Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
(OP)
Hi everyone, I'm new to solidworks so please bare with me. I'm running SW 2006 in my work place, and I would like to know how precise the flattening command in solid works really is. I work with sheet metal and I need to figure out flat patterns for a lot of parts, I'm hoping that SW can cut the time it takes me to figure out the bigger parts with multiple bends. I figured out how to flatten the parts, that's no problem, but I still need guidance as to how to use it right and if I can trust the flat pattern it gives me to put into production. Could someone please explain to me any tips, tricks, or point me to a website with good info on the subject. Thank you.






RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
So to answer your question, the flatten function is as accurate as you care to make it. Lofted Bends being an exception.
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
I use SW to make sheetmetal formed and blank parts daily. I use a K-factor of .5 and a bend radius of .015". I add a derived configuration of the formed part for my blank. I select "Flange Outside" for the flange position selection when adding edge flanges. The guys who run the press brake tell me the formed parts are very accurate to the print. We use aluminized steel with thickness ranges from .036" to .057".
Yanceman
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
You will also have to work with your sheet metal operators and see what type of tooling they use, what type of bending operations they are doing, etc.
We work with thicker materials, usually on the order of .105" to .194" HRPO and SST. Through a few weeks of trial and error, we found that a K-factor of .434 with bend radius of .063 worked the best for our operations at getting the physical parts to match the models.
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RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
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Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
Whilst you will find that the Solidworks flattening function and bend allowance program is very accurate,you have to bear in mind that the calculated dimension is only good for the material thickness,bend radius, and metal hardness that you have calculated.
If any of these values change, the result will not be what you intended.
If you are drawing for "in house" parts, draw up several small angles say 2" (50mm)by 2" with radii specified by you. Get your Brake operators to bend these as accurately as they can. Then measure them, note the errors and use this information to fine tune your K factor on your SW program. This is sometimes called reverse engineering the K factor.
When you are shipping drawings to an outside vendor send him a drawing of what you want made. Let him figure it out. If a flat pattern is included, it should be a reference drawing only.
I will now step off the soap box,
B.E.
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
If you are wanting to save yourself some time & work by having SW create the flat for you, then as mentioned above, all you need to do is select an option (K-factor, Bend Alowance, Bend Deduction) & input what works for your shop.
You dont have to worry about creating configurations, the flat config is created automagically.
Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 05
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
Your method is exactly what we did here. Take a piece of pre-measured stock, put a 90° bend in it, take measurements again, etc... Our material thickness range is minimal, so one setting for all thicknesses works. The machine screw hole clearances will more than make up for a couple thousanths difference here and there.
Yanceman
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
I happen to do what you do,I make patterns for an NC router.
We used to do what you do with Excel.
Now we just let Solidworks generate the flat pattern,then use an NC code generator called CAMWORKS to create the G code file for the the router.
B.E.
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks
RE: Flat Patterns in SolidWorks