Sheet metal _ Multi-Body

[CWC_Drawing_Office]

Hi all,

I don't believe this to be a Inventor question as much as it is a manufacturing question.

Please see below image for what I am referring to, encircled is a lofted profile to create a mitered edge. It seems as though the edge is "Rolling" when it transitions into the next vertical line.

This part is going to be laser cut and as such I would like to know if it is okay, because it will have to be welded? Any input is welcome!

Thanks in advance.

[gcoombridge]

Haven't looked at your files because I am away from my laptop but if that edge is on a flat plane I would say it is not ideal. All edges should be perpendicular to the sheet face...

That said you can just tweak the flat pattern dxf export in AutoCAD.

[SharkDesign]

Why have you used loft at all? I would do this as a dead simple face with two flanges attached. 

Also, you should check that whoever is bending it has the right tools because your sides are slightly longer than the width of the part. Not by a huge amount so it'll probably be fine. 

You get this at the end, which a laser cutter wouldn't do. This is the reason you are getting a 'rolling edge,' the sheet does not have a square end.  

[SharkDesign]

So either three shapes like this:

Or one part like this:

and weld the inside on after

[SharkDesign]

This cut is your real issue:

It leaves you with an angled cut across the bend and an angled edge to the sheet.

p.s. don't see any issue with welding that stuff.

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! This is a very interesting challenge. The seemingly simple design can be tricky to do. There are multiple ways to do this. Without altering the model too much, I used Thicken features repeatedly to help fix up the side faces. Also, instead of Loft solid, I used Loft surface to ensure consistent thickness. Please take a look at the attached part.

Many thanks!

[CWC_Drawing_Office]

Thanks for the reply, So the bending definitely wasn't a concern as I believe they have a laser bending machine.

[CWC_Drawing_Office]

It will definitely have to be 4 pieces of your first illustration. With miter connections, I want the faces to be matching what it would look like after laser cutting which like you mentioned would be perpendicular to the sheet face.

[CWC_Drawing_Office]

How would I do it better? I didn't see a miter command, suggestions?

[CWC_Drawing_Office]

Hi Johnson,

Thank you for the reply, I have had a look at your model and if I'm being honest I'm not too sure I can do the workflow consistently without a bit more know how and practice.

Could you possibly suggest another workflow that might work?

[SharkDesign · Accepted solution]

You can't mitre a sheet of metal unless you can somehow angle the laser head.

Having a flat face to the edge of the sheet is not an issue for welding, they need something to fill anyway. 

Is there a problem with the way I did it?

part attached. 

[CWC_Drawing_Office]

Thank you very much for your input. I will definitely keep your workflow in mind.

I have ended up changing the whole design and done it what I believe to be an easier way to manufacture.

Thank you to everyone for the input!