Sheet Metal Two Bends Help.

[changedsoul]

Im having trouble getting this bend on this part. I have shared the file.

Basically, looking from the front plane, I have drawn the profile it needs to take on, and from the top view I have added the locations the bends need to be at. They are both 45 degs and .5 radius.

I know I can extrude a surface, thicken it, then cut away the outside profile, but I am trying to see if and how much the dimensions change after form.

I hope I have made myself clear. Looking at the file will help.

Thanks in advance,

[aliobidi · Accepted solution]

Hi , 
I make it for you at the right way with sheet metal .. If you change any diminutions the timeline still fine 

tell me if I got you 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

I think this is what you want.  Use the Flange tool, in sheet metal, to create a Contour Flange.  Screencast will show the process.

[changedsoul]

So there is no way to create this from a flat profile and bend points?
Using flange seems to be trying to create it backwards, and when you make it a flat pattern, the flat patterns profile is all distorted.

[jhackney1972]

You may be able to do it starting with the flat sheet end and then add Bends but you will have a hard time getting it correct.  As far as the Flat Pattern, it is a flat sheet, where do you see any distortion?

[changedsoul]

Sorry, I was referring to aliobidi's way. You both seemed to use the flange tool to create it. When the flat pattern is used on the part using the flange, the side walls get distorted. I was hoping to see what it looked like the other way around, having perfect flat pattern and bending it.

You are correct it is a pain and nothing I do gets it to work. I get close by adjusting the bend radius, but then the bends are smaller than the tolerance provided.

If there is no other way I guess this is solved.

[dcAWMGX]

Just create the flange as in the video above, the unfold from the modify menu, then draw your profile and extrude the parts you dont need and refold again.

Then you will have what you are looking for.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@changedsoul wrote:

If there is no other way I guess this is solved.

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Forget the Flat Pattern for now, assume it is irrelevant as nobody purchases the flat pattern - they purchase for the finished part.

Use the standard tools to model the part in finished form that customer wants.

Attach the finished form here and then I will circle back and show how to get there from flat pattern.

[changedsoul]

The problem is when I create the rectangular flat pattern and cut away what I do not want, when I refold, I am back with a rectangular bent flange part.

I don't use sheet metal much so I am probably missing something obvious.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

In the Screencast I show you how to "capture" the unfolded body before you return to the folded shape.  Model is attached, with BOTH bodies on so do not be confused.

[changedsoul]

Thank you. I was missing the "Unfold" part of it. Very simple now that I see it.

Thanks!