Bends with Forming Tool?

[badgerdave]

I'm translating some drawings from .DWG format to SolidWorks. So I have the flat and formed dimensions that we're getting out on the floor. Currently I'm workign on a drawing that has 2 bendlines meeting at a notch. SolidWorks won't let me model this correctly.

I feel like SolidWorks is assuming an infinitely long die because I asked the guys down on the floor and they said they use the end of the die or a die that's exactly the right size to make the bend.

Any and all help will be appreciated.

(I accidentally made the drawing in the sheet format, but doesn't really matter since I can't model the part anyways)

 

[hititfaster]

I noticed this between my old job (AutoCAD) and my new one (using SW). SW always adds a notch where the end of the bend meets the corner and I have a feeling that's where your issue will be.

I'm downloading the new service pack right now so can't look at your file (will do shortly) but presumably you know the outside dimensions of the part you want to end up with, therefore my advice would be to re-model the part as a solid, then rip the edges with the sheet-metal tool and let SW create the notches and bend lines where it sees fit. You'll end up with a fractionally different flat pattern to that of your 2D 'hand' generated one, but the end result will be the same once folded.

Hope this helps!

Tom.

 

[DiegoLGraves]

I'd probably never convert the dwg's into SW parts because it's so easy to model sheet metal in SW. It's one of the things SW is very good at. Go through the sheet metal tutorials if needed, then model the part as sheet metal right from the first feature. Use the sheet metal tools to model the flanges - edge flanges, miter flanges, etc. - and it will work great. Modelling as a solid feature and ripping the corners is from very early versions of the software. It does have it's place, but usually it's quicker and more reliable to use the current modelling methods and tools. No offense intended to hititfater's recommendation.

Just my 2 cents from using SW since version 99.

Kind regards, Diego.