solidworks, Sheet metal dimensioning standards

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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by SW Monkey » Tue, 28 Dec 2004 22:16:34 GMT

Anyone know where I can get some examples and standards for
dimensioning sheet metal drawings? I have some pretty complex parts
that need to be bent, and they have about 8 bends that are on different
axis. When adding dimensions off of a edge, the drawing tends to look
very jumbled up.

Any suggestions/tips appreciated. Thanks.

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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by CS » Tue, 28 Dec 2004 22:59:55 GMT


The company standards here are a bit lenient but we always show the bend
dimension as a linear dimension from the edge the operator will need to use
as a stop (as far as we can tell) they let us know if they need a different
dimension. Then we lable the bend line with the angle of bend and the
direction compared to the view UP or Down. We also add a bent profile view
and at times put a hold tollerance on the bent surfaces that need a relation
to eachother. As for cutouts on more complex parts we use ordinate
dimensioning. Sometimes there are just way too many things to dimension,
besides the fact that we use "A" size almost exclusively, so that keeps a
cleaner look. We also have the liberty to leave a few dimensions off since
we controll the plasma profiles directly, though if you are shopping it out
I wouldn't leave anything to chance.

Corey
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by CS » Tue, 28 Dec 2004 23:02:32 GMT

I almost forgot if you have bends that aren't parallel with a surface that
they will need for the back stop we add either scribe lines or small holes
to indicate the center of the line they need to hit.

Corey


use
different
view
relation
since
out
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by scota » Tue, 28 Dec 2004 23:25:29 GMT

Here are a few standards and notes we apply to sheetmetal drawings:

Draw sheet metal parts without broken geometry. (CAM programmers hate
broken geometry)

Parts made from stainless steel or wood must show grain direction.

Dimension all formed bends, inside or outside - depending on fit with
mating pieces, and add REF to the last bend dimension.

We add an asterisk after all bend line location dimensions, in the flat
pattern, and place the following note in with the drawings general
notes:
" * PROCESS DIMENSION ONLY. NOT AN ABSOLUTE VALUE. MAY REQUIRE SLIGHT
ADJUSTMENT TO COMPENSATE FOR HARDNESS, ELONGATION, AND CHANGES IN
EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUE."

This note appears on sheet stock parts where the finish is to be
preserved:
"CLAMP MARKS PERMISSIBLE ON SURFACES INDICATED."
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by SW Monkey » Wed, 29 Dec 2004 00:40:57 GMT

Thanks for the reply Corey.

Below are some screenshot examples of drawings. We use a laser to cut
our sheet metal parts from a DXF files we generate from the flat
pattern. Our standard is to dimension width and height, and any bend
lines. Holes, slots, tabs, are not dimensioned. We also label each
bend line with a number, and have a bend table above the flat pattern.
Depending on the line type of the bend, bend up would be a phantom
line, and bend down would be a dashed line. I dont like the way we do
this, and Im trying to get this changed for the future. I would prefer
to have a note that says "Bend Up" or "BU" and the angle next to the
note.

Can you post an example of the note you put on your bend lines?

The back gauge on the press brake can do up to 24". As you can see on
example 1, the standard dimensions look cluttered in the drawing. On
example 2, ordinate dimensions are alot cleaner. Next, on example 3,
standard dimensions take up alot more room then the ordinate dimensions
on example 4. The problem with example 4 is, the press brake operator
would have to pull out his calculator, and calculate bend # 8 and 7,
since the back gauge can only go 24". This also doesnt take into acct
that the press brake operator will bend the part in the same order that
the bend lines are numbered (many times this cant be done). On example
5, ordinate dimensions are used, but im not sure if this is good
practice to do this. We have had problems in the past where someone
might not realize the other dimensions are starting from the opposite
side, causing them to misread the bend line.

Is example 5 an acceptable way of dimensioning a sheetmetal part?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example5.jpg
Thanks.
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by CS » Wed, 29 Dec 2004 07:14:38 GMT

an example
http://photobucket.com/albums/v222/cscheich/?action=view¤t=421322.jpg




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example5.jpg
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by pete » Wed, 29 Dec 2004 09:46:24 GMT

Tis funny to see inches still being used, metric man myself, as is most of
the UK now.
Last time I used inches was at school, lol, loooooong time ago, cough!
cough! :-P
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by pete » Wed, 29 Dec 2004 09:46:40 GMT


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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by pete » Wed, 29 Dec 2004 09:54:14 GMT

One thing I would add, is to have a separate folded drawing and the three
views with dimensions only on, helps to get the concept through to the shop
floor. Also mention if you are using inside or outside bends and try to
stick to one sort. Remember, they can not read your mind, luckily for me,
lol :-o Now where's that new 2005 calendar??
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by CS » Wed, 29 Dec 2004 21:17:21 GMT

If you deal with any US company you will find that 80 to 90% use english
units of measure. We americans can't seem to let it go.

Corey




http://photobucket.com/albums/v222/cscheich/?action=view¤t=421322.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v154/3eleven/SolidWorks/bend_example5.jpg
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by Areva » Thu, 30 Dec 2004 01:11:36 GMT

Pete.

We create a sheet 1 and a next sheet 2.

Sheet 1 shows the "flat state" with ordinate dimensions and number
of holes etc.

Sheet 2 shows the "bent state" with all relevant bend dimensions
and an isometric view for visualization.

If the part is small enough "flat state" and "bent state" are
created on one sheet only (sheet 1)

Eddy
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by Sean-Michael Adams » Thu, 30 Dec 2004 13:06:49 GMT


Hi Monkey -

As you point out, there is no substitute for a good press brake
operator. If I could add my two cents, it looks like what you are
giving for them is a nice back-gage layout for the part, but I would
not undervalue a (perhaps) abridged print that shows them the finished
sizes of the formed profile.

This gives you operator a fighting chance at making a good part.
Giving them brake centerlines is great, but through that many bends,
they will need to play around a bit to get the profile right and will
also need a "final state print".

The only other ironclad rule that I personally inisit on having for a
dimensioned part is that ALL the dimensions come from the SAME _stock_
side of the part. No compromises here. When one uses inner & outer
reference points, it is very hard for parts to be made correctly as the
dimensions get distorted based on the actual stock thickness.

In any case, your people are close to you, so you can work out a system
that works for both of you. Presuming they are in house, you can
dispense with the legalese of supplying them a flat blank with bend
centerlines and pointing fingers when it does not come out right (as
often happens with a company to company method when people try to
define parts with flat blank brake layouts - avoid this at all costs).
Later,

SMA
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solidworks >> Sheet metal dimensioning standards

by SW Monkey » Thu, 30 Dec 2004 21:48:59 GMT

What is the most common standard used for calling out bend lines? CS
print states "UP 90 degrees (symbol)" on the bend line. I dont see
where a bend radius is called out tho.

Im trying to see what most people do when calling bend lines out. I
dont like the way we do it, and it seems that alot more people want to
change our "standard".

Any more examples would be great. Thanks :)
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Thats it
Can't imagine why I didnt see it before, thanks
cheers
malcolm



"zz" < XXXX@XXXXX.COM > wrote in message
news:NE%dc.108402$gA5.1436633@attbi_s03...
If I understand your intent correctly, all you need is to model your 8" x 3"
flat stock as sheet metal and then use "sketched bends".

"RankAmateur" < XXXX@XXXXX.COM > wrote in message
news:WX_dc.4199$ XXXX@XXXXX.COM ...
> I am a newbie to sheet metal.
> (Still on NT and 2001+, but any day now XP and 2004.... if  IT ever gets
> time to do anything other than fighting spam, virusses and installing
> patches!)
>
> The shape I want to finish up with is what you would get if you took a 8"
x
> 3" sheet, stuck it in a vise crooked (IE non vertical) and bent it flat.
>
> The flange at the end would be bent up with the edges at an angle to the Z
> plane.
> Ugly it may be but this is fine for my applicat and makes it cheap and
easy
> for the sheet metal shop.
>
> However, if I model it using normal techniques ( IE all the ones I have
> found so far!), base flange, edge flange etc, I finish up with a sheet
which
> when flattened is no longer a rectangle, more like a hockey stick.  This
is
> not good for a cheap sheet metal bracket.
>
> I thought that somewhere there was a technique to add a bend to a flat
> surface, without having to 3D model the final part first.
> Cheers
>
>