Convert to Sheet-Metal Part

Sheet-Metal Design

You can convert a normal part to a sheet metal part in different ways. You can convert a part model to a sheet metal part or all the parts you want from an assembly to sheet parts. You can also convert an imported model to a sheet metal part when you are importing it to Vertex. Convert to sheet metal part functions perform the following actions:

  • Sets Sheet Metal as the part's type in the part properties.
  • Finds the sheet metal thickness, based on the distance between the part's largest planar face and its opposite surface.
  • Creates roundings in the sharp corners if necessary.
  • Cuts the sheet metal if the profile in question is closed.
  • Creates a tangential shelling for the profile. The same thickness is set for all parts.
Figure 1: You can, for example, convert profiles edged from sheet metal into a format that enables the easy edging of parts from sheet metal.

Part Model

  1. In the model window, select the context-sensitive function Edit Model > Convert as sheet metal part....
  2. Enter the sheet metal data in the Sheet Metal Parameters dialog box.
  3. Select OK.

Or

  1. Select the context-sensitive function Properties in the model window.
  2. Select Sheet Metal in the Type section.
  3. The program asks whether to use the extrusion length as the sheet's thickness. If you select No, the program asks if you want to select a surface which defines the sheet's thickness. If you select No again, the program determines the sheet’s thickness automatically based on the largest planar surface and its opposite surface.
  4. Select OK.

Assembly

  1. Select the context-sensitive function Convert as sheet metal parts... in the model window.
  2. Select the parts that you wish to convert into sheet metal parts. By default all parts are selected.
  3. If you would like to select the cutting faces for closed profiles and the reference face for the tangential offset, select Click tangential offset and cutting for profile. If you do not select Click tangential offset and cutting for profile, the program will perform the conversions automatically.
  4. Select OK.
  5. Enter the sheet metal data in the Sheet Metal Parameters dialog box.
  6. Select OK.

Importing

  1. Import a model to Vertex.
  2. Select Convert as sheet metal parts in the import dialog box.
  3. Select OK.
Note: When importing, the Convert as sheet metal parts function will not cut the sheet and will not perform tangential offset.