Sheet Metal curved then bent with complex shape

[davidneshat]

I have attached a picture of the finished part in this post.  It is made from 16 gauge sheet metal that is cut to shape, curved to a radius of ~4.4 then has the tabs on the side bent down at a 90 degree angle.

I cannot figure out how to model the complex shape in a curve or how to curve the complex shape at a 4.4 radius.

Thanks for looking.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I think this can be done by using Contour Roll command. You need to create a profile like a C and then define a vertical line. Use Contour Roll command to create the rolled shape. Then create the cutouts on the planar faces.

Many thanks!

[CadManagerMoffatNZ]

David

Hi and welcome to the forums.

Here is a quick part showing the use of the Lofted Flange command.

Hopefully it is close enough to your part for you to use as a "rough" guide of the features to use.

Inventor "currently" really only unfolds planner surfaces so it won't work with a curved surface as shown in your example (hopefully only it will soon).

Have a look at the Lofted Flange model i have attached and feel free to ask any other questions.

[SBix26]

In the photograph you attached, the part is not a smooth curve, but has noticeable bends between the tabs.  Modeling the part this way would allow Inventor to unfold it (attached file is 2019 format):

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Sam B
Inventor Pro 2019.2 | Windows 7 SP1
LinkedIn

[CadManagerMoffatNZ]

David

here is a quick contour roll example as suggested by Johnson.

As you will find yes it looks better than the lofted flange but its "nasty" to model.

[S_May]

Hi @davidneshat,

After the lasers you will be disappointed
the rolling will not work
the upsetting of 17,29mm to 23,22mm will not work

it must be created as from @SBix26

[davidneshat]

Hi Johnathan,

Your statement: You need to create a profile like a C and then define a vertical line. 

- I created a c-shape that I want. 

- I have a vertical line but what do you mean "define a vertical line"?  I have a vertical line but it does not help in any way I can see.  My ?s are:

  > Solid line or a reference line?

  > Should it be in the center of the C?   Cross the C shape? Be at the end of the C shape?  90 degrees to the C shape?

  > Attached to the C shape some how or somewhere?

  > Is the vertical line the axis for the Contour Roll?  

Can you be a little clearer, maybe an example.

Thanks, Dave