"simple" sheet metal question

[pejaer]

Using SW 06.

I am trying the sheet metal function for the first time, and need a pointer to get me going. I want to take a pipe and split it along the length and lay it flat. That's it! I am stuck on the fact that I have no internal edge, and I have no experience with sheet metal and on how to handle this "no edge" situation.

Thanks a lot.

Paul

 

[Gurjjeet]

1. Draw the circle with a split in it.

2. Use "Base Flane/Tab" in sheetmetal toolbar.

3. Press "Flatten" in sheetmetal toolbar.

 

[ctopher]

Good stuff here:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=solidworks+sheet+metal&aq=0

Chris
SolidWorks 10 SP4.0
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

 

[pejaer]

Gurjjeet and Chris,

thanks for the info. Looking at a few of the videos, it seems that one either needs to know upfront that you want a part to be sheetmetal, or use the "convert to sheet metal tool." I think I strike out in both counts as my part is already made (OK, it is actually more complicated than just the pipe...) and it looks like this convert tool came in 2009.

Any work around possibilities that you know, before I start from scratch?

Thanks a lot.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

If the 'pipe' has bends in it, SW will not be able to flatten it. Although there are some 'tricks' which can be used to get close.

Can you post an image or model of the part?

 

[pejaer]

HI Mr Limey,

Here is a PDF.

Thanks.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Interesting!

Is that a one piece part?

What size and material is the tube?

 

[Eltron]

why are you trying to do this in sheet metal?

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

Dan's Blog

 

[applejack2]

I can do the straight tube section with the hole.
1. extrude concentric circles to make tube
2. extrude/cut circle to make cross hole
3. extrude/cut pie slice cut 5 degree wedge to slit tube
4. extrude face of pie cut .05 inch to make flat
5. insert sheet metal bends using .05 inch flat as base
6. flatten bends

see attached

 

[pejaer]

Hello Applejack,

Thanks for the instructions, but unfortunately I have a previous version. I can picture what you are doing except making the flat on step 4....any way you can save the part as a step file in this condition, or attach a PDF?

It sounds like the helix might be a no starter?

Mr. Limey: it is a one pc part (although I modeled it with 3 parts. It is about .040" on the OD. This small part will be laser cut, and needs to be flat for programming the equip.

Paul