Sheetmetal Help

[MikeLongo]

Can someone tell me if its possible to create a rolled sheetmetal part with an overlap. I have a cylindrical ring with interlocking features (see attached sketch), that I want to draw in sheet metal. The part will be lasercut from a piece of tubing and the manufacturer needs a flat geometery, I can't figure out how to create this part in sheet metal.

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[DavidButz]

Mike,

That's a nice looking model! (I'm curious about what modeling techniques you used.) Have you already tried to convert it to a Sheetmetal part (Applications/Sheetmetal)? I'm wondering how it will handle the unusual aspect ratio of thickness to "flat" width. Also, to create a Flat Pattern, you need some flat reference surface to stay fixed; sometimes in similar situations I have used a little flat tab addition to allow this. I'm assuming your meaning for flat is unrolling the cylinder, not extending what could be seen as rectangular wire. In principle, I don't see why the overlap, per se, should be a problem, but I've never tried it.

David

[DavidButz]

Mike,

I was wrong. It's been awhile and I forgot that you only need a straight edge, not a flat surface. Here's an example, part created in Standard mode, converted to Sheetmetal, then flattened.

David

[MikeLongo]

Hi David,

Thanks for the response. I created my original model as follows:

1. Sketch curve as flat geometery.

2. Swept protrusion of wire cross-section.

3. Spinal bend to roll the part.

The issue is that I want to create the model in the rolled configuration and then have PRO/E convert it to the flat. The actual model I'm creating is much more complex than this and it difficult to draw as a flat. How did you convert your above model into sheetmetal, what did you use as your driving surface?

Thanks

Mike

[DavidButz]

Hi Mike,

To convert, I picked Applications/Sheetmetal/Driving Srf, and picked the outside surface of the cylindrical model. After that I picked the straight edge at the end of the "tongue" portion of the model to remain fixed for the Flat Pattern development. Using the Spinal Bend was clever; I've never tried to convert such a part to Sheetmetal, but don't know why it wouldn't work. I created my quick-and-dirty model by creating a cylindrical surface, then Wrapping a Sketch around it which I then used to Trim away the open area, followed by Thicken. You mention further complexity in your model; I'm sure you're aware that you have to keep a constant wall thickness throughout in order to convert successfully. Another thing you might utilize is Unbend; maybe you can create the basics in Standard mode, convert to Sheetmetal, do an Unbend, add some more cuts, then Bend Back. For that, however, I think you will need a flat surface somewhere in your model.

Good luck, and keep me posted!

David

[ChrisP]

Hi Mike,

Nice model.

I have small simple tube part I need laser cut and am having a very hard time finding a vender. Can you tell me who is going to cut this part?

My part is ~11mmOD ss tube with .01 wall. Looks medical related.

Regards,

Chris

[MikeLongo]

Hi Chris,

Here are a few laser cutting companies I've used:

1. Creganna - http://www.cregannatactx.com/

2. Pulse Systems - http://www.pulsesystems.com/

3. Admedes - http://www.admedes.com/

Hope this helps.

Mike

[gvora]

Hello Mike,

There is a very good book available for Sheet Metal from www.cadquest.com

Gautam Vora.

[DavidButz]

Mike,

This also worked, and only a reference edge was necessary for the Unbend.

David