How To Bend Sheet Metal In Solidworks

In this blog article we will look at the basic theory behind sheet metal bends particularly the bend allowance ba and how to apply this knowledge when utilizing solidworks sheet metal tools the main concept revolves around the idea of a neutral axis.

How to bend sheet metal in solidworks.

Set bend radius to 0 03in and k factor 0 5 and ok. To edit the default bend radius bend allowance or bend deduction or default relief type. Under sheet metal tab select sketched bend. Original bend direction in drawing editing the flat pattern feature in the flat pattern folder will display the currently defined fixed face.

Click on the sheet metal tab select base flange tab and give 1 mm to the sheet metal parameters. Click ok and the bend is generated. The sheet metal tool in solidworks is located in the sheet metal toolbar and drop down menu. The sheet metal1 feature contains the default bend parameters.

Draw a line across which the bend has to be done. Click sheetmetal insert bends click flat face as reference when it flatten. The stated bend direction in a solidworks sheet metal drawing is based on the defined fixed face of the model. Bend tables and gauge tables come into play when working with sheet metal parts in solidworks.

Using this tool is an all in one approach to transforming a solid body into sheet metal. Under sheet metal gauges select use gauge table and select a table. Click a bend position of bend centerline material inside material outside or bend outside. Sheet metal parameters in the bend allowance section we can select how solidworks determines where the neutral axis is the flat pattern calculation.

In the featuremanager design tree right click sheet metal and click edit feature. This approach will work for any solid body you have including imported bodies made in other systems. The location where solidworks reads these tables from is set in options system options file locations. Select the top face of the base.

Click features extruded boss base set d1 to 0 5in and ok. Now the base of the sheet metal has been generated. By choosing k factor bend allowance or bend deduction from the pull down menu a specific value can be entered. By choosing bend table or bend calculation an excel document can be used.

Exit the sketch and select the fixed portion of the base. Select sheet metal bend tables or sheet metal gauge table to see the location where solidworks reads the tables from. In the graphics area select a face that does not move as a result of the bend for fixed face.