Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
(OP)
I am pretty new to "Sheet metal".
I am using SW2003 and trying to "flatten" a sheet metal part. But it gives me an error, saying "Warning: This part contains features that cannot be unbent."
I just don't understand why it is giving me an error because the part is pretty simple and doesn't seem like it cannot be unfolded...
Does anyone have an idea??? Please?
Thanks,
Uka
I am using SW2003 and trying to "flatten" a sheet metal part. But it gives me an error, saying "Warning: This part contains features that cannot be unbent."
I just don't understand why it is giving me an error because the part is pretty simple and doesn't seem like it cannot be unfolded...
Does anyone have an idea??? Please?
Thanks,
Uka






RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
Make sure there are only linear bends in the model.
Ray Reynolds
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
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Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
The part is close to symmetrical. The tab feature on one side can be unfolded, but the other side tab cannot be unfolded. Both tabs have the same bend radius and everything. The only difference is that the tab that cannot be unfolded has a thru hole and slot feature...
Uka
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
If you suppress, either or both the thru hole & slot feature, can you then flatten the part?
FAQ559-863
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
In the first case you would have to machine it afterwards, so you would do the cut afterwards in SW also.
Barrie: I takes you a whole HOUR to finish a beer?!!!!
John Richards Sr. Mech. Engr.
Rockwell Collins Flight Dynamics
Forget rich and famous - I want to be rich and unknown.
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
a. Make sure all thicknesses are exactly the same. (I've seen instances where someone made the thickness .062", .0625", and .063" all in the same part.)
b. Do not model the bends. Leave all bends sharp and let the radiused bends come from the sheetmetal function.
c. Watch how flanges/tabs hang off of edges.
d. Be sure to create the flanges normal to their flange face, not normal to a face it is bent from. This makes the edges perpendicular to their face, as they should be.
e. Holes and cuts cannot intrude into a bend tangenecy. (I suspect this might be your particular problem.) This is easy to look at by suppressing the holes and then executing "Insert Bends". If you need a hole or cut to span a bend tangency SWX models the deformed hole beautifully, but you have to create the hole on the flattened sheet by creating the feature between the flat pattern and the process bends feature created by the sheetmetal function.
If you are having trouble flattening a feature then simplify it to investigate.
- - -Dennyd
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
(CorBlimeyLimey - I meant flatten...)
I am going try to investigate some more to see what is causing this problem.
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
Let us know what caused the problem when you find out.
FAQ559-863
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
Either way works - It's just what you find to be more efficient for you.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: Cannot unfold sheetmetal...
SBaugh
That's one of the best & worst things about SolidWorks. There are several ways to do most things, some just become personal preference. I personally like having the choices, but sometimes it is expedient to just have the "Right" way to do it, "Cut & Dried".
FAQ559-863