Modeling single curvature sheetmetal

[KirbyWan]

Howdy all,

In modeling the panels for the upper contour of a C-5 Wing I was hoping to expand my mastery of solidworks by using surfacing to get the right shape and create the sheet metal skins from that.

The problem I would like help with is getting these gently curved sheet metal parts to flatten out. The curvature is not complex so there is no problem with going from curvature to flat. But this is not the way sheet metal tools are intended. Is there a way of flattening out panels with slight curve? or is it worth it. The difference between the arc length of and edge of the panel and the distance between these points is less then a tenth of an inch.

I can compensate and just model every thing as flat stock (how I've been doing it) but If I make an assembly out of the parts it's flat and if I want to include it in a higher level assembly it won't fit without the curvature.

I think the best idea is to have two models, first the flat sheet metal model for the individual parts, controlled from one sketch thanks to your suggestions on a different thread, and second a solid model of the panel as a single solid part based on surfacing to put into higher level assemblies. Not that I'm going to build the whole plane in solidworks, I just like to know that I can.

What are your thoughts about the way to handle this. Is there a simple way of flattening sheetmetal parts that I haven't figured out yet?

-Kirby

Kirby Wilkerson

Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.

 

[MadMango]

You are better off with two Configurations rather than models. One Config for the flat model, and the other in the bent form. For SW Sheet Metal functionality to work, you must have uniform thickness, and only straight bends (no curvature at all). This might be teh problem you are running into.

I'm not sure about Sheet Metal functionality working with Surfaces either, but I'm no Surfacing Master like others here.

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

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

 

[Eltron]

MM, I assume when you say Sheet Metal does work with curvature (no curvature at all) you are talking about something like spherical shapes? Sheet metal will work fine with simple curves like cylinders as long as the metal isn't deformed. No problem with surfacing, either. Just do your surfacing (as long as it isn't too complex) then convert to sheet metal.

I'm with the Mad One above. Use configurations to your advantage here.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[MadMango]

My reference to curvature was directed towards the bent edge, so no smiley-faced bends.

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

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

 

[KirbyWan]

Maybe my experience with SolidWorks not working well with non-complex contour, which is what I'm calling any bend that can be flattened out without stretching the material i.e. cylinders, cones and their combinations, is from an older version of SW. I'll redo some of the tutorials and see how it works with say a cone flattening out. I struggled with this problem at one time (could have been as old as SW2006).

-Kirby

Kirby Wilkerson

Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.

 

[Eltron]

Check this thread:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=270628&page=1

I just posted a semi-cylindrical sheet metal model.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

You may also want to take a look at the Lofted Bend function.

 

[brgriffi]

This may be applicable:

https://forum.solidworks.com/message/155093#155093