Using sheet metal to make cardboard box flat patterns

[dieterle]

Has anyone done something like this?

I run into a lot of problems, creating a flat pattern that will fold in solidworks is not really accurate to the flat pattern that would actually work in real life.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I have done this and come fairly close, but corrugated cardboard bends are quite different from sheet metal bends.

The scoring or creasing of the cardboard bend line changes the actual bending characteristic by changing the material thickness. SolidWorks's sheet metal parts have to maintain a constant thickness throughout the bend.

It can be done but you will have to adjust the K-factor and bend radius to suit.

 

[ctopher]

CBL is correct. It's pretty much trial and error. Contact a mfr that makes boxes from CAD. Maybe they have some tips?

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 06/08
ctopher's home (updated Jul 13, 2008)

 

[JMirisola]

I actually saw a demo on this at a user group meeting once. It was pretty impressive, but no one asked about the accuracy of the flat patterns. Rather odd now that I think about it.

Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/jeffs_blog