SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 29: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools

FIGURE 29.15

Curved Edge Flanges on a part

Notice bend reliefs where they are not needed

All the edges that you select to be used with a curved Edge Flange must be tangent. This means

that in Figure 29.15, neither of the Edge Flanges could have been extended around the ends of the

part. You would need to create separate Edge Flange features for those edges.

Because these Edge Flanges are made in such a way that they are developable surfaces, they can be

(and are) flattened in such a way that they do not stretch the material of the flange when the flat is

compared to the formed shape. Doubtless there is some deformation in between the two states in

the actual forming of this flange, and so its manufacturing accuracy may not be completely reliable.

Miter Flange feature

The Miter Flange feature can create picture frame–like miters around corners of parts, and cor-

rectly recognizes the difference between mitered inside corners and mitered outside corners. The

PropertyManager and a sample Miter Flange are shown in Figure 29.16.

A Miter Flange feature starts off with a sketch that is perpendicular to the starting edge of the Miter

Flange feature.

Tip
A quick way to start a sketch for a Miter Flange that is on a plane perpendicular to a selected edge is to select
the edge, and then click a sketch tool. This automatically creates a plane perpendicular to the edge at the near-
est endpoint. n

Miter Flange sketches can have single lines or multiple lines. They can even have arcs. Still,

remember that just because you can make it in SolidWorks does not mean that the manufacturer

can make it. It is often a good idea to check with the manufacturer to ensure that the part can be

made. Also, you usually learn something from the experience.