Chapter 29: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools
FIGURE 29.37
Using the Process Bends featureAdded by bend lines
added to the Flat SketchBend lines drawn in Flat Sketch
to add bends to part
Bends added to part
by bend linesConvert to Sheet Metal feature
The Convert to Sheet Metal feature can use either SolidWorks native data or imported data. It can
also use solids as well as surfaces. The model can be shelled or not shelled, and have filleted edges
or not. This feature enables you to identify which edges will become bends and automatically iden-
tifies the edges to rip. See Figure 29.38.
This tool is very useful for imported geometry and for parts with tricky shapes. Although the
PropertyManager interface looks busy, it is fairly straightforward to use. Your first selection in the
top Fixed Entity box should be a stable face, preferably an outer face on the bottom or the top.
Inner faces generally do not work.Note that you can reverse the thickness of the sheet metal, so that the solid that you start with can be
treated as the volume inside the sheet metal enclosure, or the outer faces of the initial solid turn out
to be the inner faces of the sheet metal part. Use the Reverse Thickness option to accomplish this.