sheetmetal - update

[dgschaefer]

Since sheet metal walls attach to edges and creating a wall removes the
original edge and creates a new one, you really cannot pattern them as
the primary reference is eliminated. Creating a single wall all the way
around and creating a cut that you then pattern is the way to go.



However - you still won't be able to flatten it due to the curved bend
line. The sheet metal module was made to simulate press brake kind of
features and doesn't do well with complex metal forming.



Doug Schaefer

This thread is inactive and closed by the PTC Community Management Team. If you would like to provide a reply and re-open this thread, please notify the moderator and reference the thread. You may also use "Start a topic" button to ask a new question. Please be sure to include what version of the PTC product you are using so another community member knowledgeable about your version may be able to assist.

[BenLoosli]

If the manufacturing process were to the following steps, it would work, but the software isn't powerful enough to do it in these steps.

1) Cut the flat plate and tab ears on each side

2) Bend the tab ears up

3) Roll the cylinder, may get distortion at the tab ears


Thank you,

Ben H. Loosli
USEC, INC.

[nrollins]

I got a tip to try to model the cyl as a polygon and put one tab on each
(straight) segment of the polygon. This would more accurately match what
happens in the shop in fabrication. But, modeling that is a bit more
complex for sure, a basic exercise in relations and polar geometry.



This is (supposed to be) a quick and dirty one shot deal to do some testing
on the floor. This is not a released part for mfg. Isn't it always the
case ? The seemingly simple turns into a complex nightmare.



No - I take it back; I am not whining. Things have been much worse. This
would actually be fun were it not for those confounded deadlines.



Thanks for your help, guys!



-Nate

[Jim.Tierney]

Typical pro/e workaround.. you have modeled the round part, you could
determine what the flat length is off of that, then model the whole
thing in the flat. In the end it's a one off and you just need a flat
pattern.



Unbending those curved bends would involve deform features (I have
little experience here) and would take a long time for little return. I
say fake it and just model it flat.



Jim