Sheet metal difficulties

[mdturner710]

Hi, 

I modeled this part and then converted to sheet metal so I could lay it flat and then have it laser cut for prototypes. However, I went in and assigned the bends it creates this extra cut out space for a punch but I dont want that. How do I go about making it just lay flat? What have you guys done to make something like this laser cutter compatible?

[mdavis22569]

I don't think you'll be able too..

Extrusion 3 and 5 weren't done in Sheet metal ... therefore they can't go flat

I believe without going into it to far.. You'd want to put those bends in after you notch the squares ~ Extrusion 9

[alewer · Accepted solution]

As the error message suggests, you have interfering plates. One of your tabs is interfering with your main body (see my attached image).

I modified your model to remove the problem area. It flattens, but it still requires a great deal of cleanup. Even though you can get it to flatten, there is no reason to use extrude+bend to create this model. It can (and should) be done with sheet metal features. You should also fully constrain your sketches.

[mdavis22569]

Nice ...you went in much deeper than I did ...

It looks a lot better 

[BeKirra · Accepted solution]

I think that mateo710 has problem with creating bends as I had the same before.

And what you've pointed out is right, the flat pattern would be perfectly without any errors when all interferences are fixed.

To mateo710,

There won't be a problem if some features are created by using simple extrusion.

I attach a sample which has a tab made by "bend" while another made by "extrusion". Hope it would help you a little.

[mdturner710]

Awesome thanks guys that helped a ton. I got one more quick question, I'm trying to make than L shape on this bracket that's parallel to the face. I can't figure out how to make a second flange coming off the first

[WHolzwarth]

Something like this, Mateo?

Walter