topic Re: can it be made using sheet metal in Inventor Forum

can it be made using sheet metal

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 09:15:27 GMT

Hi, Could this part be made using sheet metal tools. If yes how would i make?

Using 2015

Trent

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

stephenrottloff7259 — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:36:05 GMT

Start with a flat pattern of the forked shape (in sheet metal mode of course).

Don't have the hemmed shapes in the flat pattern, they can be added later.

Use the fold command (not bend command) to form the 2 forked shapes down.

A sketch with a bend line would be required for the fold command.

Use the hem command to add the 2 hems to the "handle" of the forked shape.

Stephen R.

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

JDMather — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:05:02 GMT

I am pretty sure I would not start with a flat pattern.

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

mcgyvr — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:23:43 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

I am pretty sure I would not start with a flat pattern.

Any specific reason other than you hate the fold command?

For such a simple part I really see no reason that fold couldn't be used.. Its just as easy to add the forks as regular flanges though too.

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:50:43 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I am pretty sure I would not start with a flat pattern.

I completely agree, I only start with the flat p[attern if there is no other way to model the part.

A finished dimensionally correct part is the end goal. As such there is a bunch of guessing at K-Factor etc when starting with a flat pattern.

I would use a contour flange, trim it for the forks etc and then add the hems. Flat pattern is created last and is size dependent on the part and K-Factor

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

JDMather — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 13:54:16 GMT

@mcgyvr wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:

I am pretty sure I would not start with a flat pattern.

Any specific reason other than you hate the fold command?

Try it - and come up with the finished dimensions specified by the OP.

I had to do the attached part really fast to avoid being late to work - so check to make sure I got it right.

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

mcgyvr — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 14:01:34 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

@mcgyvr wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:

I am pretty sure I would not start with a flat pattern.

Any specific reason other than you hate the fold command?

Try it - and come up with the finished dimensions specified by the OP.

Yes I do agree that it can be more difficult to attempt to match furnished dimensions via the fold command.

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

stephenrottloff7259 — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:17:09 GMT

Yes I agree. Saying to start with a flat pattern is confusing.

I should have said "Start with a sketch of the forked shape".

Thank you,

Stephen R.

Re: can it be made using sheet metal

JDMather — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 14:51:20 GMT

Here is a slightly different technique that might be easier to edit to different sizes.

Does this solve your problem?