Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
(OP)
Howdy all,
In modeling the panels for the upper contour of a C-5 Wing I was hoping to expand my mastery of solidworks by using surfacing to get the right shape and create the sheet metal skins from that.
The problem I would like help with is getting these gently curved sheet metal parts to flatten out. The curvature is not complex so there is no problem with going from curvature to flat. But this is not the way sheet metal tools are intended. Is there a way of flattening out panels with slight curve? or is it worth it. The difference between the arc length of and edge of the panel and the distance between these points is less then a tenth of an inch.
I can compensate and just model every thing as flat stock (how I've been doing it) but If I make an assembly out of the parts it's flat and if I want to include it in a higher level assembly it won't fit without the curvature.
I think the best idea is to have two models, first the flat sheet metal model for the individual parts, controlled from one sketch thanks to your suggestions on a different thread, and second a solid model of the panel as a single solid part based on surfacing to put into higher level assemblies. Not that I'm going to build the whole plane in solidworks, I just like to know that I can.
What are your thoughts about the way to handle this. Is there a simple way of flattening sheetmetal parts that I haven't figured out yet?
-Kirby
In modeling the panels for the upper contour of a C-5 Wing I was hoping to expand my mastery of solidworks by using surfacing to get the right shape and create the sheet metal skins from that.
The problem I would like help with is getting these gently curved sheet metal parts to flatten out. The curvature is not complex so there is no problem with going from curvature to flat. But this is not the way sheet metal tools are intended. Is there a way of flattening out panels with slight curve? or is it worth it. The difference between the arc length of and edge of the panel and the distance between these points is less then a tenth of an inch.
I can compensate and just model every thing as flat stock (how I've been doing it) but If I make an assembly out of the parts it's flat and if I want to include it in a higher level assembly it won't fit without the curvature.
I think the best idea is to have two models, first the flat sheet metal model for the individual parts, controlled from one sketch thanks to your suggestions on a different thread, and second a solid model of the panel as a single solid part based on surfacing to put into higher level assemblies. Not that I'm going to build the whole plane in solidworks, I just like to know that I can.
What are your thoughts about the way to handle this. Is there a simple way of flattening sheetmetal parts that I haven't figured out yet?
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.






RE: Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
I'm not sure about Sheet Metal functionality working with Surfaces either, but I'm no Surfacing Master like others here.
"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."
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RE: Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
I'm with the Mad One above. Use configurations to your advantage here.
Dan
www.eltronresearch.com
Dan's Blog
RE: Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."
Have you read FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies to make the best use of these Forums?
RE: Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
-Kirby
Kirby Wilkerson
Remember, first define the problem, then solve it.
RE: Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
Dan
www.eltronresearch.com
Dan's Blog
RE: Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
RE: Modeling single curvature sheetmetal
https://forum.solidworks.com/message/155093#155093