Offsetting a section in sheetmetal

[careyc]

I've created a short cylindrical part using SE v15 sheetmetal with one end having a lipped edge that's bent in towards the central axis. On this lipped edge, there are several tabs also in the same direction. I created this part by using a circular dimple on a circular flange and then cut out the areas and shapes that I don't need. The problem is that two of these tabs should be slightly offset, which through its manufacturing process will be stamped down slightly to offset them from the plane of the rest of the tabs. I can't use the jog or bend function since I have no planar face. How can I get around this?

 

[fredericmenage]

Hi,

The easiest way I see would be to update to V17 or higher and use the 'modify' toolbar to move these sets of faces.


In V15, I don't see a simple solution to your problem.

1/ may be, instead of using dimple, use File/switch to part, model the tabs with swept protrusions (or whichever feature is appropriate), then switch back to sheet metal.

2/ or may be a surfacing approach : by creating the first dimple, use the surfacing commands to copy the faces of the dimple that you will need for you tabs. drop the parent for those surfaces. Then create a 2nd tab with the offseted dimensions, repeat the same operations as before. Add some surfaces, trim them and stitch them to create the enveloppes of your tabs and use the boolean/unite command to add the solid tabs to your sheet metal part.

HTH,

Fred

 

[beachcomber]

careyc,
Can you use a 'contour flange' ?

bc

 

[careyc]

Hi. Thanks for the advice.

I can't use the contour flange since I don't have a planar face. I was able to switch to part and created separate protrusions of those tabs to be offset from the original plane as I needed. It wasn't perfect, especially with the edge blending, but it serves the purpose.

Much appreciation for all the help!