we have a process where we roll a flat sheet into a tube, and then after we have the tube we use a machine they hand built to press a flat into the front and sometime the 2 sides of the tube. i was wondering how i would accomplish this in Solidworks Sheet Metal, as i couldnt find a way. Forming tools wont work on non planar faces, and while I can simply cut out the material as i did in the attached drawing that is more like machining it off instead of deforming it inward. It also causes issues when you go with a large press flat width or too small a tube OD, causing the material cut away to break through the sheetmetal.
The 2nd part of the question would be how to make the flat areas show up in a drawing as well on the flat pattern if possible. I appreciate all advice and help that can be given. let me know if you need any further information.
Chris S Christy
Chris,
I didn't open your file, but it sounds like the Indent tool (Features/Indent) might be a good match for what you are doing.
I don't understand your reference to showing the flat areas on the flat pattern. Since they get formed after you roll the tube, it doesn't seem like they have any meaning on the flat pattern.
Jerry Steiger