Creating Sheet Metal Parts In Solidworks

Create new bodies in an existing sheet metal part using base flange convert to sheet metal insert bends and lofted bend commands.

Creating sheet metal parts in solidworks.

The arc can also be tangent to a line. To create a drawing of a flat pattern. Alternatively you can add your part to a drawing you will find that you can select the flat pattern in the configurations drop down then add any information like grade of steel and quantity and save as a dxf. To convert a solid part to a sheet metal part.

Solidworks has a great feature if you right click on any flat surface and select export to dxf dwg you can save the flat pattern to be imported into cam nesting software for cnc cutting. To create a sheet metal part with cylindrical faces. To create a multibody sheet metal part. Click convert to sheet metal sheet metal toolbar or insert sheet metal convert to sheet metal.

There are specific sheet metal features you can use to create sheet metal bodies quickly. The name of the face is displayed in the fixed face or edge box. Create the solid part. Create a part by sketching the part profile then extruding a thin feature part.

Select the fixed face on the model. If you selected k factor bend allowance or bend deduction enter a value. In select table select a gauge table to use or click browse and browse to a gauge table. If creating a sheet metal part with one or more conical faces you must select k factor as the type of bend allowance.

Single open contours can be used for extrudes revolves sections paths guides and sheet metal. Click make drawing from part assembly standard toolbar and click ok to open the drawing sheet. Open the sheet metal part for which you want to add a drawing. In the propertymanager under bend parameters.

Insert one or more sheet metal weldment or other bodies into an existing sheet metal part. Sketch an open contour arc. Click insert bends or click insert sheet metal bends. However in some circumstances when the design requires certain types of geometry you can use non sheet metal feature tools then insert bends or convert the part to sheet metal.

The fixed face remains in place when the part is flattened.