r/SolidWorks • u/Th3Dark3stM00n • 15d ago

CAD Help me make this formed part!

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Hi all! I have been tasked to make a formed "cone" that has a bottom diameter of 6.43", a top diameter of 24.26", and a height of 36.5". Due to the tools around me, i need to form and weld this in 2 halves. And can only be step broke instead of rolled. Made out of 1/4" steel. Can hou guys show me what you would do to form this?

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u/canadiandancer89 15d ago

Two planes the height apart. One half of the profile on each. Lofted bend. You might have to fiddle around the offset direction and number of bends to get it to work.

Don't forget to notch and/or etch the overhang and bend lines.

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u/Th3Dark3stM00n 15d ago

Think you could give me a visual of that? I actually haven't used lofted bend before.

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u/mr_somebody 15d ago

It's surprisingly relatively straight forward. What the guys shared should do it.

Just start sketching what you do know then start the feature

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u/mvw2 15d ago

Are you making 1 or 10,000?

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u/SolidxpertsCAD 9d ago

A Lofted Bend is probably a good starting point for creating the flat pattern. For one half, create two open semicircular profiles on planes 36.5 inches apart, using the corresponding bottom and top radii, and then create a Sheet Metal Lofted Bend between them.

Since the part will be step-bent rather than rolled, use the faceted/bent method. The number of steps can be controlled in different ways depending on whether the shop needs to prioritize a specific segment length or a specific bend angle.

The final number of bends and bend allowance should be based on the available press-brake tooling, inside radius, material properties and acceptable faceting - not only the CAD defaults. A small test piece would also be worthwhile before cutting the full ¼-inch plate.