Sheet Metal Part with 2 Axis of Curvature

[daspine]

Hello,

I recently ran into a problem trying to model one of the parts in our product line. Imagine this part as a rectangular piece of sheet metal with holes and other openings milled out. This piece is then deformed in 2 axis so that its finished surface is much like a patch of a sphere (more elliptical). When I use a form tool the openings disappear. I also find it unlikely that I could model the openings to match the curvature after deforming the surface. So I'm stuck.
If anyone knows an alternate way to do this in Solidworks 2001 or with a plugin any help would be appreciated. Thanks,

das

 

[MadMango]

SWX can only create sheet metal bends in straight lines. I think the best approach would be to use your Form Tool, and get your cuts as close as possible to the physical part. "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

 

[daspine]

mango,

Thanks for replying. Darn. Heh I was hoping there was a plugin or what not that would be able to do the work for me. Have you heard of sheetmetalworks from a german company? Someone mentioned it had more extensive sheet metal tools as an addon for SWX. Thx,

das

 

[MadMango]

I've heard talk of that and SolidEdge, which are suppose to have "better" sheet metal tools than SWX. The thing to remember is that SWX goes off the basis of actually bending the material, not stretching it. Chances are the part you are trying to model was actually made in a stamped die, and not formed on a sheet metal brake.

I have never used Sheetmetalworks, sorry. "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."