Weight Estimation 2

[jaykay]

I am looking for a software or any good tips on weight estimation for sheet metal parts and assemblies, also any help on cost estimation and analysis for metal parts would be appreciated.

 

[MadMango]

If you design in any of the newer 3d CAD softwares (SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Inventor, etc) you should be able to assign material properties to your parts. The software will then calculate information like this automatically. "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

 

[drjorde]

Calculate your cubic inches of material (Height X Width X thickness) and multiply that times the density in Lb/Cu In. For example the density of most Aluminum is .10 Lb/in3. So a 2X3X2" block would weigh 1.2 Lbs. The density can be looked up in any Machinist handbook, your material supplier or on the internet. Do the details of the assy seperate and the sheet metal in the while flat pattern.
DrDave

http://plansbyjorde.tripod.com

DrJorde

 

[hpkumar2000]

I have developed using MS Excel using look-up standard table having unit weight and unit cost. The estimate sheet only carry item code and quantity take-off. Rest formula takes care. HARENDRA PAL KUMAR
B.TECH (MECH ENG), PG INDUST.ENG, MBA

 

[morbark]

MadMango is right...3D software, a density, and you've got it! They can be reasonably priced too.

 

[mrainey]

I wrote a free metal weight calculator - get it at

http://bellsouthpwp.net/r/s/rsnmar/weights.zip

 

[mrainey]

Major update - still free.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/r/s/rsnmar/MEWeights21.zip

 

[smcadman]

Here is a free little program to calculate weight for plate, angle, rectangular tubing, etc. with different materials such as brass, aluminum, stainless, etc.

http://www.metalsuppliersonline.com/catalog/psc06.asp

Flores

 

[pclynx]

Sometimes to get a through weight calculation you need to use a quality cam package for creating the programs.

Check

http://www.wicam.com

This will also do a cost estimation