When designing your sheet metal part, where you position the connectors or fasteners is also a key decision in order to ensure that the placement won’t affect the structural integrity of your part or compromise the hardware’s installation. Because the part is bent as the punch compresses the part into the V-die, the V-die must remain in contact with the part for the duration of the bend. Sheet metal in a flat sheet is not very sturdy. Desktops, shelving, countertops, even flooring are held up with bracketry of some type. Hems are created when you fold over the metal back onto itself. The part is converted to a sheet metal part and it opens in the Sheetmetal Design application. 1. Bends are the most typical feature of sheet metal parts and can be formed by a variety of methods and machines which negate the absolute need for some of the below tips. Click on the top plane and then create a new sketch. Let’s see how this works. It can be bent, warped, and folded easily; that's why we love it! Right-click on the toolbar and activate Sheet Metal. Using the Driving Surface Tool. Chances are you will see a number of applications where metal parts are used to hold loads that you take for granted. Engineers designing sheet-metal parts should understand the importance of bend relief and how it helps avoid torn metal and that features like beads and flanges serve specific purposes. Step 4. Step 3 . In a bent sheet-metal part, minimum flange length is the minimum distance from where the punch contacts the metal, to the edge of the part. First Create a New Part. But when you're designing a sheet metal part, add a few strength-enhancing features to make sure your part lasts for generations. Look around the room you are in. You need a sheet metal bracket but can’t find it at the local hardware or superstore. From Creo Parametric 5.0 when you convert a solid part to a sheet metal part you can include and exclude surfaces to obtain a a constant wall thickness, recreate rounds and chamfers, and use additional options. The minumum flange length is based on the die used to bend. The sheet metal tool allows you to quickly create sheet metal part designs using a simple design process, all helping to save time and development costs. However for typical parts meant to be cost effective and easily produced the following tips should be useful. Create additional features as needed. 6. How to Design a Custom Sheet Metal Part. Solidworks sheet metal tutorial Step 1. If the V-die loses contact with the part, it will not bend properly, if at all. Step 2.