How to Set Sheet Metal Gauge in SolidWorks: Step-by-Step Guide

To set the sheet metal gauge in SolidWorks, open the sheet metal feature and specify the Thickness value which represents the gauge. This thickness controls the material gauge and can be adjusted in the Sheet Metal tab or by editing the Sheet Metal feature properties.

Syntax

In SolidWorks, the sheet metal gauge is set by defining the Thickness parameter in the sheet metal feature. This is done through the feature's property manager.

• Thickness: The thickness of the sheet metal, representing the gauge.
• Bend Radius: Radius of bends, related but separate from gauge.
• Material: Defines the physical properties of the sheet metal.

pseudo

SheetMetalFeature.Thickness = <thickness_value_in_mm>  // Set thickness in millimeters

Example

This example shows how to set the sheet metal gauge by changing the thickness to 1.5 mm in the Sheet Metal feature.

steps

1. Open your part in SolidWorks.
2. Select the <strong>Sheet Metal</strong> tab.
3. Click on <strong>Sheet Metal</strong> feature.
4. In the Thickness box, enter <code>1.5 mm</code>.
5. Confirm by clicking OK.
6. The sheet metal gauge is now set to 1.5 mm thickness.

Output

Sheet metal thickness updated to 1.5 mm, reflecting the new gauge in the model.

Common Pitfalls

• Not setting the thickness before creating bends can cause incorrect bend calculations.
• Confusing material thickness with bend radius; they are different parameters.
• Forgetting to update the material properties after changing thickness may lead to inaccurate weight or stress results.

pseudo

/* Wrong way: Setting bend radius as thickness */
SheetMetalFeature.BendRadius = 1.5  // Incorrect for gauge

/* Right way: Set thickness for gauge */
SheetMetalFeature.Thickness = 1.5  // Correct gauge setting

Quick Reference

Parameter	Description	Typical Use
Thickness	Defines sheet metal gauge	Set to desired gauge value in mm
Bend Radius	Radius of bends in sheet metal	Set based on material and design
Material	Physical properties of sheet metal	Select material to match gauge and application

Key Takeaways

Set the sheet metal gauge by specifying the Thickness in the Sheet Metal feature.

Thickness controls the material gauge and affects bend calculations.

Always update material properties after changing thickness for accurate results.

Do not confuse bend radius with thickness; they serve different purposes.