I've gone through the tutorials, and watched a few videos, but I haven't seen an example similar to mine yet.
The way I figure it, you could either create the solid and convert to sheet metal, or create the end shapes and use a lofted bend, but that doesn't get me the curve I need to the transition.
I've attached the file, so if you all would be so kind, please offer your suggestions.
Hi Rick,
Unfortunately you cannot produce this as a sheetmetal part. In the real world of sheetmetal you would be required to stretch the material as the material is being push/bent in 2 different directions. From memory I did make something like this many years ago as an apprentice the old way (scriber and layout on sheet) in the factory. I also think that there may have been a few segments to make it.
Cheers
Damian
Hi Rick,
I doubt that SolidWorks will be able to convert this design, primarily because it has compound curves (curve changing in more than 1 plane) in your model.
SolidWorks would be able to flatten this if the transition was straight between the two profiles of your loft, but with an arc like you have I very much doubt that there's going to be anything you can do to get it flattened! This is one of the reasons why the lofted bends feature doesn't have an input box for a guide curve because it assumes that the loft is straight between the sections.
I would recommend looking at an alternative design as even if you did get it flattened using one of the sheetmetal tools I very much doubt that it would be accurate.
Matthew
produktdesign.com.au
Thanks a lot guys. Suspicions confirmed.
I will try the same design but using segments instead.
Hi Rick,
Unfortunately you cannot produce this as a sheetmetal part. In the real world of sheetmetal you would be required to stretch the material as the material is being push/bent in 2 different directions. From memory I did make something like this many years ago as an apprentice the old way (scriber and layout on sheet) in the factory. I also think that there may have been a few segments to make it.
Cheers
Damian