Using fold function in Sheet metal

[Anonymous]

I am trying to recreate a part that I already have a model to. The model is a solid form and I don't know how it was made. I am recreating it to make it thicker. I have tried making a flat pattern then folding (no luck), I have tried extruding and folding (no luck) I have tried for the last 3 hours multiple ways of doing this but can't get it to work. Here are a couple of pictures of what I am trying to recreate.

When I make the folds on the end flanges it works fine, then I try to fold the center fold and it disconnects the two end flanges?

Someone please help? Is there a way to edit the existing model and change the thickness without losing the flat pattern?

I am using Inventor Pro 2017. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! This usually happens when the bend zone crosses over a non-planar area or crosses over another bend. Please attach the example so forum experts can comment further.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Here is the part. Sorry I forgot to add it to the original post. This is what I am trying to recreate in 1/8 in thick material.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! Here is a quick 5-minute mock-up model. The key here is to use Contour Flange to create the base part. Then cut out some area.

Many thanks!

[Thomas_Savage · Accepted solution]

Hello,

I have attached your model.

I have made it soo you can place Thickness, and flat pattern. You can place the Thickness you want, and it will flat pattern.

I don't understand 1/8 in material. Else I would of placed the material in Sheet Metal Defaults.

Is this what you wanted? As you said you just wanted to make the part thicker, and flat pattern.

Thomas.

[SBix26]

@Thomas_Savage "1/8 in material" = material that is 0.125 inch thick.  Inch is an obsolete unit of measurement still in use only in two very backward nations...

Sam B

Inventor Professional 2018.2.1
Windows 7 SP1

[Thomas_Savage]

@SBix26 Thank you. If they had of said 0.125 Inch I would of understood.

But "1/8 in material" I had no clue.

Yes I don't like Inches. I work with millimetres.

I know USA use Inches. And what other nation?

Thomas.

[SBix26]

Actually two others, according to Wikipedia:

"All countries except Burma (Myanmar), Liberia, and the United States of America have officially adopted the metric system, although Liberia has seen some introduction of metric units, and in 2013 Burma formally announced the beginning of its metrication program.^[1]"

And, there are many industries in the US using metric units, too, just nothing official.

Sam B

Inventor Professional 2018.2.1
Windows 7 SP1

[Thomas_Savage]

That's interesting @SBix26

I don't think the USA will ever go to metric.

Thomas.