Sheet Metal Normal Cut on "Sweep"

[BradWilbert]

I am new to F360 and learning to draw parts in Sheet Metal.  I have been drawing in 2D Auto Cad for 20 years and thought that it was time to increase my skill set.  The Attached file is a common kitchen hood that I would traditionally draw in Auto Cad with a lot of math to determine the "Sweep" flat pattern.  I have drawn the part in F360 but I am unable to make a "normal cut" on the sheet metal along the sweep.  I have tried to project the sweep onto another plane and cut the overlapping parts off, but when the part is unfolded the cut is not normal for laser cutting.  The material is 16 GA stainless and the K factor is for my specific press brake and tooling.  I would appreciate suggestions on how to properly complete this drawing.  Thank you.    

[kgilham]

Hi @BradWilbert 

Would something like the attached work?  I don't think it makes it perfect but it at least gets the edge cut normal to the face.  I just did a unfold then projected the geometry from the other face and then did an extrude.  Let me know if this works for you.

Thanks,

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@kgilham wrote:

Would something like the attached work? 

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No Attachment?

@BradWilbert 

I will show robust technique when I get a chance.

Bump this thread if I forget.

[kgilham]

Not sure why it didn't attach the first time.

[BradWilbert]

Kyle,

I opened your attached file and there are no modifications? 

[Ajay_Kumar_Reddy]

Hey @BradWilbert,

I did some extrudes and I think it worked(after unfolding) If I did understand you correctly.

see the attached model.

[kgilham]

@Ajay_Kumar_Reddy perfect, that's what I was trying to show.  @BradWilbert does that workflow work?  To be totally transparent I moved from the Inventor team in the past month so while I know the sheet metal environment pretty well I'm still getting use to Fusions file system which is causing some screw ups on my end 😅. 

Let us know if that workflow works for you or if you need something else.

Thanks,

[TheCADWhisperer]

@Ajay_Kumar_Reddy 

In the Flat Pattern, your cut sides are not perpendicular to the Flat.

There are also interferences.

[BradWilbert]

I am aware of the interference on the inside of the hood, that was intentional.  I sand/grind that inside section to a 45 after it is formed for tig welding.  Yes, the flat is still not 90 degrees to the face.  This is the original issue I could not solve an why I posted the question.  I would also like the 1/16" square section in this model removed to allow for tig welding along the sweep.  I appreciate all the help.   I think that I picked a difficult project to start learning F360!

[kgilham]

Ok, third times the charm?  This is tricky because of the curve that you are trying to cut across.  I have attached (hopefully it's actually attached) a version that can at least get you the correct flat pattern for creating a dxf.  The basics are to cut the sheet metal in place, then do an unfold and trim the edge to remove the twist on the sides and then refold.  I haven't looked at the 1/16" section yet but let me know if something like this would work for you (assuming I actually posted everything correctly this time) 😄

[BradWilbert]

Kyle,

I appreciate the help with this drawing and I agree that the curve or sweep makes it tricky.  I understand the steps that you took to unfold and trim the edge to remove the twist while in the flat.  Ultimately this is what I was looking to accomplish.  This process leaves a very minimal gap at the bottom that goes to nothing at the top.  Yes, this will be welded, but it seems like a "work around" to fix the flat.  Is this the only way to draw this part?    

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@BradWilbert wrote:

 Is this the only way to draw this part?    

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No, this is not the only technique.

[kgilham]

@BradWilbert , it’s very possible there is a better way to do this.  @TheCADWhisperer  can you show us the way you would cut this part?  

Thanks,

[TheCADWhisperer]

@BradWilbert 

@kgilham 

See Attached.

[kgilham]

@TheCADWhisperer that looks great, a much simpler design flow.  @BradWilbert does this workflow work for you?

[BradWilbert]

CAD Whisperer,

WOW!  I have spent the last couple hours looking at the drawing and your design approach.  I appreciate your help and the flat layout is perfect!  I started drawing this in sheet metal and posted the question because I was unable to trim the part.  Due to the curve or "sweep" in this specific design is it always better to start with a solid, thicken, and convert to sheet metal?  I ask because this is a common design that I work with and will start with this design approach for my next project.  Was the 0.001" fillet along the sweep to prevent interference when you thickened the part and converted to sheet metal?  Thank you for the help with this project.  I really appreciate you taking the time to solve this problem and teach me a new design and flat layout technique.  F360 is a great program and now I will have a difficult time going back to Auto CAD.  I will send a picture when the project is complete.  Thanks, Brad   

[TheCADWhisperer · Accepted solution]

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@BradWilbert wrote:

  I ask because this is a common design that I work with and will start with this design approach for my next project. 

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After completing the model I figured out a way that I could simplify it just a bit.

I was irritated a bit that I had to do multiple surface trims when I should have only had two trims.

I think I have figured out a way to avoid those trims altogether.

If I get a chance - I will create new example.

[BradWilbert]

Again, I appreciate your time and I would love to learn more if your willing.  This process has been a learning experience, but I can see that it is going to be a big time saver for future projects.  Thanks!