SolidWorks CAD software is specifically designed to help manufacturers design and create sheet metal parts. Used largely to bridge the gap between those who design the parts and those who manufacture them, the SolidWorks design program helps to keep prices as low as possible, and increases production times. The application makes it possible for designers and engineers to model completed parts, creating 3D models that can be used by the manufacturers to bring the engineer’s vision to life.
One of many things that the SolidWorks metal design software allows designers and manufacturers to do is to determine, for purpose of their project, what exactly they mean by sheet metal. This is done by inputting details such as the thickness of the sheet metal. You can then design sheet metal parts in the flat state, before bends are made, and to determine whether particular cuts and folds are indeed practical to make. Additionally, sheet metal panels can be labeled and named in order to avoid confusion about how many of which panels need to be fabricated. This will also help in assembly by ensuring that all sheet metal panels are properly marked as to their purpose and how they fit into the overall design.
SolidWorks design software will also allow for the addition of form radius, multiple or layered extrusions and other features after the panels have been constructed in the computer model. This will help both the designer and fabricator to align perforations, tabs, or other features that need to be lined up on several complex panels of sheet metal.
The SolidWorks computer design system enables the design and fabrication 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 you can view designs with small gaps between the panels which 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 particularly useful if panels that will be touching in the finished product and need to be seen clearly by the fabricator in order to construct them properly.
One of the most useful features of the SolidWorks design software is that it allows manufacturers to modify the design as required. The software will also help designers to take into account that the design changes might have an effect on the overall design. The obvious advantage of this is that any inconsistencies will be caught before the manufacturing process begins, possibly saving you a great deal of time and wasted materials.
Engineers find that they are able to move a product from conception and modeling through to a workable design more easily when they use SolidWorks and sheet metal. When the designer’s plan is clearly laid out and easy to understand, the manufacturer is able to construct sheet metal panels with greater accuracy, resulting in a more efficient manufacturing process. Increased efficiency leads to shorter production times, less material waste, reduced production costs all round, and thus a higher profit margin.
Marc Anderes is the Vice President of Operations of Maloya Laser which specializes in Metal Manufacturing and Laser Cutting with state-of-the-art laser systems, for medical, aerospace, scientific and transportation needs.
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