Sheet metal tab slot corner relief

[andrewdroth]

I am wanting to simply the process for adding these cut hole corner reliefs. These are being used in a tab and slot style welded assembly.

Currently I have a sketch block I explode and make parametric to the tab feature it's being used with, but it would be nice to be able to add them in the same manner as a corner round.

I think an iFeature could possibly work, but that almost seems more cumbersome than what I'm doing right now.

[JDMather]

Doesn't that go in uniform thickness material?  (No example Attached?)

If yes, then I would simply create a parametric Punch Tool.

Then it would be as simple as placing Hole features.

[-niels-]

This topic might be interesting for you:
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/tab-and-slot-app-for-inventor/m-p/10623591#M840804

[andrewdroth]

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@JDMather wrote:

Doesn't that go in uniform thickness material?  (No example Attached?)

If yes, then I would simply create a parametric Punch Tool.

Then it would be as simple as placing Hole features.

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Yes it does. The punch tool would work, but I want these hole sizes linked to the tab dimensions. I want to easily be able to change the tab length and thickness and have these slots update accordingly. I don't think I can do that with the punch tool.

[andrewdroth]

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@-niels- wrote:
This topic might be interesting for you:
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/tab-and-slot-app-for-inventor/m-p/10623591#M840804

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It has been for some time...

EDIT: Oops, I thought you linked the idea station post. This is cool.

[andrewdroth]

Hmm, the hole feature might be my best bet...

[JDMather]

The Punch Tool can be set to prompt you for any parameter that you want.

[andrewdroth]

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@JDMather wrote:

The Punch Tool can be set to prompt you for any parameter that you want.

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Yeah, but I would need to add those parameters to each punch operation. My goal is to have the dogbone fillets follow the slot corners.

Ideally it would work like this Fusion360 add-in where I could add it to all the internal corners of a sheet metal body.

I think I smell an idea station post brewing. 

[JDMather]

I must not understand your intent. (Of course I understand the resulting "dogbone" geometry, what I don't understand is why this is difficult as a Punch.)

An example file finished the "hard way" might help illustrate the Design Intent.

[mcgyvr]

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@andrewdroth wrote:

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Yes it does. The punch tool would work, but I want these hole sizes linked to the tab dimensions. I want to easily be able to change the tab length and thickness and have these slots update accordingly. I don't think I can do that with the punch tool.

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@andrewdroth  Can you provide actual examples? What does it mean to update accordingly specifically.. Tell us what specifically changes when whatever else changes.. Specifically describe the variables/dependents,etc... to us..

You can easily make a punch tool that (for example) would be a simple dog bone where you can prompt upon placement for length/width/relief diameter AND you can use parameters in that target part to populate those values..

I think thats whats you are asking..

As stated if you can just model up a simple example of what you want and show which parameters are driven by which parameters we can easily show how to create a punch to accomplish that.. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Andrew,

Another workflow to consider is to create an actual tab tool (positive) as an ipt file. Then simply derive it as a body into a sheet metal part. Then you can populate the tool by using Sketch-Driven Pattern (join as one body). Lastly, use Combine feature to cut the tool from the main sheet metal body.

Many thanks!

[andrewdroth]

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@mcgyvr wrote:

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@andrewdroth  Can you provide actual examples? What does it mean to update accordingly specifically.. Tell us what specifically changes when whatever else changes.. Specifically describe the variables/dependents,etc... to us..

Kinda like this. I want to be able to change everything in terms of sizes. Essentially, a fillet commend that can accommodate dogbone fillets.

https://autode.sk/3lUUTRO

[andrewdroth]

My GOD, adding an attachment and a screencast quickly reminded me why I stopped posting here.

Frig around!

[andrewdroth]

wHOOPS...

[mcgyvr]

@andrewdroth 

And what specifically is wrong with just using a punch like this?

You just need a sketch with center points at the center of each dogbone.. Then you define width/height/relief diameter as needed and each of those can be driven by parameters in your model if desired..

Edit... Now I'm thinking that you already receive a file from someone with the rectangle cutouts already in place and now you ONLY need to add the corner reliefs..

If so then yes I think that using the Hole command with allow center point creation on may be the fastest process.

If you are the one creating the initial rectangles then just use a punch instead of rectangles. 

[andrewdroth]

@mcgyvr I think it's doable, I just find it more cumbersome.

EDIT: No, I'm making the whole master part.

[JDMather]

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@andrewdroth wrote:

@mcgyvr I think it's doable, I just find it more cumbersome.

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I don't think you fully appreciate the technique we are suggesting.

Can you Attach a completed design done using your current workflow. Yes/No?

[andrewdroth]

@JDMather No I can't add the actual model I'm working on. It's not mine to share.

[mcgyvr]

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@andrewdroth wrote:

@JDMather No I can't add the actual model I'm working on. It's not mine to share.

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Do you add the tabs to the parts first? Or the slots?

Then how do you go about locating/creating the rectangles or the tabs?

Projecting tab or slot geometry to the parts?

Wouldn't that process be easier if you simply had to locate/create center points relative to those tabs (assuming you create tabs first) and then use the punch to rapidly create all the slots complete with reliefs?

I'd think it would always be quicker to just create/dimension a center point vs a rectangle... 

[JDMather]

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@andrewdroth wrote:

@JDMather No I can't add the actual model I'm working on. It's not mine to share.

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Well, in that case I am glad that I did not take my time to create a dummy example and video to demonstrate my thinking on the topic.