SolidWorks Sheet metal Design
20
Part One – Theory & Basics Sheet Metal Theory Definitions & Formulas Bending Theory Tools Overview What tools are available? Special Tool Options How to Start Part Start with SM Features Model Part then add SM Features Part Two – Adv. Topics Bend Tables Advanced Shapes Forming Tools Using & Creating Sheet Metal Configurations Drawing Creation Using Imported Bodies Best Practices Compilation
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Transcript of SolidWorks Sheet metal Design
Part One ndash Theory amp
Basics Sheet Metal Theory
Definitions amp Formulas
Bending Theory
Tools Overview
What tools are available
Special Tool Options
How to Start Part
Start with SM Features
Model Part then add SM Features
Part Two ndash Adv
Topics Bend Tables
Advanced Shapes
Forming Tools
Using amp Creating
Sheet Metal Configurations
Drawing Creation
Using Imported Bodies
Best Practices Compilation
Examples
Examples
Examples
Examples
Sheet Metal Theory
Definitions
Bend Allowance ndash Length of the arc through the bend area at the neutral axis
Bend Angle ndash Angle of the arc formed by the bending operation
Bend Compensation ndash Amount by which the material is stretched or compressed by bending
Bend Lines ndash The straight lines where the flange boundary meets the bend area
Inside Bend Radius ndash Radius of the arc on the inside surface of the bend area
K-factor ndash Defines the location of the neutral axis (distance from the inside of the material to the neutral axis divided by the material thickness)
Mold Lines ndash For bends of less than 180 degrees the mold lines are the straight lines where the surfaces of the flange bounding the bend area intersect
Neutral Axis ndash Looking at the cross section of the bend the neutral axis is the theoretical location at which the material is neither compressed nor stretched
Set Back - For bends of less than 180 degrees the set back is the distance from the bend lines to the mold line
Sheet Metal Theory
Formulas
Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness)
Bend Deduction = Bend Allowance ndash (2 Set Back)
Inside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) Radius
Outside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) (Radius + Thickness)
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Examples
Examples
Examples
Examples
Sheet Metal Theory
Definitions
Bend Allowance ndash Length of the arc through the bend area at the neutral axis
Bend Angle ndash Angle of the arc formed by the bending operation
Bend Compensation ndash Amount by which the material is stretched or compressed by bending
Bend Lines ndash The straight lines where the flange boundary meets the bend area
Inside Bend Radius ndash Radius of the arc on the inside surface of the bend area
K-factor ndash Defines the location of the neutral axis (distance from the inside of the material to the neutral axis divided by the material thickness)
Mold Lines ndash For bends of less than 180 degrees the mold lines are the straight lines where the surfaces of the flange bounding the bend area intersect
Neutral Axis ndash Looking at the cross section of the bend the neutral axis is the theoretical location at which the material is neither compressed nor stretched
Set Back - For bends of less than 180 degrees the set back is the distance from the bend lines to the mold line
Sheet Metal Theory
Formulas
Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness)
Bend Deduction = Bend Allowance ndash (2 Set Back)
Inside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) Radius
Outside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) (Radius + Thickness)
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Examples
Examples
Examples
Sheet Metal Theory
Definitions
Bend Allowance ndash Length of the arc through the bend area at the neutral axis
Bend Angle ndash Angle of the arc formed by the bending operation
Bend Compensation ndash Amount by which the material is stretched or compressed by bending
Bend Lines ndash The straight lines where the flange boundary meets the bend area
Inside Bend Radius ndash Radius of the arc on the inside surface of the bend area
K-factor ndash Defines the location of the neutral axis (distance from the inside of the material to the neutral axis divided by the material thickness)
Mold Lines ndash For bends of less than 180 degrees the mold lines are the straight lines where the surfaces of the flange bounding the bend area intersect
Neutral Axis ndash Looking at the cross section of the bend the neutral axis is the theoretical location at which the material is neither compressed nor stretched
Set Back - For bends of less than 180 degrees the set back is the distance from the bend lines to the mold line
Sheet Metal Theory
Formulas
Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness)
Bend Deduction = Bend Allowance ndash (2 Set Back)
Inside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) Radius
Outside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) (Radius + Thickness)
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Examples
Examples
Sheet Metal Theory
Definitions
Bend Allowance ndash Length of the arc through the bend area at the neutral axis
Bend Angle ndash Angle of the arc formed by the bending operation
Bend Compensation ndash Amount by which the material is stretched or compressed by bending
Bend Lines ndash The straight lines where the flange boundary meets the bend area
Inside Bend Radius ndash Radius of the arc on the inside surface of the bend area
K-factor ndash Defines the location of the neutral axis (distance from the inside of the material to the neutral axis divided by the material thickness)
Mold Lines ndash For bends of less than 180 degrees the mold lines are the straight lines where the surfaces of the flange bounding the bend area intersect
Neutral Axis ndash Looking at the cross section of the bend the neutral axis is the theoretical location at which the material is neither compressed nor stretched
Set Back - For bends of less than 180 degrees the set back is the distance from the bend lines to the mold line
Sheet Metal Theory
Formulas
Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness)
Bend Deduction = Bend Allowance ndash (2 Set Back)
Inside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) Radius
Outside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) (Radius + Thickness)
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Examples
Sheet Metal Theory
Definitions
Bend Allowance ndash Length of the arc through the bend area at the neutral axis
Bend Angle ndash Angle of the arc formed by the bending operation
Bend Compensation ndash Amount by which the material is stretched or compressed by bending
Bend Lines ndash The straight lines where the flange boundary meets the bend area
Inside Bend Radius ndash Radius of the arc on the inside surface of the bend area
K-factor ndash Defines the location of the neutral axis (distance from the inside of the material to the neutral axis divided by the material thickness)
Mold Lines ndash For bends of less than 180 degrees the mold lines are the straight lines where the surfaces of the flange bounding the bend area intersect
Neutral Axis ndash Looking at the cross section of the bend the neutral axis is the theoretical location at which the material is neither compressed nor stretched
Set Back - For bends of less than 180 degrees the set back is the distance from the bend lines to the mold line
Sheet Metal Theory
Formulas
Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness)
Bend Deduction = Bend Allowance ndash (2 Set Back)
Inside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) Radius
Outside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) (Radius + Thickness)
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Sheet Metal Theory
Definitions
Bend Allowance ndash Length of the arc through the bend area at the neutral axis
Bend Angle ndash Angle of the arc formed by the bending operation
Bend Compensation ndash Amount by which the material is stretched or compressed by bending
Bend Lines ndash The straight lines where the flange boundary meets the bend area
Inside Bend Radius ndash Radius of the arc on the inside surface of the bend area
K-factor ndash Defines the location of the neutral axis (distance from the inside of the material to the neutral axis divided by the material thickness)
Mold Lines ndash For bends of less than 180 degrees the mold lines are the straight lines where the surfaces of the flange bounding the bend area intersect
Neutral Axis ndash Looking at the cross section of the bend the neutral axis is the theoretical location at which the material is neither compressed nor stretched
Set Back - For bends of less than 180 degrees the set back is the distance from the bend lines to the mold line
Sheet Metal Theory
Formulas
Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness)
Bend Deduction = Bend Allowance ndash (2 Set Back)
Inside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) Radius
Outside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) (Radius + Thickness)
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Sheet Metal Theory
Formulas
Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness)
Bend Deduction = Bend Allowance ndash (2 Set Back)
Inside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) Radius
Outside Set Back = tan (Angle 2) (Radius + Thickness)
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Calculating Bends for Your
EquipmentCalculating the correct flat pattern layout is crucial Letrsquos start with a simple L bracket The picture
shows that the legs of the bracket are 2rdquo and 3rdquo The material thickness is 0036rdquo the inside
radius is 0125rdquo and the angle of bend is 90 degrees The flat length is the total of the flat portion
of both flanges plus the length through the arc of the bend area Do you calculate that on the
inside of the material or the outside Neither This is where the K-factor comes into play The K-
factor is the percentage of the material thickness where there is no stretching or compressing of
the material for example the neutral axis For this simple L bracket I will use a K-factor of 042
The formula is Bend Allowance = Angle (PI 180) (Radius + K-factor Thickness) Plugging in
our numbers we get Bend Allowance = 90 (PI 180) (0125 + 042 0036) =
02200999813105009
So the flat pattern length is 2rdquo + 3rdquo + 02201 which is equal to 52201 So if you add up the flat length
of all the flanges and add one Bend Allowance for each bend area you have the correct flat length
of the part Now we have to subtract two times the material thickness plus the bend radius (also
known as the Setback) for each bend area
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Sample 1 ndash Converting to
Sheet MetalInsert Bends vs Convert to Sheet Metal Tools
Insert Bends Convert to Sheet Metal
Add Bends X X
Select Edges for Bends X
Rip Edges X X
Use Rip Sketches X
Inside Radius X X
Auto Relief X X
Control Thickness amp Direction X
Bend Allowance X
New
for
2009
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Sample 2 ndash ldquoGround Uprdquo Tools
ReviewOverview of Sheet Metal Tools while building a part
With this we are going to go over the basic Sheet Metal tools SolidWorks
offers while also introducing some ldquoBest Practicesrdquo for creating sheet
metal parts
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Base
FlangeTab
Insert
Bends
Convert to Sheet
Metal
Unfol
d
Closed
Corner
Welded
Corner
Break-CornerCorner-
Trim
Corner-
Trim
Forming
Tool
Sketched
Bend
Lofted-Bend
Jog
Edge
Flange
Miter
FlangeNo Bends
Rip
Flatte
n
Fol
d
Cross-
Break
Hem
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Sheet Metal Notable Tool
Options
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Sheet metal tables allow you to select from pre
setup lists of material types thicknesses and inside
radii There are three types of tables they are
bend gauge and gaugebend
Bend GaugeGaugeBen
d
Thickness X X X
Radius X X X
Different Bend
Allowance ValuesX
Bend Allowance Type X X
New
for
2009
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Bend amp Gauge Tables
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Advanced Forming Shapes
Can you model this formed edge How about as a mitered edge
This is probably one of the most complex bend profiles that I have seen
It is a prime example of a little knowledge of SolidWorks and some
planning ahead before starting to model the part
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingUsing forming tools
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Forming Tools ndash Using amp
CreatingCreating forming tools Items to consider
Positioning sketch
Material to cut
Stopping faces
Minimum Radius of Curvature
1 Start with base
sized
larger than the
finished tool2 Sketch the layout
sketch of tool
3 Start modeling
the tool body of
the louver
4 Add all features
wanted for the
tool5 Add fillet that has
the same gt= radius
than the material
6 Cut the base from
the newly created
tool
7 Create a
positioning sketch
at the base of the
tool8 Color all cutting
faces red and
stopping face
RGB(202209238)
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Sheet Metal Configurations
Configurations are the same with sheet metal parts as with other parts
with the exception that when you add a flat-pattern view onto a drawing
SolidWorks automatically creates a derived configuration By default the
derived configuration is called ldquoName of Configurationrdquo amp SM-FLAT-
PATTERN
Tip
Use configurations to show the steps
to form parts You can use
progressive configurations as a ldquoHow
Tordquo reference for forming
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Sheet Metal DrawingsAdding the flat pattern
view Legacy vs View Palette
Using Model View must select Flat Pattern to import view onto sheet
View Palette allows the user to see preview and quickly add all needed views onto sheet Also importing of annotations is built into the palette
Use of either technique will produce the same view The flat pattern view has also been improved over the last couple releases as it now automatically adds the bend notes
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
Using Imported Bodies
Importing Options There are two main methods to convert imported geometry to sheet
metal
Importing the model and then converting to sheet metal
Using FeatureWorks to automatically read the sheet metal features into
SolidWorks
Tip To be able to define the radii of the part first import as a normal part file
not a sheet metal part Then use FeatureWorks to identify the radii Now
remove the radii and then use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool this will allow
you to define your own radii and not be confined by the import model radii
![Engr 7962 - CAE - Sheet Metal.pptx [Read-Only]adfisher/7962-09/SheetMetal.pdf · Summary This presentation will outline Benefits of using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools Sheet Metal](https://static.fdocuments.in/doc/165x107/5a7786d37f8b9a1b688e03f9/engr-7962-cae-sheet-metalpptx-read-only-adfisher7962-09sheetmetalpdfaa.jpg)
