I have a structrual rectangular tube as shown in the picture below. I need to fold the four flanges inward to create a sort of point or pyramid. Can this be done?
Solved! Go to Solution.
Solved by graemev. Go to Solution.
I'm attaching the part I'm working with in case anyone wants to demonstrate. I've been experimenting with the "Bend Part" tool but can't get it to work quite right.
How will Extrusion3 be cut out on the shop floor?
Thanks for the reply. I honestly don't know, this is how my boss wants it done. That's one thing I plan on asking him when I get the chance. If you can recommend a better way to even get to the point I'm at I'm all ears.
I was trying to decide whether to model in finished (bent) form or to bend or fold.
But as I looked at the geometry I didn't see an inexpensive way to cut that. From what I could see it would take a wire EDM or 4(or more) axis LASER.
Based on a quick trial I would almost certainly model with the sheet metal tools (just leave out the Rip feature) to desired finished form and then work backwards (Project Flat Pattern in sketch) to get the unfolded (just of these features) form. My quick trial convinced me of how not to do the part.
My suggestion would be to do a hand sketch (or 2D AutoCAD) of the top and side view (as finished) with desired dimensions and attach that here.
Ok, thanks a lot for your help. I'll get with my boss and post back once I have a better idea of what the end result should be.
Yes, though it may not be exactly as you'd planned. It is a reasonable approximation of what will happen on the shop floor.
I'm not game to model in the welds along the corners. Others far more experienced than I can help there.
@Anonymous wrote:I was trying to decide whether to model in finished (bent) form or to bend or fold.
But as I looked at the geometry I didn't see an inexpensive way to cut that. From what I could see it would take a wire EDM or 4(or more) axis LASER.
Actually, it's not that far off from what it would look like after a gas-axe.
@Dr. Mather, it seems the plan is to torch cut the material to be removed. Does this sound reasonable?
@Graemev, thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to do that. I really can't seem to get a handle on the bend tool. I modified the part slightly so there's not a gap at the edges of the longer flange (see picture below), but now I can't get the bends to work again. Do you think you could take a look at it for me? Please see modified part attached.
vs.
Tweak the depth of cut (d51), cut width (d53), bend radius (d64) and bend angle (d65) to suit. Note the cut squaring out the inner radius of the tube so as to permit bending from the root of the cut.
Ah, I think I see what you mean. I think I'm getting a better handle on the bend tool. Your modifications to the part brought to look like just what I need. Thanks for all your help!