Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
(OP)
I have a sheet metal part that I need to add features (holes, cuts, etc.). Since this will be a laser cut part, I want to add all of the features in the flattened state and then unflatten it. I always lose my features once I bring my bends back. Is there a way to do this and keep my features that I am not seeing?
Thanks,
Matt
Thanks,
Matt






RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
Putting them in the flat and then forming the part up sounds like working backwards.
Jason Capriotti
ThyssenKrupp Elevator
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
MadMango
"Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities."
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
The reason I want to add them in the flattened state is because I am working off of 2D drawings that have the dimensions based on the flat.
MadMango,
I'll give that tip a try.
Thanks for the help,
Matt
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
Another problem I have is trying to put features on a rolled piece of sheet metal. Is there a command that will roll a piece of sheet metal after it has features added? I can only figure out how to start with the part rolled and not flat.
Thanks,
Matt
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
In either case, you're probably gonna have to rework the model.
I find much more flexibility drawing in the flat and then adding my own bends, but its more work.
FYI, having features after flattening is not necessarily an error.. we have quite a few parts here that need features during manufacturing, but not on the finished part. Adding these to the flat, in a derived flat pattern config, gives us this ability, while still not having these features give us mating errors in the assembly.
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
Use the "unfold" and "fold" commands when attempting to add flat-state features to a folded part. That is how I handle things like holes and fillets through bends.
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
On the subject of rolling, I have not yet figured out how to roll a flat piece. However I have learned that I can "unfold" a piece that started out with an arc, add features and then "fold" it back. Seems to work pretty well. But is there a command that rolls an originally flat piece of sheet metal?
Thanks,
Matt
RE: Adding Features to a Flattened Sheet Metal Part
Look into sketched bend.