Learn the fundamental process of designing sheet metal components in SolidWorks, from creating a base flange to generating a flat pattern for manufacturing.
If the Sheet Metal tab isn't visible, right-click on any existing tab in the CommandManager (e.g., Features, Sketch) and select Sheet Metal from the list to enable it.
Start a new sketch on a plane (e.g., Top Plane). Draw the 2D profile of your base part. Once your sketch is complete, go to the Sheet Metal tab and click Base Flange/Tab. SolidWorks will extrude the sketch and apply the default sheet metal parameters like thickness and bend radius.
Select the Edge Flange tool from the Sheet Metal tab. Click on one or more edges of your base flange where you want to add a bent wall. You can drag the flange to the desired length and adjust its angle and position in the PropertyManager.
Use other tools to complete your design. Add holes or cutouts using the Extruded Cut feature, create hems with the Hem tool, or add corner treatments using the Corner tools.
To see the flat pattern required for manufacturing, simply click the Flatten button on the Sheet Metal toolbar. This will show you the unfolded part. Click the button again to return to the folded state.
Pro Tips for Sheet Metal Design
Before you start, edit the main Sheet Metal feature in the FeatureManager Design Tree to set global rules for thickness, K-Factor, and Auto Relief.
Have a solid part you need to make from sheet metal? Use the Convert to Sheet Metal tool to select faces, define bends, and transform a solid body into a manufacturable sheet metal part.
When making cuts that go through bends, check the Normal cut option in the Extruded Cut PropertyManager. This ensures the cut is perpendicular to the sheet metal face, which is crucial for manufacturing.
Always flatten your part before finalizing the design to check for interferences or overlapping geometry that would make manufacturing impossible.
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