How to fold sheet metal in SolidWorks for manufacturing design?

Introduction

In the world of manufacturing design, the ability to fold sheet metal with precision is a crucial skill. SolidWorks is a powerful tool that can help engineers and designers create accurate and efficient sheet metal designs. In this article, we will explore how to fold sheet metal in SolidWorks for manufacturing design.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your sheet metal designs are optimized for production and assembly.

Understanding Sheet Metal Design in SolidWorks

Before we dive into how to fold sheet metal in SolidWorks, it is important to understand the basics of sheet metal design in this software.

SolidWorks offers specialized tools and functionality for creating sheet metal parts, allowing users to easily create complex designs that are manufacturable.

By utilizing features such as flanges, bends, and bends relief, engineers can accurately model sheet metal components that are ready for production.

Creating a Sheet Metal Part

To begin folding sheet metal in SolidWorks, start by creating a new sheet metal part in the software. This can be done by selecting the appropriate template and setting material properties for the sheet metal. 

Once you create the part, you can use various SolidWorks tools to add features such as flanges, bends, and cutouts to the design. By accurately modeling the sheet metal part, you ensure it folds and assembles correctly during manufacturing.

Adding Bends to the Sheet Metal Part

Once you have created the basic shape of the sheet metal part, it is time to add bends to the design. In SolidWorks, you can easily create bends by using the “Insert Bends” feature, which allows you to specify the bend radius, angle, and direction.

 By carefully defining the bends in the sheet metal part, you can ensure that it can be accurately folded during the manufacturing process.

Defining Bend Allowance and Bend Deduction

When folding sheet metal in SolidWorks, it is important to consider the bend allowance and bend deduction for the material. The bend allowance represents the amount of material that will be consumed during the bending process, while the bend deduction accounts for the stretching that occurs on the outer surface of the bend.

 By accurately defining the bend allowance and bend deduction in SolidWorks, you can ensure that your sheet metal part is folded with precision and accuracy.

Using Simulation Tools for Folding

Before finalizing the design of a sheet metal part in SolidWorks, it is helpful to use simulation tools to verify the folding process. SolidWorks offers powerful simulation capabilities that allow engineers to test how the sheet metal part will behave during the bending process. 

By simulating the folding of the part, you can identify any potential issues or errors in the design and make necessary adjustments before production.

Adding Features for Manufacturing

In addition to folding the sheet metal part, it is important to consider other features that are necessary for manufacturing. SolidWorks offers a variety of tools for adding features such as corner reliefs, gussets, and tabs to sheet metal designs. 

By incorporating these features into the design, you can ensure that the sheet metal part can be efficiently produced and assembled in the manufacturing process.

Creating Flat Patterns for Manufacturing

Once the sheet metal part has been folded and all necessary features have been added, it is time to create a flat pattern for manufacturing. In SolidWorks, you can easily generate a flat pattern of the sheet metal part by using the “Flatten” feature. 

This flat pattern can be used by manufacturers to cut and bend the sheet metal to create the final part, ensuring that it is produced accurately and efficiently.

Conclusion

Folding sheet metal in SolidWorks for manufacturing design is a critical skill for engineers and designers in the field of manufacturing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create sheet metal parts that are optimized for production and assembly. 

By accurately modeling bends, defining bend allowance and deduction, using simulation tools, and adding features for manufacturing, you can ensure that your sheet metal designs are manufacturable and efficient. 

With the powerful tools and functionality offered by SolidWorks, you can take your sheet metal design capabilities to the next level and create high-quality parts that meet the needs of your manufacturing process.