Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

I had a user ask about the Bend Minimum option of the Bend Part tool. I’ve looked at the Autodesk WikiHelp, full local Help, and various online resources, but have not been able to build an example part that will allow in me to see how the option works and I do not know what I’m missing. Does anyone have a sample part that demonstrates the Bend Minimum option or can you describe in more detail the conditions under which the option might be used?

The Help system entry for this option reads:

"Bend Minimum

When the Bend Line intersects multiple portions of the part body, use the Bend Minimum option to specify which portions are to be bent."

If you have a sample part you’d be willing to share with me, I’d love to see it.

Thanks,
Fred

[#2 · Accepted solution]

You didn't specify which version of Inventor you are using, but I have attached a part (made in IV 2013) that may help you out.  This is an example from our Solid Modeling course that explains how the Bend Part command works.

As you can see in this picture, the L-shaped part has a 45 degree bend line on one leg, but the bend is also on the other leg.  The Bend line extends infinitely in both directions, and will bend (or attempt to bend) the part whenever it crosses it.

If you toggle the Bend Minimum command, the part will only be bent along the selected visible line.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

[#3]

John,

Thanks for the reply. I’m running 2012 SP2 at the office, which is where the question came up.  I created a 2012 version of your sample and was able to get the model to behave as depicted in your graphic. I created a sample in 2012 that looked more like a fork pointing upward and I drew a horizontal bend line across one of the tines. The model did not behave as the user and I expected.

I’ve worked with the TEDCF material in the past. I’ll give it another look.

Thank you very much,

Fred