The SolidWorks computer program has been designed to help engineers design sheet metal parts. Used largely to bridge the gap between designers and sheet metal manufacturers the SolidWorks software helps to keep costs low, and increases delivery times. The software’s user-friendly interface allows designers and engineers to model completed parts, generating 3d images that are then used by fabricators to bring the designer’s vision into being.
One of the things the The SolidWorks computer program allows engineers and fabricators to do is identify, for the purposes of each product, precisely what kind of sheet metal they will be using. This includes details such as how thick the sheet metal is. This allows engineers to design sheet metal components in the flat state, before bends are made, and to determine whether particular cuts and folds are indeed practical to make. Further more, individual pieces can be labeled and named so as to avoid confusion about which parts should be created. Later, this also helps in assembly as all sheet metal panels will be correctly marked with information about where they fit in the overall product design.
SolidWorks design software also allows for the design of layered or multiple extrusions, add form radius and other features after the product has been assembled in the CAD design model. This will help both the designer and manufacturer to align perforations, tabs, and various attributes that need to line up on a number of complex panels of sheet metal.
The SolidWorks computer design application enables the design and manufacture of very complex features, allowing both designers and fabricators to verify tolerances and clearances, ensuring that the product which the engineer has designed can actually be fabricated and, eventually, assembled. Using this software designers can put together designs using small spaces that will make it possible to unfold the design. This allows design features to stand out, so that panels will be seen clearly. This feature is useful if panels that will fit together very closely in the actual product and need to be seen as seperate components by the manufacturer so that the separate parts can be properly made.
By far the best feature of the SolidWorks design application is that it enables designers to alter the design when needed. It will also help designers to consider the effects that the alterations might have on other parts of the design. The obvious benefit to this is that design flaws and inconsistencies are found before the manufacturing process begins, potentially saving you a lot of time and wasted materials.
Engineers find themselves best able to move a product from conception and modeling through to a workable design if they use SolidWorks and sheet metal. When the designer’s plan is clearly laid out and easy to understand, fabricators are able to produce sheet metal panels with greater accuracy, leading to a more efficient production process. Efficient production leads to lower production costs, less material waste, fewer man hours, and increased profitability.
Marc Anderes is the VP of Operations of Maloya Laser that is dedicated to Metal Manufacturing and Laser Cutting with state-of-the-art laser systems, targeting aerospace, medical, machinery, scientific and transportation requirements.
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