Sheet metal - What happens after CAD design cycle 4

[ninjaz]

I am working for various sheet metal brackets CAD design for the past few years. I believe i am proficient in designing of sheet metal shapes and strengthening the shapes using FEA techniques. But I Lag some knowledge and wish to learn more what happens after i designed the shape in computer. What are all the concepts i should have known to gain some confidence in the area of sheet metal manufacturing Process.

 

[TVP]

The following are some good links for obtaining more information on sheet metal forming, stamping, etc.

STAMPING Journal

http://www.thefabricator.com/publication/sj

Metalforming magazine

http://www.metalformingmagazine.com/home/

PMA Technical Training Library

http://www.pma.org/training-and-education/technical-training/

Books on metal forming and tooling by SME

http://www.sme.org/search.aspx?searchtext=&TaxContentCategory=BK&sortBy=CDate

Publications from Auto/Steel Partnership

http://www.a-sp.org/Internal/Lister...1f8-b828-1bac861cce57&contentSource=Secondary

 

[tbuelna]

ninjaz-

This is an excellent question. With formed sheet metal components there can be a whole world of difference between what you modeled/analyzed in CAD and the typical finished product. The formed sheet metal part will be subject to things like thinning, work hardening, etc. that can have a big effect on mechanical properties. However there are some pretty decent digital analysis tools now available that can predict the behavior of sheet metal during forming operations. If you don't have access to these digital analysis tools, you'll have to rely on your company engineering/manufacturing department's collective experience and a bit of trial-and-error.

I think it's great that you want to learn about how the manufacturing process affects your part design. If your company manufactures these parts in-house, spend your free time asking the experienced manufacturing guys questions about every process they perform, including tooling, forming, heat treat, inspection, etc. If the manufacturing is done by outside vendors, call them up and ask to visit their facilities. The best way to learn is by seeing firsthand how things are done.

Regards,
Terry