Hi,
We are trying figure a way to model a laser cut tube that will be bent.
We need a flat pattern and a bent configuration.
Here is the final shape of the tube and a detail of the cut out.
Does anybody have use this type of cut out before?
Have you been able to model it in SolidWorks?
Thanks for your help.
Martin
Hi Kelvin,
Thanks for the reply.
You are right, this is a SolidWorks Model.
We have found a way to model it when all the bends are outside (see attached file).
Also note that we know the finish dimensions and we want to find the total flatten length.
It's hard to start with the flat length and try to add bends because we don’t knows the flat length...
Now, the problem we have with the part "FINAL SHAPE.JPG" is that there are inside bends and outside bends...
Our solution doesn't work with those parameters…
Could you please post the SolidWorks model of the test that you did?
Thank you,
Martin
Otherwise the only other way I would know to do it is to make a configuration of each using a the flex feature. This seems very cumbersom if you have a lot of bends. I like Kelvin's way better.
Was that model not created in SW?
Extrude the open tube section
Cut-extrude the side notch per "CUT OUT DETAIL.JPG" on both sides
Apply a Sketch Bend across the remaining portion of the tube
The Flatten tool should then work