What is this called, and can I do it? :) (debossing sheet metal or other material with thickness)

[atURDHL]

Can I

1) make an object out of sheet metal, or otherwise thickened geometry

2) "pull" or "press" shapes into/out of it?

I am practicing copying real-world objects, and am trying to figure out how to model the various surface features seen in formed sheet metal objects, such as the little "feet" where the screws go through.

Something like this:

thanks!

[hamid.sh.]

I don't think Press/Pull can do this. That tool doesn't simulate what really happens to a sheet metal when it is pressed.

Attached is one way to do it, using simple surface features and then Thicken. You can Change Parameters to make a bigger sheet. Just if you change pattern numbers (nx & ny) you should edit the last feature and simply hit ok (without doing this it doesn't update the profile).

Perhaps there are other ways as well, but this also works.