Export sheet metal file to Solidworks

[ned.morris89]

Hi, 

I have a project which is a single sheet metal component. I need to send it to a laser cutter and they use solidworks. I have sent them .step .dwg .dxf and none of the sheetmetal details are coming across. It just appears as surfaces. 

Is there a solution to this? 

File here. https://a360.co/3tmSgL7

Thanks
Ned

[jhackney1972]

I assume, since you mentioned laser cutting, you want to send the "flat pattern" but you really did not say.  Please clarify.

[jhackney1972]

I did not hear back from you on my question so I will attach a zip file of the Flat Pattern DXF and the Model STEP file.  I do not have Solidworks but the STEP opens perfectly in Inventor 2021 so I am sure Solidworks can use it.  The DXF opens in AutoCAD 2020 also without issue.

[ned.morris89]

Hi, 

They need the complete model so they can program CNC bending. Did you change anything in the model before you exported the .step or go through a specific process? My steps for File>Export> .step

[TheCADWhisperer]

I would start over and model this part in finished form. (Many errors in modeling.)

I would fully define each and every sketch.

I would model in finished form.

Have at least tiny gap for all rips. (Or let the SolidWorks user define the Rips.)

I would let SolidWorks generate the Flat Pattern.

[ned.morris89]

Could you elaborate? I'm not super proficient and I struggled with this
model as I couldn't use flanges to achieve the geometry I wanted.

[TheCADWhisperer]

I started to rebuild it from scratch - but I had so many questions about the true Design Intent that I will have to put this one on the back burner for a bit while I get other work completed.

Bottom line - model in finished form, even if you can only figure it out using standard tools rather than sheet metal tools.  Bending up a part is not the way to model finished form. (I know, it sounds counter intuitive as that is the way it is manufactured, but that is the way you do sheet metal in CAD.)

[ned.morris89]

I'm a self-taught novice modeler. The only way I could conceptualize this model was to start from the bottom and design it based on how it would be made. 

It would be great to understand what the difference in the approaches means in real-life application? 

the product is a sink for a RV slide out kitchen. The 40mm hole in the bottom face is for the drain hole. There is a 10mm fall from the back of the sink to the drain hole for water run. The 40mm on the mid level is for a tap. 

[ned.morris89]

I have redone the design in what I think is a better method for manufacturing.

https://a360.co/2Qki3Fs