Welcome To Sheetmetal Design

Welcome to Sheetmetal Design
Sheetmetal Design is an optional module of Pro/Engineer. It enables you to design basic

and complex parts in sheet metal. You can:
Design sheet metal parts defining the volume and support structures for the
components of an assembly.
dd sheet metal!specific features li"e #alls$ bends$ cuts$ punches$ notches$ and
forms in either the formed or flat condition.
%reate &end 'rder tables that specify the order$ bend radius and bend angle used
for manufacturing.
%alculate the developed length of material needed. Sheetmetal Design accounts
for bends of different radii and material thic"ness.
(latten out the part to visuali)e design and manufacturing needs.
*a"e Dra#ings of the sheet metal part$ incorporating Dimensions$ &end 'rder
tables$ (lat Patterns and fully designed parts.
Sheetmetal Design$ li"e Pro/E+,I+EE-$ allo#s flexibility in design. %hanges are made
and updated parametrically throughout the entire design process.
About Sheet Metal Parts
Sheet metal parts are created in one of three fashions:
Sheet Metal Mode.%reate the part individually.
Assembly Mode.%reate #ith a top!do#n approach.
Conversion.%onvert from a solid part.
Sheet metal parts are solid models that can be represented in either the sheet metal
form or a flat model.
/he parts have a constant thic"ness and can be modified #ith features. sampling of
features includes #alls$ cuts$ rips$ bends$ and corner relief. You can also get information
about the part$ calculate its mass and analy)e the engineering.
/he sheet metal parts have driving and offset surfaces. /he side 0depth1 surfaces are
formed only after successful regeneration. /o aid vie#ing$ the driving side is highlighted
in green by default and the offset side is #hite 0indicates thic"ness1.
&ecause of the general thinness of a sheet metal part$ it is recommended to select flat
surfaces as references #hen placing a feature. If a flat surface is not applicable$ edges
are more convenient than side surfaces.
About Sheet Metal Features
Sheetmetal Design offers speciali)ed sheet metal environment features. You can create:
Datum and cosmetic features
2alls$ cuts$ rips$ notches$ punches$ bends$ unbend$ bend bac"s$ forms$ and
corner relief.
Selected solid!class features applicable to sheet metal 0chamfer$ hole$ round1 are
also available.
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sheet metal unattached #all must be the first feature in your design. fter you create
the #all you can add any other features to your design. You do not have to create them
in manufacturing order$ rather$ you should create them #ith your design intent in mind.
2hen creating features it is recommended to select flat surfaces as references #hen
placing a feature. If a flat surface is not applicable$ edges are more convenient than side
surfaces.
Note: You can utili)e solid features$ including patterns$ copy/mirror$ chamfers$ holes$
rounds$ and solid cuts #hen creating your sheet metal designs.
Suppressing and Resuming Sheet Metal Features
You can suppress sheet metal features to temporarily remove them from your design.
You can 3unsuppress3 0resume1 suppressed them at any time.
You can suppress features on your sheet metal part to simplify the part model and
decrease regeneration time. (or example$ #hile you #or" on one end of a shaft$ it may
be desirable to suppress features on the other end of the shaft.
Similarly$ #hile #or"ing on a complex sheet metal assembly$ you can suppress some of
the features and components for #hich the detail is not essential to the current assembly
process.
To Create a New Sheet Metal Part
4. %lic" . /he New dialog box opens.
5. 6nder Type clic" Part.
7. 6nder Sub-type clic" Sheetmetal.
8. In the Name box$ type a name for your ne# sheet metal part.
9. If you #ant to use the default template$ clic" OK. Pro/E+,I+EE- opens a ne#
sheet metal part.
Else$ if you #ant to use a custom template:
a. %lear Use default template and clic" OK. /he New ile Options dialog box
opens.
b. &ro#se to the desired template. %lic" OK. /he template file is assigned and
Pro/E+,I+EE- opens a ne# sheet metal part.
Note: If an ob:ect type is not supported by a template the Use default template
option is not available. (or template!supported file types$ if you al#ays #ant to see
the New ile Options dialog box$ set the force_new_file_options_dialog
configuration option to Yes. -emember$ this configuration setting may be overridden
by your system administrator in the config.sup file.
About Sketching in Sheet Metal
S"etching in Sheetmetal Design is done exactly the same as you #ould in any other
Pro/E+,I+EE- module. ;o#ever$ "eep the follo#ing tips in mind #hen s"etching your
sheet metal parts and features:
The Thi!"en !ommand./he /hic"en command adds material thic"ness to your sheet
metal #all #hile you are still in S"etcher mode. /his enables you to create and fully
dimension the #all #hen you s"etch it.
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/hen you do not need to add material to your #all later in the design process. If you
change the s"etch you have to delete the thic"en. /hic"en is not used for (lat #alls. &e
sure to double chec" your dimensions to ma"e sure they are located in the appropriate
locations after the thic"en.
2e recommend using the /hic"en command$ in s"etcher$ to dimension your extruded
sheet metal surfaces. It enables you to dimension the inside radii on opposite sides of a
section and to properly dimension for si)ing and clearance. /he /hic"en command
prevents having to add material thic"ness to your dimension values.
4 S"etch line
5 /hic"en line$ #hich enables
you to fully dimension the #all
#hile s"etching
To Thicken the Sheet Metal Wall
4. Select the type of sheet metal #all to create. Note: /he Thi!"en command is not
used #ith flat #alls.
5. 'nce you are in s"etch mode$ create the s"etch of the #all section.
7. %lic" S"et!h # eature Tools # Thi!"en. 'ffset edges automatically add to
your sheet metal #all s"etch. t this point$ consider converting the system
dimensions to strong dimensions to insure that your dimensioning scheme is correct.
8. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
Sheet Metal Feature Order and References
/he proper feature creation order and s"etch references help #hen modifying the part
and presenting it in a dra#ing. /he follo#ing illustrations compare the results from
different order and reference choices.
Order of eature Creation
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Option A Option $

4 %reate the cut before the bend.
5 2hen a bend is created ne#
surfaces result. /he cut surface stays
in the old surface location.
7 %reate the cut after the bend and
unbend.
8 2hen you bend bac" the #all the cut
section stays #ith the cut features.
Note: You can obtain the same result if
you create the cut #hile the #all is bent.
%eferen!es for eature Creation
Option A Option $

4 ;ori)ontal s"etching reference
created on an unrelated surface. %ut
alignment to local edge and
dimensioned to local vertex.
5 fter bending bac"$ the cut section
is still aligned #ith local edge$ but the
dimensions are in the #rong location
because the s"etching references did
not move.
7 ;ori)ontal s"etching reference is
created through the local edge and
normal to the s"etching plane. /he cut
is aligned to the local edge and
dimensioned to local vertex.
8 fter bending bac"$ feature
dimensions follo# because s"etching
references follo#.
About the Sheetmetal Design Interface
/he Sheetmetal Design user interface contains the follo#ing elements that increase
usability and decrease mouse selections. ;ighlights of the user interface can be reached
from the See lso lin"s$ ho#ever$ refer to the undamentals module for greater detail
on the Pro/E+,I+EE- user interface.
Interacting with the Dashboard
s you create and modify your sheet metal designs you can add solid features$ li"e solid
class cuts$ chamfers$ holes$ and rounds. 2hen you add these features to your design you
#ill use and interact #ith the Dashboard$ #hich guides you throughout the modeling
process. /he Dashboard is a context sensitive interface that monitors your actions in the
current tool and provides you #ith basic design re<uirements that need to be satisfied to
complete your feature.
/he Dashboard encourages direct graphical manipulation in the graphics #indo# and
provides you #ith modeling flexibility.
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Note:
See the undamentals module for information about the Dashboard.
See the Part Modelin& module for instructions on creating solid class features
using the Dashboard.
Using the Sheet Metal Toolbar
/he sheet metal toolbar contains shortcut buttons for the most common sheet metal
design re<uirements. dditional functionality and less commonly used commands are
available from the main menu or the *enu *anager.
You can customi)e the sheet metal toolbar #ith other Pro/E+,I+EE- commands and your
o#n map!"eys 0Utilities # Customi'e S!reen1 by dragging the desired buttons onto
the toolbar. You can turn the toolbar on/off using the Toolbars tab options.
/he follo#ing table lists the sheet metal shortcut buttons according to their default
location on the toolbar.
$utton un!tion Correspondin& Menu Path
%onversion (nsert # Conversion
(lat 2all (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # lat
(lange 2all (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # lan&e
6nattached (lat 2all (nsert # Sheetmetal )all #
Unatta!hed # lat
6nattached Extruded 2all (nsert # *+trude
-evolve 2all (nsert # Sheetmetal )all #
Unatta!hed # %evolve
&lended 2all (nsert # Sheetmetal )all #
Unatta!hed # $lend
'ffset 2all (nsert # Sheetmetal )all #
Unatta!hed # Offset
S*/!%lass %ut normal to
surface
(nsert # *+trude
offset surface
(nsert # *+trude
both driven and offset
surface
(nsert # *+trude
Extended 2all (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # *+tend
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&end (nsert # $end Operation # $end
Edge &end (nsert # *d&e $end
6nbend (nsert # $end Operation # Unbend
&end &ac" (nsert # $end Operation # $end
$a!"
%orner -elief (nsert # Corner %elief
Punch (nsert # Shape # Pun!h
+otch (nsert # Shape # Not!h
-ip (nsert # Shape # %ip
*erge 2alls (nsert # Mer&e )alls
(orm (nsert # Shape # orm
(latten (orm (nsert # Shape # latten orm
Deform rea (nsert # $end Operation # ,eform
Area
(lat Pattern (nsert # $end Operation # lat
Pattern
Using the Model Tree
/he *odel /ree provides a feature!level visual representation of your #elding pro:ect.
Each feature you create in your #elding pro:ect is chronologically represented in the
*odel /ree.
;ighlights of the *odel /ree follo#$ ho#ever$ refer to the (undamentals documentation
for more details about the Pro/E+,I+EE- user interface:
;ighlight sheet metal features in the graphics #indo#$ ma"ing the features more
visible.
-eorder features$ and ultimately change the dynamic of your sheet metal design
by dragging features to various locations.
ccess shortcut menus that enable you to easily create and modify your design.
/he shortcut menu may include commands to:
o -edefine and modify sheet metal features
o Suppress sheet metal features to simplify or accentuate areas of your design
o Pattern sheet metal features to <uic"ly meet your design intent
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o 'btain information and create notes for sheet metal features
o %onvert light!#eight #elding geometry to solid geometry 0and vice versa1
You can customi)e #hat and ho# features display in the *odel /ree by clic"ing the Show
and Settin&s tabs.
About Setting up Sheetmetal Design
/he set up commands help you control your overall design process and save time by
enabling you to set defaults for common design elements. /he commands assist you in
effectively capturing your design intent.
2ith the set up commands you can:
%ontrol sheet metal bend allo#ance and developed length by setting bend
allo#ance.
Document the order in #hich to ma"e bends on the finished design by setting the
bend order.
*aintain consistency in your design process by setting fixed geometry$ defaults
and parameters.
%reate a flat version$ or state$ of your sheet metal design for manufacturing by
setting flat state.
Establish company or industry standards to guide your design by setting design
rules.
%reate corner reliefs automatically #hile unbending your sheet metal part by
setting corner relief.
%ustomi)e your soft#are environment and functionality by setting configuration
options.
Note- /he set up commands are only available from *enu *anager.
About Bend Allowance and Developed Length
&end allo#ance is a method used to calculate the 0developed1 length of flat sheet metal
re<uired to ma"e a bend of a specific radius and angle. /he calculation accounts for the
thic"ness of the sheet metal$ bend radii$ bend angles$ and other material properties 0li"e
Y! and =!factors1.
/he developed length calculation also compensates for stretching in the area of a bend.
/ypically$ #hen you bend or form a piece of sheet metal$ the material on the outside of
the neutral bend axis stretches #hile the material on the inside of the neutral bend axis
compresses. You can automatically account for this material behavior by establishing
appropriate material descriptions and formulae for accurately calculating developed
length.
ccurate developed length calculations enable you to capture your design intent in the
solid model #hile also developing a precise flattened model that manufacturers can use
#hen developing the actual product. *a"e it a practice to determine$ in advance$ ho#
you calculate developed length.
6se one of the follo#ing to calculate the developed length in your designs:
System default e.uation.%alculate the developed length using only a Y! or =!
factor.
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Provided bend table.%alculate the developed length using a predefined$
standard bend table.
Customi'ed bend table.%alculate the developed length using a bend table
customi)ed in Pro//able.
If you do not assign a customi)ed bend table to your part$ the follo#ing e<uation is used
to calculate developed length:
/ 0 1234 + % 5 6 fa!tor + T7
839:

)here- > ? Developed length
@ ? 7.489
- ? Inside radius
Y factor ? /he default Y factor ? A.9A
/ ? *aterial thic"ness
B ? &end angle in degrees 0C1
Note: If your developed length calculation is inaccurate$ you can override the inaccurate
value by directly modifying the value or by assigning a uni<ue bend table to your design.
About Y- and K-factors
Y! and =!factors are part constants defined by the location of the sheet metal materialDs
neutral bend line #ith respect to the thic"ness. /he neutral bend line position is based on
a numeric reference for the type of sheet metal material used in your design. /he
numeric references range from 0 to 1. If you are referring to the Y! and =!factors$ the
numeric references can be negative$ #ith the lo#er numbers representing softer
material. &oth the Y! and =!factors are integral elements in calculating the developed
length 0the length of flat sheet metal re<uired to ma"e a bend of a specific radius and
angle1 in your design. ;o#ever$ the length of the neutral line is e<ual to the developed
length.
/he =!factor is a ratio bet#een the distance from the neutral bend line to the inside bend
radius and the material thic"ness. /he =!factor uses the formula "!factor ? E//.
6se the =!factor to determine the Y!factor.
/he Y!factor is a ratio bet#een the neutral bend line and material thic"ness. /he Y!factor
uses the formula Y!factor ? =!factor F 0@/51. /he default value for the Y!factor is 0.50.
,eveloped /en&th of Material and the 6- and K-a!tors
;< $end !ondition 4< lat Condition
8
)here-
? Distance bet#een the inside radius of the bend and the neutral bend line
/ ? Sheet metal thic"ness
> ? Developed length bet#een the s<uares
- ? Inside &end radius
+ ? +eutral bend line
K-fa!tor 0 =3T 6-fa!tor 0 K-fa!tor > 12347
You can change the Part Y!factor using any of the follo#ing:
Set Up !ommand.Initiali)e the Y!factor using the set up command. /he ne# Y!
factor value ta"es effect for any ne# parts or features created after the value is set.
/he default Y!factor value that is$ A.9 is used by all features in a part except for
features that use user!defined Y! and =!factors.
Material file.Initiali)e the Y!factor using the PTC_INITIAL_BEND_Y_FACTOR
parameter in the Material ,efinition dialog box or *dit G Setup G $end Allow G 6-
fa!tor. /he default PTC_INITIAL_BEND_Y_FACTOR value in the material table is A.9.
/he Y!factor is updated if you change the value in the material file assigned to the
part. If you unassign a material file$ the part is fro)en #ith the Y!factor$ =!factor$ and
bend table values that #ere assigned to the previous material file.
Confi&uration option.Initiali)e the Y!factor for ne# sheet metal parts using the
PTC_INITIAL_BEND_Y_FACTOR configuration option. fter you reload the configuration
file$ all ne# sheet metal parts use the ne# value. /he configuration option does not
change the default value for the existing partDs Y!factor.
You can apply a feature!specific Y!factor to the geometry of the feature. You can select
=! and Y!factors for non!arc segments and bend tables for arc segments. flange profile
can be an arc or any non!arc segment$ or a combination of both.
Note: (or stretched bends E is negative. s a result$ the neutral layer stays out of the
sheet metal thic"ness causing the Y! and =!factors to be negative.
Ne&ative 6-fa!tor
9
)here-
? Distance bet#een the neutral bend line
and the inside bend radius
> ? Developed length bet#een the s<uares
- ? &end radius
+ ? +eutral bend line
To Set Y- and K-factors
4. %lic" *dit # Setup. /he PA%T S*TUP menu appears.
5. %lic" Sheet Metal. /he SMT S*TUP menu appears.
7. %lic" $end Allow. /he $*N, A//O) menu appears.
8. ;ighlight the factor you #ant to change:
o K-fa!tor.Part constant defined by the location of the neutral bend line.
o 6-fa!tor.Part constant defined by the location of the neutral bend line.
If you are setting either the Y! or the =!factor and a bend table is already set for the
part$ the CON(%MAT(ON menu appears. You must discard the bend table.
9. %lic" Confirm. /he *NT*% ?A/ menu appears.
9. Either select a value from those available or clic" *nter and type a ne# value for
the factor.
9. %lic" 6es to accept the changed factor and full part regeneration. /he factor is
set.
About Sheet Metal Bend Tables
6sing bend tables you can control calculations for the length of flat material 0developed
length1 that is needed to ma"e a bend. Developed length fluctuates #ith different
material types and thic"ness$ and the bend table accounts for those variations.
/hree standard bend tables are available from the *achineryHs ;andboo"$ 57rd Edition:
Table Material 6-fa!tor K-fa!tor
/&>E 4 soft brass$ copper A.99 A.79
/&>E 5 hard brass$ copper$ soft steel$
aluminum
A.I8 A.84
10
/&>E 7 hard copper$ bron)e$ cold rolled steel$
spring steel
A.J4 A.89
You can also define your o#n bend tables to support additional material types and
methods for calculating developed length.
&end tables consist of:
ormula.*anages the bend allo#ance or developed length values #ith
calculations and logic statements. /he formula that is used$ that is$ > ? 0@/5 x - K Y
factor x /1 B/LA$ is defined by Pro/E+,I+EE- and is used only for radius and thic"ness
values outside the table data range.
Conversion.%onversion is an e<uation that uses the bend allo#ance value from
the bend table to calculate the developed length. (or example$ the conversion
e<uation$ > ? 5 F 0/ K -1!1$ ma"es ad:ustments to the bend allo#ance values as
sho#n in the example belo#. 2hen the specified thic"ness and bend radius values are
#ithin the table data range but not displayed in the table$ the corresponding bend
allo#ance is calculated by interpolation of the table bend allo#ance values. (or details$
refer to the interpolation method used for computing bend allo#ance discussed belo#.
If no conversion e<uation is defined then the developed length #ill be e<ual to the
bend allo#ance. If the radius and thic"ness values are outside the table data range$
the bend table is ignored and the formula defined by Pro/E+,I+EE- is used.
/he follo#ing example illustrates an e<uation for specific bend angle ranges:
If +,>E G A or +,>E M ? LA$ a "no#n parameter is used to compute the
developed length.
2here$
/ ? /hic"ness
+,>E ? &end ngle
- ? &end -adius
? &end llo#ance
S(>/ ? N K Y ! $ #here S(>/ is the total strip length
/he "no#n parameters that are used to calculate the developed length are:
N ? / K - Kb
Y ? / K - K a
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S(>/ ? a K b K >
&y substitution:
a K b K > ? 0/ K - K b1 K 0/ K - K a1 !
'-$
> ? 5 F 0/ K -1! #hich is the %'+OE-SI'+ e<uation.
(or example$ the follo#ing program illustrates ho# a formula defined by
Pro/E+,I+EE- and a conversion e<uation are used for interpolation:
('-*6>
I( -M?5
I( +,>E G A P +,>E M LA
> ? 0+,>E F PI/4QA1 F 0- K //51
E+DI(
I( +,>E G? LA P +,>E M 4QA
> ? 0+,>E F PI/4QA1 F 0- K //71
E+DI(
E+DI(
I( -G5
> ? 0+,>E F PI/4QA1 F 0-1
E+DI(
E+D ('-*6>
R
%'+OE-SI'+
I( +,>E G A P +,>E M?LA
> ? 5 F 0/ K -1 ! .85Q9 F
E>SE
> ? 5 F 0/ K -1 ! .79IJL4J F
E+DI(
E+D %'+OE-SI'+
/he follo#ing is the e<uation for the Interpolation *ethod used for computing bend
allo#ance:
4$4F0/y!/A1F0-Y!-A1 K A$4F0/4!/y1F0-y!-A1 K 4$AF0/Y!/A1F0-4!-Y1 K
A$AF0/4!/Y1F0-4!-Y1
y ?
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!
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0/4!/A1F0-4!-A1
2here$
A$A is allo#ance for /A$-A
4$A is allo#ance for /4$-A
A$4 is allo#ance for /A$-4
4$4 is allo#ance for /4$-4
In the above example$ /A M /y M/4 and -A M -y M -4.
2hen /A ? /4 ? /y$ you can use the follo#ing formula:
4$4 0-y!-A1 K 4$A 0-4!-y1
y ? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0-4 ! -A1
In the above example$ 4$A ? A$A and 4$4 ? A$4.
2hen -A ? -4 ? -y$ you can use the follo#ing formula:
4$4 0/y !/A1 K A$4 0/4!/y1
y ? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
0/4 !/A1
In the above example$ A$A ? 4$4 ? 4$A
2here$
/ ? /hic"ness
- ? -adius
Materials ,ata.>ist the materials that the bend table is intended for.
Note: /he materials list is case sensitive. Ensure that your partDs material type
matches #ith that in the materialDs list.
Table ,ata.>ist radii values and sheet metal thic"ness #ith their corresponding
bend allo#ance or developed length. /he data is pulled directly from these columns.
/he bend table needs at least one column and one ro# of tabulated data. You do not
have to insert bend allo#ance data in every cell of the table. ny value not found in
the table data is interpolated. If you only #ant the formulae used$ enter data that #ill
never be encountered in your design 0-adius ? 4AAA$ /hic"ness ? 4AAA1. You must
al#ays specify table data for LAC bends.
/he standard bend tables such as$ /able4$ /able5$ and /able7 are created for LAC bends.
(or bends other than LAC$ the values are multiplied by B/LA$ #here B is the specific bend
angle$ in degrees. -emember$ bend tables are only applicable for constant!radius bends.
&ends #ith a varying radius$ as in a cone or cylinder$ calculate the developed length
using the Y!factor. &end tables are applied to a geometry #ith flange #alls based on the
arc profiles.
You can set bend tables at any time. ;o#ever$ once a part is associated #ith a bend
table$ its geometry depends on that bend tableHs data. Every time the part is regenerated
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the associated bend table is referenced for appropriate length values. If you modify a
bend table$ all features associated #ith that bend table are updated upon regeneration.
If you create your o#n library of bend tables$ point to the appropriate folder #ith the
configuration option pro_sheet_met_directory_<pathname>. &end tables specified by
name are loo"ed for in your pro:ectHs current directory and in the folder specified by the
configuration option.
Sheet Metal Bend Table Menu
Sheet metal bend tables measure and control the amount of material needed to ma"e a
bend. &end tables ensure that material behavior is accounted for in your design.
2ith the bend table commands you can:
,efine.Define a ne# bend table #ith appropriate data and formulae.
,elete.Delete a bend table set to your part.
*dit.*odify an existing bend table.
Show.Display the bend table set to your part.
)rite.Save the bend table in your directory.
Set.ssign a bend table to your part.
%eset.Suspend the use of a bend table and reassigns the Y!factor.
You have t#o options #hen setting a bend table for a part:
rom Part.Internal bend table stored into your part. /he internal bend table
automatically updates if you apply an external bend table in session.
rom ile.External bend table stored in separate files on disc.
Note- You can have internal and external bend tables #ith the same name. /he
content can differ bet#een the table types.
You have t#o options #hen setting a bend table for a feature:
Part $end Tbl.-eference the bend table associated #ith the overall part. If no
table is currently set for the part$ the Y!factor formula is used.
eat $end Tbl.-eference an independent bend table for the individual feature.
You can select one of the three standard tables or a customi)ed table.
Note- /he Part $end Tbl is typically the most appropriate.
To Edit a Bend Table
8. %lic" $end Table. /he $*N, TA$ menu appears.
9. %lic" *dit. /he CON(%MAT(ON menu appears. +ote that #ithin a session$ you
can only edit bend tables created #ith$ or applied to$ the current part.
I. %lic" Confirm. /he $TA$ T6P* menu appears.
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J. Select the type of bend table to edit:
o rom Part.Internal bend table. Saved #ith the design part.
o rom ile.External bend table. Saved in a separate file.
/he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all the bend tables associated #ith the part.
Q. Select the bend table to edit. /he bend table opens.
Q. Edit the bend table as needed:
o Material Name.+ame of the material to #hich the bend table is applicable.
o ormula.*anage the bend allo#ance/developed length values #ith calculations
and logic statements.
o Materials /ist.>ist material names bet#een S/-/ */E-I>S and E+D
*/E-I>S.
o Table ,ata.;ighlight the cell. /ype the ne# data in the text box. %lic" the next
cell to edit.
6se the *dit options to edit the bend table. You can add a thic"ness ro# or radius
column to the bend table.
4A. %lic" ile # Save after entering your data. /he bend table is created and #rites
out to dis" in the current directory.
To Define a Bend Table
9. %lic" ,efine. /he $TA$ T6P* menu appears.
I. Select the type of bend table to create:
J. /ype the name for the bend table and clic" . Pro//&>E #indo# opens #ith
an outline table.
J. /ype your customi)ed data into the outline table. If you #ould li"e to use another
table as your outline$ clic" ile # %ead from the Pro//&>E main menu. /hen type the
name of the desired file.
J. %lic" ile # Save after typing your data. /he bend table is created and #rites to
the current directory.
To Set a Bend Table
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9. %lic" Set. /he CON(%MAT(ON menu appears.
I. %lic" Confirm. /he $TA$ T6P* menu appears.
J. Select the type of bend table to apply:
o rom Part.Select a rom Part bend table from the $TA$ T6P* menu. If a ne#
rom Part bend table #as not created during the session the default rom Part
bend table is TA$/* ;. /he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all bend tables
associated #ith the part.
o rom ile.Either select one of the standard bend tables 0TA$/* ;$ TA$/* 4$
TA$/* @1 from the ,ATA (/*S menu or clic" Names$ to bro#se to a custom
bend table.
Q. Select the bend table to set. /he bend table is applied to the part.
To Reset a Bend Table
9. %lic" %eset. /he CON(%MAT(ON menu appears.
I. %lic" Confirm. /he bend table is suspended and the Y!factor is assigned.
To Write a Bend Table
9. %lic" )rite. /he T$/ NAM*S menu appears.
I. Select the bend table to #rite to your partDs current directory. prompt indicates
your file is stored.
Note- You can set your directory #ith the pro_sheet_met_dir configuration option.
To Show a Bend Table
9. %lic" Show. /he $TA$ T6P* menu appears.
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I. Select the type of bend table to display:
/he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all the bend tables associated #ith the
part.
J. Select the bend table to sho#. /he bend table opens.
To Delete a Bend Table
9. %lic" ,elete. /he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all bend tables associated
#ith the part.
I. Select the bend table to delete. /he bend table is removed from the part but still
exists in your directory.
Note: You can suspend using a previously set bend table by setting the Y! or =!factor.
See Also
Example: Sheet Metal Bend Table
&end tables must use the follo#ing layout and data structure to accurately create your
sheet metal design. %omment lines can appear any#here in a bend table. Each comment
line must start #ith an exclamation point 0R1. You must enter FORMULA$ END FORMULA$
CONVERSION$ END CONVERSION$ START MATERIALS$ END MATERIALS$ and TABLE exactly as
sho#n:
17
4. ormulas.%alculate the developed length of the sheet metal$ if the exact value
is missing from the table data section. You can also #rite conversion formulas to
manipulate the table data to meet your design needs. Your formulas can contain logic
statements to ad:ust bend allo#ance values.
5. Material ,ata.>ist the materials the bend table is intended for. /he materials
listed use the bend table. You receive a #arning if your partDs material type does not
appear in this list.
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Your materials must be listed bet#een S/-/ */E-I>S and E+D */E-I>S. Enter
the material in the first column$ uppercase$ and one per line.
7. Table ,ata.>ist the radii values across the top$ sheet metal thic"ness do#n the
left side$ #ith the corresponding bend allo#ance/developed length in the actual table.
/he data is pulled directly from these columns. If you only #ant the formulae used$ enter
data that #ill never be encountered in your design 0-adius ? 4AAA$ /hic"ness ? 4AAA1.
7. (nterpolated ,ata.You do not have to insert bend allo#ance data in every cell
of the table. ny value not found #ithin the table data is interpolated 0estimate values
that lie bet#een "no#n values1.
About Bend Order Tables
&end order tables document the dimensioning and order for bend features in your design.
&end order tables are constructed by fully unbending your part and recording the bend
bac" process.
/he standard bend order table contains the bend se<uence number$ the number of
bends$ the bend number ID$ as #ell as the bend direction$ angle$ radius and length.
In order to create or #or" #ith bend order tables you need your sheet metal part to be in
a bent condition. You cannot create or edit a bend order table on a completely unbent
part.
Unbent Se.uen!e One Se.uen!e Two Se.uen!e Three Ori&inal
2ith the bend order table commands you can:
%reate a ne# bend order table or edit an existing table using the Show3*dit
command.
Display the bend order table and #rite it to a .bot file using the (nfo command.
Delete the existing bend order table using the Clear command.
You can display bend order tables in sheet metal dra#ings to better illustrate the bending
process for manufacturing.
Note: 2hen you store a bend order table$ the file name is <partname>.bot.
To Create a Bend Order Table
2ith the part in a bent condition:
7. %lic" $end Order. /he $*N, O%,*% menu appears.
8. %lic" Show3*dit. /he S*/*CT menu appears.
9. Select a plane or edge to remain fixed #hile the part completely unbends. Your
part flattens and the SAO)3*,(T menu appears.
I. %lic" Add $end.
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J. Select the bends for the bend se<uence. /he se<uence can have any number of
bends in any order.
Q. %lic" Ne+t. /he selected bends highlight.
L. Select a plane or edge to remain fixed #hile the highlighted bends bend bac".
4A. -epeat steps I through Q until your part is completely bent bac".
44. %lic" ,one Sel. /he SAO)3*,(T menu appears.
45. %lic" ,one. /he bend order table is created.
To Edit a Bend Order Table
4. %lic" *dit # Set Up. /he PA%T S*TUP menu appears.
8. %lic" Show3*dit. /he S*/*CT menu appears.
9. Select a plane or edge to remain fixed #hile your part completely unbends. Your
part flattens and the bend geometry in bend se<uences highlights.
I. %lic" the desired SAO)3*,(T menu option:
o Ne+t.Proceeds to the next se<uence.
o S"ip.S"ips a specified number of se<uences. You enter the number.
o Add $end.dds a bend or bends to the se<uence. If you select a bend that is
currently being used in a later se<uence$ you can move it to the current se<uence.
You cannot select a bend that has already been bent bac" in a previous se<uence.
o ,elete $end.-emoves a bend from the current se<uence. 6se this if you plan to
add the bend to a later se<uence.
o (nsert.Inserts a bend se<uence after the previous bend se<uence.
J. Select the bend to edit.
J. %lic" ,one. /he S*/*CT menu appears.
J. %lic" ,one Sel. /he bend order table changes are saved.
To Get Bend Order Table Info
8. %lic" (nfo. /he bend order table for the part opens in an I+('-*/I'+ 2I+D'2.
To Clear a Bend Order Table
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8. %lic" Clear. /o discard the bend order table$ you are prompted to clic" YES at the
prompt. /he existing bend order table is deleted from the part.
Example: Bend Order Table
Sheet metal bend order tables use the follo#ing layout and data structure:
$end Se..Display the bend se<uence number and orders the bends for creation.
B$ends.Display the number of bends ta"ing place in a bend se<uence.
$endB.Display the original bend order creation number.
$end ,ire!tion./he bend direction tells #hich #ay to ma"e the bend:
(N.%onvex bend on the driving side. (or example$ a bend less than 4QAC on the
driving side 0acute or obtuse1.
OUT.%oncave bend on the driving side. (or example$ a bend greater then 4QAC on
the driving side 0obli<ue1.
$end An&le.Display the angle of the bend.
$end %adius.Display the radius of the bend.
$end /en&th.Display the length of the bend
About Fixed Geometry
(ixed geometry sets a default surface$ edge or plane to remain fixed #henever you
unbend or bend bac" your sheet metal part. /he fixed geometry setting helps ensure
consistency in your fixed geometry selection.
/o unbend or bend bac" your sheet metal part you need to define a surface$ edge or
plane to remain fixed. 2hether or not you use the fixed geometry setting$ a good
practice is to specify the same fixed geometry element for every unbend and bend bac"
feature.
2hen #or"ing #ith fixed geometry you can:
Set a surface to remain fixed #ith the Sele!t command.
;ighlight the current fixed geometry selection #ith the Show command.
Delete the current fixed geometry selection #ith the Clear command.
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fter you set a fixed geometry element it is automatically selected during feature
creation. You are prompted #ith the follo#ing message: Default fixed geometry
highlighted. Use the "Fixed Geom" to select new.
To Select Fixed Geometry
2ith your sheet metal part open:
7. %lic" i+ed Ceom. /he (D*, C*OM menu appears.
8. %lic" Sele!t. /he S*/*CT menu appears.
9. Select the surface$ edge$ or plane to set as the default fixed geometry.
I. %lic" ,one3%eturn. /he fixed geometry is selected.
To Clear Fixed Geometry
7. %lic" i+ed Ceom. /he (D*, C*OM menu appears.
8. %lic" Clear. /he CON(%MAT(ON menu appears and the fixed geometry
highlights in red.
9. %lic" Confirm. /he fixed geometry is cleared.
To Show Fixed Geometry
4. %lic" PA%T # Set Up. /he PA%T S*TUP menu appears.
7. %lic" i+ed Ceom< /he (D*, C*OM menu appears.
8. %lic" Show. /he fixed geometry highlights in red.
About Design Rules
Design rules are guidelines for your design. Examples include minimal slot #idths and
depths based on the materials and manufacturing process for your part. Design rules can
be ignored during the design process$ if desired.
You enter specific design standards into a rule table and assign the table to your part.
You can develop as many tables as you need. nd you can edit the table data at any
time. /he standard rule table contains the follo#ing default sheet metal design rules:
MIN_DIST_BTWN_CUTS.%hec"s the distance bet#een t#o cuts or punches.
0Default: 9/1
22
4. 5/ or 7/ or ,reater
5. Stoc" /hic"ness 0/1
MIN_CUT_TO BOUND.%hec"s the distance bet#een a part edge and a cut or punch.
0Default: 5/1
MIN_CUT_TO_BEND.%hec"s the distance bet#een a bend!line and a cut or punch.
0Default:5.9F/K-1
2here$
; ? Distance bet#een the lo#est edge and the hole
- ? &end radius
*in ; ? 4.9F/K-
MIN_WALL_HEIGHT.%hec"s the minimum bend height of formed #alls. 0Default:
4.9F/K-1
MIN_SLOT_TAB_WIDTH.%hec"s the minimum #idth of the slot. 0Default: /1
MIN_SLOT_TAB_HEIGHT.%hec"s the minimum length of the slot.
(or example$ both MIN_SLOT_TAB_WIDTH and MIN_SLOT_TAB_HEIGHT are sho#n in the
follo#ing figure:
23
4. Slot ;eight
5. Slot 2idth 0/1
MIN_LASER_DIM.%hec"s the minimum distance bet#een contours that have to be
laser cut. 0Default: 4.9F/1.
/he design rules above are standard rules. You cannot add ne# rules or change the
names of the existing rules. ;o#ever$ you can customi)e your design rules by setting up
Pro/E+,I+EE- relations.
fter you define and assign a design rules table you can test your part design against the
assigned design rules table #ith the ,esi&n Che!" command. /he design chec" displays
design rule violations along #ith the rule name$ formula$ and dimensional values to help
determine #hy your criteria #as not met. 6se your industry :udgement for acceptable
and unacceptable design rule violations.
Note-
You can only chec" design rules for planar surfaces.
In order to save the part si)e$ Pro/E+,I+EE- does not store comments of the rule
table.
Design Rules Menu
Design rules are general standards for your design. /he design rules are entered and
stored in a rule table. You can:
,efine.Define a set of design rules in a rule table.
,elete.Delete the design rules for your part.
*dit.Edit an existing set of design rules.
Show.Display the design rules assigned to your part.
)rite.Save the rule table to a directory. 0 file extension .rul1
Assi&n.ssign a set of design rules to your part.
Unassi&n.Deactivate the design rules table from your part. 0It #ill not be
applied to the part anymore.1
To Define the Design Rules
7. %lic" ,esi&n %ules. /he %U/* MCMT menu appears.
8. %lic" ,efine.
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9. /ype a name for the rule table and clic" . Pro//able #indo# opens a rule
table template listing the default sheet metal rules.
I. Edit the rule table as necessary.
J. %lic" ile # Save after entering your data. /he design rules are defined.
To Assign the Design Rules
8. %lic" Assi&n. /he US* %U/* menu appears.
9. Define the type of rule table to assign:
o rom Part.ssigns a rule table defined during the partDs session. Select a rule
table from the T$/ NAM*S menu listing all rule tables associated #ith the part.
o rom ile.ssigns a rule table stored in your directory. Select a rule table from
the ,ATA (/*S menu or clic" Names to navigate to the appropriate rule table
using the Open dialog box.
/he %U/* MCMT menu appears.
I. %lic" ,one3%eturn. /he rule table is assigned.
To Show the Design Rules
8. %lic" Show. /he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all rule tables associated #ith
the part.
9. Select the rule table to display. /he rule table opens.
To Write the Design Rules
8. %lic" )rite. /he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all rule tables associated #ith
the part.
9. Select the rule table to #rite to your directory.
I. /ype a name for the rule table and clic" . /he rule table #rites to your
directory. It has the file extension .rul.
To Edit the Design Rules
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8. %lic" *dit. /he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all rule tables associated #ith
the part.
9. Select the rule table to edit. /he rule table opens.
I. Edit the rule table as needed.
J. %lic" ile # Save after entering your data. /he design rules are redefined.
To Delete the Design Rules
8. %lic" ,elete. /he T$/ NAM*S menu appears$ listing all rule tables associated
#ith the part.
9. Select the rule table to delete. /he rule table is deleted.
To Unassign the Design Rules
8. %lic" Unassi&n. /he rule table is unassigned.
Example: Design Rule Table
/he sheet metal design rule table uses the follo#ing layout and data structure. You can
customi)e the rule data to guide your design process$ ho#ever you can not add ne#
design rules or modify the naming conventions of the existing rules:
26
/he standard rule table contains the follo#ing default sheet metal design rules:
MIN_DIST_BTWN_CUTS.%hec" the distance bet#een t#o cuts or punches. 0Default:
9/1
MIN_CUT_TO BOUND.%hec" the distance bet#een a part edge and a cut or punch.
0Default: 5/1
MIN_CUT_TO_BEND.%hec" the distance bet#een a bend!line and a cut or punch.
0Default:5.9F/K-1
MIN_WALL_HEIGHT.%hec" the minimum bend height of formed #alls. 0Default:
4.9F/K-1
MIN_SLOT_TAB_WIDTH.%hec" the minimum #idth of tabs. 0Default: /1
MIN_SLOT_TAB_HEIGHT.%hec" the minimum length of tabs. 0Default: A.J1
MIN_LASER_DIM.%hec" the minimum distance bet#een features to be laser cut.
0Default: 4.9F/1
About Sheet Metal Defaults and Parameters
Sheet metal defaults and parameters automate routine tas"s to help streamline your part
design. You can predefine some common feature geometry to ensure design consistency
and to save time by reducing menu selections.
2ith the defaults and parameters commands you can:
Set ne# sheet metal defaults and parameters to a part or design or you can use
the %etrieve command to apply existing defaults and parameters.
*odify existing sheet metal parameters using the *dit command.
27
Save and #rites the sheet metal parameter file 0.smd1 to your directory using the
Save command.
t first glance you may not notice a difference bet#een a default and a parameter$
ho#ever the t#o elements function uni<uely:
Parameter.;old a numeric value #hich can be specified in relations and
formulas.
,efault.-educe the number of menu selections.
You can set your defaults and parameters #hen you first open the part$ as the part is in!
progress$ or by importing an independent .smd parameter file. -emember$ defaults and
parameters are saved #ith your parts but you can change their values in!session.
List of Sheet Metal Defaults
/he follo#ing options are solely sheet metal defaults. /he value of these defaults reduce
the number of menu selections.
,efault ,es!ription
SMT_MATERIAL Define the sheet metal material properties.
SMT_K_FACTOR Define the =!factor used to measure
developed length.
SMT_Y_FACTOR Define the Y!factor used to measure
developed length.
SMT_PART_BEND_ALLOW_DFLTS Define the feature level Part &end /able. If
set to Yes$ the feature reads the Part &end
/able by default.
SMT_DFLT_RADIUS_SIDE Define the default radius side. If Auto then
the %A,(US S(,* menu is not displayed.
SMT_DFLT_CRNR_REL_TYPE Define the default corner relief type. If set to
Manual$ you are prompted to specify the
corner relief type during feature creation.
You are also prompted for appropriate corner
relief dimensions.
If set to Auto$ the corner relief step is
s"ipped and the matching default depth and
#idth values are accepted automatically.
Empty ro#s in the table are automatically
filled.
Note- If you use the dashboard to define a
corner relief$ you must ignore the Auto or
Manual attributes and apply a default value.
Empty ro#s in the table are automatically
filled.
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_TYPE Define the default type of bend relief. If set
to Manual$ you are prompted to specify the
bend relief type during feature creation. You
28
are also prompted for appropriate bend relief
dimensions.
If set to Auto$ the bend relief step is s"ipped
and the default values for depth and #idth
are accepted automatically from
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_DEPTH$
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_WIDTH$ and
SMT_DFLT_BEND_ANGLE.
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_DEPTH Define the depth of obround or rectangular
relief. 0Example: /an to bend.1
SMT_DFLT_DEPTH_OPTION Define the default depth option for S*/
class!cut. 0Example: &lind1
SMT_GAP Define the miter cut gap bet#een the t#o
#all segments. 0Example: /hic"ness or
/hic"nessFA.91
SMT_DFLT_EDGE_TREAT_TYPE Define the default edge rip type.
SMT_SHARPS_TO_BEND utomatically convert any sharp edges to
bends #hen s"etching and creating an
extruded #all.
List of Sheet Metal Defaults and Parameters
/he follo#ing options simultaneously act as sheet metal defaults and parameters. /he
sheet metal defaults and parameters hold numeric values that are used in relations and
reduce the number of menu selections #hen creating features.
,efault3Parameter ,es!ription
SMT_DFLT_BEND_RADIUS Define the default bend radius.
SMT_DFLT_BEND_ANGLE Define the default bend angle.
SMT_DFLT_CRNR_REL_WIDTH Define the #idth of corner relief.
SMT_DFLT_CRNR_REL_DEPTH Define the depth of circular$ rectangular$
or obround relief.
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_WIDTH Define the #idth of bend relief.
0Example: /hic"ness or 78.1
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_ANGLE Define the default bend relief angle.
0Example: 8J.1 Note- /his parameter is
only relevant for stretch relief.
SMT_DFLT_EDGE_TREAT_WIDTH Define the #idth of edge rip.
SMT_DFLT_MITER_CUT_WIDTH Define the #idth of miter cut.
SMT_DFLT_MITER_CUT_OFFSET Define the default miter cut offset value.
29
To Assign and Retrieve a Sheet Metal Defaults and Parameters
File
7. %lic" Parameters. /he Sheetmetal Parameters dialog box opens$ displaying
the parameters currently assigned to the part.
o /o retrieve and assign an existing defaults and parameters file$ clic" . /he
/oad Confi&ure ile dialog box opens.
+avigate to the appropriate .smd file. %lic" OK. /he parameters are retrieved and
assigned.
o /o assign a ne# set of defaults and parameters$ edit the table as necessary.
8. %lic" OK. /he Sheetmetal Parameters dialog box closes.
To Edit Sheet Metal Defaults and Parameters
7. %lic" Parameters. /he Sheetmetal Parameters dialog box opens.
8. Select the cell to edit. /he data highlights and a drop!do#n menu opens.
9. Select the ne# default value.
o You can select from the drop!do#n menu or enter specific ?alue data for the
SMT_MATERIAL, SMT_K_FACTOR, SMT_Y_FACTOR, SMT_DFLT_BEND_RADIUS,
SMT_DFLT_BEND_ANGLE, SMT_DFLT_CRNR_REL_WIDTH, SMT_DFLT_CRNR_REL_DEPTH,
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_DEPTH, SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_WIDTH$ and
SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_ANGLE parameters.
displays in the Status column if you change the ?alue column data.
o You can clic" to define all the Attribute parameters as Auto.
o You can clic" to reset the entire Sheetmetal Parameters table to the
original defaults.
o You can clic" to reset an entire ro# to the original defaults.
o You can clic" to reset an entire column to the original defaults.
o You can delete a parameter from a ?alue column cell that originally did not have
data entered. ;ighlight the cell and press ,elete.
4. %lic" OK to save the parameters #ith the part ! or ! to save the parameters
to a directory file.
30
To Save Sheet Metal Defaults and Parameters
7. %lic" Parameters. /he Sheetmetal Parameters dialog box opens.
8. /o save the sheet metal parameters #ith the part$ clic" OK. /he parameters are
saved and the Sheetmetal Parameters dialog box closes.
lternatively$ to save the sheet metal parameters in the specified directory:
o %lic" or ile G Save$ the Save As dialog box opens.
o Enter a file name and clic" OK. /he parameters are saved.
o %lic" OK$ the Sheetmetal Parameters dialog box closes.
Example: Sheet Metal Defaults and Parameters Table
/he sheet metal defaults and parameters table uses the follo#ing layout and data
structure. /he elements that function as both defaults and parameters are mar"ed #ith
red boxes. ny unmar"ed elements function solely as defaults.
/he sheet metal defaults and parameters table contains five columns and each column
has default information already set. If the column contains a dash 0!1 it is not available.
31
Name.>ist the default or parameter name. &ecause the name is a symbolic
string$ parameter names can be used in relation formulas. Note: You cannot edit the
default or parameter names.
?alue.Set a value to automatically highlight in the Menu Man&er. 0Example:
Outside %adius1
Attribute.Set ho# the default or parameter value #ill be accepted on the Menu
Mana&er.
o Manual.-e<uires you to accept the default setting as you #or" through the
Menu Mana&er. 0Example: Outside %adius highlights on %A,(US S(,* menu.
You must clic" ,one3%eturn to accept.1
o Auto.utomatically accepts the default setting and brings you to the next section
of the Menu Mana&er. 0Example: Set SMT_DFLT_RADIUS_SIDE to Auto to s"ip the
%A,(US S(,* menu.1
Add %elation.%reate a relation bet#een the defined dimension and the
parameter$ #hen the attribute is set to Auto. (or example$ if the
SMT_DFLT_BEND_ANGLE parameter is set to Auto and Add %elation is Yes$ a relation
#ill be added bet#een the bend angle in your design and the parameter.
Status.If you modify the ?alue column data displays.
About Configuring Sheetmetal Design
Sheetmetal Design configuration options enable you to customi)e your sheet metal
design environment. (or example$ you might specify constants for neutral bend lines$
enable corner relief notes and punch axis points$ set directory locations$ or define certain
material behavior in your sheet metal design.
Your sheet metal configuration options$ li"e all Pro/E+,I+EE- configuration options:
re set from the Options dialog box 0Tools G Options7.
re stored in a config.pro file.
6se the default value unless you manually set the configuration option.
You can set and save multiple combinations of configuration options 0 config.pro file1$
#ith each file containing settings uni<ue to certain design pro:ects.
Sheetmetal Design ;elp lists the configuration options uni<ue to sheet metal designs.
/he options are arranged in alphabetical order. Each topic contains the follo#ing
information:
%onfiguration option name.
&rief description and notes describing the configuration option.
Default and available variables or values. ll default values are follo#ed by an
asteris" 0F1.
To Set Sheet Metal Configuration Options
4. %lic" Tools # Options. /he Options dialog box opens.
5. %lic" the Show only options loaded from file chec" box to see currently loaded
configuration options or clear this chec" box to see all configuration options. /he
configuration options display.
32
7. Select the configuration option from the list or type the configuration option name
in the Option box.
8. In the ?alue box type or select a value.
Note: /he default value is follo#ed by an asteris" 0F1.
9. %lic" Add3Chan&e. /he configuration option and its value appear in the list.
green status icon confirms the change.
9. 2hen you finish configuring Sheetmetal Design$ clic" Apply. /he configuration
options are set.
Note: 2e recommend that you set your configuration options before starting a ne#
sheet metal session.
About Designing in Sheet Metal
Your sheet metal design can involve both solid and sheet metal application features. &e
sure to "eep your design intent and feature creation order in mind throughout the entire
design process.
You can utili)e the follo#ing sheet metal features:
Not!h and Pun!h.%reate templates used to cut and relieve sheet metal #alls.
)all.%reate the sheet metal material that is the base of your design.
$end$ Unbend$ $end $a!".Enable you to interchange bet#een bent and
unbent conditions.
lat Pattern.(latten your entire sheet metal part for manufacturing.
orm$ latten orm.Enable you complexly shape the sheet metal and flatten it
for manufacture.
%ip.%reate rips to relieve and control the sheet metal.
Cut.-emove material from the sheet metal #all.
,eform Area.%ontrol sheet metal stretching.
Conversion.%onvert a solid part into a sheet metal part$ capable of
manufacture.
*d&e $end.&end box!edges into rounds.
Corner %elief.-elieve corners to prevent un#anted deformation.
You can also:
6tili)e solid features$ including patterns$ copy$ mirror$ chamfers$ holes$ rounds$
and solid cuts.
Support multiple manufacturing re<uirements by creating inheritance features.
Possible Sheet Metal Design Approach
%onsider the follo#ing design approach #hen creating your sheet metal design:
4. %reate the basic sheet metal parts in sheet metal mode. Since many of the
components #ill be held in place #ith scre#s or bent tabs$ you might #ant to leave
the creation of these features for later #hen the components are assembled.
33
5. ssemble all the ma:or internal components relative to each other. Include simple
supporting structures$ or sheet metal parts that are not completely defined at this
time$ to place the components. >ess important components can also #ait.
Components and Sheet Metal
PlatformE $efore Assembly
7. %reate or modify the sheet metal parts using the internal components as
references$ if re<uired. /hose references aid you in adding any support #alls$ form
features for stiffening panels$ and notches or punches for fastening the components.
7. fter the cabinet and supporting structures are defined add any remaining sheet
metal or assembly features.
Components and Sheet Metal *n!losureE After Assembly

9. %reate and/or select a bend table to provide material allo#ances #hen unbending
the part. You could also do this before the first step in the design.
9. In sheet metal mode$ create a bend order table to define the bending se<uences
for each part.
9. dd a (lat State instance. /his creates your flat pattern for dra#ing and
manufacturing. /he bend table data ensures that the flat patternHs geometry is accurate.
34
9. %reating dra#ings to document your parts. You can include both the generic 0as
designed1 part and the (lat State instance 0multi!model dra#ing1. Sho# the dimensions
each model. /hen add the bend order table as a note.
About Converting to Sheet Metal Parts
%onverting solid parts to sheet metal parts enables you to modify your existing solid
design #ith sheet metal industry features. /he conversion can serve as a shortcut in your
design process because you can reuse existing solid designs to reach your sheet metal
design intent and you can include multiple features #ithin a single conversion feature.
fter you convert a part to sheet metal$ it acts as any other sheet metal part.
complete conversion may re<uire t#o steps:
$asi! !onversion.*a"e a basic conversion of the solid part that allo#s you to
#or" in the sheet metal mode.
Sheet Metal Conversion eature.If the converted part is not manufacturable
0able to be unbent1$ create a sheet metal conversion feature to add alterations li"e
rips$ bends$ and corner relief.
/he basic conversion defines ho# you #ant to use the existing solid part in your sheet
metal design. You can either shell out the part$ by selecting #alls to remove$ or you can
assign a driving surface$ #hich is the surface that carries the partHs geometry 0driving
side1. &loc"!li"e parts typically use the shell option to convert to sheet metal #hile thin
protrusions #ith constant thic"ness typically use the driving surface option. ll of the
solid partHs geometry is referenced to create the FIRST WALL in the sheet metal part.
Solid Part $asi! Conversion Conversion
eature
Unbent Part
fter you convert the solid part it may still be undevelopable in sheet metal. %reating a
conversion feature using some of the follo#ing features enables you to ma"e the sheet
metal part manufacturable:
Point %elief.Places datum points on edges selected or created asynchronously.
/he datum points act as point relief. /hey can:
o Define a point brea" that divides an existing edge into t#o separate edges that
can be partially ripped and partially bent.
o Define the end of a rip connection.
o Define point relief at vertices of bends and rips.
*d&e %ips.*a"es a rip along the edge$ #hich enables you to unbend your sheet
metal part. %orner edges can be open$ blind$ or overlapping.
%ip Conne!ts.%onnects rips #ith planar$ straight!line rips. /he rip connects are
s"etched #ith point!to!point connections$ #hich re<uire you to define rip endpoints.
/he rip endpoints can be datum points or vertices and must either be at the end of a
rip or on the part border. /he rip connects cannot be collinear #ith existing edges.
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$ends.%onverts sharp edges to bends. &y default$ the inner radius of the bend
is set to the thic"ness of the sheet metal. 2hen you specify an edge as a rip$ all non!
tangential intersecting edges convert to bends #hen you clic" OK or Preview in the
dialog box.
Corner %eliefs.Places relief in selected corners.
Converting Back to Solid Parts
%onverting your sheet metal part bac" to a solid part enables you to modify the solid part
and ma"e any design changes. &e sure to consider the effects your alterations #ill have
in the sheet metal environment$ especially #ith respect to unbending.
You can alter the solid part in the follo#ing #ays:
(nsert eatures.lters your solid part design #ithout having to convert from
sheet metal to a solid part and bac" again. You can insert ne# features before the
sheet metal conversion feature in your design by clic"ing eature # (nsert Mode on
the PA%T menu in the *enu *anager. Doing this enables the menu commands and
features for solid parts.
If inserting features does not meet your design needs$ you can convert a sheet metal
part bac" to a solid part in the follo#ing #ays:
Suppress the Conversion eatures.Suppresses the sheet metal conversion
feature 0the Smt Conversion feature appears in the *odel /ree1 and modifies the solid
part. &y suppressing this feature 0clic" *dit # Suppress1 you can #or" on the original
part and resume the suppressed conversion features #hen needed.
,elete the Conversion eatures.Deletes the first sheet metal feature 0FIRST
WALL1 in the model tree by clic"ing *dit # ,elete. -emember$ #hen you delete this
feature$ every feature after it #ill also delete.
To Convert to Sheet Metal
4. 'pen the existing solid part in Standard mode.
5. %lic" Appli!ations # Sheetmetal. /he SMT CON?*%T menu appears in the
*enu *anager.
7. Define ho# to convert the solid part to sheet metal:
,rivin& Srf.Select the #all to carry the partHs geometry 0driving side of the
part1.
o %lic" ,rivin& Srf.
o Select the desired driving surface on the part. You are prompted for the #all
thic"ness.
o /ype the #all thic"ness and clic" . /he FIRST WALL feature is created and the
part opens in sheet metal mode.
Shell.Select #all0s1 to remove to create a shell part.
o %lic" Shell. /he *ATU%* %*S menu appears.
o Select one or more surfaces to remove and then clic" ,one %efs. You are
prompted for the #all thic"ness.
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o /ype the #all thic"ness and clic" . /he FIRST WALL feature is created and the
part opens in sheet metal mode.
If your part needs to be ad:usted for manufacture$ continue #ith step 8.
8. %lic" on the sheet metal toolbar or clic" (nsert # Conversion. /he SMT
CON?*%S(ON dialog box opens.
8. ;ighlight a conversion element 0described belo#1 and clic" ,efine. /he
appropriate menu appears in the *enu *anager.
-epeat Step 9 for any of the conversion elements belo#:
Point %eliefs:
o %lic" Add to create a ne# point relief.
o Select an existing datum point or an edge to place the ne# datum point on.
o Place the datum point by using:
Offset.Set the point a specified distance from a plane.
/en&th %atio.Set the point location as a decimal fraction of the edge length
0range A.A through 4.A1.
A!tual /en.Enter a value for the actual distance along the edge.
o %lic" ,one Sel # ,one after defining all point reliefs. You return to the SMT
CON?*%S(ON dialog box.
*d&e %ip:
o %lic" Add to create an edge rip.
o Select the desired edges to rip using the %(P P(*C*S menu. If you created point
reliefs$ select the edge pieces to rip.
o %lic" ,one Sets. You return to the SMT CON?*%S(ON dialog box.
You can customi)e the corner type for each edge rip at any time:
o %lic" %edefine from the %(P P(*C*S menu. /he P(*C* S*/ menu appears.
o Select the edge piece to redefine. /he %(P P(*C*S dialog box opens.
o ;ighlight Corner Type and clic" ,efine. /he CO%N*% ,* menu appears.
o Select the desired corner type 0Open$ $lind$ or Overlap1 and then clic" ,one.
o %lic" O" in %(P P(*C*S dialog box.
%ip Conne!t:
o %lic" Add to create a ne# rip piece connection.
o Select the first endpoint for the rip piece. series of dashed lines radiates from
the ripDs first endpoint to possible second endpoints.
o Select the second endpoint of the rip piece from the possible endpoints identified
by a dashed line. /he extraneous dashed lines clear and the ne# connecting rip
line displays.
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o %lic" OK on the %(P CONN*CT dialog box.
o %lic" ,one Sets on the %(P CONN*CT menu. You return to the SMT
$ends:
o %lic" Add to create a ne# bend.
o Select the edges to bend.
o %lic" ,one Sel # ,one Sets after selecting all edges to bend. You return to the
SMT CON?*%S(ON dialog box.
Corner %eliefs:
o %lic" Add to create ne# corner relief.
o Select the 7D note for each corner needing similar relief. %lic" ,one Sel.
o Select the type of corner relief:
No %elief.+o relief is added. /he corner retains the rip characteristic.
None.,enerate a s<uare corner. /he default O!notch characteristic is removed.
Cir!ular.dd a circular relief. /he corner has a circular section removed.
Obround.dd an obround relief. /he corner has an obround section removed.
o Define the relief dimensions:
Thi!"ness.6se a default radius that is e<ual to the thic"ness of the sheet metal
#all.
Thi!"ness > 4.6se a default radius that is t#ice the thic"ness of the sheet
metal #all.
*nter ?alue.6se the absolute value that you type in the *nter dimension
value box.
o %lic" ,one Sets after applying all corner relief. You return to the SMT
I. %lic" OK on the SMT CON?*%S(ON dialog box. /he conversion feature is
created.
Working with Rip Connects
-ip connects :oin existing rips #ith planar$ straight!line rips. /he rip connects are
s"etched #ith point!to!point connections$ #hich re<uire you to define rip endpoints. /he
rip endpoints can be datum points or vertices and must either be at the end of a rip or on
the part border. /he rip connects cannot be collinear #ith existing edges.
Sele!tin& the irst %ip
*ndpoint
Conne!tin& the %ips
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4. /#o existing edge rips.
5. /he first endpoint defined for the rip connect.
7. /he series of possible second endpoints$ based on the first rip connect endpoint.
8. /he t#o existing edge rips.
9. /he completed rip connect.

Example: Sheet Metal Conversion
/he follo#ing examples depict the t#o types of sheet metal conversionsS driving surface
and shell. &loc"!li"e parts typically use the shell option to convert to sheet metal #hile
thin protrusions #ith constant thic"ness typically use the driving surface option.
Original Solid Part
'riginal solid part maintains a constant thic"ness.
Driving Surface Conversion
4. Driving surface of FIRST WALL sheet metal feature.
Original Solid Part
'riginal box!li"e solid part.
Shell Conversion

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5. Sheet metal surface to remove before creating the (I-S/ 2>> sheet metal
feature.

About Walls
#all is any section of sheet metal material in your design. /here are t#o main types of
#alls in Sheetmetal Design:
Primary walls.re independent and do not need another #all to exist. Primary
#alls can be Unatta!hed$ lat$ *+truded$ %evolve$ $lend$ Offset$ ?ariable
Se!tion Sweep$ Swept $lend$ Aeli!al Sweep$ rom $oundaries$ $lend Se!tion
To Surfa!es$ $lend $etween Surfa!es$ $lend from ile$ $lend Tan&ent to
Surfa!es.
Se!ondary walls.re dependent on at least one primary #all. /hey are children
to primary #alls. Secondary #alls include all the primary #alls$ as #ell as lat$
lan&e$ *+tend $ Twist$ and Mer&e.
If you are designing a part from scratch a primary #all must be your first feature. ll
feature options are unavailable until after you create the primary #all. You can then add
any applicable sheet metal and solid!class features to your design.
2hen you create secondary #alls you have the option of ma"ing the #all attached or
unattached. Except for extend #alls$ secondary #alls can either be attached to a #hole
edge$ or to a portion of the edge 0#hich is a partial #all1. n attached secondary #all can
use an:
Automati!ally &enerated wall
with a bend an&le
)all without a bend
/he unattached #all option enables you to create #alls separate from the primary #all.
You could potentially create the side #alls before "no#ing #hat the middle section should
loo" li"e. ;o#ever$ "eep in mind that secondary #alls are dependent on the primary #all.
If you delete the primary #all the secondary #all #ill also delete.
Note: 2hile the unattached #all option resembles an ssembly$ it is not. Eventually you
must connect or merge the #alls.
Unatta!hed
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Sheet metal #alls have a constant thic"ness. /he #allDs thic"ness is formed by offsetting
the sheet metal partDs offset surface from its driving surface. /he side surfaces form after
the part is fully regenerated.
*any sheet metal #alls re<uire some "ind of relief. 2ithout relief some un#anted ripping
or stretching may occur. utomatic relief is available for #alls.
About Wall Relief
2all relief helps control the sheet metal material and prevents un#anted deformation.
(or example$ an unrelieved secondary #all might not represent the accurate$ real life
model you need due to material stretching. &y adding the appropriate relief$ li"e
Strt!h%elief$ your sheet metal #all #ill meet your design intent and enable you to
create an accurate flat model.
You can create five types of #all relief:
No %elief.ttach the #all using no relief.
Strt!h%elief.Stretch the material for bend relief at #all attachment points.
%ip %elief.-ip the existing material at each attachment point.
%e!t%elief.dd a rectangular relief at each attachment point.
Obrnd%elief.dd an obround relief at each attachment point.
No %elief Strt!h%elief %ip %elief %e!t%elief Obrnd%elief
Types of Walls
/he follo#ing is a <uic"!reference to guide you in selecting the #all type that most
accurately meets your design intent.
/he follo#ing type of #alls are used in actual designs:
(lat.You can attach a flat #all to a t#isted #all$ revolve #all$ or a planar surface.
/he attachment edge must be straight or defined by the driving or offset surface. If
you #ant a ne# #all in the same plane as ad:acent #all$ insert a flat #all #ithout a
bend. You can also insert a flat #all #ith a bend at a sharp edge using flat.
Extruded.You can attach an extruded #all to any edge that is straight and
defined by the driving or offset surface. You can insert an extruded #all #ith or
#ithout a bend.
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S#ept.You can attach a s#ept #all to any surface$ includes straight or nonlinear
edges of the driving or offset surface. Select the edges in any order. You can define a
chain by selecting an edge$ #hich includes all the edges tangent to the edge. You can
also select a predefined collection of edges in the mode or select an opposite chain
that is offset #ith thic"ness or a chain that cannot be transformed by a bend or
unbend operation
About Flat Walls
flat #all is a planar or even or unbent section of sheet metal. It can either be a primary
#all$ the first #all in your design$ or a secondary #all$ dependent on the primary #all.
(lat #alls can ta"e any flat shape.
If the flat #all is a primary #all$ then only the (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G
Unatta!hed is available. 6sing the unattached flat #all tool$ you can create a primary
unattached flat #all. 6nattached #alls re<uire closed loop s"etches.
If the flat #all is a secondary #all$ you must s"etch the #all as an open loop aligned #ith
the highlighted vertices of the attachment edge. /he surface ad:acent to the attach edge
must be planar. You can create an attached flat #all using (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G
lat.
/he follo#ing is an example of an attached flat #all #ith radius:
*+istin& )all lat )all S"et!h 1open
loop7
Completed lat )all
4. ttachment Edge
Note-
You can create a flat #all #ith an angle but #ithout a bend$ or #ithout an angle
and a bend.
If flat #alls are created #ith predefined profiles using dimensions that are
calculated #ith reference to the bottom surface of an existing #all$ then you must
attach a predefined section to an offset edge to use such #alls.
6sing the S"et!h option in the S"et!h dialog box$ you can convert predefined
05D1 sections #ithout external references to a 7D section #ith external references. If
you flip the angle of a 5D section$ the section moves to an offset edge to retain the
symmetry around the attachment #all. ;o#ever$ flipping the angle of a 7D section
rotates the section around the originally selected edge and the resultant geometry
becomes asymmetric. 'n flipping the angle$ the references of a 7D section may
become invalid or the shape of a 7D section may change.
To Create a Flat Wall Without a Bend
4. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # lat. /he S*/ dashboard appears.
5. Select a valid attachment edge to insert a flat #all. valid edge is an edge that is
straight or defined by the driving or offset surface.
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/he selected edge is displayed in the Pla!ement collector on the S*/ dashboard.
rectangular section 0#all1 is created by default.
Note- 'ptions available on the dashboard are also available through the shortcut
menus #hen you right!clic" the handle or the flat #all.
7. (rom the list on the dashboard$
a. Select one of the predefined #all profiles$ that is$ one of %e!tan&le$ Trape'oid$
/$ T$ or User ,efined.
b. Specify the re<uired bend angle from the list in the bend angle box or select the
default bend angle.
lternatively$ you can select lat from the list in the bend angle box to create a
flat #all #ithout a bend angle. 'n selecting a lat angle$ the bend allo#ance and
relief options become unavailable.
8. If you specify a bend angle$ the Offset option becomes available.
a. %lic" Offset on the S*/ dashboard.
b. %lic" Offset wall with respe!t to atta!hment ed&e and select one of the
follo#ing:
o Automati!.'ffsets the #all and maintains the original height of the attachment
#all.
o $y ?alue.'ffsets the #all at a specific distance. You can also drag the handle to
ad:ust the offset value.
4. If re<uired$ clic" Shape to change the dimensions of the section.
a. %lic" S"et!h to define a s"etch #ith user!defined values or change the geometry
of the predefined section. /he S"et!h dialog box opens.
b. If re<uired$ flip the s"etch vie# direction$ change the reference$ or vie#
orientation$ and clic" S"et!h.
c. %lic" on the s"etcher toolbar to complete defining the s"etch.
I. %lic" Properties on the S*/ dashboard.
a. ccept the default feature name or rename it if re<uired.
b. %lic" to vie# the information of the feature element data in the embedded
bro#ser.
/he default thic"ness is displayed.
J. %lic" to apply and save the changes made to the feature.
To Create a Flat Wall With a Bend
4. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # lat. /he S*/ dashboard appears.
5. Select a valid attachment edge to insert a flat #all. valid edge is an edge that is
straight or defined by the driving or offset surface.
43
rectangular section 0#all1 is created by default.
menus #hen you right!clic" the handle or the flat #all.
7. (rom the list on the dashboard$
a. Select one of the predefined #all profiles$ that is$ one of %e!tan&le$ Trape'oid$
/$ T$ or User ,efined.
b. Specify the re<uired bend angle or drag the handle to set the #all angle.
8. If re<uired$ clic" Shape to change the dimensions of the section.
a. %lic" S"et!h to define a s"etch #ith user!defined values or change the geometry
of the predefined section. /he S"et!h dialog box opens.
b. If re<uired$ flip the s"etch vie# direction$ change the reference$ or vie#
orientation$ and clic" S"et!h.
c. %lic" on the s"etcher toolbar to complete defining the s"etch.
9. %lic" Offset on the S*/ dashboard.
I. %lic" Offset wall with respe!t to atta!hment ed&e and select one of the
follo#ing:
#all.
J. %lic" to change the thic"ness of the flat #all to the opposite side of the s"etch
plane.
Note- /he default bend thic"ness and dimension values are applied to the bend at
the attachment edge. $end Allowan!e on the dashboard is available by default.
Q. %lic" $end Allowan!e on the dashboard.
a. 6nder ,eveloped /en&th !al!ulation$ clic" A eature Spe!ifi! Set Up
to determine ho# the bend deformation is to be calculated for a specific feature
and select one of the follo#ing:
o $y K a!tor.%omputes the developed length using the =!factor. =!factor is the
ratio bet#een the distance from the neutral bend line to the inside bend radius and
the sheet material thic"ness.
o $y 6 a!tor.%omputes the developed length using the Y!factor. Y!factor is the
ratio bet#een the neutral bend line and material thic"ness.
o $y $end Table.%ontrols calculations for the length of flat material 0developed
length1 needed to ma"e a bend.
b. %lic" $y $end Table to select one of the three system bend tables or clic"
$rowse to select a user!defined bend table.
44
L. /ype the re<uired bend radius value or select a predefined radius value$ that is$
one of Thi!"ness$ Thi!"ness > 4$ or $y Parameter from the list on the dashboard.
You can also change the bend radius by using the handle on the flat #all.
4A. %lic" to dimension the outer surface of the part or clic" to dimension the
inner surface of the part.
44. %lic" %elief and define one of the follo#ing types of bend relief to use. %ip relief
is the default.
a. %lic" ,efine ea!h side separately to specify the #all relief type for each side of
the #all$ #here Side ; indicates the start point of the attachment edge and Side 4
indicates the endpoint of the attachment edge.
b. Specify the type of bend relief to apply.
o No %elief.*aintains the existing material shape and does not control the bend
behavior.
o %ip.-ips the existing material.
o Stret!h.Stretches the existing material.
o %e!tan&ular.dds a rectangular relief.
o Obround.dds an obround relief.
Note- You can also define a bend relief for each side of the section separately.
c. Define the reliefDs #idth:
o Thi!"ness.6ses a default radius that is e<ual to the thic"ness of the sheet metal
#all.
o Thi!"ness > 4.6ses a default radius that is t#ice the thic"ness of the sheet
metal #all.
o $y Parameter.6ses the default bend relief type specified in the Sheetmetal
Parameters dialog box.
o *nter ?alue.6ses the absolute value that you type in the *nter dimension
value box.
d. Specify a relief depth for the %e!tan&ular and Obround types of reliefs or drag
the handle to ad:ust the relief depth.
45. %lic" Properties.
bro#ser.
47. %lic" to apply and save the changes made to the feature.
To Create an Unattached Flat Wall
4. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # Unatta!hed # lat. /he S*/
dashboard appears.
45
lternatively$ you can use a s"etched feature 0closed loop1 as a section for creating
an unattached flat #all. &y default$ the s"etched plane is the driving surface.
5. %lic" %eferen!es on the dashboard. /he S"et!h slide!up panel appears.
o If a s"etched feature already exists$ clic"ing Unlin" brea"s the association
bet#een the s"etched feature and its internal section.
%lic" *dit on the %eferen!e panel and modify the internal s"etch.
o If a s"etched feature does not exist$ clic" ,efine and select the reference s"etch
plane using the S"et!h dialog box.
a. Select the default vie# orientation or select a ne# vie# reference to s"etch the
unattached flat #all.
b. S"etch the unattached flat #all.
c. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
7. /ype a value for the #allDs thic"ness using the thic"ness input panel.
Note- /he thic"ness input panel is available only for the first unattached #all.
8. %lic" to flip the thic"ness direction$ if re<uired.
Note- If the first #all exists in the sheet metal design$ the unattached flat #all
automatically adopts its thic"ness.
You can flip the driving surface side only for a second unattached flat #all using
Options on the S*/ dashboard.
9. 2hen done$ clic" on the SMT dashboard. n unattached #all is created.
About Flange Walls
You can perform the follo#ing operations #ith the flange #all functionality:
-edefine extruded #alls to s#ept #alls and vice versa$ if re<uired
6se predefined internal profiles 0predefined profiles also include the hem profiles1
Specify the material direction for the attached #all
Specify a bend for an extrude or s#eep
*odify developed length for s#ept #alls
-edefine extruded #alls
*odify the predefined internal profiles
Specify the vie# reference and orientation before activating the s"etch
'btain the developed length information for s#ept #alls
dd bends on sharp edges for extruded and s#ept #alls
S"etch nontangent sections for s#ept #alls
Define a #all trimming by using the offset dimension or maintain the attachment
#all height
46
Define corner reliefDs for nontangent points and its ne# placement
dd rectangular relief to the corner type of relief
dd a S*/ parameter dimension gap
Define edge treatment 0edge rips1 for nontangent edges
Specify nontangent segments in the profile
llo# automatic excluding of #all segment
Define miter cuts located at intersection of t#o #alls
Note- &y default$ a flange #all is a s#ept #all unless you s#itch to extrude #all.
Pro/E+,I+EE- cannot create extruded #alls in the follo#ing conditions:
/he Pla!ement collector contains a non!linear attachment edge
/he Pla!ement collector contains more than one edge
Note-
If flat #alls are created #ith predefined profiles using dimensions that are
calculated #ith reference to the bottom surface of an existing #all$ then you must
attach a predefined section to an offset edge to use such #alls.
6sing the S"et!h option in the S"et!h dialog box$ you can convert predefined
05D1 sections #ithout external references to a 7D section #ith external references. If
you flip the angle of a 5D section$ the section moves to an offset edge to retain the
symmetry around the attachment #all. ;o#ever$ flipping the angle of a 7D section
rotates the section around the originally selected edge and the resultant geometry
becomes asymmetric. 'n flipping the angle$ the references of a 7D section may
become invalid or the shape of a 7D section may change.
Types of Predefined Flange Wall Profiles
flange #all is a folded sheet metal edge. You can place flanges on straight$ arched$ or
s#ept edges.
You can attach different predefined #all profiles to the attachment edge or create user!
defined #all profiles. /ypically$ follo#ing are the three types of flange #all profiles:
*ost fre<uently used.I$ rc$ and S
;em.'pen$ (lushed$ Duc"$ %$ and T
6ser!defined
In the follo#ing table$ the ;em profile is highlighted in yello#.
Open lushed ,u!" C F
47
In the follo#ing table$ the most fre<uently used profiles are highlighted in yello#.
( Ar! S
48

4. 4.AA inside
5. 4.AA inside
7. 4.AA inside
You can modify attributes for each flange before and after placing the flange. ;o#ever$
you cannot change the material thic"ness direction for the 'pen$ (lushed$ Duc"$ %$ and T
type of flanges. &y default$ bend radius and material thic"ness direction are applied only
to the profile that is not tangent to the attachment #all at the s"etch plane vie#. (or a
(lushed type of flange$ you can create only a rip type of relief. 2hereas$ stretch relief is
not applicable for a Duc" type of flange.
(or an I$ rc$ and S type of flange$ you can change the bend radius and material
thic"ness to other side of the section.
(lange #alls increase the #all height of your design. If your flange design re<uires a
specific #all height$ you can set the flange #alls to maintain the overall length of the #all
using Offset wall with respe!t to atta!hment ed&e.
Standard wall profile )all profile with an offset wall hei&ht
4. /?5A.AA
5. I.AA
7. /?5A.AA

Depending on #here you position the flange$ you may need to add bend relief. /he bend
relief #ill help control the sheet metal material and prevents un#anted deformation. You
can automatically set the relief attributes 0type$ #idth$ depth$ and angle1 by defining
bend relief defaults and parameters. If the defaults and parameters are not applicable$
they are ignored.
You can either simultaneously or individually define the bend relief sides. If you define
the sides individually$ you can assign different relief types to each side.
)all with an Obround and %e!tan&ular %elief
49
About Swept Walls
s#ept #all follo#s the tra:ectory formed by the attachment edge. 2hen you s"etch a
cross!section along the attachment edge$ the #all s#eeps along that edge. /he
attachment edge may not be linear and the ad:acent surface may not be planar. You can
use a tangent or nontangent chain as a placement chain to create a s#ept #all.
Note- 6sing Sheetmetal )all G lan&e$ you can extrude #ith or #ithout a bend and
s#eep #ith or #ithout a bend.
You can create a s#ept #all by specifying a tra:ectory$ material side$ profile$ bend$ relief$
and offset.
/o create an attached extruded #all$ specify an attachment edge$ material side$ profile$
#all length$ bend$ and relief.
Swept )all Ceometry
4. ttachment surface
5. /ra:ectory edge 0ttachment edge1
7. %ross!section s"etch
You can create t#o types of s#ept #alls:
No %adius 1loo"in& from above7 Use %adius 1loo"in& from below7
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or Swept )alls No %adius:
If the line of intersection
bet#een the s"etching plane and the
attachment surface is not a straight
line$ the s#ept #all must be attached
tangentially to the ad:acent surface at
the attachment edge.
/he angle bet#een the
attachment edge and surface cannot
exceed 4QA degrees. If you need a
larger angle$ use the opposite side of
the sheet metal 0an offset surface
instead of the driving surface$ or vice
versa1.
or Swept )alls Use %adius:
/he line of intersection bet#een the
s"etching plane and the attachment surface
must be a straight line.
Pro/E+,I+EE- creates a fillet of the
specified radius along the attachment edge.
/hat fillet ta"es material a#ay from the
ad:acent surface. /o prevent this$ clic"
to ma"e the bend radius unavailable and
s"etch the desired radius #ith an arc.
If you specify the radius to be 3r$3 a
fillet of radius r is formed along the
tra:ectory edge$ bet#een the attachment
surface and the s#ept #all.
You can use s#ept #alls to manually create hem #alls and flanges.
You cannot add a bend on a s#ept #all if you select a hem profile.
You cannot add a bend on a s#ept #all if the s"etch is attached to the attachment
edge #ith a tangent constraint.
(or a flushed hem$ edge is not a valid tra:ectory for flanges.
You can attach #alls to some straight edges of a s#ept #all or hem$ but$ you
cannot select the edges that are deformed #hile unbending or bending.
6sing *d&e Treatment$ you can create an edge rip along the edge bet#een t#o
nontangent #all segments. (or a concave edge$ by default you can apply only an open
type of edge rip.
You can define a corner relief for s#ept #alls that have tangent #all segments.
You can define miter cuts for s#ept #alls at each intersection of t#o tangent #all
segments.
You cannot apply the Stret!h$ %e!tan&ular$ or Obround type of reliefs for a
flange #all that is created #ith a non!planar surface edge chain.
To Create a Swept Wall Without a Bend
4. Select a valid attachment edge for the s#ept #all. valid edge must be one of the
follo#ing$
o One by One.Selects individual edges$ one at a time. Includes straight or
nonlinear edges of the driving or offset surface. Select the edges in any order.
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o Tan&ent Chain.Defines a chain by selecting an edge$ #hich includes all the
edges tangent to the edge.
o (ntent Chain.Selects a predefined collection of edges in the model.
o Surfa!e Chain.%onstructs a surface loop chain that uses all the edges of the
surface that define the selected edge. You must hold do#n S;I(/ and right!clic"
several times to select an edge.
You can select an opposite chain that is offset #ith thic"ness or a chain that cannot
be transformed by a bend or unbend operation.
menus #hen you right!clic" on the handle or the s#ept #all.
5. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # lan&e to open the S*/ dashboard.
s#ept #all is created by default.
%lic" ,etails in the Pla!ement slide!up panel to change the type of selected edge
using the Chain dialog box.
7. (rom the list on the dashboard$ select one of the predefined #all profiles$ that is$
one of ($ Ar!$ S$ Open$ lushed$ ,u!"$ C$ F$ or User ,efined$ #here$ Open$
lushed$ ,u!"$ C$ F are predefined hem profiles.
Note- 2hen creating a s#ept #all$ you can specify both bend radius and bend
allo#ance for the I$ rc$ and S profile types. ;o#ever$ for all hem features$ you can
specify only the bend allo#ance.
8. %lic" Profile on the S*/ dashboard to$
o %hange the dimensions of the section$ if re<uired.
o %lic" S"et!h$ the S"et!h dialog box opens. &y default$ the *nd of wall option is
selected for a s#ept #all.
o (lip the profile$ if re<uired.
Note- /he Add bends on sharp ed&es option is available only if the modified
section has sharp corner bends.
o %lic" Add bends on sharp ed&es if re<uired.
9. %lic" /en&th and select one of the follo#ing directions to specify the #all length:
o or Chain *nd.%reates a s#ept #all till the ends of the attachment #all.
o or $lind./rims or extends the s#ept #all in either direction from the chain
end by a specific value.
o or To Sele!ted./rims or extends the s#ept #all in either direction to the
selected point$ curve$ plane$ surface$ axis$ or edge.
I. %lic" Offset on the S*/ dashboard.
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follo#ing:
#all.
o $y ?alue.'ffsets the #all at a specific distance. You can also drag the graphic
handle to ad:ust the offset value.
Note- %elief is available only for hem profiles after you specify the offset.
Q. %lic" . /he bend thic"ness and dimension values become unavailable. /hese
values are available by default. You can specify a bend allo#ance only if 0bend
radius1 is s#itched on. ;o#ever$ for all the hem profiles and user!defined profiles #ith
nonlinear segments$ you can change the bend allo#ance.
L. %lic" to change the thic"ness of the flange #all to the other side of the s"etch
plane.
L. %lic" Properties on the S*/ dashboard.
a. ccept the default feature name or rename it as re<uired.
bro#ser.
To Create a Swept Wall With a Bend
4. Select a valid attachment edge for the s#ept #all. valid edge must be one of the
follo#ing$
o One by One.Select individual edges$ one at a time. Includes straight or non!
linear edges of the driving or offset surface. You can select the edges in any order.
o Tan&ent Chain.Define a chain by selecting an edge$ #hich includes all the
edges tangent to the edge.
o (ntent Chain.Select a predefined collection of edges in the model.
o Surfa!e Chain.%onstructs a surface loop chain that uses all the edges of the
surface that define the selected edge. You must hold do#n S;I(/ and right!clic"
several times to select an edge.
You can select an opposite chain that is offset #ith thic"ness or a chain that cannot
be transformed by a bend or unbend operation.
menus #hen you right!clic" on the handle or the s#ept #all.
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a. %lic" ,etails to change the type of selected edge using the Chain dialog box.
b. If you have selected a tangent chain$ the Allow automati! se&ment e+!lusion
chec" box becomes available. %lic" Allow automati! se&ment e+!lusion to exclude a
#all segment that is overlapped by bend surfaces of the neighbouring #all segments.
Note- #all segment is excluded #hen most of the area of its bend surface is
overlapped by bend surfaces of the neighbouring #all segment or segments.
2hen excluding segments$ a long #all segment has higher priority than short #all
segments.
7. (rom the list on the dashboard$ select one of the predefined #all profiles$ that is$
one of ($ Ar!$ S$ or User ,efined.
7. %lic" Profile on the S*/ dashboard to do the follo#ing:
o %hange the dimensions of the section$ if re<uired.
o %lic" S"et!h$ the S"et!h dialog box opens. &y default$ the *nd of wall option is
selected for a s#ept #all.
o (lip the profile$ if re<uired.
Note- /he Add bends on sharp ed&es option is available only if the modified
section has sharp corner bends.
o %lic" Add $ends On Sharp *d&es if re<uired.
9. %lic" /en&th and select one of the follo#ing directions to specify the #all length:
o or Chain *nd.%reates a s#ept #all till the ends of the attachment #all.
o or $lind./rims or extends the s#ept #all in either direction from the chain
end by a specific value.
o or To Sele!ted./rims or extends the s#ept #all in either direction to the
selected point$ curve$ plane$ surface$ axis$ or edge.
follo#ing:
#all.
Q. %lic" to change the thic"ness of the flange #all to the other side of the s"etch
plane.
the attachment edge. $end Allowan!e on the dashboard is available by default.
L. %lic" $end Allowan!e on the dashboard.
54
a. 6nder ,eveloped /en&th !al!ulation$ clic" A eature Spe!ifi! Set Up to
determine ho# the bend deformation is to be calculated for a specific feature and select
one of the follo#ing:
$y K a!tor.%omputes the developed length using the =!factor. =!factor is the
ratio bet#een the distance from neutral bend line to inside material surface and
the sheet material thic"ness.
$y 6 a!tor.%omputes the developed length using the Y!factor. Y!factor is the
b. 6nder ,eveloped /en&th for Ar!s$ clic" Use $end Table and select one of the
three system bend tables or clic" $rowse to select a user!defined bend table.
4A. /ype the re<uired bend radius value or select a predefined radius value$ that is$
You can also change the bend radius using the handle on the s#ept #all.
Note- /he $y Parameter option is available only if the bend radius is defined in the
Sheetmetal Parameters table before feature creation.
44. %lic" to dimension the outer surface of the part or to dimension the inner
surface of the part.
44. %lic" Properties on the S*/ dashboard.
bro#ser.
To Perform Edge Treatment
4. Select a nontangent edge chain.
5. %lic" *d&e Treatment on the S*/ dashboard to specify the type of edge rip and
its dimensions for every pair of intersecting #all segments. /he edge rip is created
#ith reference to the offset #all and not the attachment edge.
/he selected pairs of edges are displayed in the edges list. /he first edge in the list is
selected by default.
7. Select one of the follo#ing types of rips and clic" ,one:
o Open.0default1 %reate standard open edges.
Note- You cannot create a flange #all #ith open type of edge rip if the selected
reference has a concave vertex.
o Cap.%reate a gap along the edge rip using a specific dimension.
Select a value or specify a ne# value for the gap #idth. /he default value is ta"en
from the SMT_GAP parameter set in the S*/ Parameters table.
o $lind.%ustomi)e the blind edge rip using a specific dimension.
55
Specify the extend or trim value for the t#o intersecting #all segments or select a
predefined dimension$ that is$ one of Thi!"ness$ Thi!"ness>4$ or Thi!"ness34
from the list on the dashboard.
o Overlap.%reate a standard overlapping edge rip. %lic" (lip to reverse the overlap
direction.
Note- /he Add Cap option is available only #hen you select the Overlap type of
edge rip. 'n selecting Add Cap$ the gap dimensions are displayed.
Specify a value for the gap #idth or select a predefined dimension$ that is$ one of
Thi!"ness$ Thi!"ness>4$ or Thi!"ness34 from the list on the dashboard.
To Define Miter Cuts
4. Select a tangent edge chain.
5. %lic" Miter Cuts on the S*/ dashboard.
a. Select Add Miter Cuts. /he miter cuts are added bet#een the intersecting
tangent #all segments. /his option is selected by default.
b. Specify the miter cut dimensions$ such as the miter cut #idth and offset in the
respective input panels. You can use the ,ap parameter to specify the #idth of the cut.
Pro/E+,I+EE- uses half the specified #idth value to cut the material from each side of
the centerline of the miter cut.
'ffset value defines distance bet#een the end of the miter cut and the placement
chain. If the intersecting #all segments are tangent$ you cannot define an offset.
Note- You cannot apply miter cuts to nontangent #all segments.
Limitations of Flange Walls Created with Miter Cuts
You can create a miter cut by removing the deformation area only #hen the bend
radius of the #all is e<ual to the thic"ness and if the edge fillet radius is smaller than
the fillet radius.
/he follo#ing example illustrates a flange #all created #ith a miter cut after removal
of the deformation area:
flange #all #ith miter cut profile after you unbend the geometry$ is as sho#n
belo#:
56
If the inside bend radius of a s#eep tra:ectory is )ero then the tra:ectory is not a
valid edge or chain to create a flange #all #ith miter cut.
4. (lange #all #ith miter cut can not be created. &oth )ero - and non!)ero - do not
#or".
5. Tero bend radius
If the inside bend radius is )ero and Add bends on sharp ed&es option is not
available$ then you cannot create a miter cut profile for a flange #all #ith multiple
bend sections.
About Extruded Walls
n extruded #all extends from an edge into space. You can s"etch the side section of the
#all and pro:ect it out a certain length. It is a primary #all$ the first #all in your design$
or a secondary #all$ dependent on the primary #all.
You can create three types of secondary extruded #alls: unattached$ no radius$ and use
radius. If the extruded #all is a primary #all$ you can only create an unattached flat #all.
2hen you are designing a secondary extruded #all$ ma"e sure to select a s"etching
plane normal to the attachment edge. If the extruded #all must be tangent to an
ad:acent surface$ ma"e sure the entity at the attachment point is tangent. /he ad:acent
surface must be planar or must be a t#ist #all. In all cases$ the attachment edge must
be a straight line.
/he follo#ing is an example of an attached extruded #all use radius:
*+istin& )all *+truded )all S"et!h Completed *+truded
)all
57
4. ttachment Edge
To Create an Extruded Wall Without a Bend
4. Select an attachment edge for the #all. valid edge is an edge that is straight
and defined by the driving or offset surface.
menus #hen you right!clic" on the handle or the extruded #all.
7. Select a #all profile from the list on the dashboard.
8. %lic" Profile on the S*/ dashboard to$
a. %hange the dimensions of the section$ if re<uired.
b. %lic" S"et!h and select Throu&h %eferen!e to specify the s"etch plane
reference$ and define a s"etch #ith user!defined values$ if re<uired.
Note- Throu&h %eferen!e is not available if the attachment edge is nonlinear.
c. (lip the profile$ if re<uired.
c. %lic" Add $ends On Sharp *d&es if the section has nontangent entities.
A. %lic" /en&th and select one of the follo#ing directions to extrude the #all for
each side of the s"etch plane:
o or None.Does not extrude the #all.
o or Chain *nd.%reates an extruded #all till the ends of the attachment #all.
o or $lind.Extrudes a section from the s"etching plane by the specified depth
value.
o or To Sele!ted.Extrudes a section to a selected point$ curve$ plane$ surface$
axis$ or edge.
o or Symetri!.Extrudes a section on both sides of the s"etch plane by half the
specified length value in each direction.
follo#ing:
58
#all.
o $y ?alue.'ffsets the #all at a specific distance. You can also drag the graphic
handle to ad:ust the offset value.
Note- %elief is available only after you specify the offset for the standard profiles.
2hereas by default$ relief is available for the ;em profiles.
Q. %lic" to change the thic"ness of the flat #all to the opposite side of the s"etch
plane.
Q. %lic" to ma"e bend radius unavailable. &y default$ bend radius is available.
Note- &end radius is unavailable if you select a hem profile or s"etch a segment
tangent to the attachment edge. &ut is available if the profile has at least one
nonlinear segment.
4A. %lic" Properties on the S*/ dashboard.
bro#ser.
To Define Reliefs
4. Select nontangent #all segments for #hich you #ant to apply the relief.
5. %lic" %elief on the S*/ dashboard.
7. 6nder %elief Cate&ory$ select one of the follo#ing types of reliefs:
o $end %elieves.%reate a relief at the attachment edge.
o Corner %elieves.%reate a relief bet#een t#o intersecting #all segments that
are connected by excluded #all segments.
8. If you select $end %elieves$ define one of the follo#ing types of bend relief. &y
default$ %ip relief is selected.
the #all$ #here$ Side ; indicates the start point of the #all tra:ectory and Side 4
indicates the endpoint of the #all tra:ectory.
b. Indicate the type of bend relief to apply.
o No %elief.+o relief is added. *aintains the existing material shape and does not
control the bend behavior
o %ip.-ips the existing material
o Stret!h.Stretches the existing material
o %e!tan&ular.dds a rectangular relief
o Obround.dds an obround relief
59
c. Define the reliefDs #idth for the Stret!h$ %e!tan&ular$ Obround type of reliefs:
#all.
metal #all.
Parameters /able.
Note- /his option is available only if the bend relief type is defined in the
value box.
d. Specify a relief depth for the %e!tan&ular and Obround type of reliefDs or drag
the graphic handle to ad:ust the relief depth.
o Up to $end.%alculates and displays the depth of the rectangular relief up to the
bend.
o Tan&ent to $end.%alculates and displays the depth of the obround relief until
tangent to the bend.
9. If you select Corner %elieves$ select one of the follo#ing type of corner relief. &y
default$ ? Not!h relief is selected. /he default corner relief type is ta"en from the
SMT_DFLT_CRNR_REL_TPE parameter set in the Sheetmetal Parameters table.
a. Indicate the type of corner relief to apply.
o No %elief.*aintains the existing material shape$ does not control the bend
behavior$ and does not add any corner relief.
o ? Not!h.dds a O shaped relief.
o Cir!ular.dds a circular relief and allo#s you to modify the diameter dimension
and center location of the circular relief. Pro/E+,I+EE- adds material bet#een the
bends corner and corner relief as needed in case of negative depth value.
o %e!tan&ular.dds a rectangular relief and allo#s you to modify the dimension
and #idth of the rectangular relief. Pro/E+,I+EE- adds material bet#een the
bends corner and corner relief as needed in case of negative depth value.
o Obround.dds an obround relief and allo#s you to modify the diameter
dimension and center location of the obround relief. Pro/E+,I+EE- adds material
bet#een the bends corner and corner relief as needed in case of negative depth
value.
b. Define the reliefDs #idth for the Cir!ular$ %e!tan&ular$ Obround type of reliefs:
#all.
metal #all.
Parameters table.
60
Note- /his option is available only if the bend relief type is defined in the
value box.
c. Specify a relief depth for the %e!tan&ular and Obround type of reliefDs or drag
the graphic handle to ad:ust the relief depth.
o Up to $end.%alculates and displays the depth of the corner relief up to the
bend.
o Tan&ent to $end.0for circular relief only1 %alculates and displays the depth of
the corner relief until tangent to the bend.
#all.
metal #all.
To Create an Extruded Wall With a Bend
4. Select an attachment edge for the #all. valid edge is an edge that is straight
and defined by the driving or offset surface.
/he selected edge is displayed in the Pla!ement collector on the S*/ dashboard. n
extruded #all is created by default.
menus #hen you right!clic" on the handle or the extruded #all.
7. Select a #all profile from the list on the dashboard.
8. %lic" Profile on the S*/ dashboard to do the follo#ing:
a. %hange the dimensions of the section$ if re<uired.
b. %lic" S"et!h and select Throu&h %eferen!e to specify the s"etch plane
reference$ and define a s"etch #ith user!defined values$ if re<uired.
Note- Throu&h %eferen!e is not available if the attachment edge is nonlinear.
c. (lip the profile$ if re<uired.
c. %lic" Add $ends On Sharp *d&es if the section has sharp corner bends.
A. %lic" /en&th and select one of the follo#ing directions to extrude the #all for
each side of the s"etch plane:
o or None.Does not extrude the #all.
o or Chain *nd.%reates an extruded #all till the ends of the attachment #all.
o or $lind.Extrudes a section from the s"etching plane by the specified depth
value.
61
o or To Sele!ted.Extrudes a section to a selected point$ curve$ plane$ surface$
axis$ or edge.
o or Symetri!.Extrudes a section on both sides of the s"etch plane by half the
specified length value in each direction.
follo#ing:
#all.
Q. %lic" to change the thic"ness of the flat #all to the opposite side of the s"etch
plane.
the attachment edge. $end Allowan!e and %elief on the dashboard are available by
default.
L. %lic" $end Allowan!e on the dashboard.
$y K a!tor.%omputes the developed length using the =!factor. =!factor is the
ratio bet#een the distance from the neutral bend line to the inside bend radius
and the sheet material thic"ness.
$y 6 a!tor.%omputes the developed length using the Y!factor. Y!factor is the
4A. /ype the re<uired bend radius value or select a predefined radius value$ that is$
You can also change the bend radius by using the handle on the extruded #all.
Note- $y Parameter is available only if the bend radius is defined in the
44. %lic" to dimension the outer surface of the part or clic" to dimension the
inner surface of the part.
45. %lic" %elief and define one of the follo#ing types of bend relief to use. &y default$
%ip relief is selected.
the #all$ #here$ Side ; indicates the start point of the #all tra:ectory and Side 4
indicates the endpoint of the #all tra:ectory.
62
b. Indicate the type of bend relief to apply.
o No %elief.*aintains the existing material shape and does not control the bend
behavior.
o %ip.-ips the existing material.
o Stret!h.Stretches the existing material.
o %e!tan&ular.dds a rectangular relief.
o Obround.dds an obround relief.
c. Define the reliefDs #idth for the Stret!h$ %e!tan&ular$ Obround type of reliefs:
#all.
metal #all.
Parameters table.
value box.
47. %lic" Properties on the S*/ dashboard.
bro#ser.
To Create an Unattached Extruded Wall
4. %lic" or (nsert # *+trude. /he S*/ dashboard appears. If a feature already
exists$ then the unattached extruded #all automatically adopts its thic"ness.
'ther#ise$ by default$ the first #all is created.
lternatively$ you can use a s"etched feature as a section for creating an unattached
extrude #all. &y default$ the s"etched plane is the driving surface.
5. %lic" Pla!ement on the dashboard. /he S"et!h slide!up panel appears.
o If a s"etched feature already exists$ clic"ing Unlin" brea"s the association
bet#een the feature and its s"etch. n internal s"etch is created using a copy of
the s"etch.
%lic" *dit in the %eferen!e panel and modify the internal s"etch.
o If a s"etched feature does not exist$ clic" ,efine and select the reference s"etch
plane.
a. Select the default vie# orientation or select a ne# vie# reference to s"etch the
#all.
b. (or extrusion$ s"etch an unattached #all.
63
c. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
7. %lic" Options to specify the extrude depth value.
/o specify ho# far the #all should extrude$ under ,epth$ select one of the follo#ing:
o or $lind.Extrudes a section in the first direction from s"etch plane to
the specified depth value.
o or Symmetri!.Extrudes a section on both sides of the placement
reference by half the specified depth value in each direction.
o or To Sele!ted.Extrudes a section in the first direction of the
specified reference to the selected point$ curve$ plane$ or surface of a solid
geometry.
(or a second unattached extruded #all$ the follo#ing options are available:
o To Ne+t.Extrudes a section in the first direction up to the next surface.
o Throu&h All.Extrudes a section in the first direction to intersect #ith all
surfaces.
o Throu&h Until.Extrudes a section in the first direction to intersect #ith a
selected surface.
8. If the first #all or any other feature already exists in the part$ on clic"ing (nsert
G *+trude$ the S*/ cut options become available.
a. %lic" to disable the cut options. /he options under SheetMetal
Options in the Options slide!up panel become available. You can use these
options to create sharp edges.
b. %lic" Add bends on sharp ed&es. /he $end Allowan!e option on the
dashboard becomes available.
c. Specify the inside or outside radius.
Note: If the extrude #all is not the first #all in your design$ you can flip the driving
surface.
9. %lic" to flip the depth direction of the extrude$ if re<uired.
I. %lic" $end Allowan!e on the dashboard.
o $y K a!tor.%omputes the distance ratio bet#een the inside radius of the bend$
the neutral bend axis$ and the sheet metal thic"ness.
o $y 6 a!tor.%omputes the ratio based on the neutral bend line #ith respect to
the thic"ness of the material.
Note- If you clear the A eature Spe!ifi! Set Up chec" box$ then the part Y!factor
and bend table are used to calculate developed length.
64
J. %lic" to thic"en the s"etch and type the #allDs thic"ness value using the
thic"ness input panel.
Note- /he thic"ness input panel is available only for the first unattached extruded
#all.
Q. %lic" to flip the material direction of the extrude bet#een one side$ the other
side$ or both sides of the s"etching plane$ if re<uired.
Q. 2hen done$ clic" on the SMT dashboard. n unattached extruded #all is
created.
About Revolve Walls
revolve #all rotates about an axis. You s"etch the side section of the #all and revolve it
about a s"etched centerline. revolve #all can be a primary or secondary #all.
/he revolution of the #all can either be entered as an exact variable or selected from
standard values:
?ariable.Enter an exact number$ in degrees$ to revolve the #all.
9:.-evolve the #all LAC
;G:.-evolve the #all 4QAC
4H:.-evolve the #all 5JAC
@I:.-evolve the #all 7IAC
Up to Pnt3?t+.-evolve the #all up to a specified point or vertex
Up to Plane.-evolve the #all up to a specified datum plane
S"et!h ?ariable 1I:J7 4H:J Up to Plane
To Create a Revolve Wall
4. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # Unatta!hed # %evolve. /he
Unatta!hed )all- %evolve dialog box opens and the ATT%($UT*S menu appears.
5. Define the attributes 0#here the #all should thic"en from1 and clic" ,one.
o One Side.Specify the #all thic"ness to one side of the s"etching plane.
o $oth Sides.Specify the #all thic"ness to both sides of the s"etching plane. You
must define the from and to sides separately.
65
7. -eference and s"etch the #all. Your s"etch must include a center line.
Note- You can use S"et!h G eature Tools G Thi!"en to change the direction of
material thic"ness for sections #ith an open loop and specify the thic"ness.
8. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
8. Select the direction to thic"en the #all: O"ay or lip ! to change the direction.
I. /ype the thic"ness value for the #all and clic" . /he %*? TO menu appears.
I. Define the #allHs revolution angle. Either select a default value from the menu or
clic" ?ariable$ and type the exact value in degrees.
I. %lic" OK on Unatta!hed )all- %evolve dialog box. /he #all is created.
About Blend Walls
blend #all connects at least t#o sections by combining the characteristics of each
section. You s"etch the multiple boundaries of the #all sections and then connect them
using one of the three types of blends available:
Parallel: ll blend sections lie on parallel planes in one s"etch.
%otational: &lend sections are rotated a maximum of 45A degrees about the Y!
axis. You s"etch each section individually and align them using coordinate systems.
Ceneral: &lend sections are rotated about and translated along the N!$ Y!$ T!
axes. You s"etch each section individually and align them using coordinate systems.
/he follo#ing examples sho#s the s"etch and resulting parallel blend #all:
S"et!h 1To&&led and Se!ond
Se!tions7
Parallel $lend )all
To Create a Parallel Blend With a Regular Section
4. %lic" or (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G $lend. /he $/*N,
OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" Parallel to define the blend type.
5. %lic" %e&ular Se! to define the s"etch type and then ,one. S"et!h Se! is
/he Unatta!hed )all- $lendE ParallelE %e&ular Se!tions dialog box and the
ATT%($UT*S menu appears.
8. Define the blend attributes$ Smooth or Strai&ht$ to connect the sections #ith
smooth curves or straight lines$ respectively.
66
8. %lic" ,one. the S*TUP SK P/N and S*TUP P/AN* menus appear.
I. Select or create a s"etching plane$ or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
#ith the 7D section. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
I. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction of vie#ing the
s"etching plane. /he SK*T ?(*) menu appears.
I. Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching.
I. Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section is
dimensioned and constrained.
I. S"etch the first section of the blend #all. %hange the s"etch for the next section:
S"et!h G eature Tools G To&&le Se!tion.
I. S"etch the next section. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher
toolbar.
I. Specify #hether to add or remove material 0material side1. /he ,(%*CT(ON
menu appears.
I. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to define the direction of feature
creation
48. /ype the depth or depths for the additional sections and clic" .
48. %lic" OK on the Unatta!hed )all- $lendE ParallelE %e&ular Se!tions dialog
box. /he #all is created.
Note- 2hen creating the first #all$ after s"etching the section$ specify material thic"ness
and clic" OK to complete the feature creation.
To Create a Parallel Blend With a Projected Section
4. %lic" or (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G $lend. /he $/*N,
OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" Parallel to define the blend type.
5. %lic" ProKe!t Se! to define the s"etch type and then ,one. S"et!h Se! is
/he Unatta!hed )all- $lendE ParallelE ProKe!ted Se!tions dialog box and the
S*TUP SK P/N and S*TUP P/AN* menus appear.
8. Select or create a s"etching plane$ or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
#ith the 7D section. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
9. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction of vie#ing the
9. Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching.
9. Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section is
9. S"etch the first section of the blend #all. %hange the s"etch for the next section:
S"et!h G eature Tools G To&&le Se!tion.
67
9. S"etch the next section. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher
toolbar.
9. Specify #hether to add or remove material 0material side1. /he ,(%*CT(ON
menu appears.
9. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to define the direction of feature
creation.
45. /ype the depth or depths for the additional sections and clic" .
45. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- $lendE ParallelE ProKe!ted Se!tions dialog
box to create a parallel blend.
To Create a General Blend
4. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # Unatta!hed # $lend. /he
Unatta!hed )all- $lendE CeneralE S"et!hed Se!tions dialog box opens and the
$/*N, OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" Ceneral to define the blend type. %e&ular Se! is selected by default.
7. %lic" Sele!t Se! to select the section entities or S"et!h Se! to define the s"etch
to use$ and then ,one.
o If you select Sele!t Se!$ the Unatta!hed )all- $lendE CeneralE Sele!ted
Se!tions dialog box and the ATT%($UT*S menu appears.
a. Define the blend attributes 0Strai&ht or Smooth1 and then clic" ,one. /he C%?
SK*TCA*% and P(CK CU%?* menus appear.
b. 6se the C%? SK*TCA*% to select one of the follo#ing:
Pi!" Curve.Select 7D curves or edges to create section entities and select a
loop or chain of entities using the P(CK CU%?* menu.
$lend ?erte+.%reate a placeholder entity for blend section.
Start Point.*odify section start point.
Se! (nfo.,et information about section entities and dimensions using the S*C
(NO menu.
,elete.Delete or undelete section entities and dimensions using the ,*/*T(ON
menu.
Undo.6ndo a s"etcher command.
%edo.-edo a s"etcher command.
c. %lic" ,one3%eturn. You are prompted to define the next section. %lic" Yes to
continue or No to abort.
c. 2hen finished$ clic" ,one from the C%? SK*TCA*% menu. /he ,(%*CT(ON
menu appears.
68
o If you select S"et!h Se!$ the Unatta!hed )all- $lendE CeneralE S"et!hed
a. Define the blend attributes 0Strai&ht or Smooth1 and then clic" ,one. /he
b. Select or create a s"etching plane$ or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
#ith 7D section. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
c. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction of feature
creation. /he SK*T ?(*) menu appears.
d. Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching.
e. Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section #ill
be dimensioned and constrained.
f. S"etch the first section of the blend #all. *a"e sure you include a coordinate
system in the s"etch. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
g. /ype the appropriate rotating angle for the second blend section. You must enter
values for the x$ y$ and )!axes.
h. S"etch the next section. *a"e sure you include a coordinate system in the s"etch.
2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
i. If you #ant to add more sections to the blend #all$ type Yes and repeat steps 8 to
I for each additional section. Else$ type No. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
8. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction to thic"en the
#all. /he material side from #here to remove or add material is defined.
8. 'ptionally$ you can s#ap the driving surface.
8. %lic" OK to close the dialog box. general blend #all is created.
To Create a Rotational Blend
4. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # Unatta!hed # $lend. /he $/*N,
OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" %otational to define the blend type. %e&ular Se! is selected by default.
7. %lic" Sele!t Se! to select the section entities or S"et!h Se! to define the s"etch
to use$ and then ,one.
o If you select Sele!t Se!$ the Unatta!hed )all- $lendE %otationalE Sele!ted
a. Define the blend attributes 0Strai&ht or Smooth$ and Open or Closed1 and then
clic" ,one. /he C%? SK*TCA*% and P(CK CU%?* menus appear.
Note- You can create a Open or Closed type of blend if you select the Sele!t
Se! option.
b. 6se the C%? SK*TCA*% to select one of the follo#ing:
69
Pi!" Curve.Select 7D curves or edges to create section entities and select a
loop or chain of entities using the P(CK CU%?* menu.
$lend ?erte+.%reate a placeholder entity for blend section.
Start Point.*odify section start point.
Se! (nfo.,et information about section entities and dimensions using the S*C
(NO menu.
,elete.Delete or undelete section entities and dimensions using the ,*/*T(ON
menu.
Undo.6ndo a s"etcher command.
%edo.-edo a s"etcher command.
c. %lic" ,one3%eturn. You are prompted to define the next section. %lic" Yes to
continue or No to abort.
c. 2hen finished$ clic" ,one from the C%? SK*TCA*% menu. /he ,(%*CT(ON
menu appears.
o If you select S"et!h Se! to define the s"etch to use$ the Unatta!hed )all-
$lendE %otationalE S"et!hed Se!tions dialog box and the ATT%($UT*S menu
appears.
a. Define the blend attributes 0Strai&ht or Smooth$ and Open or Closed1 and then
clic" ,one. /he S*TUP SK P/N and S*TUP P/AN* menus appear.
b. Select or create a s"etching plane$ or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
#ith 7D section. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
c. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction of vie#ing the
d. Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching.
e. Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section
#ill be dimensioned and constrained.
f. -eference and s"etch the first section of the blend #all. 2hen the section s"etch
is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
g. /ype a rotation angle for the section and clic" . You return to a blan"
s"etching #indo#.
h. S"etch the next section of the blend #all. &e sure to include a coordinate system.
2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
8. If you #ant to add more sections to the blend #all$ type Yes else$ type No. /he
,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
8. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction to thic"en the
#all. /he material side from #here to remove or add material is defined.
8. 'ptionally$ you can s#ap the driving surface.
8. %lic" OK to close the dialog box. rotational blend #all is created.
70
About Offset Walls
n offset #all is a reflection$ of a <uilt or surface$ set a specified distance from the
original. You can select an existing surface or s"etch a ne# surface to offset. 6nless you
convert a solid part$ an offset #all cannot be the first feature created in your design.
You can create three types of offset #alls: Normal to Surf$ Controlled it$ and Auto
it.
To Create an Offset Wall
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # Unatta!hed # Offset. /he
Unatta!hed )all- Offset dialog box opens.
5. Select the <uilt or surface to offset the #all from.
7. /ype the offset distance and clic" .
8. Select the direction to thic"en the #all: O"ay or lip ! to change the direction.
9. Define the type of offset #all you need. ;ighlight Offset Type and clic" ,efine.
Select the appropriate type:
o Normal to Surf.%reate the offset normal to the <uilt or surface.
o Controlled it.%reate the offset at a controlled distance.
o Auto it.utomatically fit the offset from the <uilt or surface.
You can further customi)e the offset #all #ith the /eave Out$ MaterialSide$ and
Swap Side options.
I. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- Offset dialog box. /he #all is created.
About Advanced Walls
dvanced #alls create contoured #alls. /he type of advanced #alls available areS
Section to surface
Surface to surface
/angent to surface
Oariable section s#eeps
;elical s#eeps
&oundary blends
S#ept blends
&lend from file
dvanced #alls are contours that are difficult to unbend and are not used fre<uently
used.
To Create an Advanced Wall
71
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed.
5. Select one of the follo#ing types of advanced #alls:
o ?ariable Se!tion Sweep.%reates a s#ept feature by s#eeping a section along
the selected tra:ectories and by controlling the sectionHs orientation$ rotation$ and
geometry along the tra:ectory.
o Swept $lend.%reates a s#ept blend using the origin tra:ectory and a chain of
datum curves or edges.
o Aeli!al Sweep.%reates a helical s#eep by s#eeping a section along a helical
tra:ectory.
o rom $oundaries.%reates a boundary blend from the surface boundaries.
o $lend Se!tion to Surfa!es.%reates an advanced #all as a blend from a surface
to the tangent surfaces.
o $lend $etween Surfa!es.%reates a smooth surface or a solid transition
bet#een t#o surfaces.
o $lend rom ile.Imports a blend from file.
o $lend Tan&ent to Surfa!es.%reates a blend tangent to the surface.
To Create a Section-to-Surface Blend
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G $lend Se!tion to Surfa!es.
/he Unatta!hed )all- Se!tion to Surfa!es $lend dialog box opens and the
S*/*CT menu appears.
5. Select surfaces to define a tangent boundary.
7. %lic" OK. /he surfaces must be tangent to each other. /he S*TUP SK P/N$
SAM*3N*)$ and S*TUP P/AN* menu appears.
#ith 7D section for the section boundary. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
9. %lic" O"ay to accept the default direction for feature creation$ or lip to reverse
the direction. /he SK*T ?(*) menu appears.
9. S"etch the section boundary. /he section must be closed.
9. 2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he
9. Define the MaterialSide to specify the direction from #hich to add or remove
material.
9. ccept the default direction or reverse the direction for feature creation.
9. 'ptionally$ s#ap the driving surface$ if re<uired.
9. %lic" OK to close the Unatta!hed )all- Se!tion to Surfa!es $lend dialog box.
72
Note- 2hen creating the first #all$ after s"etching the section$ specify the material
thic"ness and clic" OK to complete the feature creation.
To Create a Surface-to-Surface Blend
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G $lend $etween Surfa!es.
/he Unatta!hed )all- Surfa!e to Surfa!e $lend dialog box opens and the
S*/*CT menu appears.
5. Select the datum surface to #hich the blend is tangent at the first end.
7. Select the second surface.
8. Define the MaterialSide to specify the direction from #here to add or remove
material.
9. ccept the default direction or reverse the direction for feature creation. /he
direction of thic"ening is defined.
I. t the prompt$ type the material thic"ness.
J. %lic" OK to close the Unatta!hed )all- Surfa!e to Surfa!e $lend dialog box.
To Import a Blend
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G $lend rom ile. /he
Unatta!hed )all- $lend from ile dialog box opens$ and the C*T COO%, S and
S*/ COO%, S menus appear.
/he coordinate systems used in the model are displayed in the S*/ COO%, S menu.
5. Select or create a coordinate system from the S*/ COO%, S menu to locate the
imported blend data. /he Open dialog box opens.
5. Specify the file name. /he file extension must be .ibl. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu
appears.
5. Define the MaterialSide to specify the direction from #here to add or remove
material.
5. ccept the default direction or reverse the direction for feature creation. /he
direction of thic"ening is defined.
5. t the prompt$ type the material thic"ness.
5. %lic" OK to close the Unatta!hed )all- $lend from ile dialog box.
To Create a Tangent-to-Surface Blend
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G $lend Tan&ent to Surfa!es.
/he Unatta!hed )all- Tan&ent Surfa!e dialog box opens$ and the C*N S*/ ,(%
and S*/*CT menu appears. /he %esults tab is selected by default.
5. Specify the pull direction: One Sided or Two Sided.
7. Select a plane to #hich the direction #ill be perpendicular to. /he ,(%*CT(ON
menu appears.
8. /o select the direction for feature creation$ clic" O"ay to accept the default
direction or lip to reverse the direction.
9. %lic" the %eferen!es tab. /he CAA(N and S*/*CT menu appears.
73
a. 6nder ,raft /ine$ select a line or curve.
b. 6nder %eferen!es$ select a surface tangent to the draft line.
I. %lic" the Options tab.
a. 'ptionally$ under Closin& Surfa!es$ select a surface that #ill be a closing
surface.
b. 'ptionally$ under Spine Curves$ select a curve.
c. 6nder Cap An&le$ specify the re<uired cap angle value.
J. 'ptionally$ clic" the Curves tab to include or exclude curves from the tangent
draft geometry creation.
J. %lic" to apply and save the changes made to the feature.
About Variable Section Sweeps
variable section s#eep enables you to create a feature by s#eeping a section along the
selected tra:ectories by controlling the sectionHs orientation$ rotation$ and geometry along
the tra:ectory.
variable section s#eep allo#s you to create a s#ept feature by controlling the follo#ing
characteristics:
NrmToOri&inTraK./he section plane remains normal to the origin of tra:ectory
throughout its length. You can specify the section orientation and rotation. (or this
method$ you must select the origin of the tra:ectory and the N!/ra:ectory. /he N!
/ra:ectory defines the sectionHs hori)ontal vector. /he origin of the section 0crosshairs1 is
al#ays located on the 'rigin /ra:ectory #ith the N!axis pointing to#ards the N!
/ra:ectory.
Pivot ,ire!tion./he section plane remains normal to the 'rigin /ra:ectory as it is
vie#ed along the Pivot Direction. /he up#ard direction of the section remains parallel to
the Pivot Direction. /he Y!axis of the section is al#ays normal to the selected direction.
/he section normal tra:ectory is determined by pro:ecting the 'rigin /ra:ectory in the
Pivot Direction onto a plane normal to the Pivot Direction. (or this method$ you must
select the 'rigin /ra:ectory and define the Pivot Direction.
Norm To TraK./#o tra:ectories must be selected to determine the location and
orientation of the section. /he 'rigin /ra:ectory determines the origin of the section
along the length of the feature. /he section plane remains normal to the +ormal
/ra:ectory along the length of the feature. (or this method$ you must select the 'rigin
/ra:ectory and the tra:ectory to #hich the section #ill be normal.
You can define multiple additional tra:ectories to #hich the vertices of the section can be
aligned. s the section plane is s#ept along the 'rigin /ra:ectory$ its intersections #ith
the longitudinal curves represent the "no#n points for section alignment and
dimensioning.
You can specify #hether you #ant to vary the section as it moves along the s#eep
tra:ectories by defining the Section /ype element in the Oariable Section S#eep dialog
box. %hoose %onstant from the SE%/I'+ /YPE menu to maintain the same section$ or
Oariable from the SE%/I'+ /YPE menu to ad:ust the section si)e as it s#eeps along the
tra:ectory.
Using the Variable Section Sweep Menu
6sing the ?A% S*C S)P menu$ define the tra:ectory using one of the follo#ing:
74
S"et!h TraK.S"etches the tra:ectory.
o Select or create a s"etching plane or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
#ith a 7D section. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
o Select the direction to thic"en the #all. %lic" OK or lip to change the direction.
o Select the reference for s"etching the plane.
Sele!t TraK.llo#s the selection of a datum curve.
o Select any type of chain$ curve or edge to add to the chain$ and clic" ,one. /he
,*AU/T TAN menu appears.
o %lic" A!!ept to accept the default tangent surfaces or %eKe!t to re:ect the default
and select the individual surfaces.
Sel Tan TraK.llo#s the selection of a datum curve #ith tangency conditions or
references.
o Select any type of chain$ curve or edge to add to the chain$ and clic" ,one. /he
,*AU/T TAN menu appears.
o %lic" A!!ept to accept the default tangent surfaces or %eKe!t to re:ect the default
and select the individual surfaces.
To Create a Variable Section Sweep Using the Normal to Origin
Trajectory
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G ?ariable Se!tion Swept
$lend. /he $/*N, OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" NrmToOri&inTraK to create a cross!section normal to the origin of the
tra:ectory.
7. %lic" ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- ?ariable Se!tion SweepE Norm to Ori&in
TraK dialog box opens and the ?A% S*C S)P menu appears.
8. Select one of the follo#ing tra:ectory options to specify a tra:ectory that defines
the section origin and clic" ,one.
o S"et!h TraK.S"etches the tra:ectory using the s"etch plane and orientation.
o Sele!t TraK.Selects a datum curve using the CAA(N menu.
o Sel Tan TraK.Selects a datum curve #ith tangency conditions or references
using the CAA(N menu.
9. ccept the default tangent surfaces or select individual surfaces.
9. Specify a tra:ectory that defines a section hori)ontal to the vector using the ?A%
S*C S)P menu.
J. Specify optional tra:ectories using the ?A% S*C S)P menu and clic" ,one.
Q. Define a section.
L. 2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
75
4A. 'ptionally$ s#ap the driving surface$ if re<uired.
44. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- ?ariable Se!tion SweepE Norm to Ori&in
TraK dialog box to generate the s#ept blend feature.
thic"ness and clic" OK to complete feature creation. You can also use S"et!h G eature
Tools G Thi!"en to change the direction of the material thic"ness for sections #ith an
open loop.
To Create a Variable Section Sweep Using the Specified Direction
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G ?ariable Se!tion Sweep.
/he S)**P OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" Pivot ,ir to create a section normal to the origin of the tra:ectory #hen
vie#ed from any direction.
7. %lic" ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- ?ariable Se!tion SweepE Pivot ,ire!tion
dialog box opens and the C*N S*/ ,(% menu appears.
8. Define the s#eep direction using one of the follo#ing:
o Plane.Selects a normal reference plane as direction
o Crv3*d&3A+is.Selects a curve$ edge$ or axis
o Csys.Selects a coordinate system and then selects x!$ y!$ )!axis of the
coordinate system as the direction.
/he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
9. %lic" O"ay to accept the default direction or lip to reverse the direction. /he
?A% S*C S)P menu appears.
9. Select the follo#ing tra:ectory options to specify a tra:ectory that defines the
section origin and clic" ,one.
o Sel Tan TraK.Selects a datum curve #ith tangency conditions or references
using the CAA(N menu.
J. ccept the default tangent surfaces or select individual surfaces.
J. Specify optional tra:ectories in the ?A% S*C S)P menu.
L. Define a section.
4A. 2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he
4A. Define the MaterialSide to specify the direction from #here to add or remove
material. ccept the default direction or reverse the direction for feature creation.
76
45. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- ?ariable Se!tion SweepE Pivot ,ire!tion
dialog box to generate the s#ept blend feature.
thic"ness and clic" OK to complete feature creation.
To Create a Variable Section Sweep Using the Normal to the
Specified Trajectory
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G ?ariable Se!tion Sweep.
/he S)**P OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" Norm To TraK to create a cross!section normal to the specified tra:ectory.
7. %lic" ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- ?ariable Se!tion SweepE Normal to TraK
dialog box opens and the ?A% S*C S)P menu appears.
8. Select the follo#ing tra:ectory options to specify a tra:ectory that defines the
o Sel Tan TraK.Selects a datum curve #ith tangency conditions or references.
/he S*C O%(*NT menu appears.
9. Select one of the follo#ing to specify section orientation and clic" ,one.
o Norm to Surf.llo#s you to select a surface that determines the sectionHs
up#ard direction$ then select or s"etch the tra:ectory that defines the section plane
normal. %hoose lip an O"ay to select the up#ard direction. Norm to Surf is
available only if the 'rigin /ra:ectory belongs to a surface.
o Use Norm TraK.llo#s you to select a tra:ectory that defines the section plane
normal.
/he S)**P T%AL menu appears.
I. Select or create a tra:ectory that defines a section plane normal using the CAA(N
menu. 2hen finished$ clic" ,one.
J. 'ptionally$ specify additional tra:ectories using the ?A% S*C S)P menu and clic"
,one.
J. Define a section.
L. 2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he
L. Define the MaterialSide to specify the direction from #here to add or remove
material.
44. ccept the default direction or reverse the direction for feature creation.
77
45. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- ?ariable Se!tion SweepE Normal to TraK
dialog box to generate the s#ept blend feature.
thic"ness and clic" OK to complete feature creation.
About Boundary Blends
2ith the &oundary &lend tool$ you can create a boundary blended feature bet#een
reference entities that defines the surface in one or t#o directions. /he first and last
entities selected in each direction define the surface boundary. dding more reference
entities$ such as control points and boundary conditions$ allo#s you to more fully define
the surface shape.
/he follo#ing are the rules for selecting reference entities:
%urves$ part edges$ datum points$ and ends of curves or edges can be used as
reference entities.
In each direction$ reference entities must be selected in consecutive order.
;o#ever$ reference entities can be reordered.
(or blended surfaces defined in t#o directions$ the outer boundaries must form a
closed loop. /his means that the outer boundaries must intersect. If the boundaries do
not terminate at the intersection points$ Pro/E+,I+EE- automatically trims them and
uses the relevant portion.
%urves selected for blending need not contain the same number of entities.
To Create a Surface with Blended Cross-sections Between
Curves
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheemetal )all G Unatta!hed G rom $oundaries. /he
$N,%S OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" $lended Surf and then ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- $lended dialog box
opens and the C%? OPTS and S*/*CT (T*M menus appear.
7. Select one of the follo#ing from the S*/*CT (T*M to define the reference curves:
o Curve.Selects an entire datum curve chain.
o Point3?erte+.Selects a datum point$ curve or edge point.
o Chain.Selects a chain of curves or edges using the CAA(N menu.
8. Define or change the advanced geometry options using the advanced surface
control tools.
8. 'ptionally$ define or change the boundary conditions. /he $OUN,A%6 menu lists
all the available surface boundaries.
8. Select the boundary for #hich you #ant to define boundary conditions and clic"
,one. /he $N,%6 CON, menu appears.
8. Select one of the follo#ing boundary condition:
o ree.+o tangency conditions are set along the boundary.
o Tan&ent./he blended surface is tangent to the reference surface along the
boundary.
78
o Normal./he blended surface is normal to the reference surface or datum plane.
(or conditions other than (ree$ accept the defaults or select reference surfaces.
Q. 'ptionally$ define or change the connected vertices in both the directions by
specifying the blend control points.
Q. 'ptionally$ define or change the boundary influence on the surface shape.
Q. %lic" OK to close the Unatta!hed )all- $lended dialog box.
To Create a Boundary Blend from More than Four Boundaries
5. %lic" N-Sided Surf and then ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- N-Sided dialog box
opens and the CAA(N menu appears.
7. Select individual curves or edges as references that form a loop.
Note- You must select at least five boundaries 0references1 in the consecutive order
for the +!sided surface. 6sing the One $y One option in the CAA(N menu$ select at
least five curves or edges forming a loop.
8. 2hen finished$ clic" ,one.
Note- /he boundaries of the +!sided surface cannot include tangent edges or curves.
9. t the prompt$ type the material thic"ness.
9. 'ptionally$ define or change the boundary conditions. /he $OUN,A%6 menu lists
all the available surface boundaries.
9. Select the boundary for #hich you #ant to define boundary conditions.
9. %lic" ,one. /he $N,%6 CON, menu appears.
9. Select one of the follo#ing boundary condition:
o ree.Does not set the tangency conditions along the boundary.
o Tan&ent.*a"es the blended surface tangent to the reference surface along the
boundary.
o Normal.*a"es the blended surface normal to the reference surface or datum
plane. (or conditions other than ree$ accept the defaults or select reference
surfaces.
4A. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- N-Sided dialog box to complete feature
creation.
To Create a Boundary Blend With Conic Cross-sections Between
Curves
79
5. %lic" Coni! Surf$ Shouldr Crv$ or Tan&ent Crv.
7. %lic" ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- Coni!E Tan&ent Curve dialog box opens and
the C%? OPTS and S*/*CT (T*M menus appear. $oundaries is selected by default.
You can also select one of the follo#ing from the C%? OPTS menu:
o Appro+ ,ir.Specifies curves to approximate the surface.
o Tan&ent Crv.Specifies the tangent curve.
'-
Shouldr Crv.Specifies the shoulder curve.
8. Select t#o bounding curves for the conic blend.
9. Select one of the follo#ing from the S*/*CT (T*M menu to define the reference
curves and clic" ,one:
o Curve.llo#s you to select curves to define the opposite surface boundaries. You
must select an entire datum curve chain.
o Chain.llo#s you to select a chain of curves or edges using the CAA(N menu.
I. Specify the tangent curve or shoulder curve. /he S*/*CT (T*M menu appears.
I. Select curves or edges to define the tangent curve or shoulder curve and clic"
,one Curves.
Q. t the prompt$ type the conic parameter value. Specify a parameter value
bet#een A.A9 and A.L9. Sections of the surface are one of the follo#ing types according
to their conic parameter value:
o A.A9 M parameter M A.9 ! ellipse
o parameter ? A.9 ! parabola
o A.9 M parameter M A.L9 ! hyperbola
L. t the prompt$ type the material thic"ness.
L. %lic" OK to close the Unatta!hed )all- $lended dialog box.
About Swept Blends
s#ept blend re<uires a single tra:ectory 0the 'rigin /ra:ectory1 and multiple sections.
/o define the 'rigin /ra:ectory of the s#ept blend$ you can s"etch a curve or select a
chain of datum curves or edges.
You must s"etch the sections to be blended at the specified segment vertices or datum
points on the 'rigin /ra:ectory. /o orient a section$ you can specify the rotation angle
about the )!axis$ or use the Pi!" D?e!tor or Norm to Surf options$ or both.
/he limitations are as follo#s:
section cannot be located at a sharp corner in the 'rigin /ra:ectory.
(or a closed tra:ectory profile$ you must s"etch sections at the start point and at
least one other location. Pro/E+,I+EE- uses the first section at the endpoint.
80
(or an open tra:ectory profile$ you must create sections at the start and end
points. You cannot s"ip the placement of a section at these points.
You cannot dimension sections to the model because modifying the tra:ectory
invalidates these dimensions.
You cannot select a composite datum curve for defining sections of a s#ept blend
0Select Sec1. Instead$ you must select one of the underlying datum curves or edges
from #hich a composite curve is determined.
If you choose Pivot ,ir and Sele!t Se!$ all selected sections must lie in planes
that are parallel to the pivot direction.
You can control geometry that is s#ept and blended by using an area graph and
by controlling the perimeter of the feature bet#een the sections.
n area graph represents the exact area of the cross!section of the s#ept blend at
selected locations on the 'rigin /ra:ectory. You can add or remove points on the 'rigin
/ra:ectory at #hich to specify the s#ept blend sectional area. You can also change the
graph value at user!defined points.
/he follo#ing table lists terminology common to variable section s#eeps and s#ept
blends.
OPT(ON ,*(N(T(ON
NrmToOri&inTraK /he section plane remains normal to the 'rigin
/ra:ectory throughout its length. /he generic s#eep
also behaves similarly.
Pivot ,ire!tion /#o tra:ectories must be selected to determine the
location and orientation of the section. /he 'rigin
/ra:ectory determines the origin of the section along
the length of the feature. /he section plane remains
normal to the +ormal /ra:ectory along the length of
the feature.
Norm To TraK /he section plane remains normal to the 'rigin
/ra:ectory as it is vie#ed along the Pivot Direction.
/he up#ard direction of the section remains parallel
to the Pivot Direction.
To Create a Swept Blend Normal to the Origin of Trajectory
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G Swept $lend. /he $/*N,
OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" either Sele!t Se! or S"et!h Se! to select or s"etch section entities.
7. %lic" NrmToOri&inTraK to create a cross!section normal to the origin of the
tra:ectory and clic" ,one.
If you select Sele!t Se!$ the Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Norm to Ori&in
TraKE Sele!ted Se!tions dialog box opens and the S)**P T%AL menu appears.
Select a normal surface to define the orientation for the cross!section using the
S)**P T%AL menu.
81
a. Select one of the follo#ing tra:ectory options to specify a tra:ectory that
defines the section origin and clic" ,one.
o S"et!h TraK.llo#s you to s"etch a tra:ectory using the s"etching plane and
orientation. /he S*TUP SK P/N and S*TUP P/AN* menus appear.
.Select or create a s"etching plane$ or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
#ith the 7D section for the section boundary. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
.%lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to accept the default direction. /he
SK*T ?(*) menu appears.
.Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching.
.Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section
is dimensioned and constrained.
.S"etch the section boundary. /he section must be closed. 2hen the section
s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he C%? SK*TCA*% and
P(CK CU%?* menus appear.
o Sele!t TraK.llo#s you to select a datum curve using the CAA(N menu.
.fter selecting the curves$ clic" ,one. /he CAOOS* menu appears.
.%lic" A!!ept to accept the selection or Ne+t to next selection. /he C%?
b. Select the appropriate entity and clic" ,one3%eturn. You are prompted to
continue s"etching the next section by clic"ing Yes or No. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu
appears.
If you select S"et!h TraK$ the Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Norm to Ori&in
TraKE S"et!hed Se!tions dialog box opens and the S)**P T%AL menu appears.
a. Specify a tra:ectory that defines section origin using the S)**P T%AL menu and
clic" ,one. /he S*C O%(*NT menu appears.
b. Specify section orientation using one of the follo#ing and clic" ,one:
o Pi!" D?e!tor.llo#s you to select an axis$ straight edge/curve$ or plane normal
to determine the sectionHs positive x!axis. 6se options in the C*N S*/ ,(% menu
to select a hori)ontal reference. /he system displays a red arro#$ indicating the
positive direction for the N!vector. %hoose lip or O"ay to determine the direction
for the operation.
Note- /he Pi!" D?e!tor option is available only for the tra:ectories defined #ith
the Sele!t TraK option.
o Automati!./he system automatically determines the sectionHs orientation. If you
select this option for the first section$ then the x!axis is determined by the
curvature vector at the beginning of the 'rigin /ra:ectory.
2hen you select Automati! for a section other than the first$ the system
determines the N!vector automatically based on the previous section orientation
and the behavior of the 'rigin /ra:ectory.
o Norm to Surf.6se the ad:acent surface section normal to determine the section
up#ard direction of the hori)ontal plane for s#eep section. If you select this option
82
for the first section$ then all sections use the same reference surfaces as the
up#ard direction.
If the 'rigin /ra:ectory has only one ad:acent surface$ then the system
automatically selects this surface$ highlighted in blue$ as the reference for the
section orientation. red arro# appears$ indicating the up#ard direction. %hoose
lip or O"ay to specify the up#ard direction.
If the 'rigin /ra:ectory has t#o ad:acent surfaces$ the system prompts you to
select a surface for the section orientation. /he default surface is highlighted in
blue. You can accept the default surface or select the other one. red arro#
appears$ indicating the up#ard direction. %hoose lip or O"ay to specify the
up#ard direction.
c. /he system highlights endpoints and vertices along the 'rigin /ra:ectory. 6se one
of the follo#ing from the CON(%M menu to select points at #hich you #ant to specify
additional sections.
A!!ept.S"etches or selects a section at this highlighted location
Ne+t.,oes to the next point
Previous.-eturns to the previous point
d. (or each vertex or datum point #here you define a section$ specify the sectionDs
rotation angle about the )!axis 0#ith a value bet#een !45A and K45A degrees1.
8. Select or s"etch the entities for each section$ depending on #hether you choose
Sele!t Se! or S"et!h Se!$ respectively.
8. %lic" ,one to exit S"etcher. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
8. %lic" O"ay to accept the default direction to thic"en the #all or lip to reverse
the direction. /he material side from #here to remove or add material is defined.
8. 2hen all cross!sections are s"etched or selected$ unless you #ant to define
optional elements$ select OK in the Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Norm to Ori&in
TraKE Sele!ted Se!tions dialog box to generate the s#ept blend feature.
8. 'ptionally$ clic" $lend Control and then ,efine. /his allo#s you to control shape
#ith cross sectional area or perimeter. /he $/*N, CONT%O/ menu appears.
8. Select one of the follo#ing bend control conditions and clic" ,one3%eturn:
o Set Perimeter.Oaries the cross!sectional perimeter approximately bet#een
sections$ linearly.
o Area Craph.%ontrols the cross!sectional area of the feature.
o Center Crv.%reates a curve passing through the center of the blend sections.
4A. If you select Sele!t Se!$ optionally$ you can define Tan&en!y if you #ant the
blend to be tangent to any surface at the first end.
a. t the prompt$ press E+/E- 0Yes) to create a tangent blend. Else$ type No.
b. Select a surface for the highlighted entity and clic" OK. You are prompted to
specify a tangent blend at the other end.
83
To Create a Swept Blend Using Direction
OPTS menu appears.
5. /o select or s"etch section entities$ clic" Sele!t Se! or S"et!h Se!.
7. %lic" Pivot ,ir to create a section normal to origin of the tra:ectory #hen vie#ed
from any direction and clic" ,one.
o If you select Sele!t Se!$ the Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Pivot ,ire!tionE
Sele!ted Se!tions dialog box opens.
o If you select S"et!h Se!$ the Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Pivot
,ire!tionE Sele!ted Se!tions dialog box opens.
/he C*N S*/ ,(% menu appears.
8. Define the s#eep direction using one of the follo#ing:
o Plane.Selects a normal reference plane as the direction
o Crv3*d&3A+is.Selects a curve$ edge$ or axis
o Csys.Selects a coordinate system and then selects x!$ y!$ and )!axis of the
coordinate system as the direction
S)**P T%AL menu appears.
o S"et!h TraK.llo#s you to s"etch a tra:ectory using the s"etch plane and
orientation.
o Sele!t TraK.llo#s you to select a datum curve using the CAA(N menu.
J. %lic" O"ay to change the direction of thic"ness or lip to reverse the direction.
/he direction in #hich you #ant to add or remove material is defined.
J. 'ptionally$ clic" $lend Control and then ,efine. /his allo#s you to control shape
L. Select one of the follo#ing bend control conditions and clic" ,one3%eturn:
sections linearly.
4A. 'ptionally$ define Tan&en!y if you #ant the blend to be tangent to any surface at
the first end.
84
44. %lic" OK to create a s#ept blend.
To Create a Swept Blend Normal to the Specified Trajectory
Using a Selected Section
OPTS menu appears.
5. %lic" Sele!t Se! to select section entities.
7. %lic" Norm To TraK to create a cross!section normal to the origin of tra:ectory.
8. %lic" ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Norm to TraKE Sele!ted
Se!tions dialog box opens and the S)**P T%AL menu appears.
S"et!h TraK.llo#s you to s"etch a tra:ectory using the s"etching plane and
orientation. /he S*TUP SK P/N and S*TUP P/AN* menus appear.
a. Select or create a s"etching plane$ or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
b. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction for vie#ing the
c. Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching.
d. Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section is
e. S"etch the section boundary. /he section must be closed. 2hen the section s"etch
is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he S)**P T%AL menu appears.
Sele!t TraK.llo#s you to select a datum curve using the CAA(N menu.
a. Specify a tra:ectory that defines a section origin.
b. %lic" ,one. /he CAOOS* menu appears.
c. %lic" A!!ept to accept the tra:ectory or Ne+t for next selection. /he S)**P
T%AL menu appears.
c. Select or s"etch a tra:ectory that defines section plane normal. /he C%?
c. Select the appropriate entity and clic" ,one3%eturn. You are prompted to define
another section.
c. %lic" Yes to continue or No to abort. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
I. %lic" O"ay to accept the default direction to thic"en the #all or lip to reverse
85
I. 2hen all cross!sections are selected$ unless you #ant to define optional elements$
select OK in the Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Norm to Ori&in TraKE Sele!ted
Se!tions dialog box to generate the s#ept blend feature.
I. 'ptionally$ clic" $lend Control and then ,efine. /his allo#s you to control shape
I. Select one of the follo#ing bend control conditions and clic" ,one3%eturn:
sections$ linearly.
4A. 'ptionally$ define Tan&en!y if you #ant the blend to be tangent to any surfaces
at the first end.
To Create a Swept Blend Normal to the Specified Trajectory
Using a Sketched Section
4. %lic" (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # Unatta!hed # Swept $lend. /he $/*N,
OPTS menu appears.
5. /o select or s"etch section entities$ clic" S"et!h Se!.
7. %lic" Norm To TraK to create a cross!section normal to the origin of tra:ectory
and clic" ,one. /he Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Norm to TraKE S"et!hed
Se!tions dialog box opens and the S)**P T%AL menu appears.
S"et!h TraK.S"etches the tra:ectory using the s"etching plane and orientation.
a. Select or create a s"etching plane$ or use the s"etching plane of the last feature
b. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction for vie#ing the
c. Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching.
d. Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section is
e. S"etch the section boundary. /he section must be closed. 2hen the section s"etch
is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he S)**P T%AL menu appears.
86
Sele!t TraK.Specify a tra:ectory that defines section origin using the CAA(N
menu and clic" ,one. /he S*C O%(*NT menu appears.
a. Select one of the follo#ing to specify section orientation and clic" ,one:
o Pi!" D?e!tor.Select an axis$ straight edge/curve$ or plane normal to determine
the sectionHs positive N!axis. 6se options in the C*N S*/ ,(% menu to select a
hori)ontal reference. /he system displays a red arro#$ indicating the positive
direction for the N!vector. %hoose lip or O"ay to determine the direction for the
operation.
Note- /he Pi!" D?e!tor option is available only for the tra:ectories defined #ith
the Sele!t TraK option.
o Automati!./he system automatically determines the sectionHs orientation.
If you select this option for the first section$ then the N!axis is determined by the
curvature vector at the beginning of the 'rigin /ra:ectory.
2hen you select utomatic for a section other than the first$ the system
determines the N!vector automatically based on the previous section orientation
and the behavior of the 'rigin /ra:ectory.
o Norm to Surf.6se the ad:acent surface section normal to determine the section
up#ard direction of the hori)ontal plane for s#eep section. If you select this option
for the first section$ then all sections use the same reference surfaces as the
up#ard direction.
If the 'rigin /ra:ectory has only one ad:acent surface$ then the system
automatically selects this surface$ highlighted in blue$ as the reference for the
section orientation. red arro# appears$ indicating the up#ard direction. %hoose
lip or O"ay to specify the up#ard direction.
If the 'rigin /ra:ectory has t#o ad:acent surfaces$ the system prompts you to
select a surface for the section orientation. /he default surface is highlighted in
blue. You can accept the default surface or select the other one. red arro#
appears$ indicating the up#ard direction. %hoose lip or O"ay to specify the
up#ard direction.
b. /he system highlights endpoints and vertices along the 'rigin /ra:ectory. 6se one
of the follo#ing from the CON(%M menu to select points at #hich you #ant to specify
additional sections.
o A!!ept.S"etches or selects a section at this highlighted location.
o Ne+t.,oes to the next point.
o Previous.-eturns to the previous point
c. (or each vertex or datum point #here you define a section$ specify the sectionDs
rotation angle about the )!axis 0#ith a value bet#een !45A and K45A degrees1. You are
prompted to define t#o such sections.
9. Select or s"etch the entities for each section$ depending on #hether you choose
Sele!t Se! or S"et!h Se!$ respectively.
9. %lic" ,one to exit S"etcher. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
9. %lic" O"ay to accept the default direction to thic"en the #all or lip to reverse
87
9. 2hen all cross!sections are s"etched or selected$ unless you #ant to define
optional elements$ select OK in the Unatta!hed )all- Swept $lendE Norm to Ori&in
TraKE Sele!ted Se!tions dialog box to generate the s#ept blend feature.
9. 'ptionally$ clic" $lend Control and then ,efine. /his allo#s you to control shape
9. Select one of the follo#ing bend control conditions and clic" ,one3%eturn:
sections$ linearly.
44. If you select Sele!t Se!$ optionally$ you can define Tan&en!y if you #ant the
blend to be tangent to any surface at the first end.
About Helical Sweeps
You can create a helical s#eep by s#eeping a section along a helical tra:ectory.
/he tra:ectory is defined by both the profile of the surface of revolution 0#hich defines
the distance from the section origin of the helical feature to its axis of revolution1 and the
pitch 0the distance bet#een coils1. /he tra:ectory and the surface of revolution are
construction tools that do not appear in the resulting geometry.
6se the follo#ing ATT%($UT*S menu options in mutually exclusive pairs to define the
helical s#eep feature:
Constant./he pitch is constant.
?ariable./he pitch is variable and defined by a graph.
Thru A+is./he cross section lies in a plane that passes through the axis of
revolution.
Norm To TraK./he cross section is oriented normal to the tra:ectory 0or surface
of revolution1.
%i&ht Aanded./he tra:ectory is defined using the right! hand rule.
/eft Aanded./he tra:ectory is defined using the left!hand rule.
To Create a Helical Sweep With a Constant Pitch Value
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G Aeli!al Sweep. /he
Unatta!hed )all- Aeli!al Sweep dialog box and the ATT%($UT*S menu appears.
5. %lic" Constant in mutually exclusive pairs of the follo#ing:
o Thru A+is./he cross!sectional plane passes through the axis of revolution
88
o Norm To TraK./he cross!sectional plane #ill be normal to tra:ectory
o %i&ht Aanded.llo#s you to create a tra:ectory using the right hand rule
o /eft Aanded.llo#s you to create a tra:ectory using the left hand rule
7. %lic" ,one. /he S*TUP SK P/N and S*TUP P/AN* menus appear.
7. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction for vie#ing the
7. S"etch the profile of the surface of revolution. /he s"etched entities must form an
open loop. You must s"etch a centerline to define the axis of revolution.
Note- If you select Norm To TraK$ the profile entities must be tangent to each other
0%4 continuous1.
o /he profile entities must not have a tangent that is normal to the centerline at any
point.
o /he profile starting point defines the s#eep tra:ectory starting point. You can
modify the starting point using the S"et!h G eature Tools G Start Point.
L. 2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
L. t the prompt$ type the pitch value 0the distance bet#een the coils1.
44. S"etch a cross!section that #ill be s#ept along the tra:ectory.
45. 2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he
45. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to accept the default direction.
45. t the prompt$ type the thic"ness value and clic" .
49. 'ptionally$ you can s#ap the surface$ if re<uired.
49. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- Aeli!al Sweep dialog box to create a helical
blend.
To Create a Helical Sweep With a Variable Pitch Value
4. %lic" (nsert G Sheetmetal )all G Unatta!hed G Aeli!al Sweep. /he
Unatta!hed )all- Aeli!al Sweep dialog box and the ATT%($UT*S menu appears.
89
5. %lic" ?ariable in mutually exclusive pairs of the follo#ing:
o Thru A+is./he cross!sectional plane passes through the axis of revolution
o Norm To TraK./he cross!sectional plane #ill be normal to tra:ectory
o %i&ht Aanded.llo#s you to create a tra:ectory using the right hand rule
o /eft Aanded.llo#s you to create a tra:ectory using the left hand rule
7. %lic" ,one. /he S*TUP SK P/N and S*TUP P/AN* menus appear.
7. Select or create a s"etching plane and side surface$ or use the s"etching plane of
the last feature #ith the 7D section for the tra:ectory. /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
7. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to select the direction for vie#ing the
I. Select or create a hori)ontal or vertical reference for s"etching using the SK*T
?(*) menu.
J. Select a perpendicular surface$ an edge$ or vertex relative to #hich the section is
Q. S"etch a tra:ectory. /he s"etched entities must form an open loop. You must
s"etch a centerline to define the axis of revolution. fter you regenerate your profile
s"etch successfully$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
Note- If you select Norm To TraK$ the profile entities must be tangent to each other
0%4 continuous1.
o /he profile entities must not have a tangent that is normal to the centerline at any
point.
o /he profile starting point defines the s#eep tra:ectory starting point. You can
modify the starting point using the S"et!h G eature Tools G Start Point.
L. t the prompt$ type the pitch value 0the distance bet#een the coils1 at tra:ectory
start and end. /he C%APA and ,*(N* C%APA menus appear. 2hile the profile section
is displayed in the Pro/E+,I+EE- graphics #indo#$ the initial pitch graph is displayed in
the P(TCAMC%APA #indo#.
L. %lic" ,efine from the C%APA menu.
You can select one of the follo#ing from the ,*(N* C%APA menu:
o Add Point.dds a reference point to the graph by selecting a point in the profile
section$ or the start or end point. Enter the desired pitch value at this point. /he
system locates the selected control point along the N!axis of the graph and dra#s a
line #ith the length e<ual to the specified pitch value.
o %emove Point.-emoves a pitch control point by pic"ing it in the profile section.
o Chan&e ?alue.%hanges the value of the pitch at any selected control point$
including the start or end point. Select a point in the profile section to change its
value and enter the ne# value.
44. %lic" Add Point to s"etch points$ then select points on the profile geometry$ and
dimension them. It is easier to dimension the control points if you put them on the
centerline that defines the axis of revolution.
90
44. 2hile in the profile section$ s"etch points to be used as the control points in the
pitch graph. /hese control points define ho# the pitch value changes along the axis of
revolution.
44. (inali)e the graph by transferring the pitch control points from the profile s"etch
onto the graph and clic" ,one3%eturn from the ,*(N* C%APA menu.
/o chec" the graph data$ clic" (nfo in the C%APA menu. /he system displays the
Information 2indo# #ith the pitch data table.
48. %lic" ,one from the C%APA menu.
48. S"etch a cross!section that #ill be s#ept along the tra:ectory.
4I. 2hen the section s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he
4I. %lic" lip to reverse the direction or O"ay to accept the default direction.
4I. t the prompt$ type the thic"ness value and clic" .
4L. 'ptionally$ you can s#ap the surface$ if re<uired.
4L. %lic" OK in the Unatta!hed )all- Aeli!al Sweep dialog box to create a helical
blend.
About Twist Walls
t#ist #all is a spiraling or coiling section of sheet metal. /he t#ist forms around an axis
running through the #allDs center$ as if by turning the #all ends in opposite directions by
a relatively small$ specified angle. You can attach the t#ist to a straight edge on an
existing planar #all.
/he t#ist #all typically serves as a transition bet#een t#o areas of sheet metal because
it can change the plane of a sheet metal part. /he t#ist can be rectangular or
trape)oidal.
Twist )all Twist )all ,imension

Start )idth: 0J9 12idth of the t#ist #all at the
attachment edge.
*nd )idth:09 12idth at the end of the t#ist #all.
Twist /en&th: 04AA 1>ength of the t#ist #all$ measured
from the attachment edge to the end of the t#ist axis.
Twist An&le: 045A 1ngle of t#ist.
,eveloped /en&th: 04AA 1>ength of the t#ist #all$ #hen
unt#isted.
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Note-
You can only add a flat or extruded #all to the end of a t#ist if the additional #all
has no radius and is tangent to the t#ist.
You can unbend a t#ist #all #ith the regular unbend command.
/he t#ist axis runs through the #allDs center$ perpendicular to the attach edge.
You cannot use a radius #ith t#ist #alls.
To Create a Twist Wall
4. %lic" (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # Twist. /he T)(ST dialog box opens and the
*ATU%* %*S menu appears.
5. Select the attachment edge for the t#ist #all. /he T)(ST AD(S PNT and
*ATU%* %*S menus appear.
7. Select a datum point on the attachment edge to locate the t#ist axis$ #hich is the
centerline of the t#ist #all. It is perpendicular to the start edge and coplanar #ith the
existing #all:
o Sele!t Point.%hoose an existing datum point.
o Use Middle.%reate a ne# datum point at the midpoint of the attachment edge.
Note- If you intend to roll the material in a spiral$ be conscious of the material
length. 'ther#ise$ your roll bend #ill fail if the material bends through itself.
8. Define the t#ist #all dimensions:
o Start )idth.2idth of the t#ist #all at the attachment edge. /ype a value and
clic" .
o *nd )idth.2idth at the end of the t#ist #all. /ype a value and clic" .
o Twist /en&th.>ength of the t#ist #all$ measured from the attachment edge to
the end of the t#ist axis. /ype a value and clic" .
o Twist An&le.ngle/rotation of the t#ist #all. /ype a value and clic" .
o ,evel /en&th.>ength of the t#ist #all$ #hen unt#isted. /ype a value and clic"
.
9. %lic" OK on the T)(ST dialog box. /he #all is created.
About Extend Walls
n extend #all lengthens an existing #all. You can extend the #all from a straight edge
on existing #all to either a planar surface or a specified distance. You can close gaps
bet#een #alls and model various overlap conditions.
/he extend #all is typically utili)ed at corners.
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Tan&ent (nside *d&es Tan&ent %i&ht Outside *d&e

%orner #ith extend #all added to the
tangent inside edges.
%orner #ith extend #alls added to the
tangent left inside edge and tangent
right outside edge.
To Create an Extend Wall
4. %lic" or (nsert # Sheetmetal )all # *+tend. /he )A// Options- *+tend
dialog box opens.
5. Select the straight edge to extend. /he *DT ,(ST and S*TUP P/AN* menus
appear.
7. Define ho# to extend the #all:
o Up To Plane.Extends the #all up to a plane.
Select an existing datum plane or ma"e a ne# datum plane.
o Use ?alue.Extends the #all at a specified distance.
Select a default value from the menu or clic" *nter$ and type the exact distance
value.
8. %lic" OK on the )A// Options- *+tend dialog box. /he #all is created.
About Merge Walls
merge #all combines at least t#o unattached #alls into one part. /he merger re<uires
that:
/he #alls butt against each other 0tangent1.
/he driving sides of each #all match. If the colors of the #alls do not match you
can use the Swap Sides command in Unatta!hed )all dialog box.
Unatta!hed Tan&ent )alls Mer&e )all

4. 6nattached #all.
5. &ase #all to #hich the unattached #all is merged.
Note: /he #alls have matching driving sides.
93
/o create the merge you must define the follo#ing elements in the )A// Options dialog
box:
$asi! %efs.Select surfaces of the base #all.
Mer&e Ceoms.Surfaces of the #all to be merged.
Mer&e *d&es.0optional1 dd or remove edges deleted by the merge.
Keep /ines.0optional1 %ontrol the visibility of merged edges on surface :oints.
Note: 'nly unattached #alls can merge #ith the base #all.
To Create a Merge Wall
4. %lic" or (nsert # Mer&e )alls. /he )A// Options- Mer&e dialog box
opens and the *ATU%* %*S menu appears.
Note- You can merge only flat #alls including the unattached #alls.
5. Select the base #all surfaces you #ant the unattached #all to be merged #ith.
5. Select the unattached #all surfaces you #ant to merge to the base #all.
5. %lic" OK on the )A// Options- Mer&e dialog box. /he #alls are merged.
About Rips
rip shears or tears your sheet metal #alls$ especially along seams. If your part is a
continuous piece of material it cannot be unbent #ithout ripping the sheet metal. %reate
a rip feature before unbending. 2hen you unbend that area of the model$ the material
#ill brea" along the rip section. In general$ a rip is a )ero!volume cut.
/here are three types of sheet metal rips available:
%e&ular.%reates a sa#cut along a s"etched rip line. You select a surface and
s"etch the rip line. You can select boundary surfaces to protect certain surfaces from
the rip.
Surfa!e.%uts and exclude an entire surface patch from the model. You select a
surface to rip out. Surface rips remove model volume.
*d&e.%reates a sa#cut along an edge. You select the edge to rip. /he resulting
corner edges can be open$ blind$ or overlapping.
%e&ular %ip Surfa!e %ip *d&e %ip
2hile edge rips are intended for unbending your part$ you can customi)e the corner type
to be open$ overlapping$ or cut/extended to a specific depth. You can create rips #ith
open or overlapping corners.
You can create multiple versions of a regular rip by setting bounding surfaces.a surface
that #ill not be ripped. /he rip extends around the model until it meets the edges of the
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bounding surface. If your rip design re<uires most of the surfaces not to be ripped$ you
can exclude all the surfaces 0as bounding surfaces1 and select/remove the desired
surfaces that need to be ripped.
No $oundin&
Surfa!es
One $oundin& Surfa!e $oundin& Surfa!es

4. &ounding surface
5. *ultiple bounding surfaces
Note: If you add #all relief after a rip the sheet metal may have larger$ more
unpredictable ripping than desired.
Create a Regular Rip
4. %lic" or (nsert # Shape # %ip. /he OPT(ONS menu appears.
5. %lic" %e&ular %ip. %lic" ,one. /he %ip- 1%e&ular Type7 dialog box opens.
7. -eference and s"etch the rip. ll entities must form one continuous open chain
#ith endpoints that align to surface edges or silhouettes. 2hen the s"etch is
complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
/o define the boundary surface$ highlight Bound Surf in the %ip dialog box and clic"
,efine. /he *ATU%* %*S menu appears. Select the surfaces to exclude from the
rip feature and then clic" ,one %efs and ,one3%eturn.
8. %lic" OK on the %ip dialog box. /he rip is created.
To Create a Surface Rip
4. %lic" or (nsert # Shape # %ip. /he OPT(ONS menu appears.
5. %lic" Surfa!e %ip and then ,one. /he %(P-1Surfa!e Type7 dialog box opens
and the *ATU%* %*S menu appears.
7. Select the surface0s1 to rip out. /he selected surfaces highlight in the active
#indo#.
You can add and remove rip surfaces by highlighting Surface in the %ip-1Surfa!e
Type7 dialog box and clic"ing ,efine. fter you modfiy the surface selections clic"
,one %efs.
8. %lic" OK on the %ip-1Surfa!e Type7 dialog box. /he rip is created
95
To Create an Edge Rip
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # Shape # %ip. /he OPT(ONS menu appears.
5. %lic" *d&e %ip. %lic" ,one. /he %ip -1*d&e Type7 dialog box opens and the %(P
P(*C*S menu appears. &y default$ Add is selected.
7. Select an edge or edges to rip.
You can also customi)e the corner type for each edge rip as follo#s:
o %lic" %edefine from the %(P P(*C*S menu. /he P(*C* S*/ menu appears.
o Select the edge piece to redefine. /he %(P P(*C*S dialog box opens.
o ;ighlight Corner Type and clic" ,efine. /he CO%N*% ,* menu appears.
o Select the desired corner type and clic" ,one:
Open.%reate standard open corner edges.
$lind.%ustomi)e the open corner using a specific dimension.
Overlap.%reate standard overlapping corner edges.
o %lic" O" in the %(P P(*C*S dialog box.
8. %lic" ,one Sets after selecting and defining all desired edges. /he selected edges
highlight in the active #indo#.
8. %lic" OK on the %ip -1*d&e Type7 dialog box. /he edge rip is created.
Working with Edge Rips
n edge rip is a sa#cut along an edge. >i"e all rips$ edge rips are intended to help
unbend your part. Depending on your design needs you can customi)e the corner type of
the edge rip to be open$ cut/extended to a specific depth$ or overlapping.
s you customi)e the corner type edge rip drag!handles appear. /he handles snap to the
corner edges. /he follo#ing explains ho# the edges and system behave #hen you
customi)e the edge:
Open ed&e rip./he edge rip remains open$ ho#ever$ drag!handles appear for
each edge. If you clic" on the handles the edge is defined as blind 0see &lind edge rip
belo#1.
Open *d&e %ip with ,ra&-handles Open *d&e %ip
$lind ed&e rip.Drag!handles and dimensions appear for each edge coming into
the corner.
/o set the depth of the edge$ you can double!clic" the edge dimension and then type
or select a ne# dimension or you can use the drag handle and drag the corner edge
to its ne# location 0#hich can be #ithin the confines of the edge or extend beyond
the intersecting edges1.
96
You can also establish relations by selecting Thi!"ness or Thi!"ness>4 from the
dimension box. /he relation is set using the smt_thickness parameter. It is removed
if you type a value or define the edge as open or overlapping.
$lind *d&e %ip with ,ra&-handles and
,imension $o+
$lind *d&e %ip
Overlap ed&e rip.Drag!handles appear for each edge and an arro# indicates
the overlap direction. 'ne edge automatically overlaps the other. You can reverse the
overlapping edge by clic"ing lip on the CO%N*% ,* menu.
Overlappin& *d&e %ip with ,ra&-handles and
,ire!tion Arrow
Overlappin& *d&e %ip
Note:
You can redefine the edge rip type in the middle of defining the edge by clic"ing
one of the other commands. (or example$ if #hile defining a blind edge rip you
discover it should be overlapping$ simply clic" Overlap and the blind dimensions are
aborted.
Dimensions only appear #ith your model #hen you are creating a blind edge rip.
About Sheet Metal Cuts
sheet metal cut removes material from your part. /he cut is made normal to the sheet
metal surface$ as if the part #ere completely flat$ even if it is in a bent state. /he cut
adopts the sheet metal materialDs natural behavior$ li"e bending and #arping$ #hen the
part is bent.
You s"etch cuts on a plane and pro:ect them onto the sheet metal #all. /he driving side$
offset side$ or both driving and offset sides of the sheet metal #all can drive the cut
direction.
Sheet Metal Cut
1Solid7 $ehavior
Solid Cut $ehavior Sheet Metal Cut 1Thin7
$ehavior
97
You can create three types of cuts:
Sheet Metal Cut 1solid7.-emoves solid sections of the sheet metal #all.
Sheet Metal Cut 1thin7.-emoves only a thin section of material$ li"e a thin cut
made #ith a laser.
Solid Cut.-emoves solid sections of the sheet metal #all. You can extrude$
revolve$ s#eep$ blend$ use <uilts and ma"e advanced solid cuts. /o ma"e a defined!
angle cut$ you must use the solid cut. Solid cuts can be made on an edge. See the
Part Modelin& (unctional rea for information about solid cuts.
Note: l#ays use the sheet metal solid cut$ unless you need tapered edges.
&ecause sheet metal cuts are surface cuts$ you cannot ma"e a cut to partially remove
#all thic"ness. (or example$ you can not cut a 4cm deep hole in a 4Acm thic" #all. /his
may ma"e the &lind depth command some#hat difficult to understand. /he &lind depth
command applies to cutting on bends. You can s"etch the cut to the edge of the bend
and pro:ect it a blind depth do#n the bent #all$ saving you the time of unbending the
#all$ ma"ing the cut$ and bending bac" the #all.
Ori&inal )all $lind Cut S"et!h $lind Cut
Note-
cut cannot cross t#o bend lines.
cut can never be made on an edge.
%utting on angles or bend areas might re<uire a larger dimension scale for proper
clearance.
%uts can be used to create notch and punch 6D(s.
About Cuts and Datum Axes
Individual datum axes are automatically created for each circular cut that intersects more
than one sheet metal #all.
/he created axes behave li"e all other axesS they have an ID$ can be referenced$ can be
turned on/off on the main toolbar$ and follo# the cut during any bending and unbending.
S"et!h Sheet Metal Part )ith Cir!ular
Cuts
Unbent Sheet Metal Part
)ith Cuts
98

Projecting Datum Curves
2hen you develop geometry in the formed 0bent1 state you can pro:ect datum curves to
communicate information from the bent state to the flat state. You s"etch and pro:ect a
curve onto the surface of the sheet metal part.
You place the curve by either follo#ing a surface #hen the model is bent or unbent$ or by
follo#ing a surface during a bend bac" operation 0if the part is in the unbent state1.
Ori&inal Part ProKe!ted Curve ormed Part with Cut ollowin&
Curve
See the Part Modelin& module for more information about #or"ing #ith pro:ected
datum curves.
To Create a Sheet Metal Cut (Solid)
4. %lic" to create a s"etch feature.
5. Select the s"etched feature and clic" or (nsert G *+trude to activate the
extrude tool.
lternatively$ you can activate the extrude tool first and then create a s"etch using
Pla!ement G *dit on the S*/ dashboard.
7. %lic" 0extrude as solid1 if it is not selected by default. /he cut options become
available for selection.
7. %lic" Options to define the extrusion depth of the cut.
/o specify ho# far the #all should extrude$ under ,epth$ select one of the follo#ing
options:
o $lind.-emoves material in the first direction from the s"etch plane to the
specified depth value.
o Symmetri!.-emoves material on both sides of the placement reference by half
the specified depth value in each direction.
o To Ne+t.-emoves material in the first direction up to the next surface.
o Throu&h All.-emoves material in the first direction to intersect #ith all surfaces.
99
o Throu&h Until.-emoves material in the first direction to intersect #ith a
selected surface.
o To Sele!ted.-emoves material to intersect #ith the selected point$ curve$ plane$
or surface of a solid geometry.
9. ccept the current direction or clic" to reverse the direction of extrude along
the s"etch plane$ if re<uired.
I. %lic" (nsert G *+trude. If the first #all or any other feature already exists in the
part$ the S*/ cut options become available on the dashboard. ;o#ever$ 0S*/ cut1 is
not available for the first #all.
If 0S*/ cut1 is not already selected$ clic" to remove the material.
J. %lic" . /he S*/ cut options become unavailable.
J. ccept the current direction to remove the material or clic" to reverse the
direction of extrude to the other side of the s"etch.
J. %lic" . /he sheet metal cut 0solid1 is created.
To Create a Sheet Metal Cut (Thin)
4. %lic" to create a s"etch feature.
5. Select the s"etched feature and clic" or (nsert G *+trude to activate the
extrude tool.
lternatively$ you can activate the extrude tool first and then create a s"etch using
Pla!ement G *dit on the S*/ dashboard.
7. %lic" 0extrude as solid1 if it is not selected by default. /he cut options become
available for selection.
7. %lic" Options to define the extrusion depth of the cut.
/o specify ho# far the #all should extrude$ under ,epth$ select one of the follo#ing
options:
o $lind.-emoves material in the first direction from the s"etch plane to the
specified depth value.
o Symmetri!.-emoves material on both sides of the placement reference
by half the specified depth value in each direction.
o To Ne+t.-emoves material in the first direction up to the next surface.
o Throu&h All.-emoves material in the first direction to intersect #ith all
surfaces.
o Throu&h Until.-emoves material in the first direction to intersect #ith a
selected surface.
100
o To Sele!ted.-emoves material to intersect #ith the selected point$
curve$ plane$ or surface of a solid geometry.
9. ccept the current direction or clic" to reverse the direction of extrude along
the s"etch plane$ if re<uired.
9. %lic" (nsert G *+trude. If the first #all or any other feature already exists in the
part$ the S*/ cut options become available on the dashboard. ;o#ever$ 0S*/ cut1 is
not available for the first #all.
If 0S*/ cut1 option is not already selected$ clic" to remove the material.
J. %lic" . /he S*/ cut options become available.
J. %lic" one of the follo#ing to define the side on #hich to create the cut.
o .-emoves material normal to both the driven and offset surfaces.
o .-emoves material normal to the driven surface. /his option is selected by
default.
o .-emoves material normal to the offset surface.
L. %lic" to create a thin cut and type the #allDs thic"ness value using the
thic"ness input panel.
L. ccept the current direction to remove the material or clic" to reverse the
direction of the extrude bet#een one side$ the other side$ or both sides of the s"etch$ if
re<uired.
L. %lic" . /he sheetmetal cut 0thin1 is created.
About Forms
form is a sheet metal #all molded by a template 0reference part1. *erging the
geometry of a reference part to the sheet metal part creates the form feature. You use
assembly type constraints to determine the location of the form in your model. 2hen
doing so$ be mindful of placement references and references to other features in the
model.
You can create t#o types of sheet metal form features$ punch and die. Each form type
can create the same geometry:
Punch Pun!h orm %eferen!e
Part
101
*olds the sheet metal #all using only the
reference part geometry. Punch forms use the
entire form reference part to create the correct
geometry.
Die ,ie orm %eferen!e Part
*olds the sheet metal using the reference part to
form the geometry 0convex or concave1
surrounded by a bounding plane. Die forms need a
plane surface/boundary plane 021 surrounding the
entire die shape to apply the correct geometry.
/he seed surface 011 gathers the surrounding
geometry to create the appropriate form shape.
/o simulate real manufacturing needs$ create your form reference part in the standard
application. If you use a sheet metal reference part$ the sheet metal to be formed should
conform to the driving side of the component part. 2hen creating a form model$ "eep
the follo#ing in mind:
Conve+ surfa!es.*ust have a radius that is larger than the thic"ness of the
sheet metal or e<ual to )ero if the form is mated to the sheet metal geometry.
Con!ave surfa!es.*ust have a radius that is larger than the thic"ness of the
sheet metal or e<ual to )ero if the form is aligned to the sheet metal geometry.
Combination surfa!es./he form can contain a combination of convex and
concave geometry$ creating hollo#s. /he hollo#s in the form must not drop belo# the
base plane or mating surface.
Coordinate systems.You can create a coordinate system reference #ithin the
form to define #here to stri"e the part during the manufacturing process.
You can create multiple form placement scenarios by enabling or disabling the specific
constraints. (or example$ you might place a louver form #ith constraints that force the
opening to face the outside edge of the #all #hile also having a constraint that forces the
opening to#ards the center of the #all. &y enabling or disabling the constraints$ you can
<uic"ly change your sheet metal design.
Note-
You can pattern both types of form features.
You can create 6D(s based on the forms. ny elements you define #hen creating
the form are modifiable #hen placing it as a 6D(. /he one exception is form type$ die
or punch$ #hich cannot be changed at that time.
Forms with Hollows
Your form can contain a combination of convex and concave geometry$ creating hollo#s.
/he hollo#s in the form must not drop belo# the base plane or mating surface$ meaning
all the form geometry must be on the same side of the base plane.
Note: *a"e sure that the distance bet#een the hollo# surface and the outer surface
allo#s for the material thic"ness of the sheet metal.
102
orm %eferen!e
Part
Allow for Material
Thi!"ness

4. llo#ance for the sheet metal material thic"ness
To Create a Die Form
4. %lic" or (nsert # Shape # orm. /he OPT(ONS menu appears.
5. %lic" ,ie.
7. Define ho# to use the punch reference part and clic" ,one:
o %eferen!e./he form is dependent on a saved punch part. ny changes made to
the saved part parametrically update #hen you regenerate the sheet metal part. If
the saved part cannot be located the sheet metal form geometry free)es.
o Copy./he form uses copied geometry and is independent of the saved form part.
8. 'pen the punch reference part. /he punch reference part opens in a separate
#indo#. /he O%M and orm Pla!ement dialog box opens.
Predefined constraints appear automatically in the constraint list. Constraint
*nabled is selected by default #henever a pre!defined constraint is selected.
9. Select the re<uired reference constraint on the reference part and the
corresponding reference constraint on the sheetmetal part$ in any order$ to define a
placement constraint. 2hen a pair of valid references is selected an appropriate
constraint type is automatically selected.
9. /he references and constraints are displayed in the +avigation and %ollection
area. &efore selecting references$ change the constraint type from the Constraint Type
list.
9. In the Constraint Type box$ select one of the follo#ing types of constraint to use
for the reference:
o Automati!.%onstrains the form references using a constraint type chosen by the
system.
o Mate.%onstrains t#o surfaces to touch$ either coincident and facing each other
or parallel and facing each other.
o Ali&n.%onstrains t#o planes to be coplanar$ either coincident and facing in the
same direction or parallel and facing in the same direction../his option also aligns
revolved surfaces or axes to be coaxial.
o (nsert.Inserts a male revolved surface into a female revolved surface$ ma"ing
their respective axes coincident.
103
o Coord Sys.%onstrains the coordinate system of the form reference part to the
coordinate system of the sheet metal part. &oth coordinate systems must exist
before starting the assembly process.
o Tan&ent.%onstrains t#o surface to be tangent.
o Pnt On /ine.%onstrains a point to be in contact #ith a line.
o Pnt On Srf.%onstrains a point to be in contact #ith a surface.
o *d&e On Srf.%onstrains an edge to be in contact #ith a surface.
o i+.(ixes form at current location.
o ,efault.ssembles form at default location.
Q. ny constraint listed in the %onstraints area may be selected and changed as
re<uired. %hange the constraint type$ use the lip button to toggle Mate and Ali&n$
modify the offset value$ or allo#/disallo#ing system assumptions.
Note-
o /o delete a constraint$ select the constraint$ and right!clic" to select ,elete.
o /o create additional constraints$ clic" New Constraint. /he previously configured
constraints are removed and a ne# constraint appears #ith the previous constraint
displayed. %hoose a predefined constraint type or configure a ne# constraint.
additional constraints.
o -emove or add additional constraints to resolve conflicts. %lear the Constraint
*nabled chec" box to disable a constraint.
o /he Pro/E+,I+EE- constraint orientation assumptions are enabled by default.
%lear the Allow Assumptions chec" box to disable Pro/E+,I+EE- placement
assumptions.
o /o turn a constraint off$ right!clic" and select ,isable or *nable to turn it on.
L. In the Offset box$ select ho# to offset the references:
o Offset.Determines the distance bet#een the t#o references.
o Oriented.%onstrains t#o surfaces to be parallel. n offset value is not specified.
o Coin!ident.%onstrains t#o surfaces to be touching. n offset value is not
specified.
4A. %lic" #hen the status is (ully %onstrained$ Partially %onstrained$ or +o
%onstraints. /he system places the reference part #ith the current constraints.
reference part cannot be placed in the sheetmetal part if the status is %onstraints Invalid.
You must complete the constraint definition first.
4A. Select a boundary plane from the reference part. /he boundary plane is the
surface surrounding the die geometry.
4A. Select a seed surface from the reference part. /he seed surface can be any
section of the actual die geometry.
o /o exclude surfaces$ select *+!lude Surf in the O%M dialog box and clic"
,efine. Select the form feature surface0s1 to exclude and clic" ,one %efs.
104
o /o designate a coordinate system$ select Csys in the O%M dialog box and clic"
,efine.
o /o change the tool name$ select Tool Name in the O%M dialog box and clic"
,efine.
47. %lic" OK on the O%M dialog box. /he die form is created.
To Create a Punch Form
4. %lic" or (nsert # Shape # orm. /he OPT(ONS menu appears.
5. %lic" Pun!h.
7. Define ho# to use the punch reference part and clic" ,one:
o %eferen!e./he form is dependent on a saved punch part. ny changes made to
the saved part parametrically update #hen you regenerate the sheet metal part. If
the saved part cannot be located the sheet metal form geometry free)es.
o Copy./he form uses copied geometry and is independent of the saved form part.
8. 'pen the punch reference part. /he punch reference part opens in a separate
#indo#. /he O%M and orm Pla!ement dialog box opens.
Predefined constraints appear automatically in the constraint list. Constraint
*nabled is selected by default #henever a pre!defined constraint is selected.
9. Select the desired constraint on the reference part and the corresponding
constraint on the sheet metal part$ in any order$ to define a placement constraint.
2hen a pair of valid references is selected an appropriate constraint type is
automatically selected.
9. /he references and constraints are displayed in the +avigation and %ollection
area. &efore selecting references$ change the constraint type from the Constraint Type
list.
9. In the Constraint Type box$ select one of the follo#ing types of constraint to use
for the reference:
o Automati!.%onstrains the form references using a constraint type chosen by the
system.
o Mate.%onstrains t#o surfaces to touch$ either coincident and facing each other
or parallel and facing each other.
o Ali&n.%onstrains t#o planes to be coplanar$ either coincident and facing in the
same direction or parallel and facing in the same direction. /his option also aligns
revolved surfaces or axes to be coaxial.
o (nsert.Inserts a male revolved surface into a female revolved surface$ ma"ing
their respective axes coincident.
o Coord Sys.%onstrains the coordinate system of the form reference part to the
coordinate system of the sheet metal part. &oth coordinate systems must exist
before starting the assembly process.
o Tan&ent.%onstrains t#o surface to be tangent.
o Pnt On /ine.%onstrains a point to be in contact #ith a line.
105
o Pnt On Srf.%onstrains a point to be in contact #ith a surface.
o *d&e On Srf.%onstrains an edge to be in contact #ith a surface.
o i+.(ixes form at current location.
o ,efault.ssembles form at default location.
Q. ny constraint listed in the %onstraints area may be selected and changed as
re<uired. %hange the constraint type$ use the lip button to toggle Mate and Ali&n$
modify the offset value$ or allo#/disallo#ing system assumptions.
Note-
o /o delete a constraint$ select the constraint$ and right!clic" to select ,elete.
o /o create additional constraints$ clic" New Constraint. /he previously configured
constraints are removed and a ne# constraint appears #ith the previous constraint
displayed. %hoose a predefined constraint type or configure a ne# constraint.
o -emove or add additional constraints to resolve conflicts. %lear the Constraint
*nabled chec" box to disable a constraint.
o /he Pro/E+,I+EE- constraint orientation assumptions are enabled by default.
%lear the Allow Assumptions chec" box to disable Pro/E+,I+EE- placement
assumptions.
o /o turn a constraint off$ right!clic" and select ,isable or *nable to turn it on.
L. In the Offset box$ select ho# to offset the references:
o Offset.Determines the distance bet#een the t#o references.
o Oriented.%onstrains t#o surfaces to be parallel. n offset value is not specified.
o Coin!ident.%onstrains t#o surfaces to be touching. n offset value is not
specified.
4A. %lic" #hen the status is (ully %onstrained$ Partially %onstrained$ or +o
%onstraints. /he system places the reference part #ith the current constraints.
reference part cannot be placed in the sheet metal part if the status is %onstraints
Invalid. You must complete the constraint definition first.
4A. Select the surface to use for the punch geometry: O"ay or lip ! to change the
direction.
o /o exclude surfaces$ select *+!lude Surf in the O%M dialog box and clic"
,efine. Select the form feature surface0s1 to exclude and clic" ,one %efs.
o /o designate a coordinate system$ select Csys in the O%M dialog box and clic"
,efine.
o /o change the tool name$ select Tool Name in the O%M dialog box and clic"
,efine.
45. %lic" OK on the O%M dialog box. /he punch form is created.
Tip: Creating Punch and Die Reference Parts
/o simulate real manufacturing needs$ your formDs reference part must be created in the
standard application.
106
2hen creating the reference part:
/ry and "eep the datum planes in the center and references to a minimum. /his
#ill ma"e dimensioning and placing the form easier.
/he base of a die form must be a plane surface 0boundary plane1 surrounding the
actual die. punch form does not need this base plane$ except$ if the base plane is
used for placing the form 0in this instance the base plane could be a datum plane1.
%oncave angles and bends in the form must have either a )ero radius or a radius
greater than sheet metal thic"ness.
/he reference part can contain hollo#s. ll the form geometry must protrude from
one side of the base plane. *a"e sure the hollo# accounts for the sheet metal
thic"ness or else the material inside the hollo# #ill overlap and the form #ill fail.
/he form reference part can contain geometry for multiple die or punch models:
You can create an infinite number of die models. &e sure to leave an appropriate
distance bet#een each die instance.
You can create punch models #ith t#o sides. You select the desired side #hen
mating the surfaces.
Multi-die %eferen!e Part ,ual Pun!h %eferen!e Part
About Flatten Forms
flatten form unbends punch or die forms and returns the features to their original flat
state. In order to create flat sheet metal surfaces #here punch or die forms exist you
need to use a flatten form feature. You can flatten multiple form features at the same
time. (latten form features are typically created at the end of the design process$ #hen
you are preparing your model for manufacture.
/he flatten form option ad:usts the #idth of the part after flattening$ ensuring the
material volume after flattening is the same as before flattening.
orm 1before flattenin&7 latten orm
107
)idth: L.AA
Thi!"ness: 4.A
Chamfer !ross-se!tion area:
A.9A x 0A.8A x A.8A1 ? A.AQ
Sheet side !ross-se!tion:
0L.A x /1 U A.AQ
)idth: L.AA
Thi!"ness: 4.A
Chamfer !ross-se!tion area:
A.9A x 0A.8A x A.8A1 ? A.AQ
Sheet side !ross-se!tion:
0L.A x /1 U A.AQ
2hen creating a flatten form$ consider:
form can be flattened if it is located on a plane.
form that crosses a bend can only flatten after you unbend the bend. ;o#ever$
if the form is higher than the bend radius it cannot be unbent or flattened. You must
suppress the form.
/o accurately compensate for mass$ you should use the flattened surface area for
real life calculations.
About Stamped Edges
Stamped edges are sheet metal edges modified by solid class features$ li"e chamfers$
rounds$ holes$ and cuts. You can use stamped edges to denote multiple types of sheet
metal geometry 0for example$ a radius in the corner of a cut1 or to sho# edge treatments
to ma"e the sheet metal a nonconstant #all thic"ness. Stamped edges can be used for
both cosmetic and structural re<uirements 0#all strength1. /he stamped edge is intended
to increase design efficiency #here you need to create complex geometry that sheet
metal specific features cannot.
&ecause stamped edges use solid class features$ you #ill create them using the
Dashboard functionality. See the undamentals or Part Modelin& modules for
information and instructions on creating solid features using the Dashboard.
s you prepare your sheet metal design for manufacture you need to flatten your design.
In order to accurately flatten stamped edges$ you should create a (latten (orm feature.
/he flatten form calculates the flat pattern for the stamped edges based on the
assumption that the volume of the material in the part is the same both before and after
it is flattened. You have the option$ ho#ever$ to modify the volume that is transformed.
/he follo#ing example sho#s the ad:ustments made to the #idth of the part after
flattening$ ensuring the material volume before and after flattening is the same.
108
$efore lattenin& After lattenin&

2idth 0L.AA1$ /hic"ness 04.AA1
%hamfer cross section area: A.9A x
0A.8A x A.8A1 ? A.AQ
Sheet side cross section: 0L.AA x /1 !
A.AQ
2idth 0Q.L51$ /hic"ness 04.AA1
Sheet side section: 2flat x / ? 02 !
A.AQ//1F/
therefore
2falt ? 2 ! A.AQ// ? L.AA ! A.AQ/4.AA ?
Q.L5
4. %hamfer on sheet metal edge
5. Stamped edge flattened #ith a (latten (orm feature.
Note: 2hen creating rounds and chamfers be sure to the sheet metal thic"ness and the
desired geometry 0angle or radius1 into account.
To Create a Flatten Form
4. %lic" or (nsert # Shape # lat orm. /he /ATT*N dialog box opens.
5. ;ighlight orm and clic" ,efine. /he *ATU%* %*S menu appears.
7. Select the form feature from the model tree or select each individual section to
flatten.
Note: ll form sections must be selected.
8. %lic" ,one %efs after all the form sections are selected.
8. %lic" OK on the /ATT*N dialog box. /he flatten form is created.
About Notches and Punches
+otch and punch are templates used to cut and relieve sheet metal #alls. In Sheetmetal
Design$ notches and punches both perform the same function and have the same menu
commands$ so the one you choose depends on your naming convention. Industry
standards place notches on edges and punches in the middle of the sheet metal #all.
Not!h Pun!h
109
+otches and punches are manufacturing operations made using the follo#ing three
phases:
Phase One.%reate the desired type of cut on a sheet metal part.
Phase Two.%onvert the cut into a user!defined feature 06D(1. /his 6D( is saved
in your directory and can be included in multiple designs. It carries the file name
extension$ .gph.
Phase Three.Place the notch or punch 6D( on the desired sheet metal part.
You can create a reference part to help place your notch or punch 6D(. /ypically$ you
#ant to "eep the reference part simple. /he reference part carries the file name
extension: gp.prt. -emember$ create your 6D(s in Sheet *etal mode because 6D(s
created in Part mode do not #or" on sheet metal parts.
U, %eferen!e
Part
Sheet Metal Pun!h
Pla!ement
Each sheet metal notch and punch has a specific tool that defines its shape. /he same
tool is referred to #hen and #herever you use that 6D(. &ecause of the tool dimensions$
you cannot scale the si)e of the sheet metal notch and punch 6D(. In order to change
the si)e of these 6D(s you must reassign the appropriate reference tool used in
manufacturing.
About Skipped References
S"ipped references are notch or punch placement references that have not been defined.
S"ipped references can be either intentional$ if you are unsure of a notch or punch
placement reference$ or unintentional. In either situation$ you must define a s"ipped
reference to place a notch or punch correctly.
S"ipped references are reported #ith the status comment References are missing.
Defining Skipped References
/o define any s"ipped references for your notch or punch you use the same options and
prompts originally used #hen you began placing the feature in your design.
fter you have ans#ered each 6D( placement prompt$ if you intentionally s"ipped any
references an Information 2indo# opens and the CON(%MAT(ON menu appears. %lic"
Confirm to redefine the s"ipped references on the base part$ or the actual notch or
punch. You enter the feature creation environment. /he dialog box for the feature #ith
s"ipped references appears.
110
Note: /o return to the references you s"ipped$ clic" Can!el. /hen select the references
you need to specify from the CP %*S menu. You return to the original 6D( prompt.
Pro/Engineer displays the feature dialog box and lists s"ipped references and variable
elements. /o reconcile the s"ipped reference$ highlight the element to fix and clic"
,efine on the feature dialog box.
Depending on the type of reference s"ipped you are defining$ you need to use one of the
follo#ing procedures to define your references:
/he s"ipped reference is used by an element other than a s"etched section.
(or the s"ipped reference$ you enter into the feature creation environment enabling
you to redefine the element that uses the s"ipped references.
If the s"ipped reference is a s"etching plane or hori)ontal reference for a section.
If you redefine a s"etching plane or hori)ontal references$ the dialog box for the
feature using the s"ipped reference appears. (rom the dialog box$ select the Se!tion
element and clic" ,efine. %lic" S"et!h Plane and define the reference as
appropriate.
If the s"ipped reference is used by a section other than the s"etching plane or
hori)ontal reference.
If you must redefine a section reference 0for example$ edges used as dimensioning
references1$ the dialog box for the feature using the s"ipped reference appears.
Select the Se!tion element and clic" ,efine. %hoose the appropriate s"etch option
from the Se!tion menuS the part reappears in the s"etching vie# and the Se!tion
Pla!e menu appears #ith the follo#ing options:
o ,ra&And,rop U Places the existing 6D( section directly on the part. 2hen you
enable this option the section is outlined in red. 6se the mouse to move the section
to its ne# location. Place the section by left!clic"ing the mouse. Dimension the
section to the part and regenerate. /he middle mouse button <uits section
placement.
Note: /he DragndDrop option is not available for sections fully aligned or
created #ith the 6se Edge option.
o Create New ! Discards the existing 6D( section and creates a ne# section. Select
%onfirm to verify your action. S"etch a ne# section.
2hen you redefine a missing reference used by several features double chec" to see if:
/he s"ipped reference has a single prompt for all features. You must redefine the
reference for each use. (or example$ if you use an edge to place a hole and a cut$ and
you set up a single prompt for both features$ you must reselect the reference edge for
both the hole and the cut if you s"ip the edge reference #hen placing the notch or
punch.
/he s"ipped reference has individual prompts for all features. You only have to
redefine the reference for the feature #here it is s"ipped.
To Create a Notch/Punch UDF
4. %reate a simple sheet metal part #ith the desired cut feature. &e sure to "eep
references to a minimum and to s"etch a coordinate system in the cut.
5. %lic" Tools G U, /ibrary. /he U, menu appears.
111
7. %lic" Create.
8. /ype a name for the notch or punch 6D( in the U, name box and clic" . /he
U, OPT(ONS menu appears.
9. Define the type of 6D( file to create and clic" ,one:
o Stand Alone./he 6D( is functional by itself. %reate a complete .gph file. You
can :ust pass the 6D( file along and to recreate the part.
o Subordinate./he 6D( is driven by the current model. %reate a .gph file$ but
#ith less information than the stand alone file. You need to pass along the .gph file
and the current model to re!create the part.
If you chose Stand Alone and #ant to create a reference part$ type YS other#ise$
type N.
I. %lic" Add on the U, *ATS menu. /he S*/*CT *AT menu appears.
I. Define the 6D( feature using either Sele!t$ /ayer$ or %an&e$ and then clic"
,one # ,one3%eturn.
I. /ype Y for the prompt: Are you definin& a U, for PUNCA or NOTCA
featureN O63N#.
Note- If you do not have a coordinate system in the feature$ the 6D( creation is
aborted. /he follo#ing error message appears: Sele!ted CUT must have a
!oordinate system in the se!tion. You can still complete the remaining steps$ but
your 6D( #ill be undevelopable because the coordinate system is needed for
manufacturing.
L. t the prompt$ you are prompted to specify a tool name. Ensure that you enter
the correct tool name because the tool is referenced #hen and #herever the 6D( is used.
/his tool name prompt confirms you are creating a useable 6D(. /he S6MM*T%6 menu
appears.
L. Define the symmetry flag for the tool:
o D A+is./he tool is symmetrical about the N!axis of the coordinate system.
o 6 A+is./he tool is symmetrical about the Y!axis of the coordinate system.
o $oth./he tool is symmetrical about both the N and Y!axis of the coordinate
system.
44. /ype a prompt for the highlighted surface. 6se simple naming conventions that
#ill help you place the 6D(. You need to type a prompt for each reference made during
the cut creation. /he MO, P%MPT and S*T P%OMPT menus appear.
44. %lic" ,one3%eturn after naming all prompts.
44. %lic" OK on the U, dialog box. /he notch or punch 6D( is created.
To Place a Punch
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # Shape # Pun!h. lternatively$ you can also place a
punch using (nsert G User ,efined eature.
/he Open dialog box opens.
112
5. &ro#se to the appropriate 6D( file 0.gph1. /he (nsert User-,efined eature
dialog box opens.
5. Select one of the follo#ing:
o Ma"e features dependent on dimensions of U,.%reates a group that is
dependent on the 6D(.
o Advan!ed referen!e !onfi&uration.Places 6D( by mapping references.
o ?iew sour!e model.&y default allo#s you to retrieve and sho# source model in
a separate #indo#.
Advan!ed referen!e !onfi&uration is the default.
Note- You cannot select Ma"e features dependent on dimensions of U, and
Advan!ed referen!e !onfi&uration together.
8. %lic" OK. /he User ,efined eature Pla!ement dialog box opens.
8. Select references of the 6D( features using the references of the original features
and clic" . /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
C%P P/AC* menu appears.
8. Select one of the follo#ing or clic" ,one to create a ne# 6D( group. /he punch is
placed.
o %edefine.-edefines the group elements.
o Show %esult.>ists the geometry in the group under the ,-'6P P-EOIE2 menu.
o (nfo.Displays information of the current 6D( group in an Information 2indo#
To Place a Notch
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # Shape # Not!h. lternatively$ you can also place a
notch using (nsert G User ,efined eature.
/he Open dialog box opens.
5. &ro#se to the appropriate 6D( file 0.gph1. /he (nsert User-,efined eature
dialog box opens.
5. Select one of the follo#ing:
o Ma"e features dependent on dimensions of U,.%reates a group that is
dependent on the 6D(.
o Advan!ed referen!e !onfi&uration.Places 6D( by mapping references.
o ?iew sour!e model.&y default allo#s you to retrieve and sho# source model in
a separate #indo#.
Advan!ed referen!e !onfi&uration is the default.
Note- You cannot select Ma"e features dependent on dimensions of U, and
Advan!ed referen!e !onfi&uration together.
8. %lic" OK. /he User ,efined eature Pla!ement dialog box opens.
113
8. Select references of the 6D( features using the references of the original features
and clic" . /he ,(%*CT(ON menu appears.
C%P P/AC* menu appears.
8. Select one of the follo#ing or clic" ,one to create a ne# 6D( group. /he notch is
placed.
o %edefine.-edefines the group elements.
o Show %esult.>ists the geometry in the group under the ,-'6P P-EOIE2 menu.
o (nfo.Displays information of the current 6D( group in an Information 2indo#.
Tip: Creating and Using Notches and Punches
In order for you to use a user defined feature 06D(1 for a notch or punch be sure to:
'nly include one feature in a notch or punch definition. If you select more than
one feature$ the group is treated as a regular 6D( U you are not as"ed for tool
information. If you try and place a regular notch or punch 6D( an incomplete 6D(
#arning appears because the notch or punch cannot be used in manufacturing. /o
create more than one cut for your notch or punch use a cut #ith more than one
contour in its section.
Include a coordinate system in the section s"etch. You need the coordinates for
manufacturing and tool axis symmetry. You cannot create or place the 6D( #ithout a
coordinate system.
Enter the proper tool ID for the 6D(. /he tool ID refers to that same tool #hen
and #here ever you use the 6D(.
2hen creating notch or punch 6D(s$ consider:
>imiting the number of references you use. /he more references used in creating
the cut$ the more #ill be needed #hen placing the 6D(. 'ne #ay to decrease the 6D(
references is to clic" +o #hen as"ed if your s"etched lines should be aligned. 2hat is
the minimum number of references you can haveV 0/he least IHve had #as 81
%reating notches intended to relieve bends after creating and unbending the bend.
You can use the bend geometry to place$ dimension and align the notch.
%reating datum plane references asynchronously #hen setting up the s"etching
plane. /his eliminates creating extra datum planes before placing the 6D(.
>ocating all dimension references to sheet metal edges rather than datum planes.
/he edge location carries the 6D( as the sheet metal is bent and unbent. It also
eliminates creating extra datum planes before placing the 6D(.
6sing relations in the reference part to reduce the number of variable dimensions
needed #hen placing the notch or punch. 0-elation example: %ut height is al#ays A.9
of #all height.1
%reating punch axis points #hile s"etching the cut. /hese special datum points are
unbent and bent bac" #ith the feature. You can dimension to them in dra#ings.
2hen you are creating a table!driven notch or punch$ you can modify any tool
name instance for in the table.
114
About Bends
bend forms the sheet metal #all into an angular or roll shape. You s"etch a bend line
and determine the bendDs direction #ith direction arro#s or your s"etching vie#. /he
bend line is a reference point for calculating the developed length and creating the bend
geometry.
&ends can be added at any time during the design process$ as long as a #all feature
exists. You can add bends across form features$ but you cannot add them #here they
cross another bend. Depending on #here you place the bend in your sheet metal design$
you may need to add bend relief.
/here are t#o main types of bends:
An&le.&end a specific radius and angle. Direction arro#s
determine the bend location. /he angle bend either forms on one
side of the bend line or e<ually on both sides.
%oll.&end a specific radius and angle$ #hich is determined by
both the radius and the amount of flat material to bend.
S"etching vie# affects the bend location. /he roll bend forms in
the direction you vie# your s"etch.
If you intend to roll the material in a spiral$ be conscious of the
material length. Your roll bend #ill fail if the material bends
through itself.
/here are three bend options available for each angle or roll bend:
%e&ular $end w3Transition $end Planar $end

%reate a normal bend
#ith no transition
surfaces.
Deform the surface
bet#een the bend and an
area you #ant to "eep
flat.
%reate a bend around an
axis that is perpendicular
to the driving surface and
the s"etching plane.
Note:
You cannot copy a bend #ith the mirror option.
2hile you can generally unbend )ero!radius bends$ you cannot unbend bends #ith
slanted cuts across them.
&ends can improve #all stiffness by increasing the moment of inertia.
You can modify the developed length of a bend area using the ,*? /*NCTA
menu. *odifying the developed length affects both the unbent geometry and bend
bac" features.
115
To Change the Developed Length
&y default$ the calculation of the developed length is based on the Y!factor and =!factor
values defined in the Part &end /able or the (eature &end /able.
4. Select the feature on the *odel /ree for #hich you #ant to modify the developed
length and right!clic". /he shortcut menu appears.
5. %lic" *dit. /he dimensions are displayed on the graphics #indo#.
7. Double!clic" the developed length$ the ,*? /*NCTA menu appears.
8. %lic" *nter ?alue to change the developed length. You are prompted to specify
the ne# developed length.
'-
%lic" %trn to ,riven to drive the dimensions by the bend table or Y!factor$ specify
the ne# developed length$ and clic" .
9. -egenerate the model. /he ne# value overrides the default developed length.
*odifying the developed length affects both the unbent geometry and bend bac"
features.
Note:
If you change the radius$ the developed length changes accordingly unless you
explicitly override the developed length.
If you change the developed length$ the bend radius is not affected and loses its
relativity #ith the developed length.
If you have changed the developed length using *nter ?alue and then changed
the bend radius$ the developed length does not change after regenerating the model.
About Bend Radius
/he bend radius determines the angle of the bend. &ends are made along the axis of the
radius. You can dimension bends in the follo#ing #ays:
Spe!ified Surfa!e (nside of $end Outside of $end

0Offset Side or
,rivin& Side1
0(nside %ad1 Sheet
metal parts typically
dimension to the inside
radius.
0Outside %ad1
*a"e sure you add material thic"ness to the desired radius. If you create the bend #hen
adding an extruded #all$ you can thic"en the s"etch section and re!dimension to the
inside of the bend. (or extruded or s#ept #alls$ you can specify +o -adius and manually
s"etch the radius in the section.
116
Zero-Radius Bends
You can enter )ero for the bend radius. /he resulting geometry sho#s a sharp edge on
the side to #hich the bend is dimensioned. If you #ant the geometry to sho# a radius$
enter a very small value 0A.AAA41. (or sheet metal thic"ness this should not matter.
You can generally unbend )ero!radius bends. If you #ant to unbend the sheet metal part
ma"e sure the bend has a small radius. You cannot unbend bends #ith slanted cuts
across them.
Fero-bend %adius
1outside radius7
Fero-bend %adius 1inside
radius7
About Bend Relief
&end relief helps control the sheet metal material behavior and prevents un#anted
deformation.
(or example$ an unrelieved bend might not represent the accurate$ real life model you
need due to material stretching. &y adding the appropriate bend relief$ li"e %ip%elief$
your sheet metal bend #ill meet your design intent and enable you to create an accurate
flat model.
fter you s"etch and regenerate the bend$ the %*/(* menu appears #ith the follo#ing
relief options:
No %elief.%reate the bend #ithout any relief.
Strt!h%elief.Stretch the material to provide relief #here the bend crosses an
existing edge of the fixed material.
%ip%elief.%ut the material at each bend endpoint. /he cuts are made normal to
the bend line.
%e!t%elief.dd a rectangular relief at each bend endpoint.
Obrnd%elief.dd an obround relief at each bend endpoint.
No %elief Strt!h%elief %ip %elief %e!t%elief Obrnd%elief
You can either assign bend relief individually or you can set automatic bend relief using
the SMT_DFLT_BEND_REL_TYPE default.
About Bend Lines
117
&end lines determine the location and shape for the bend geometry in your sheet metal
parts. You s"etch a bend line and determine the bendDs direction #ith direction arro#s or
your s"etching vie#.
Note- Select t#o references before inserting a bend line.
/he bend line is a reference point for calculating the developed length and creating the
bend geometry. /he behavior of the bend geometry is determined by the bend line
location$ the bend angle$ and the fixed geometry.
$end /ine S"et!h

$end One $end Two $end Three
4. &end line
5. (ixed geometry
You can ad:ust the bend line to ma"e the resulting bend geometry coplanar #ith the side
of the sheet metal. *a"e sure any added bend relief does not exceed the developed
length of the bend.
Non-!oplanar Surfa!es Coplanar Surfa!es
118
$/A 0 / - 1 % 5 T 7
)here:
&> ? &end line ad:ustment
> ? Developed length of the bend 0determined from a bend table or formula1
- ? Inside radius of the bend
/ ? /hic"ness of the sheet metal
-> ? -elief length 0 ? cutbac" length in rip relief1
4. 'riginal bend line
5. (ixed geometry and bend side
7. d:usted bend line
8. (ixed geometry and bend side
About Bend Line Notes
&end line notes describe basic information about the bend type$ bend direction$ and bend
angle. /he bend line notes are automatically created for each bend in your design.
&ecause the notes are parametric and aligned #ith the bend they$ enable you to easily
provide dra#ing dimensions and bend annotations$ #hich allo# manufacturers to
program their bending machines$ locate punch positions$ and create dimension inspection
documents.
*+ample- $end
/ine Note
LAC
You can add bend line notes to dra#ings and the bend line notes are also present in any
flat state instances you create.
You can customi)e both the display order and bend line note symbols used in your
designs. You can change the order of the note elements by setting the
smt_bend_notes_order configuration option. You can customi)e the default bend line
note symbols or create your o#n symbols by modifying the symbol source files.
/he follo#ing table defines each bend line note element:
$end /ine Note
*lement
,es!ription ,efault
Symbol
$end Type
(ormed Inside bend radius is e<ual to or
smaller than ten!times the sheet metal
thic"ness.
0Inside &end -adius ?M /hic"ness F
4A1
119
-olled Inside bend radius is greater than ten!
times the sheet metal thic"ness.
0Inside &end -adius G /hic"ness F 4A1
$end ,ire!tion
6p Inside -adius is on the sheet metalDs
driving surface.
Do#n Inside -adius in on the sheet metalDs
offset surface.
$end An&le
Pro/E measures the inside angle of the
bend. /he bend angle displays
according to the format set in the
ang_units configuration option.

89C

In order for bend line notes to display$ the last feature in your active part design must be
a (lat Pattern feature and the follo#ing conditions must be met:
$end Notes must be enabled 0?iew # Sheetmetal Notes # $end Notes1.
@, Notes must be enabled 0Utilities # *nvironment1.
Notes must be selected to display in your model tree 0Settin&s # Tree ilters1.
smt_bend_notes_dflt_display 0configuration option1 is set to yes. Note: /he
default for bend line notes is yes. In order to not see the bend line notes you need to
set the configuration option to no.
You can customi)e each of the symbols used in bend line notes 0formed$ rolled$ up$ and
do#n1.
4. *a"e a bac"up copy of the follo#ing files$ the bac"up #ill be used to restore the
original files:
o <loadpoint>/text/usascii/special.src
o <loadpoint>/<machine_type>/text/usascii/special.fnt
5. 'pen <loadpoint>/text/usascii/special.src #ith an appropriate file editor
and ma"e the desired changes. s you modify the file remember that 3m3 means
move$ 3d3 means dra#$ and numbers are x and y coordinates:
o /o modify the 3rolled bend3 text symbol$ change the section :ust after the lines:
W 6pside!do#n 6 rolled bend
3code 45Q QA3
o /o modify the 3formed bend3 text symbol$ change the section :ust after the lines:
W (ormed bend
3code 474 Q73
o /o modify the 3do#n arro#3 signifying bend do#n$ modify the instructions after
the lines:
120
W Do#n arro#
3code 45L Q43
o /o modify the 3up arro#3 signifying bend up$ modify the instructions after the
lines:
W 6p arro#
3code 47A Q53
7. fter completing your modifications$ compile the font #ith the command:
MloadpointG/MmachineXtypeG/ob:/compileXfont
MloadpointG/text/usascii/special.src
MloadpointG/MmachineXtypeG/text/usascii/special.fnt
Note:
You can copy the .fnt file to another machineDs
<loadpoint>/<machine_type>/text/usascii/special.fnt of the same machine
type.
You can copy the .src file bet#een machines of different types$ and recompile it
on the ne# machine type.
About Regular Bends
regular bend forms the sheet metal #all$ around a neutral bend axis$ into angular or
roll shapes. You s"etch a bend line and determine the location of the bend #ith direction
arro#s or s"etching vie#. /he regular bend is the bend you #ill use most often. It has no
transition surfaces.
/here are t#o types of regular bends available:
An&le.&ends a specific radius and angle.
%oll.&ends a specific radius$ but the angle is determined by both the radius and
the amount of flat material to bend.
$end /ine S"et!h %e&ular $end 1An&le7 %e&ular $end 1%oll7
4. &end line
To Create a Regular Bend
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # $end. /he OPT(ONS menu
appears.
121
5. Define the type of bend to create:
o An&le.%reate a bend #ith a specific radius and angle.
o %oll.%reate a bend #ith a specific radius and an angle$ #here the angle is
determined by both the radius and the amount of flat material to bend.
7. %lic" %e&ular on the $*N, OPT menu. %lic" ,one.
7. Select the bend table to use and clic" ,oneP%eturn:
o Part $end Tbl.-eference the bend table associated #ith the overall part for
developed length.
o eat $end Tbl.-eference an independent bend table for the individual feature
for developed length.
9. Define the radius side and clic" ,one3%eturn:
o (nside %ad.*easure the radius from the inside surface of the part.
o Outside %ad.*easure the radius from the outside surface of the part.
I. Select the surface to bend. -eference and s"etch the bend line. /he bend line
must be a line and can only be one entity. You must align the line ends to the outside
edges of the sheet metal #all. 2hen the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher
toolbar. /he $*N, S(,* menu appears.
I. Define the side of the bend line to create the bend:
o lip.%hange the direction of the bend creation.
o O"ay.ccept the selected direction.
o $oth.%reate the bend e<ually on both sides of the bend line.
Q. Define the direction in #hich to ma"e the bend: O"ay or lip.to change the
direction.
Q. Define the type of bend relief to use:
No %elief.Do not control the bend behavior.
w3 %elief.%ontrol the bend behavior at each attachment point:
o No %elief.*aintain the existing material shape.
o Strt!h%elief.Stretch the existing material.
o %ip %elief.-ip the existing material.
o %e!t%elief.dd a rectangular relief.
o Obrnd%elief.dd an obround relief.
4A. Define the reliefDs #idth:
o Thi!"ness.6se a default radius that is e<ual to the thic"ness of the sheet metal
#all.
o Thi!"ness > 4.6se a default radius that is t#ice the thic"ness of the sheet metal
#all.
122
o *nter ?alue.6se the absolute value that you type in the *nter dimension
value box.
o rom Table.Select the appropriate radius value from the list. /he radii values
are defined in the bend table assigned to the part. /he rom Table command is
unavailable if a bend table is not assigned to the part.
44. /ype the bend reliefDs angle and clic" .
If necessary$ repeat steps L$ 4A and 44 for each highlighted end.
45. Either select one of the standard bend angle values or clic" *nter ?alue$ and type
the exact bend angle value 0in degrees1.
45. Define the bend radius:
#all.
#all.
value box.
48. %lic" OK on the $*N, Options dialog box. /he bend is created.
About Planar Bends
planar bend forces the sheet metal #all around an axis that is normal 0perpendicular1
to the surface and s"etching plane. You s"etch a bend line and form the planar bend
around the axis using direction arro#s. 2hile this type of bend is not utili)ed on the
factory floor$ it can help you reach your overall design intent.
/here are t#o types of planar bend available:
An&le.&ends a specific radius and angle.
%oll.&ends a specific radius$ but the angle is determined by both the radius and
Planar $end S"et!h Planar $end 1An&le7 Planar $end 1%oll7
Note- /he neutral point for a planar bend is placed according to the current Y!factor.
&end tables are not applicable.
123
To Create a Planar Bend
appears.
7. %lic" Planar on the $*N, OPT menu. %lic" ,one.
o Part $end Tbl.-eference the bend table associated #ith the overall part.
o eat $end Tbl.-eference an independent bend table for the individual feature.
9. Select the surface to bend. -eference and s"etch the bend line. 2hen the s"etch
is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he $*N, S(,* menu appears.
9. Define the side of the bend line to create the bend:
J. Define the area to remain fixed: O"ay or lip.to change the direction.
J. Either select one of the standard bend angle values or *nter ?alue$ and enter the
exact value 0in degrees1.
J. Define the radius:
#all.
#all.
value box.
4A. Define the side of the bend axis to create the bend: O"ay or lip U to change the
direction.
4A. %lic" OK on the $*N, Options dialog box. /he bend is created.
About w/Transition Bends
#//ransition 0#ith transition1 bend shapes one section of a sheet metal plane #hile
leaving another section flat or #ith different bend conditions. You s"etch multiple
sections: first the section containing the bend line$ then one or more sections to remain
flat or bent differently. /he flat/bent differently sections are transition areas.
124
You can create one or more transition areas for each #ith transition bend. Each transition
area s"etch must consist of t#o lines. 'ne line needs to be ad:acent to the bend area.
S"etch this line first. second line must complete the transition area.
/here are t#o types of #ith transition bends available:
An&le.&end a specific radius and angle.
%oll.&end a specific radius$ but the angle is determined by both the radius and
/he follo#ing example sho#s a #/transition s"etch and the resulting roll bend:
w3Transition $end
S"et!h
w3Transition $end 1%oll7
4. &end line
5. /ransition area s"etch
Note-
#//ransition bends do not accept bend relief.
If your design calls for a cut in a transition area$ either create it before you ma"e
the #//ransition bend or by unbending the bend$ ma"ing the cut$ and using the bend
bac" feature.
To Create w/ Transition Bend
appears.
7. %lic" w3Transition on the $*N, OPT menu. %lic" ,one.
125
9. Define the radius side and clic" ,one3%eturn:
I. Select the surface to bend. -eference and s"etch the bend line. 2hen the s"etch
is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar. /he $*N, S(,* menu opens.
I. Define the side of the bend line to create the bend:
Q. Define the direction in #hich to ma"e the &end: O"ay or lip.to change the
direction.
Q. Define the references for the transition area. /he previous line Ygrays out.Z
Q. S"etch the transition area0s1. /he first line you s"etch dictates the side that
should remain bent.
If you #ant to define another transition area$ type Yes. 'ther#ise$ type +o.
44. Select one of the standard bend angle values or select Enter Oalue to enter the
exact value 0in degrees1
44. Define the radius:
#all.
#all.
value box.
47. %lic" OK on the $*N, Options dialog box. /he bend is created.
About Unbends
/he unbend feature flattens any curved surface on the sheet metal part$ #hether it is a
bend feature or a curved #all.
/here are three types of unbend available:
%e&ular.6nbends most bends in a part. You select an existing bend or #all
feature to unbend. If you select all bends$ you create a flat pattern of your part.
Transition.6nbends undevelopable surfaces$ such as blended #alls. You select
stationary surfaces and specify a cross!sectional curve to determine the shape of the
unbend feature.
Dse! ,riven.6nbends undevelopable surfaces$ such as hems and flanges. You
select stationary surfaces and specify a cross!sectional curve to determine the shape
of the unbend feature.
126
2hen creating an unbend you are as"ed to designate a surface or edge to remain fixed.
Your choice changes the default vie# of your model. /ry to pic" ma:or surfaces that you
#ant to "eep in the same position. If possible$ be consistent and use the same surface
#hen creating several unbend features. You can save design time and maintain
consistency by setting an automatic fixed geometry element 0Set Up # i+ed Ceom1.
(eatures created after the unbend are children/dependent on the unbend. If you are only
temporarily unbending the part and do not need the unbend to maintain your design
intent$ you should delete the unbend. &y "eeping it$ you are merely cro#ding the model
tree #ith extra features that slo# do#n part regeneration. -emember$ if you delete an
unbend that has features created after it$ those additional features #ill also delete.
/o s"etch the flat state of #alls that cannot be unbent due to complicated and non!
regular geometry$ use the *etamorph option. 2ith the ,*O%M CONT%O/ menu you
can highlight and s"etch contours of corresponding deformation areas. /he formed state
of the #all suppresses and that flat state becomes active after the unbend feature
creation. /he ,*O%M CONT%O/ menu is available in the unbend dialog box #hen you
select Unbend All.
Unbending Undevelopable Surfaces
6ndevelopable 0deformed1 surfaces$ li"e #all features #ith complex curved surfaces$
typically must be unbent for manufacture.
/o unbend the deformed material the unbend must be simple. /he defining rule is that all
surfaces to be unbent must either have an outside edge or be ad:acent to an area that
has an outside edge. /he outside edge or ad:acent area serves as a #ay for the
deformation to escape and the material to stretch.
Developed length is not calculated for unbent deform areas.
Note- If your unbend fails and you receive an error message citing undevelopable
regions$ try one of the follo#ing:
%e&ular Unbend with Surfa!e %ip.-emove the existing surface0s1 bet#een
the undevelopable regions and outside edges.
%e&ular Unbend with *d&e %ip.*a"e a tear along the surface edge that
extends from the undevelopable region to the outside. /hin" of the edge rip as a
contact bet#een an enclosed undevelopable region and the outside.
%e&ular Unbend with ,eform Areas.Divide an existing surface into a number
of smaller ad:acent ones. 'ne or more of the smaller surfaces contacts an enclosed
undevelopable surface. >i"e#ise$ one or more of the smaller surfaces contacts an
outside edge.
S"et!h Unbend with ,eformed Areas.S"etch the flat state of the deformation
area using the *etamorph option.
To Unbend Undevelopable Surfaces
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # Unbend. /he UN$*N, OPT
menu appears.
5. %lic" %e&ular. %lic" ,one.
7. Select the plane or edge to remain fixed during the unbend.
8. Define the sections to unbend:
127
o UnbendSele!t.Select specific bend surfaces to unbend. %lic" ,one Sel # ,one
%efs after pic"ing all the desired bends.
o Unbend All.6nbend all bends and curved surfaces.
9. Select the surface0s1 to deform. /hey need to have an edge on the outside of the
part.
9. %lic" ,one Sel. /he *ATU%* %*S menu appears.
9. %lic" ,one %efs after pic"ing all desired deform areas.
9. %lic" OK on the Unbend dialog box. /he unbend is created.
About Punch Axis Points
punch axis point is a reference point that moves #ith a feature during both the unbend
and bend bac" operations. You must set the punch_axis_points configuration option to
enable such points.
4. Placement of punch axis point$ in
S"etcher.
5. %ut #ith resulting punch axis point
and datum point.
7. 6nbent part$ displaying actual positions of punch axis and datum points.
4. Point
5. Punch axis point
7. Datum point
8. Punch axis point
9. Datum point
>i"e a regular datum point$ the punch axis point appears in the part$ has a
standard point symbol$ and an assigned name 0for example$ PNT01.
6nli"e a regular datum point$ the punch axis point is not a separate feature. /he
point moves #ith the placement plane of its parent feature during the unbend and
bend bac" operations. It is comparable to the feature axis in a revolved cut in part
mode.
You can dimension to a punch axis point in detail dra#ings.
To Create a Punch Axis Point
4. Ensure that you have set the punch_axis_points configuration option to yes.
128
5. %lic" S"et!h G Point or S"et!h G A+is Point.
Note-
o &oth S"et!h G Point and S"et!h G A+is Point create punch axis points.
;o#ever$ the A+is Point also creates an axis.
o /he punch axis point moves #ith the placement plane of its parent feature during
the unbend and bend bac" operations.
4. %lic" any#here in the s"etcher #indo# to place the point or axis point.
%ontinue defining the cut$ punch$ or notch feature.
Note-
fter an S*/ cut is created #ith punch axis points$ Pro/E+,I+EE- does not chec"
for the punch_axis_points configuration option.
You cannot remove punch axis points by setting the punch_axis_points
configuration option to no.
Best Practices: Unbend and Bend Back
-emember$ the proper use of the unbend and bend bac" features is very important for
robust design. %onsider these best practices #hen utili)ing the unbend and bend bac"
features:
Do not add unnecessary pairs of unbend/bend bac" featuresS they inflate the part
si)e and might cause problems at regeneration.
If you add an unbend feature 0or bend bac"1 feature :ust to see ho# your model
loo"s flattened 0unbent1$ delete the sample unbend feature before proceeding #ith
your design.
If you specifically #ant to create features in a flattened state you should add an
unbend feature. %reate the features you need in the flattened state and then add a
bend bac" feature. Do not delete the unbend feature in this case$ features that
reference the unbend feature might fail regeneration.
If you #ant a pro:ected datum curve to follo# a sheet metal bend$ pro:ect the
curve after creating an unbend feature. /he curve #ill follo# the sheet metal surface
#hen you bend bac" the sheet metal #all.
About Regular Unbends
regular unbend is a generic unbend that applies to almost all sheet metal unbends. You
can unbend both a #all and a bend$ the material must be developable and able to
unbend. You cannot unbend nonruled surfaces using a regular unbend feature.
You have the option of unbending all surfaces and bends or selecting specific areas:
UnbendSele!t.Select specific bend surfaces to unbend.
Unbend All.6nbend all bends and curved surfaces.
ormed Part Unbend Sele!t Unbend All
129
fter you unbend an area you can continue to add features$ li"e cuts and rips.
-emember$ the features follo#ing the unbend are children/dependent on the unbend. If
you delete the unbend the features #ill also delete. If you are temporarily vie#ing the
unbent model$ be sure to delete the unbend feature before adding features. /he
unnecessary features can slo# do#n part regeneration and development time.
If you add #alls that intersect #hen they are unbent$ Pro/E highlights the intersecting
edges in red and #arns you #ith a prompt.
To Create a Regular Unbend
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # Unbend. /he UN$*NT OPT menu
appears.
5. %lic" %e&ular. %lic" ,one.
7. Select the plane or edge to remain fixed during the unbend.
8. Define the sections to unbend:
o UnbendSele!t.Select specific bend surfaces to unbend. %lic" ,one Sel # ,one
%efs after pic"ing all the desired bends.
o Unbend All.6nbend all bends and curved surfaces.
9. %lic" OK on the Unbend dialog box. /he unbend is created.
About Transition Unbends
transition unbend flattens non!developable geometry that cannot be unbent #ith a
regular unbend. +on!developable geometry has bending in more than one direction.
/he transition geometry is temporarily removed from the model$ so you must define that
geometry to utili)e the feature. /he developable surfaces can then unbend. /he transition
geometry is placed bac" into the flat pattern.
To Create a Transition Unbend
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # Unbend. /he UN$*N, OPT
menu appears.
5. %lic" Transition. %lic" ,one.
130
7. Define any planes or edges to remain fixed during the unbend. /he selected
entities highlight. -emember$ both the driving and offset sides of a surface must be
selected for the selection to be valid.
8. %lic" ,one Sel # ,one %efs after pic"ing all the desired planes and edges.
9. Define any surfaces to be deformed and complete the transition unbend feature.
About Xsec-Driven Unbends
Nsec Driven 0cross section1 unbend. You can unbend undevelopable sheet metal
geometry$ li"e #alls curved in more than one direction. /he unbend consists of a series
of cross sections along a curve that are pro:ected onto a plane.
/he cross section term refers to the curve you use to influence the shape of the unbent
#all. You can either select an existing curve or s"etch a ne# curve. 2hether you select
or s"etch the curve it must be coplanar #ith the fixed edges you define. If you s"etch the
curve be sure to dimension/align the curve. /he curve you select or s"etch #ill affect the
unbent state of the part. -emember$ the curve can be a straight line.
Sheet Metal Part Dse! ,riven Unbend
You can not bend bac" a cross section unbend.
Note: /he cross sections created must not intersect #ithin the unbent geometry.
To Create a Xsec-Driven Unbend
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # Unbend. /he UN$*NT OPT menu
appears.
5. %lic" Dse! ,riven. %lic" ,one.
7. Select the needed attach chain and options on the %;I+ menu
8. %lic" ,one after selecting the edges needed.
131
8. Define the curve to control the cross sections as they unbend:
o Sele!t Curve.Select a curve on a plane that is coplanar #ith the fixed edges.
o S"et!h Curve.S"etch the cross section curve. /he curve can be a straight line.
I. Define the side of the bend to remain fixed: O"ay or lip.to change the
direction.
I. %lic" OK on the Dse! ,riven Type dialog box. /he unbend is created.
About Bend Back
/he bend bac" feature enables you to return unbent surfaces to their formed position. s
a rule you should only bend bac" a fully unbent area.
$ent Part $end $a!" All $end $a!" Sele!t
Note:
If you partially bend bac" a regular unbend containing a deform area the original
bent condition might not be obtainable.
Sheetmetal Design examines the contours of each bend bac" section. %ontours
partially intersecting a bend area are highlighted. You are prompted to confirm
#hether the section bend bac" or remain flat.
You can not bend bac" a cross section 0Nsec!Driven1 unbend.
To Create a Bend Back
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # $end $a!". /he $*N, $ACK
dialog box appears.
5. Select the plane or edge to remain fixed #hile you unbend the part. /he
$*N,$ACKS*/ menu appears.
7. Define the section to bend bac":
$end$a!" Sel.&end bac" selected sections.
$end$a!" All.&end bac" all sections.
If you chose to bend bac" selected sections:
o Select the surface or edge to bend bac". &e sure to select an UNBEND feature.
o %lic" ,one Sel. /he *ATU%* %*S menu appears.
o %lic" ,one %efs.
If you chose to bend bac" all sections:
o %lic" ,one.
132
8. %lic" OK on the $*N, $ACK dialog box. /he part bends bac".
About Corner Relief
%orner relief helps control the sheet metal material behavior and prevents un#anted
deformation. /o utili)e the corner relief option you must have at least one ripped edge
and the 7D notes turned on 0Utilities # *nvironment1.
You can create four types of corner relief:
No %elief None Cir!ular Obround
+o relief is added.
/he corner
retains the
default O!notch
characteristic.
,enerate a
s<uare corner.
/he default O!
notch
characteristic is
removed.
dd a circular
relief. /he corner
has a circular
section removed.
dd an obround
relief. /he corner
has an obround
section removed.
/here are four possible #ays to apply corner relief to bends or converted parts:
%reate the corner relief as a feature 0 eature # Create # Corner %elief1
%reate default relief automatically #hile unbending 0Set Up # Corner %elief1
%reate default relief for all corners in the model or part templates 0Set Up #
Parameters1
Define the corner relief in the conversion feature dialog box 0eature # Create #
Conversion1
You can use and dimension corner relief that is smaller than the deformation area
bordered by the tangent lines of the intersecting bends.
To Create Corner Relief (Feature)
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # Corner %elief. /he C*T S*/*CT menu appears.
5. Select the 7D +ote0s1 needing similar corner relief. %lic" ,one Sets.
7. Define the corner relief to apply:
o No %elief.+o relief is added. /he corner retains the rip characteristic.
o None.,enerates a s<uare corner. /he default O!notch characteristic is removed.
o Cir!ular.dds a circular relief. /he corner has a circlular section removed.
o Obround.dds an obround relief. /he corner has an obround section removed.
8. Define the dimensions for the relief:
#all.
133
metal #all.
value box.
/o relieve another corner$ clic" Add. %lic" ,one Sets after selecting all desired
corners.
9. %lic" OK on the CO%N*% %*/(* dialog box. /he corner relief is created.
To Set Corner Relief (Default)
7. %lic" Corner %elief. /he C%N% T6P* menu appears.
8. Define the type of relief to use as the default:
o No %elief.+o relief is added. /he corner retains the rip characteristic.
o None.,enerate a s<uare corner. /he default O!notch characteristic is removed.
o Cir!ular.dd a circular relief. /he corner has a circlular section removed.
o Obround.dd an obround relief. /he corner has an obround section removed.
9. Define the dimensions for the relief:
#all.
#all.
value box.
I. %lic" ,one3%eturn. /he default corner relief is set.
About Deformation Areas
deformation area is a section of sheet metal that helps to accurately stretch the
material #hen you unbend the sheet metal part. You may need to create these areas
#hen unbending sections that:
Do not extend to the edge of the model
&end in more than one direction
/he deformation area acts as a bridge bet#een the multiple direction bend section and
the outside edges of the part. /he deformation area must be tangent to both the
undevelopable surface and an outside edge.
Multi-dire!tion
$ends
,istorted Surfa!es ,eformation Areas
134

4. *ulti!direction bends
5. 6ndesirable surface distortion upon regular unbend
7. ccurate stretching due to deformation areas
You can either create the deformation area before unbending the section or you can
define the area during the unbend. /o prevent undesirable distortion$ it is recommended
that you define the deformation area before unbending and then use it as the fixed
surface during the unbend.
/he developed length of unbent sheet metal geometry reflects the proper values.
Sheetmetal Design approximates deformation area geometry by attaching vertices #ith a
line segment. /he geometry does not become thinner or thic"er. &ecause developed
length is typically determined empirically$ you s"etch the deformation area geometry.
,eformation Area S"et!h
8. *ulti!direction bend section
9. Deformation area s"etch
Note-
You can use a deformation feature to define edges for edge rips or to split
surfaces for bend line development.
You can add features to deformation areas #hen the areas are unbent. &e sure to
bend bac" the area after you add any features.
To Create a Deformation Area
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # ,eform Area. /he ,*O%M
A%*A dialog box opens and the S*TUP P/AN* menu appears.
5. -eference and s"etch the deform area. /he deformation area must be a closed
section$ in contact #ith the undevelopable region$ and have an outside edge. 2hen
the s"etch is complete$ clic" on the s"etcher toolbar.
S"et!hin& Te!hni.ue: Select a common edge bet#een the undevelopable region
and the deformation area. %lic" Use *d&e from the C*OM TOO/S menu. /hen select
the outside edge of the deform area and t#o points on that outside edge as vertices.
135
%onnect the t#o outside edge vertices to the vertices of the undevelopable surface on
the common edge.
7. %lic" OK on the ,*O%M A%*A dialog box. /he deform area is created.
About Edge Bends
n edge bend converts nontangent$ box!type edges to bends. Depending on the material
side you choose to thic"en$ some edges appear rounded #hile others have distinctly
sharp edges. /he edge bend option enables you to <uic"ly round the edge.
SharpE Nontan&ent
*d&es
*d&e $ends
&y default$ the bend parameters are set to the follo#ing values:
$end Table.Part &end /able
%adius Type.Inside -adius
%adius.Default radius$ else /hic"ness.
If your design re<uires different bend parameters you can either change the entire
modelHs bend parameters or you can customi)e the values for each edge individually by
redefining specific edges.
To Create an Edge Bend
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # *d&e $end. /he *d&e $end dialog box opens and the
$end Pie!es menu appears in the *enu *anager.
5. Select the edge or edges to bend and then clic" ,one Sets.
7. %lic" OK on the *d&e $end dialog box. /he edge bend is created.
To Customize an Edge Bend
4. %lic" PA%T # eature. /he *AT menu appears.
5. %lic" %edefine. /he S*/*CT *AT menu appears.
7. Select the desired edge bend from the model tree U or U select the desired edge
bend from the graphics #indo#. /he edge bend highlights on the model.
8. Select Edge Bend on the *,C* $*N, dialog box. %lic" ,efine. /he $*N,
P(*C*S and P(*C* S*/ menus appear.
9. Select the edge piece0s1 to customi)e. Each edge you select is sub:ect to any
value change. %lic" ,one after selecting all desired edges. /he %edefine $end
Settin&s dialog box opens.
I. Select the bend element you #ant to redefine. %lic" ,efine. /he appropriate
menus open for each element:
136
&end /able U
-adius /ype U
-adius U
#all.
#all.
value box.
J. 'n the $*N, P(*C*S dialog box$ clic" OK. You return to the *,C* $*N, dialog
box.
If you have redefined all the desired edge bend0s1$ clic" ,one Sets. If you #ant to
change additional edges$ clic" %edefine.
Q. %lic" OK on the *,C* $*N, dialog box. /he edge bend is customi)ed.
About Sheet Metal Inheritance Features
Sheet metal inheritance merges geometry and feature data from a reference 0base1 part
to your existing 0target1sheet metal part. &ecause inheritance is a one!#ay associate
merge$ the data moves from the base to the target #ithout physically modifying the
design model.
Inheritance features are useful in sheet metal because different factories manufacturing
your product may have slight variations in tool shapes. Inheritance enables you to submit
the same model design to multiple manufactures$ #ho in turn use inheritance features to
ad:ust the design data for manufacture in their factory #ithout modifying your design.
(inally$ you merge the data and create the feature$ ho#ever you can still ma"e post!
merge changes li"e dimension and feature status modifications.
Inheritance Feature Behavior (Sheet Metal)
In general$ sheet metal inheritance features behave the same as Part mode inheritance
features. Each feature type uses a reference part and re<uires you to specify geometry
and feature data applicable for change. /he features also enable you to ma"e post!merge
changes$ such as dimension and feature status modifications. >i"e Part mode inheritance
features$ sheet metal inheritance features al#ays use reference 0base1 parts to obtain
geometry and feature data.
/he follo#ing list highlights some "ey sheet metal inheritance feature characteristics. See
the Advan!ed Assembly *+tension module for more information on using inheritance
features:
If the existing 0target1 sheet metal part includes a (%ST )A// feature then the
reference 0base1 part can not contain solid geometry$ even if the base part is a sheet
137
metal part. /he base part can only contain nonsolid geometry such as datums and
surfaces.
If the existing 0target1 sheet metal part does not include a (%ST )A// feature
then the reference 0base1 part can either contain solid sheet metal geometry or
nonsolid geometry$ such as datums and surfaces.
You can not create inheritance features for existing 0target1 and reference 0base1
features that contain a Thi!"en feature. If the target part contains a Thi!"en feature
the inheritance command is not available. If the base part contains a Thi!"en feature
you are prompted #ith an error message.
/he thic"ness of the sheet metal #all is driven by the (%ST )A// feature$ #hich
can be in either the reference 0base1 part or the existing 0target1 part. You can remove
this thic"ness dependency by ad:usting the ?A% ,(MS or ,*P*N,*NC6 options in
the inheritance feature dialog box. Set the ,*P*N,*NC6 option to (ndependent.
Inheritance features containing a (%ST )A// feature can not be suppressed
0added to the ?ar eats list1 or erased.
&end allo#ance measurements are calculated using the bend allo#ance from the
part the feature is in. (or example$ a feature created in the reference 0base1 part #ill
be calculated according to the base model bend allo#ance. feature created in the
existing 0target1 part #ill be calculated according to the target model bend allo#ance.
-elations can not be added to the ?A% ,(MS list because they are read only.
/he sheet metal bend radius is only accessible for the ?A% ,(MS list if you define
the radius as a numeric value. (or example$ d1 = 15 enables you to add the radius to
the list #hile d1 = smt_thickness() does not.
/he sheet metal developed length is only accessible for the ?A% ,(MS list if you
define the developed length as a numeric value. (or example$ L = 15 enables you to
add the developed length to the list.
ny part Set 6p commands 0sheet metal parameters table$ corner relief$ bend
order1 are ta"en from the existing 0target1 part.
You can copy more than one inheritance feature into a target part.
Sheet metal inheritance features have the same capabilities #ith relations$
parameters$ redefining$ and modifying.
To Create a Sheet Metal Inheritance Feature
4. %lic" (nsert # Shared ,ata # (nheritan!e from Other Model. /he /OCAT*
M,/ menu appears and the (nheritan!e dialog box opens.
5. Either clic" Sele!t and select the reference 0base1 part from an open #indo# or
clic" Open and open the appropriate base part. /he /OCAT(ON menu appears.
7. Either clic" ,efault and use automatic coordinate system selection or clic" Coord
Sys and select the appropriate coordinate system.
8. Initially$ all data from the reference part are present in the inheritance feature.
Define the data for the follo#ing inheritance feature options:
o Attributes.dd or remove material geometry.
138
o ?aried ,imensions.Select specific dimensions propagated from the reference
part. /hese dimensions #ill be added to the ?aried ,imensions table. You may
then change the value of the dimension in the table by entering a ne# value.
o ?aried eatures.Select the features propagated from the reference part that
you #ould li"e to define as variable. You may then choose to suppress or erase the
variable feature before creating the inheritance feature. If you choose not to
suppress a variable feature upon creation of the inherited feature$ you #ill be
allo#ed to suppress that feature #ithin the inheritance feature later. You can
resume suppressed features.
o ?ariable Parameters.Select and modify parameter values #hile preserving the
same type$ context$ and attributes of the base model.
o ,etail (tem.Select and modify geometry tolerances.
o Copy Notes.Define #hether 7D notes are copied to the inheritance feature. In
Pro/E+,I+EE-$ 7D notes can be copied to the derived ob:ect$ but cannot be
modified in the derived ob:ect. Inherited 7D notes can not be deleted or erased
except by using the Copy Notes option in the inheritance feature.
o ,ependen!y.*a"e the Inheritance feature dependent or independent of the
reference part. *a"ing an inheritance feature Dependent #ill create a dependency
bet#een the derived ob:ect and the reference part. If changes are made in the
reference part$ they #ill be reflected in the derived ob:ect. n independent
inheritance feature #ill not update #hen the reference part is modified. 6se the
Clobal %eferen!e ?iewer to sho# external dependencies.
9. %lic" OK on the Inheritance dialog box. /he inheritance feature is created.
Note: You can modify a sheet metal model that has a copied by reference part only
#hen the referenced part is open in the current session. 'ther#ise$ the follo#ing #arning
is displayed in the message area:
Some reference parts are unavailable. Modification of the sheetmetal part
is not allowed
About Preparing for Manufacture
*anufacturing preparation helps ensure that your sheet metal design can actually be
manufactured. You can analy)e your designDs geometry$ obtain reports$ and create flat
versions of your model. &y ma"ing manufacturing preparations you can isolate any
problem areas and correct them before they reach the factory floor.
You can use the follo#ing options to prepare your model for manufacture:
%eport.'btains information on bends$ radii$ and specific design rules established
for your sheet metal part.
lat Pattern.(lattens your sheet metal part #hen the design is complete.
Measure.Determines any curve lengths$ angles$ surface areas$ or distances for
the sheet metal part. /his command is found on the Analysis menu.
Surfa!e Analysis.Evaluates your ability to unbend the sheet metal part.
lat State.(lattens your sheet metal part at various stages in the design
process.
About Reports
139
-eports provide information on bends$ radii$ and specific design rules established for your
sheet metal part. /he reports enable you to investigate your design and ensure that it
adheres to company standards. -eports are typically needed before manufacturing the
part.
/o sho# information in text format$ set the info_output_format configuration option to
text. /he default is html.
Each text report is displayed in a separate #indo#. ;o#ever$ the ;/*> report is
displayed in the Pro/E+,I+EE- bro#ser. You can vie#$ edit$ or save the text report to a
file.
You can access the follo#ing types of reports in the text format:
$end %eport.>ists detailed information about bends in the part.
%adii %eport.>ists detailed information about the bend radii in the part.
,esi&n Che!".>ists detailed information about ho# your design complies #ith
the Design -ules that you have defined.
/he follo#ing reports are displayed in the ;/*> format:
Used K and 6 a!tors by Part.>ists all values of the =! and Y!factors that are
used by the part or features.
$end Tables Asso!iated with Part.>ists detailed information about bend
tables used in the part.
$ends Containin& eature $end Table.>ists the assigned bend tables used by
the features.
$ends Allowan!e.>ists information of bends assigned to a feature #ith or
#ithout a LA degree bend angle.
$end %adii.>ists detailed information about the bend radii of features.
,esi&n %ules - ?iolations Che!".>ists detailed information about ho# your
design complies #ith the Design -ules that you have defined.
To Access Text Reports
4. %lic" (nfo # Sheetmetal. /he Sheetmetal (nfo dialog box opens.
5. %lic" the re<uired report. You can only access one report at a time.
o $end %eport.>ists detailed information about bends in your part. /he report
lists information on bends assigned to a (eature &end /able and bends that are not
LA degrees. /he report also provides part information$ including the part name$
material code$ thic"ness$ and the appropriate bend allo#ance 0Y! or =!factor$ or
bend table1.
o %adii %eport.>ists detailed information about the bend radii in your part. /he
report lists any bend radii that match the values in an assigned bend table or the
default radius. /he report provides the feature ID$ dimension parameter name$
radius value$ radius type$ and the inside radius name. /he report also provides part
information$ including the part name$ material code$ thic"ness$ and appropriate
bend allo#ance 0Y! or =!factor$ or bend table1.
o ,esi&n Che!".>ists detailed information about ho# your design complies #ith
the assigned design rules. /he report lists any violations in the model. /he report
140
provides information about the design rule name$ design rule formula$ re<uired
rule value$ current rule value$ and the reference IDs of features that violate design
rules defined for the bend table. /o obtain this report$ you must first define a rule
table 0Design -ules1 and assign it to your sheetmetal part. Design chec" is
performed only for planar #alls.
7. Specify #here to output the results to:
o S!reen.Displays the report in a separate #indo#.
o ile.Saves the report in the partDs #or"ing directory.
8. %lic" OK. /he report is processed.
Example: Reports in Text Format
$end %eport
%adii %eport
,esi&n Che!"
141
To Access HTML Reports
4. /o sho# information in ;/*> format$ ensure that the info_output_format
configuration option is set to html. /he default is html.
5. %lic" (nfo # Model. /he Sheet *etal part information is displayed in the
Pro/E+,I+EE- bro#ser.
7. %lic" the re<uired report. You can access the follo#ing type of reports:
o Used K and 6 fa!tors by Part.>ists all values of the =! and Y!factors that are
used by the part or features and the type of factor assigned to it. /he type of factor
can be either Part ssignment or (eature Specific.
o $end Tables Asso!iated with Part.>ists detailed information about bend
tables used in the part.
o $ends Containin& eature $end Table.>ists the assigned bend tables used by
the features.
o $ends Allowan!e.>ists information of bends assigned to a feature #ith or
#ithout a LA degree bend angle. /he modified bend allo#ance value is displayed
#ith an associated tag named manually. /his value does not use an e<uation.
o $end %adii.>ists detailed information about the bend radii of features.
o ,esi&n %ules - ?iolations Che!".>ists detailed information about ho# your
design complies #ith your defined Design -ules. /he report lists any violations in
the model. /he report lists any violations in the model. /he report provides
information about the design rule name$ design rule formula$ re<uired rule value$
current rule value$ and the reference IDs of features that violate design rules
defined for the bend table. /o obtain this report$ you must first define a rule table
0Design -ules1 and assign it to your sheet metal part. design chec" is performed
only for planar #alls.
Example: Reports in HTML Format
Used K- and 6-fa!tors by Part
$end Tables Asso!iated with a Part
142
$ends Containin& eature $end Table
$ends Allowan!e
$end %adii
143
,esi&n %ules - ?iolations Che!"

About Flat Patterns
flat pattern is e<uivalent to the unbend all feature$ it flattens any curved surface$
#hether it is a bend feature or a curved #all. ;o#ever$ unli"e the unbend all$ the flat
pattern feature automatically :umps to the end of the model tree to maintain the flat
model vie#.
Sheet Metal Part lat Pattern 1with $end Notes7
144
/he flat pattern is helpful if you are constantly toggling bet#een the solid and flat
versions of the design. If you add ne# features to your design the flat pattern
suppresses. It automatically resumes after the feature is added. If you do not #ant to flip
bet#een the flat pattern and solid vie#s for each ne# feature$ manually suppress and
resume the flat pattern as needed. Sometimes you need to t#ea" the flattened version of
your design to ensure the manufactured version is accurate
You can create a flat pattern early in your design process so you can simultaneously
create and detail your sheet metal design.
Note: You can only create one flat pattern per partS after you create it$ the flat pattern
option becomes unavailable.
To Create a Flat Pattern
4. %lic" or clic" (nsert # $end Operation # lat Pattern. /he C*T S*/ menu
appears.
5. Select a plane or edge to remain fixed #hen the part is unbent or bent bac". /he
flat pattern is created.
Example: Tweaked Flat Pattern
Sometimes you need to t#ea" the flattened version of your design to ensure the
manufactured version is accurate. (or example$ you may need to modify the corner of an
flattened box to account for un#anted deformation during the unbending process. If you
add a t#ea" feature to an unbent sheet metal part generally you must suppress the
protrusion before you can bend the model bac".
Twea"ed lat Pattern
4. &ox #ith rounded sides
and top. Oertical round
surfaces ripped out.

5. &ox flattened #ith (lat Pattern feature. +ote
the deformations at the corners after unbending.
145
7. (lat Protrusion feature
added to t#ea" the corner
geometry.

About Flat States
flat state is a completely unbent copy of your part. It streamlines the creation of flat
patterns needed in manufacturing because you can create any number of flat states$ at
any time in your design process$ #hether your part is fully formed or fully flat. (lat states
are managed #ith family tables.
2ith the flat state commands$ you can:
Produce a ne# flat state instance #ith the Create command.
/ransfer any features you added specifically to a flat state from the flat state to
the generic part #ith the Update command. /he only exceptions are features you
specifically suppressed. You can then delete or suppress desired features that$ in turn$
are deleted or suppressed in any other flat state in that partDs family table.
>ist the flat state instances related to the generic part #ith the Show command.
Select a flat state instance and it opens in a separate #indo#. You can ma"e any
needed design changes.
ully ormed Part lat State 1ori&inal7 lat State 1modified7
2hile flat states are copies of the generic part$ you can edit individual flat state instances
to ma"e any necessary modifications. ny ne# features you add to a flat state are
enabled in that specific flat state instance but suppressed in the generic part. ny
features you delete from a flat state are suppressed in the specific flat state instance but
still enabled in the generic part. =eep in mind that any features you add to the generic
part after you create the flat state$ are added to all flat state instances.
2hen you create a flat state instance$ the unbend or the flat state is automatically added
to the end of the generic partDs *odel /ree. ny modifications that you ma"e to the
generic part do not affect the flat state. /herefore$ in the generic$ a flat state #or"s
exactly as a flat pattern. ny features that you add to the generic are automatically
reordered to al#ays be inserted before the unbend.
146
2hen you create a flat state instance$ it automatically adds to the generic partDs family
table. Every feature change you ma"e in the flat state instance is recorded in the generic
partDs family table. ne# feature is assigned a ne# column. deleted feature is also
assigned a ne# column$ unless the appropriate column already exists.
Note: (eatures added to flat state instances behave li"e features added to regular family
table parts. ;o#ever$ if you suppress a flat protrusion or unbend$ you cannot resume
them #ith the %esume # All command. You must resume those features individually
0%esume # eat (, or %esume #$y Table1.
To Create a Flat State
7. %lic" lat State. /he /AT STAT menu appears.
8. %lic" Create.
9. /ype a name for the flat state instance and clic" .
If this is the first flat state instance for the generic part$ the PA%T STAT* menu
appears. Define the state the part is in:
ully lat./he part is already unbent 0or fully flat1.
o %lic" ully lat. /he Sele!t dialog box opens.
o Select the unbend features that you used to unbend your part and clic" OK.
o Define the state to put the generic part in and clic" 6es or No.
ully ormed.Your part is bent 0or as designed1.
o %lic" ully ormed. /he Sele!t and the %e&ular Type dialog box opens.
o Select a plane or edge to remain fixed #hile the part is unbent/bent bac".
o %lic" OK in the %e&ular Type dialog box. /he /AT STAT menu appears.
I. %lic" ,one3%eturn. /he flat state is created.
To Show a Flat State
7. %lic" lat State. /he /AT STAT menu appears.
8. %lic" Show. /he lat Models menu appears$ listing all the flat states associated
#ith the part.
9. Select the desired flat state to sho#. /he flat state opens in a separate #indo#.
About Detailing Your Sheet Metal Designs
Sheet metal dra#ings are the blue!prints of your sheet metal design. /hey enable you to
effectively communicate the layout and details needed for manufacture. &ecause
dra#ings are associative$ any changes made to the part are updated in the dra#ing ! and
vice versa.
147
/he follo#ing is a multi!model sheet metal dra#ing #hich displays some essential sheet
metal detail functionality:
Multi-model Sheet Metal ,rawin&

4. *odel 'ne
5. *odel /#o of the multi!model dra#ing
7. &end order table
8. &end line notes
9. Driven dimensions
You can document the creation of the part using various vie#s of the part and any usual
detailing capabilities. (or example$ you can:
Display your part both in a designed condition and in a completely flattened
condition$ in the same dra#ing. Sheet metal dra#ings are typically multi!model
dra#ings.
Display bend order tables and bend ID notes for various vie#s and models.
nnotate your sheet metal dra#ing #ith bend line notes$ #hich contain
information about the bend type$ bend direction$ and bend angle. You can customi)e
#hich model vie#s display the notes$ although generally only the flat vie# of the
model is annotated #ith bend line notes.
2hile you can customi)e the position of your bend line notes$ the follo#ing default
placement formats are available in your sheet metal dra#ings:
148
o ;ori)ontal bends:
a. $end down.&elo# the bend line.
b. $end up.bove the bend line.
o Oertical bends:
a. /he bend line note is belo# the leader line #hich is terminated #ith a dot.
Display the driven dimensions in your design. You can automatically ordinate the
dimensions in your dra#ing using the Automati! command. /his command saves you
time #hen detailing and organi)ing your sheet metal model in dra#ings.
To Create a Sheet Metal Drawing
&efore proceeding$ close all #or"ing #indo#s.
4. %lic" ile # New. /he New dialog box opens.
5. 6nder Type$ clic" ,rawin&.
7. In the Name box$ type a name for your ne# sheet metal dra#ing.
o If you #ant to use the default template$ clic" OK. Pro/E+,I+EE- opens a ne#
dra#ing.
o If you #ant to use a custom template:
%lear Use default template and clic" OK. /he New ile Options dialog box
opens.
&ro#se to the desired template. %lic" OK. /he template file is assigned and
Pro/E+,I+EE- opens a ne# dra#ing.
Note: If an ob:ect type is not supported by a template the Use default
template option is not available. (or template!supported file types$ if you al#ays
#ant to see the New ile Options dialog box$ set the
force_new_file_options_dialog configuration option to Yes. -emember$ this
configuration setting may be overridden by your system administrator in the
config.sup file.
You can no# add vie#s of your sheet metal parts$ display dimensions$ bend line notes$
bend order tables$ and other detailing information. See the ,etailin& module for
information on creating and customi)ing your sheet metal dra#ings.
To Create Automatic Ordinate Dimensions
4. %reate a dra#ing of the model for #hich you #ant to create ordinate dimensions
automatically.
5. In the dra#ing #indo#$ clic" (nsert G ,imension G Auto Ordinate. You are
prompted to select one or more surfaces.
7. Select one or more surfaces for #hich you #ant to create ordinate dimensions.
/he AUTO O%,(NAT* menu appears.
Note- You must select surfaces belonging to the same vie# of the dra#ing.
8. %lic" Sele!t $ase /ine.
149
8. In the same vie# from #hich you selected the surface or surfaces$ select a
reference line to create the ordinate dimensions. /he reference line can be an edge$
curve$ or datum plane.
/he ordinate dimensions are created automatically and are displayed in the vie#.
To Display Bend Line Notes in Drawings
2ith your dra#ing open:
4. %lic" ?iew # Show and *rase. /he Show 3 *rase dialog box opens.
5. %lic" Show.
7. 6nder Type$ clic" .
8. 6nder Show $y$ clic" the option 0eature$ Part$ ?iew$ eature and ?iew$
Part and ?iew$ or Show All1 #here to display the bend line notes.
9. 6se the Options and Preview tabs to define #hat and #hen the bend notes
display.
I. %lic" Close. /he bend line notes display in your dra#ing.
To Display Bend Order Tables in Drawings
2ith your dra#ing open:
4. %lic" ?iew # Show and *rase. /he Show 3 *rase dialog box opens.
5. %lic" Show.
7. %lic" .
8. %lic" Show All. /he Confirm dialog box opens$ as"ing: Are you sure that you
want to show all?
9. %lic" 6es. /he bend order table appears in the top left corner of the dra#ing. /he
bend ID notes appear on the flattened vie#.
I. %lic" ,one Sel. /he Close button is no# available on the Show 3 *rase dialog
box.
J. %lic" Close. /he bend order table and bend ID notes are displayed.
Glossary for Sheetmetal Design
Term ,efinition
bend allo#ance /he length of flat sheet metal re<uired to
ma"e a bend of a specific radius and angle.
bend bac" /o return unbent surfaces to their formed
position to ma"e a structured
arrangement.
bend order table list of bend se<uences that document the
dimensioning and order for bend features
in a design.
150
bend table bend table accounts for variations in
materials and helps us calculate the flat
length needed to ma"e a bend.
corner relief techni<ue in #hich a circular section is
removed from sheetmetal to help meet the
design intent by accounting for material
stretch #hile modeling.
curved surface bent surface or #all.
cut solid /o remove solid sections of material from
the sheetmetal #all. /he material is
removed in a direction that is normal to the
sheetmetal #all.
deformation area section of sheetmetal that helps to
accurately stretch the material #hen you
bend the sheetmetal part.
develop /he length of flat sheetmetal re<uired to
ma"e a bend.
drive surface surface of a part that is used as a
reference for all sheetmetal calculations
and constructionsS the other surfaces are
offset from this surface by a specified
thic"ness.
edge rip techni<ue in #hich sheetmetal is cut or
torn along the edges to help meet the
design intent by accounting for material
stretch #hile modeling.
extruded #all solid structure of sheet metal that
extends from an edge into space.
flat state completely unbent instance of a
sheetmetal part.
form die device used for cutting out or stamping
material$ especially a part on a machine
that punches shaped holes in$ or cuts
sheetmetal.
form tool tool that is used as a cast or mold to
impart its shape to a sheetmetal part.
formed state /he intent model having a definite shape
or structure.
fully formed ;aving attained a definite structure as
intended.
mold line Intersection of the flat #all extensions.
151
notch cut in the surface or edge of a
sheetmetal.
point relief point that divides an existing edge into
t#o separate edges. /hese t#o edges can
be separately bent.
regular bend feature that creates a bend on a flat
section of a part. /he bend must be
straight$ contain only one s"etch entity and
not cross other existing bends.
relief angle n angle that is formed by a surface of a
#or"piece #ith respect to another surface
of the #or"piece and provides clearance for
cutting operation #ithout any deformation
in the model.
relief point point from #here a sheetmetal #all is
sheared or torn$ especially along seams.
rip /o shear or tear sheet metal #alls$
especially along seams.
rip relief techni<ue in #hich sheetmetal is cut or
tore along the #alls$ especially along the
seams to help meet the design intent by
accounting for material stretch #hile
modeling.
roll bend feature that creates a bend specified by a
s"etched entity sho#ing the location of the
bend$ a bend angle$ and a radius. /he
bend angle can a value less than or greater
than LA.
sa#cut toothed cut.
sharp corner pro:ecting part #here t#o edges of
sheetmetal meetS this part is capable of
cutting or piercing.
sharp edge thin sheetmetal edge capable of cutting
or piercing.
sheet metal metal formed into thin and flat pieces. It
is one of the fundamental forms used in
metal#or"ing and can be cut and bent into
a variety of shapes.
split edge feature that splits an edge into t#o.
stamped edge Sheetmetal edges modified by cutting or
embossing features on it.
stamping 6sing a tool to cut or emboss sheetmetal.
152
stretch relief techni<ue in #hich sheetmetal is
stretched to help meet the design intent by
accounting for material stretch #hile
modeling.
transition surface surface #hich blends together t#o
surfaces.S for example an airplane #ing
and the planeDs body.
t#ist #all spiraling or coiling section of sheet metal
that extends from an edge into space.
unbend /o flatten a sheetmetal feature.

153

Welcome To Sheetmetal Design

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Welcome To Sheetmetal Design

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Welcome to Sheetmetal Design

Sheetmetal Design is an optional module of Pro/Engineer. It enables you to design basic

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