Square To Round

[dmctiernan]

Hi All,
Can someone give me some pointers on how to properly model a sheetmetal square to round transition section / hopper/chute.

Thanks in advance.

 

[StefanHamminga]

There is an excellent example in the SolidWorks help.
You can find it under:

Contents -> Sheet Metal -> Using Sheet Metal Tools -> Lofted Bends


Stefan Hamminga
EngIT Solutions
CSWP/Mechanical designer/AI student

 

[dmctiernan]

The example is not practical as the resulting flat pattern is not foldable on a pressbrake.

I have been trying to find a workaround for what I need and so far its working. I have offset a plane down to its correct depth. On this offset plane I have drawn a polygon (32 facets), to represent a circle, as this is how it will be manufactured using a pressbrake. I have drawn a square on the top plane, but instead of using rads in the corners I have drawn a polygon (28facets). The reason for the differing number of facets is because the line segments need to have smooth transitions between points, ie rads, but also there needs to be the same number of overall points in each sketch.

 

[MagnetsDA]

dmctiernan,

We have also battled this problem. Our final solution, which has been working very well, uses edge flanges. We produce transitions in four parts with the welds in the conrners of the squares. The general process is listed below:

Sketch circle on a plane offset from the square
Divide the circle into the appropriate amount of sections (trim construction lines with circle)
Create a plane using one edge of the square and the center point of the circle.
Then create a sketch on that plane, and make it a surface (this is only done to provide the correct angle for the edge flange).
Create an edge flange using edge of square. Indicate the angle of the flange by clicking on the surface that you created.
Modify the profile of the edge flange to be a triangle from the edge of the square to the point of the circle.
Repeat the process for each of the next sections of the transition.
Create a plane with edge of triangle and next point.
Create a surface on that plane
Create an edge flange, use plane for angle, and modify the profile.

I would attach a part file for you to review, but I do not know how.

I can explain better by phone or email you a part file if you like.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

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