolidWorks does not display small differences well.
You don't show us the unfold operation. How do we know that is working right. It looks like you have a large radius?
Why all the folds and unfolds, usually these aren't necessary except in rare instance. These features are used a lot by inexperienced modelers. Especially telling is that you use it repeatedly on what looks to be the same final profile.