Chapter 29: Using SolidWorks Sheet Metal Tools
FIGURE 29.45The finished part with the Flat Pattern feature unsuppressed
Tutorial: Using the Base Flange Sheet
Metal Method
SolidWorks Base Flange method for sheet metal is fun and easy to use as you will see in this
tutorial:- Open a new part using a special sheet metal template if one is available.
- On the Top plane, draw a rectangle centered on the Origin, 14 inches in X by 12
inches in Y (or Z). - Initiate the Base Flange tool, set the thickness to .029 inches, and change the
K-Factor to .43. Notice that the default inside bend radius is not shown. This setting is
made in the Sheet Metal feature that is placed before the Base Flange feature in the
FeatureManager. - After the Base Flange has been created, edit the Sheet Metal feature, and change the
default bend radius to .050 inches. - Click one of the 14-inch edges and then select the Line tool from the Sketch toolbar.
This is a shortcut to creating a plane perpendicular to the end of the edge and opening a
new sketch on the plane. This is useful in other situations in addition to working with
sheet metal. Draw a sketch similar to that shown in Figure 29.46. The arc overrides the
default inside bend radius setting, and directly controls that particular bend.