Inventor Sheet Metal

A lot of times i talk to Inventor users who wonders how to bend sheet metal. They have tried with bend part and several attempts with normal modeling features. My last encounter was a user who needed a rolled plate with features like text and hole patterns in it. I will show you one way of achieving it. And don't forget the Inventor Help, it contains almost everything you need to know. Including videos and such. The Inventor Sheet metal features are quite good and combines perfectly with skeleton modelling techniques.

• Create the sketch in the sheet metal environment, and set up your sheet metal style. 

• Continue by using the Sheet metal feature "Contour Flange" to create the sheet. I always prefer to set the width (Yellow menu below) centered. The sketch inside or outside depends on the fit of the sheet metal piece so its up to you. 

• Now it's time to use the "Unfold" Command. The greatness of those functions are that the sheet looks like it's been cut before it's rolled. Just select a reference and a bend ( or all bends) and apply.

• Now you get a flat sheet you can machine or cut as you want.

• To refold it you just use the "refold" command and you are good to go..

• Finished result...

NEED HELP ?

Just drop me a lite or ask in the comment field.