SolidWorks 2010 Bible

Part VII: Working with Specialized Functionality

FIGURE 29.32

Applying the Unfold and Fold features

Making Sheet Metal Parts from

Generic Models

SolidWorks can also convert generic constant thickness models into sheet metal parts that flatten,

and on which any of the dedicated sheet metal features can be used. You can make models from

thin feature extrudes or regular extrudes with Shell features, and then use the Insert Bends feature

to make them sheet metal parts. The structure of parts created with the Insert Bends feature is

somewhat different. Figure 29.33 shows a comparison of the two methods’ FeatureManagers for

simple parts.

The most notable difference is that the Insert Bends part starts off with non-sheet metal features.

The Rip feature also stands out, but the Rip feature is not exclusive to sheet metal. Although you

can use Rip on any model, it is found only on the Sheet Metal toolbar.

The Sheet Metal feature is found in both the Base Flange and Insert Bends methods, and has the

same PropertyManager function in both methods.

The new features in the Insert Bends method are the Flatten Bends and Process Bends features. The

way the Insert Bends method works is that the model that is built with the sharp-cornered non-

sheet metal feature is flattened by the Flatten Bends feature. The model is then reconstructed with

bends by the Process Bends feature.

The main rule that SolidWorks enforces on sheet metal models regardless of how they came to be

sheet metal is that the parts should have a consistent wall thickness. When all the geometry is

made from the beginning as a sheet metal part (using the Base Flange method), there is never a

problem with this. However, when the part is modeled from thin features, cuts, shells, and so on,

there is no telling what may happen to the model.