Sheet Metal Manufacturing with SolidWorks

SolidWorks CAD software is specifically designed to assist manufacturers with the design of sheet metal parts that can be easily manufactured. Chiefly used to bridge the gap between those who design the parts and those who manufacture the actual sheet metal parts, SolidWorks helps keep costs as low as possible, and speeds up delivery times. The software package allows designers and engineers to create 3D models that are then used by manufacturers to build the finished product

One of many things the SolidWorks software makes it possible for designers and manufacturers to do is establish, for the purposes of their product, exactly what type of sheet metal they will be using. This is done by inputting details like the thickness of the sheet metal. This allows engineers to design sheet metal parts virtually before bends are made, and to determine whether particular cuts and folds are indeed practical to produce. Further more, sheet metal panels can be named and labeled in order to avoid confusion regarding how many of which panels to fabricate. This will also help in manufacturing because all sheet metal panels will be correctly labeled as to their purpose and where they fit in the overall sheet metal design.

SolidWorks design software also allows for the addition of form radius, multiple or layered extrusions and other features after the panels have been fitted together in the CAD design model. This helps both the designer and the fabricator to align perforations, tabs, and other characteristics that need to line up on a number of complicated panels of sheet metal.

The SolidWorks computer design package enables the design and fabrication of highly complicated features. The designer can test tolerances and clearances during the design phase to ensure a problem free assembly. The software enables to designers to put together designs using small spaces which will allow the software to unfold the design. This allows design features to stand out, so that they will be seen clearly. This feature is useful when the panels will be touching in the finished product but need to be seen clearly by the manufacturer so that they can be properly made.

One of the best aspects of the SolidWorks design package is that it allows engineers to adjust design features when needed, such as unfolding a fold, uncutting a cut, etc. It will also help designers to take into account the impact the modifications may have on the overall design. The main advantage of this is that any inconsistencies will be caught before the start of the manufacturing process, most likely saving you a great deal of time and wasted materials.

Engineers find themselves best able to move a product from conception and modeling through to a workable design when using the solidworks computer program for sheet metal manufacturing. When the designer’s plan is clearly laid out and easy to understand, fabricators are able to create sheet metal panels more easily, leading to efficiency in the product’s manufacture and production. Efficient production makes for less material being wasted, less man hours, lower costs, and higher profit margins.

Marc Anderes is a co-founder of Maloya Laser that is dedicated to <A href=”http://www.MaloyaLaser.com”>Laser Cutting</a> and Metal Manufacturing with advanced <A href=”http://www.maloyalaser.com/capabilities_equipment.php”>laser systems</a>, targeting machinery, aerospace, medical, scientific and transportation needs.