Sheet Metal Bend Feature

[Anonymous]

I have not found a reliable example of how to bend sheet metal. It looks like a fairly new feature. I do not need help creating an extruded flange. I need to bend sheet metal from a flat form. Imagine this, you have a sheet of 16 gauge steel with dimensions of 23"x 25.5" and you want to make multiple bends. 7 bends total. After I create the first sketch and finish the material dimensions, how do I then create the bend lines and afterward bend them in the order I want.

Thanks

[TheCADWhisperer]

Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply?

[Anonymous]

I can't share the design unfortunately, it's confidential.
It is similar to a joist hanger. It has bends that make both a "U" shape channel and bends that go the opposite way that would be nailed into a structure to support the weight.
I know its hard to sort without seeing it.
If you could picture a flat square sheet, and then cut out the letter "T" you will start to know what I am looking at. The bottom long stem of the "T" is at the bottom edge. So there is a cut out basically to allow for the multiple bends. The bends or parallel and there is also a 90 degree bend from the center line directly above the "T" cut out.
I know that is probably confusing.
I may not be starting the procedure correctly. I created a sketch of the sheet shape to be cut. Then I started a second sketch to place the bends.
I may not have the axis sorted out correctly. When I try to make the bends it wont let me select anything.

[jhackney1972]

This is basically what a joist hanger bracket looks like, where to change it from here?

[Anonymous]

Don't get hung up on "joist hanger bracket" term. I only mention it in relation to the multiple bends more complex versions can have.

I'm bending a deep channel and then bending that at a 90... then bending a few tabs outward the opposite direction. I know a frame of refrence would make this easier for you to explain.

My main focus is how to add bends in a sheet of metal.

So, after I make the shape of the steel I want to bend and then finish that sketch, how do I start to place my bends?

[jhackney1972]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Don't get hung up on "joist hanger bracket" term. I only mention it in relation to the multiple bends more complex versions can have.

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You should not reference a shape and then contradict  when someone takes you at your word.  You have furnished no sketches or pictures that would help someone "read your mind".  Against my better judgement, I have tried to "read your mind" in your latest description and created another sheet metal component.  I want to help but please consider helping with some pictures and/or sketches to make the process easier.  Model is attached.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@Anonymous wrote:
I can't share the design unfortunately, it's confidential.

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It should only take about 5 minutes for you to work up a dummy file that would illustrate the Design Intent of your proprietary design.

[Anonymous]

Respectfully, I never said it was shaped like a joist hanger. I said it has bends that are "similar" to a joist hanger. In that there are multiple bends in opposite directions.

Let me ask my question another way. After I create a sketch of the sheet metal, what are the next steps in creating a bend profile? I have a grand total of 3 days using this program having never used anything like this CAD program.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Respectfully, if I could make something like what I need in 5 minutes I wouldn't need help.

Thanks.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I have a grand total of 3 days using this program having never used anything like this CAD program.

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I know that there is a great temptation to jump in and start designing your real work, but it it generally recommended to first go through the Tutorials.

[CGBenner]

@Anonymous 
Hi, please do not post the same question in multiple threads.  Let's leave this one open until you (hopefully) get the help that you need.

Here is a YouTube video that may help a bit... YouTube may also have other videos on the subject.  it;s a great place to find tips on almost anything.  Thanks!