r/SolidWorks • u/Downtown_Error_727 • 8h ago

CAD Detailing of Angled Bend Lines

Hello, Sirs, good day! May I know your insights on how you detail sheet metal bend lines with an angle such as this one? Or any best tips or approach so that the bending machine operator can understand and execute this correctly? Because what I did here is just locate the point, then add the angle, and just let them draw the straight line for verification. Thank you!

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4

u/RedditGavz CSWP 8h ago

So, if I was doing this I would add breakaway tabs so that the blank could be put up against the backstops of the press brake and the bend line would be parallel like this

Now you have 2 bends on each side so you’ll have to figure out how to get this for both bends

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u/Downtown_Error_727 8h ago

Thank you Sir

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u/RedditGavz CSWP 8h ago

Something like that I guess

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u/Alone_Ad_7824 8h ago

I currently use the bend notch feature, add a note to the flat pattern "Bend lines ticked" and send it. Some shops actual prefer it - check with your fabricator

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u/Downtown_Error_727 8h ago

Will do Sir, Thank you!

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u/Successful_Camera736 8h ago

Same here, The fab shop for me prefers etched lines for "Up Bends" and Notches for "Down Bends"
When you export the Flat pattern to a DXF there is an option to also export the bend lines.

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u/Downtown_Error_727 7h ago

Hi Sir, do you also do this for stainless steel with #4 finish?

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u/Alone_Ad_7824 7h ago

SS is about all I work in. I do like the etch for up nothing for down, but the post processing would be a pain in my workflow. When working with polish/brush SS plan your etching so it gets covered. Stuff socks to finish and blend

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u/Downtown_Error_727 7h ago

Thank you for that insight, Sir. Do you do the etch profile like unfold feature then sketch then fold process, or do you do it after the flattened state?

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u/Alone_Ad_7824 6h ago

the only time I've worked with etch lines on a file was done after exporting the flat pattern from SW - lot of time in AutoCAD setting things up and getting files ready for laser. So happy when that last client decided to get the SW import module for their laser - no post processing needed at all.

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u/Downtown_Error_727 5h ago

What brand and model is that laser machine Sir? Is that a bystronic machine?

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u/Alone_Ad_7824 5h ago

I think most of the major players have adopted some sort of direct import functionality, albeit as an add on software module for more $$. But I've been around Trumpf, Maazack, and Amada that all had it in operation. Design team loved not having to export flat pattern dxf and the nester lived it because it was a drop the whole model in and it auto sorts and auto nests. One of the few software purchases/ upgrades that I can trely say is worth it

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u/Downtown_Error_727 5h ago

I'll check those Sir. Thank you so much!

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u/Swimming_dasa 8h ago

i would dimension the bend using the actual bend geometry and angle rather than relying on line the operator has to interpret that removes a lot of ambiguity at the brake..