Sheet metal help 2

[Alex4]

Could some one explian to me how to create a sheet metal part.
I need to make a storm screen element on solidworks.
The element is a perforated sheet i.e 300mm wide x 1000mm long.
I need to put 3 bends in it, all length ways to make an half cylinder shape with 2 cureled edges, if you can imagine.
I've created the item as a solid model by extruding the elements profile but I need to show the perforations in it.
Can I change a solid model to a sheet metal part then press unfold, cut my perforations in it and then press fold again or is there a way to extrude a perforated sheet?

 

[ShaggyPE]

Alex,
The plan you have laid out should work. You should look at the help concerning sheet metal with cylindrical faces. The best way that I have found to add perf is to use the unfold feature. Insert your perf as a pattern within the sketch. Then use the fold feature to restore the sheet metal shape. The perforation will slow the part down considerably. Consider having a configuration of the part with the perforation suppressed.

 

[dsgnr1]

Alex4,
Try this.
Simplify your sketch that you used for the extrude by eliminating any thickness.
While you are still inside your sketch, select insert menu->
sheet metal-> base flange.

dsgnr1

Experience is a dear teacher, and only fools will learn from no other.
Ben Franklin

 

[J-C]

Base Flange should be used instead of Base Extrude (though you can insert bends with a extrude). It's easier to work with this way as you don't have to reorder feature before the "bedns".

I would avoid the perforation or limit it to a small area for illustration purposes. It will take a "long" time to generate the pattern depending on how many.

Jason Capriotti
Smith & Nephew, Inc.

 

[rocheey]

If it is within a reasonable amount of what SolidWorks thinks it can unfold, then, on the Sheet metal Toolbar, select "Insert bends", and select the face you wish to use as a "base" face for unfolding.

If you do this on a part that has nothing to be considered as a "bent" section, Solidworks will complain, but insert the Sheet metal feature anyway.