Let’s Talk Sheetmetal

I really like the Sheetmetal functionality in SolidWorks. I like that it’s fairly intuitive and does a nice job of creating your part. There is one aspect of it, however, that many people seem to miss. That would be the unfold/fold commands. When you have a part that’s been bent, and you need to cut some holes in it, this is the way you want to go, especially if you’re putting a hole in that straddles one of the bends. How do you use it? Simple. From your sheetmetal toolbar, select the ‘Unfold’ button. At this point, you’ll need to select a fixed face. You’ll then be prompted to select your bends. Generally, I simply ’select all’. Hit the check mark and your part will unfold. One thing to note is that your ‘Flatten’ feature is still surpressed. You can now insert your cuts. Once done, select the ‘Fold’ button, the fixed face from before and the bend(s) you used. Voila! Your holes are done. Why not just use the ‘Flatten’ feature? Because the cuts you put in would be surpressed in the "unflattened" state. I know, from experience, that this can be rather frustrating.

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September 24, 2008 · Posted in SolidWorks Tips

Comments

Brian

Jeff,
I agree, using the unfold/fold is the easiest way of putting holes in a bend. 97% of my work is sheet metal so I was just wondering what you was using the unfold/fold for other than putting cuts and holes in bends.
Later,
Brian
Jeff Mirisola

Brian,
I do use the hole wizard when applicable. Using unfold/fold depends on where and when the holes are applied in process. Best example is if a hole needs to straddle a bend.
Brian

Why don't you put the holes in the sheetmetal part using the hole wizard while it's in the bent state? I use this method most of the time. Just curious.
Brian

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While most of what I write will be about SolidWorks, or partner products, from time to time I've been known to go off on random rants about whatever crosses my mind.

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