sending a flat pattern to a sheet metal shop

[drcole]

when i create a flat pattern view in a drawing it only shows the bend information, is that all they need to make the part?

 

[3DDave]

The question is, is that all you need to accept the part? Sure - if it shows bend lines and directions they can form it up, but if you don't specify what the final dimensions and tolerances of the formed item, it is possible you won't get what you need.

Flat patterns on CAD drawings are a good start if it is for your in-house fabrication department so they can tweak it to produce an item that conforms to the finished part requirements; it should be marked "Reference."

 

[drcole]

thanks dave. is it better to just send a dxf file of the part and not a flat pattern view in the drawing?

 

[Jboggs]

The best answer for your question will come from the shop, not some online forum that has no information on the details of the particular situation. Call them and ask.

 

[drawoh]

drcole,

Your drawing should show the shop what you want and what you will pay for. You want to show them the as-bent part. You do not care about the flat layout.

--
JHG

 

[drcole]

i agree drawoh, i dont like sending flat patterns, i think they can cause trouble.

 

[SBaugh]

I only send flat patterns over when it is understood that it is for reference only and they need to make any and all changes. The flat pattern is not going to be correct via their machine unless they can give me a Bend table to use within my part file.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
Mechanical Engineer
Ciholas

https://www.ciholas.com/

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[ctopher]

I also only show flat pattern as a reference. Sometimes shops like it because it shows them material size to start from. The most critical is dimensioning the part after bend. Let the shop do their job to meet those dim's.

Chris, CSWP
SolidWorks
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