Method of modelling a bent part

[MikeKovacik4928]

Hi all

I am back to inventor again after being out of it for just over a year.

This is how I used to create folded parts before.

Draw it as a normal part first with the accurate dimensions needed for the part 

to have after it has been folded.

Then convert it to a sheet metal part, changing the settings to match the plate thickness,

then flat patterning. 

I did this, so I could design the part in its final folded state first without worrying about 

bending tolerances, accuracies etc., and then worry about that after,

so my flat pattern was dependent on my part, not my part dependent on my flat pattern.

This has been my habit of many years. 

Can I just do the part from scratch in sheet metal? 

What do you other inventor users out there do?

Mike Kovacik

South Africa

Inventor 2023

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

---

@MikeKovacik4928 wrote:

Then convert it to a sheet metal part

Can I just do the part from scratch in sheet metal? 

---

Whenever possible model from scratch in finished bent form with sheet metal tools.

In the example images you attached this is a simple Contoured Flange (no need to sketch the bends - Inventor will create those for you).   If you want to edit the bends radii - you can do that.

What version of Inventor are you using? 2024?

[MikeKovacik4928]

Hi Jeffrey

I am using Inventor 2023.

See attached the .ipt files

Can you draw if for me the way you have mentioned.

What Inventor are you using. Is it 2024, if so I won't be able to open it.

Then maybe you can do some screenshots or a written explanation.

In the meantime, I will give it a try in the method you have mentioned.

Mike

[MikeKovacik4928]

Hi Jeffrey

Have done it, see attached.

So incredibly easy.

No body ever showed me, I never asked, except for now.

I will be asking and experimenting a whole lot more than I used to, from now on!!

Thanks

I will be using that method in future.

Mike

[JDMather]

@MikeKovacik4928 

Your sketch is under-constrained and not making use of obvious symmetry about the Origin (or constrained to the Origin.

Unless the angle might change - I would probably use Perpendicular constraints rather than 90° dimensions.

Also, you do not need to sketch arcs for Bends - Inventor will add the Bends for you automatically.

(By default the Bend Radius is = Thickness, but because your Bend Radius is not = Thickness it would need to be edited in Sheet Metal Defaults or individually, but again - no need to sketch them.)

Leave this out - just sharp corner line connections and Inventor will add the Bends for you.

[MikeKovacik4928]

Thanks

See attached (is it okay now?), I have noted and done that.

My sketch stills says one dimension needed for full constraint, but I can't figure out which dimension is needed

I have noted for future that the sketch can be drawn with sharp corners and no radii and that the sheet metal settings will take of that.

Mike

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

@MikeKovacik4928 

Toggle the Show All Degrees of Freedom for sketch.

You have an extraneous point that you can delete...

[MikeKovacik4928]

Hi 

Thanks!

I have never used that before! 

Very useful, will now be using it a lot more to check when sketches are not fully constrained.

Mike