SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Chapter 29: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools

The Mirror function enables you to mirror bodies, but the new bodies have to be merged manually

with the existing body.

Using Insert Part

Using the Insert Part feature inserts an existing part as a new body inside a sheet metal part, but

even if the inserted part was a sheet metal part initially, it does not show up as sheet metal after

being inserted in the other part.

You can join the inserted part to the local sheet metal body by using the Combine feature, but not

by using the merge option in an Edge Flange as you can to merge two bodies modeled within a

single part. When the Combine feature is used, any sharp intersection between the parts is left

sharp, and will not flatten unless you use the Insert Bends feature to convert the sharp into a bend.

This is an odd twist on combining the old (Insert Bends) method with the new (Base Flange)

method.

Using multiple Base Flanges

Another method to get multiple bodies inside a sheet metal part is to start from disjoint Base

Flange features. You can build flanges toward one another until flanges touch. Figure 29.40 illus-

trates a situation where a disjoint flange created by a base flange feature is connected to the main

part using an Edge Flange feature with the Up To Edge And Merge flange length setting.

FIGURE 29.40

Using an Edge Flange to connect disjoint bodies in a sheet metal part