Mastering SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal

Unlock the power of the SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD Sheet Metal module by learning essential tools such as Lofted Bends and Hems, and discover real-world manufacturing tips

Key Features
Understand what Sheet Metal is and how you can use it with SOLIDWORKS software
Explore all of the Sheet Metal tools step by step, from simple edge flanges to complex forming tools
Learn the real-world manufacturing factors that can affect your designs
Book Description
SOLIDWORKS© is the premier software choice for 3D engineering and product design applications across a wide range of industries, and the Sheet Metal module forms an important part of this powerful program.

This book will help you to understand exactly what Sheet Metal is, why it is used, and how you can make the most of this fundamental design feature. You'll start by understanding the basic tools, including Base Flanges and Sketched Bends, before moving on to more complex features such as Custom Forming Tools and Lofted Bends. The book covers all the necessary tools in a step-by-step manner and shares practical manufacturing tips and tricks that will allow you to apply the skills that you learn to real-world situations.

By the end of this SOLIDWORKS book, you'll have understood how to make the best use of SOLIDWORKS Sheet Metal tools and be able to create a whole range of 3D models and designs confidently.

What you will learn
Discover what Sheet Metal can be used for and how you can benefit from this skillset
Create Sheet Metal parts, both from scratch and by converting existing 3D parts
Select different Sheet Metal tools to be used in different situations
Produce advanced shapes using Lofted Bends
Relate the Sheet Metal techniques in the book to real-world manufacturing and design, including material selection and manufacturing limitations
Practice Sheet Metal techniques using real-world examples
Who this book is for
This book is for existing SOLIDWORKS software users looking to expand their skillset and specialize in Sheet Metal design, including engineers who want to upskill or modeling enthusiasts looking to improve their skills and knowledge. The book will be especially useful for junior engineers and designers who are already familiar with general Solid modeling and want to learn extra computer-aided design (CAD) skills to advance their careers and open up exciting new design opportunities. Basic knowledge of SOLIDWORKS and experience using a Windows PC are all you need to get started.

Table of Contents
Sheet Metal Basics – Exploring Sheet Metal Properties and Material Selection
Adding Bends Using Edge Flanges
Getting Familiar with Basic Tools in Sheet Metal
Creating Sheet Metal Drawings and Exporting Files
Creating Complex Parts Using Swept Flanges and the Fold/Unfold Tools
Utilizing Gussets, Cross Breaks, and Vents to Add Part Details
Producing Advanced Shapes Using Lofted Bends
Joining Multi-Sheet Parts Using Tab and Slot Features
Finishing Off Models Using Corner Details
Adding 3D Details to Models with Forming Tools
Converting to Sheet Metal Using the Insert Bends Tool
Building Sheet Metal Parts Using the Convert to Sheet Metal Tool
Practical Example: The Sheet Metal Enclosure