Learn SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal: From Concept to Creation

Explore sheet metal design in SolidWorks by creating a base flange, applying bend, edge bend, and drawing operations, then flatten the part to compute the total sheet size.

Explore how the k factor, bend allowance, and bend deduction govern neutral axis position and total flat length in sheet metal design.

Create a base flange in SolidWorks sheet metal by sketching on the front plane, defining thickness and bend radius, applying bend allowance, reliefs, and gauge tables.

Explore sheet metal nodes in the SolidWorks Feature Manager, edit default parameters like thickness and bend radius, override the base flange, and create a flat pattern.

Learn to create and customize edge flanges in SolidWorks sheet metal, adjusting bend radius, angle, length, and alignment, then refine with trim side bends and advanced length measurements.

Learn to create a tab feature in SolidWorks sheet metal by sketching a closed profile and using the base flange tool; the tab automatically matches sheet metal thickness.

Create a miter flange in SolidWorks sheet metal by sketching on a plane normal to extrusion and adjusting bend radius, gap, offsets, and edge selections.

Create a sketched bend in SolidWorks by defining a bending line on a sheet metal face, then set bend position, angle, radius, and direction with the sketched bend tool.

Create a jog bend in SolidWorks sheet metal by sketching a bending line and selecting a fixed face, then set bend radius and offset with jog position for preview.

Create a hem feature in SolidWorks sheet metal by curling edges to remove sharpness. Adjust width, select material placement and hem type, and set length, angle, and radius before finishing.

Close gaps between flanges in SolidWorks using the closed corner, set the gap distance, choose overlap or underlap, and apply options like open bend region, narrow corner, and coplanar faces.

Learn how to create welded corners in SolidWorks sheet metal, including miter, edge, and closed corner flanges, by selecting corner faces and defining the weld stopping point.

Explore braking corners and adding corner reliefs in SolidWorks to refine sheet metal components. Apply fillets or chamfers and choose relief types for smoother bends.

Create an extruded cut on a sheet metal part by sketching on a planar face, set depth with end conditions, and apply flip side, normal cut, and optimized geometry.

Learn to create and insert forming tools in SolidWorks sheet metal, using embosses, louvers, and lances, and save custom tools from the design library for precise stamping.

Create a vent in SolidWorks sheet metal by sketching a closed boundary, adding ribs and spars, applying draft and fillets, and evaluating the vent’s flow area.

Convert a 3d solid part into a sheet metal component in SolidWorks using the Convert to Sheet Metal tool, setting fixed face, thickness, bend radius, and bend edges.

Convert a 3D shelled part into a sheet metal component in SolidWorks by adding rips and bends, selecting edges, setting rip gaps and bend radii, and applying auto relief cuts.

Learn to mirror and pattern a sheet metal feature in SolidWorks using the mirror linear and circular pattern tools, with a front plane mirror and a 10 mm louver pattern.

Learn to create a flat pattern of a sheet metal part in SolidWorks using the flatten tool to define the raw sheet layout before manufacturing.

Explore creating cuts across bends in SolidWorks sheet metal by unfolding bends, sketching and extruding a cut through all, then refolding the part to final design.

Define a custom material in SolidWorks and configure sheet metal parameters using gauge, bend, or bend calculation tables, or a thickness range.

Create a flat pattern drawing view in SolidWorks from a sheet metal model, add standard views, annotations, and precise bend dimensions for manufacturing.