Optimising Bend Radius in Imported Sheet Metal Designs in SOLIDWORKS

Master the techniques to adjust and control the bend radius of folded solid bodies in SOLIDWORKS for precise engineering results.

by Vinod KALE

‘Bend Radius’ of an imported feature can be controlled using:

1. FeatureWorks: With the ‘Automatic’ recognition mode and relevant sheet metal features selected, convert the imported solid body into sheet metal part (refer left-side image).

Once the features are recognized, edit the ‘Edge-Flange1’ and observe you have the ‘Bend Radius’ option available to control the bend of a part in folded state (refer right-side image).

2. Convert to Sheet Metal: If this command is used directly on the imported part, the ‘Bend Radius’ option will be greyed out by default (shown in the below image). Even though you enable ‘Override default parameters’ and try to modify the bend radius value, it will reset to its original value.

To get the bend radius in editable format for an imported feature using ‘Convert To Sheet Metal’ command, refer the following steps:

1. Delete Bend: Remove the bend portion of an imported feature using ‘Delete Face’ command.

2. Convert To Sheet Metal: Now use this command, select the fixed face and edge that represent bend. Observe the ‘Bend Radius’ option will be available and will also allow to modify the bend radius value as required.