Sheet Metal Guy Blog

13 Dec 2007   12:07:02 pm
Is there a way to get the blank size into a custom property?
One way that you can get the overall length and width dimension is by adding reference dimensions to the flat pattern in the drawing. The reference dimensions have a set name (Ie. "RD2$Drawing View1"). Pull down the "File" menu and pick Properties. Create your property names. I used "flat length" and "flat width". For the Value, enter the appropriate reference dimension name. Now when you create a note and Link to Property, you can use your new properties.
		Category : SolidWorks | By : SheetMetalGuy | Comments [120] | Trackbacks [3944]
12 Dec 2007   11:53:33 am
How does the Miter Flange command work?
I got an email requesting help trying to figure out how the Miter Flange command works. As you can see from the part below, I have a shelled part that is ripped and converted into a sheet metal part with a flange around the outside of the box. I need the edge flange to miter at the corners. This seems to be a common way to create this type of part, but it is not the best way. The quickest and easiest way to get the correct part is to create the part as a sheet metal part and use the Miter Flange command to create all the flanges at the same time. To do this, all you have to do is create a Base Flange on the Top plane with the appropriate thickness. Then, pick the Miter Flange command and pick the side face of the base flange to sketch the feature cross-section, as shown below. Exit the sketch. Then, pick the four edges of base flange, as shown below. Pick the OK button and you’re done. For more information about how to use the Miter Flange command, check out chapter three of SolidWorks for the Sheet Metal Guy - Course 1: Part Creation
		Category : SolidWorks | By : SheetMetalGuy | Comments [204] | Trackbacks [4193]
04 Dec 2007   12:58:34 pm
Create a Slot in a Sketch
I was creating a slot in a sketch and used a quick technique that I’m not sure if everyone knows about. It’s really simple, actually. All you have to do is to create a line in the sketch. With the line selected, pick Offset Entities in your “Sketch” toolbar. In the Offset Entities PropertyManager, check Bi-directional. Now, cap the ends by checking Cap ends and pick Arcs. Since you will most likely need the centerline to be a construction line, check Make base construction to do just that. The Offset Entities command also allows you to add dimensions to the slot, but it adds two linear dimensions. So, I usually leave Add dimensions unchecked and add my own dimensions afterward. Click OK to create the slot.
		Category : SolidWorks | By : SheetMetalGuy | Comments [118] | Trackbacks [3904]
14 Nov 2007   03:19:30 pm
Skipping Instances in a Pattern
In the Circular Pattern PropertyManager, there is an option called Instances to Skip. This feature allows you control over which instances are created in your pattern. In the graphics area, a preview is shown of your pattern. The cursor changes when you hover over each pattern instance. Simply click on the instances to toggle whether they are skipped or not. Note that the first instance, the seed feature, cannot be skipped.
		Category : SolidWorks | By : SheetMetalGuy | Comments [124] | Trackbacks [3490]
01 Nov 2007   02:51:43 pm
Curve Driven Pattern
In response to the blogs about Circular Patterns, Michael Jolley left a comment about an alternative to the Circular Pattern. He uses the Curve Driven Pattern, which does not require the temporary axes. All you have to do with the Curve Driven Pattern is pick the edge of the circle. In the Curve Driven Pattern PropertyManager, pick the Offset curve method and Equal spacing. Although this is easier because a temporary axis is not required, this may not always be the best method. For example, if you are not doing a complete bolt hole circle, you usually measure the angle between the holes, not the distance. In a Curve Driven Pattern, without equal spacing, the Spacing is measured as the arc length. Whereas the Spacing in a Circular Pattern is measured in angular degrees, which is what we usually know.
		Category : SolidWorks | By : SheetMetalGuy | Comments [107] | Trackbacks [3592]
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