Sheet Metal Manufacturing with SolidWorks|SolidWorks and Sheet Metal Manufacturing}
The SolidWorks computer program has been specifically designed to help manufacturers design and create sheet metal parts. Primarily used to close the gap between those who design the parts and those who manufacture them, SolidWorks helps to keep costs to a minimum, while increasing delivery times. SolidWorks’ user-friendly interface makes it possible for users to model completed parts, creating 3d images that are then used by manufacturers to bring the designer’s vision to life. One of the things that the SolidWorks CAD software allows engineers and fabricators to do is to define, for purposes of each project, what exactly they mean by sheet metal. This is done by inputting factors such as how thick the sheet metal is. You can then design sheet metal parts virtually and determine whether the material is strong enough withstand the pressures placed upon it by the design. Also, individual pieces can be named and labeled so as to avoid confusion about which parts should be fabricated first. Later, this also helps the construction process because every component will be properly marked as to their purpose and how they fit into the overall product design. The SolidWorks computer program will also allow engineers to design of layered or multiple extrusions, add form radius and other features after the panels have been constructed in the CAD design model. This will help both the designer and the fabricator to align perforations, tabs, and other features that need to line up on numerous complicated panels of sheet metal. The SolidWorks computer design program 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 of the product. The software enables to designers to create designs using small spaces between the panels that make it possible to unfold the design. This feature will be extremely useful if the panels will fit together very closely in the finished product and need to be seen separately by the fabricator so that they can be properly made. One of the most useful features of the SolidWorks metal design program is that it will allow manufacturers to alter design features as required, unfolding a fold or removing a cut for example. It will also help designers to take into account that the design changes might have an effect on the rest of the design which might not be immediately obvious. The obvious benefit of this is that inconsistencies and design flaws will be caught prior to the start of the manufacturing process, most likely saving you a great deal of wasted time. Engineers find that they are able to move a product from conception and modeling through to a workable design more easily if using the SolidWorks metal design software. When the design is clearly laid out and easy to interpret, fabricators are able to produce sheet metal panels with greater accuracy, resulting in efficiency in the product’s manufacture and production. Increased efficiency leads to less material being wasted, less man hours, lower production costs, and consequently higher profit margins. Marc Anderes is a co-founder of Maloya Laser which specializes in Laser Cutting and Metal Manufacturing with advanced laser systems, servicing medical, aerospace, scientific and transportation requirements.
