Advanced Sheetmetal Tutorials

[uGlay]

Hello:

I am making some sheetmetal parts and I am trying to build the entire parts using sheetmetal commands from the begginning. In the past I have just created the entire part and then unfolded it at the end. I am trying to do the "right" approach this time around and I guess I am asking for help.

Also, if someone can give me some direction on how to use the bend tables efficiently.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700

 

[ShaggyPE]

This is the best site I have seen regarding creating sheetmetal parts in SolidWorks.

http://www.sheetmetaldesign.com/

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

The Sheet Metal tutorial in the Help file should give you a good start.

 

[uGlay]

Shaggy, I devoured that entire site already.

BlimeyLimey, I finished the tutorial also.

gimme more. ive gone through the first 3 pages of results in google.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700

 

[MadMango]

Who says that is the "right" approach? I think it takes longer to make sheet metal parts using strictly sheet metal features. I'd rather build my models so they are robust and easy to modify, then use Insert> Sheet Metal> Bends to create sheet metal models.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[uGlay]

You are right. Even the sheetmetal design website conflicts with itself... The first tip is to make everything solid and then convert it at the end, then the second tip tells you to have the sheetmetal feature added as early as possible. That makes no sense!

I havent made sheetmetal parts in a couple of years, so I am trying to get back in the groove of it in 08. Any help i can get I appreciate it.

SW2008 Office Pro SP3.1
Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
2.2GHz, 2.00GB RAM
QuadroFX 3700

 

[ctopher]

faq559-520
DO a Google search, others are out there.

http://www.sheetmetalguy.com/solidworks/solidworks_sheet_metal_tutorials.htm

http://www.solidworks.com/swexpress/pages/nov05/TT_Sheetmetal_Tips.html

http://www.solidworkstv.blogspot.com/2008/03/56-bend-table.html

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 06/08
ctopher's home (updated Apr 30, 2008)

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

There is no right or wrong method. There are benefits to using both and even in combination.

The SW Help file covers some (very little);

Reasons to Build a Part, then Convert it to Sheet Metal
There are instances when it is preferable to build a part, and then convert it to sheet metal.

Imported Solid Bodies. If you import a sheet metal file with bends from another CAD system, the bends are already in the model. Using Insert Bends is your best option for converting the imported file to a SolidWorks sheet metal part.

Conical Bends. Conical bends are not supported by the sheet metal-specific features, such as Base Flange, Edge Flange, and so on. Therefore, you must build the part using extrusions, revolves, and so on, then convert it to add bends to a conical sheet metal part.