Edit an Imported Sheet-Metal Model

Sheet-Metal Design

A part created using other CAD software can be imported in for example the SAT, STEP, or IGES format. For more details, see: Import a File to Vertex

You can convert a normal part into a sheet-metal part. Convert to Sheet-Metal Part

Editing the Thickness and Bends of an Imported Sheet

The thickness of an imported sheet often varies in volume, and a common method of creating a bend is where the inner radius is 0 (sharp angle) and a value is specified for the outer radius. You can correct the thicknesses and bends of a sheet using the Tangential Offset function.

Flattening a Tangential Shelling

The shelling is flattened if the following conditions are met:

  1. The part's thickness is constant.
  2. The shelling is tangential. You can change the sheet shelling to tangential with the Tangential Offset function.
  3. The faces can be flattened. The model does not include double-curved faces and spherical faces, for example.
Figure 1: An example of this is a part that is not a sheet-metal part. The part cannot be flattened before the Tangential Offset function is complete.

Correcting the Acis Geometry of a Model

Corrects the geometry imported into Vertex into a form that allows the model to be edited and/or the modeling to be continued with the Vertex G4 software's functions. Correct the Acis Geometry of a Part Model

Converting Bends into Bend Features

A common method of creating a bend is where the inner radius is 0 (sharp angle) and a value is specified for the outer radius. This problem may occur in sheet-metal parts imported into Vertex. You can use the Add Bend Radius function to convert the bends into bend features.

Figure 2: A bend radius is added to a sheet with sharp corners.

Correct the Bend Radii of an Imported Sheet-Metal Part

Change a Feature

You can replace a hole or indentation in a sheet model with a Vertex library feature. For example: Changing a Feature

Editing a Base Feature

You can edit a base feature of an imported model using the following functions:

Save the edited model as a new Vertex document. Define the model as a sheet metal part, if necessary. After this, you can continue editing the sheet metal part using the sheet metal design operations.