Need basic CNC info please

[SirMalan]

Hi there. I'm new to the world of CAD and has started learning Solid Edge V19 by myself. I'm a little bit confused about something and I hope someone can help.

In what environment do I create the drawings that are used by the CNC to cut out sheet metal parts? I have precise dimensions for some sheet metal parts I want to be cut out. Should I make the drawings in the drafting environment and export it as a .dxf file which can be used by the CNC? Am I missing something about this and what should I watch out for when drawing/making sheet metal parts?

I hope someone can help me with this. Thanks

 

[karmoh]

Hi,

After creating a .psm part, you will need to create a flat pattern of the part for manufacturing.
You can use the Flatten or Save As Flat commands to create a flat pattern of a sheet metal part.

Using the Flatten command you create a flat pattern in the same file as the formed sheet metal part, when you flatten a sheet metal part with the Flatten command, a Flat Pattern tab and feature are added to the PathFinder tab. (See help, flatten for full details)

To supply a fabricator or manufacturer with a file for CNC laser or punching you will need to use the Save As Flat command to flatten a sheet metal part. (See Help. Save as Flat)

The Save As Flat command allows you to flatten a sheet metal part and save the part as one of the following document types: Part document (PAR), Sheet Metal document (PSM), AutoCAD document (DXF).

In DXF format, the resulting file will provide a tool path for CNC programming.
A drawing can be produced from the geometry generated by this process. However, it will neither be associative nor linked to the 3D sheet metal file from which it derives.

Most CNC fabricators will check the DXF for notching or bend allowance errors although this should not be assumed. This is a big subject and can be determined by talking to an experienced fabricator

Check for the correct folding allowances (BA) the standards supplied by SE are not correct for fine limit sheet metal work. This is a big subject and is only determined by talking to the fabricator.

A Part that contains deformation features, such as a dimple or a louver, these features are not flattened. The deformation features are typically replaced with lines in wireframe as they would appear in their formed condition.

This should be enough to get you started

 

[karmoh]

Attached are some very basic design considerations in pdf format.

 

[karmoh]

whoops! the above PDF file is in MM, as used in New Zealand. Simple convert to imperial.

 

[SirMalan]

Awesome thanks a lot. And the mm doesn't matter as I live in South Africa. Thanks