Need to make a sheet metal punch having this geometry

[riveter1000]

I'm trying to make a sheet metal punch. I have a sweep in my geometry but that feature is not allowed in a punch apparently. How could I reproduce the sweep feature in sheet metal so I can make my ifeature punch? The file is attached.

Here's a screenshot:

[JDMather]

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@riveter1000 wrote:

.... I have a sweep in my geometry but that feature is not allowed in a punch apparently.

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Sweep can be used for a Punch.

[riveter1000]

I have given up on making this geometry into a sheet metal punch. I have made it into a standard part and tried to create an ifeature. But it does not like the sweep. It's alright up untill I try to add the sweep to the ifeature, then it tells me the object is not supported.

I need to place this geometry into a model in several places, so I really need to use ifeature capability. Does anyone have any ideas?

Part file attached.

Here's a screenshot of the problem:

I'm using Inventor 2014

[innovatenate]

I think the issue is you are not selecting the 2D sketch curve for the sweep. Instead you are selecting the edge of the part which generates a 3D sketch in the browser. Try using the Select Other tool from the right click menu when selecting the Path in the sweep command. Insure that you select all the sketch curves and the sweep feature should work for an ifeature/punch.

I hope that helps, please keep us updated on your progress.

Thanks,

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! Indeed, creating a good punch tool (or iFeature) is not as straight forward as it could be. There is room for improvement for sure. However, the key to success here is to understand the feature dependency clearly and manage the dependency carefuly. Think of dependency as a debt. First, you want to minimize debt. Second, you want to consolidate the debt (to one or few lenders for example).

Attached ide file is extracted from Cut18, Work Plane11, and Sweep4 in the ipt file. I deliberately construct the features so that the source parent is just a sketch point and a projected edge. All the rest of the features are built on top of them. The punch tool will require a sketch point and a projected edge as input. You may need to rotate the direction a bit to get o the desirable orientation.

Please take a look and let me know if you have any question.

Thanks!

[riveter1000]

johnsonshiue wrote:
Attached ide file is extracted from Cut18, Work Plane11, and Sweep4 in the ipt file. I deliberately construct the features so that the source parent is just a sketch point and a projected edge. All the rest of the features are built on top of them. The punch tool will require a sketch point and a projected edge as input. You may need to rotate the direction a bit to get o the desirable orientation.

Your reply got me thinking about a work around to my problem. I created the dimple punch on top of the flange punch as you did in your example. This solves my immediate problem. The features will not flatten, but I can work around that.

I still can't get the flange and sweep features to work together as one punch, even selecting the sketch vice the edge as the path.

[mail]

By removing one center mark (see red arrow), I could make a stamp of it. See attached picture how it was marked up.From Inventor proffesional 2018