How to Add Bend in Sheet Metal SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide
To add a bend in sheet metal in
SolidWorks, use the Edge Flange or Sketched Bend feature in the Sheet Metal toolbar. First, create a base sheet metal part, then select the edge or sketch line where you want the bend and apply the bend feature with your desired angle and radius.Syntax
In SolidWorks, adding a bend to sheet metal involves these main features:
- Edge Flange: Adds a flange with a bend along a selected edge.
- Sketched Bend: Creates a bend along a sketch line on the sheet metal face.
- Bend Parameters: Angle, radius, and length define the bend shape.
Use the Sheet Metal toolbar to access these features.
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Edge Flange: 1. Select an edge of the sheet metal part. 2. Click 'Edge Flange' in the Sheet Metal tab. 3. Set bend angle, flange length, and bend radius. 4. Confirm to create the bend. Sketched Bend: 1. Draw a line on the sheet metal face where the bend is needed. 2. Click 'Sketched Bend' in the Sheet Metal tab. 3. Select the sketch line. 4. Set bend angle and radius. 5. Confirm to apply the bend.
Example
This example shows how to add a 90-degree bend using the Edge Flange feature on a rectangular sheet metal base.
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1. Create a new sheet metal part with a rectangular base (e.g., 100mm x 50mm). 2. Select one of the longer edges. 3. Click 'Edge Flange' in the Sheet Metal toolbar. 4. Set the bend angle to 90 degrees. 5. Set flange length to 30mm. 6. Set bend radius to 5mm. 7. Click OK to create the bend.
Output
The sheet metal part now has a 30mm flange bent 90 degrees along the selected edge with a 5mm bend radius.
Common Pitfalls
- Not activating the Sheet Metal feature before adding bends can cause errors.
- Choosing edges that are not suitable for bending (e.g., non-flat or already bent edges) may fail.
- Using incorrect bend radius can cause unrealistic or impossible bends.
- For Sketched Bend, the sketch line must fully intersect the sheet metal face.
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Wrong way:
- Trying to add Edge Flange on a non-sheet metal part.
Right way:
- First, convert the part to sheet metal using 'Base Flange/Tab'.
- Then apply Edge Flange or Sketched Bend.Quick Reference
| Feature | Purpose | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Flange | Add flange with bend along an edge | Bend angle, flange length, bend radius |
| Sketched Bend | Create bend along a sketch line | Bend angle, bend radius, sketch line position |
| Base Flange/Tab | Create base sheet metal part | Thickness, material, bend radius |
Key Takeaways
Always start with a base sheet metal part before adding bends.
Use Edge Flange for bends along edges and Sketched Bend for bends along sketch lines.
Set realistic bend angles and radii to avoid errors.
Ensure the sketch line fully intersects the sheet metal face for Sketched Bend.
Activate the Sheet Metal toolbar to access all bending features.