SE Sheet metal

[shrikool]

I hope everyone agrees with me that the sheetmetal environment of solidedge is really strong, rather i would a say its more comfortable to work with. I have been using SE12 for 1 year or so. I am really fond of the part environment. But when it comes to SHEETMETAL, I FIND IT A BIT DIFFICULT. When I model a sheet metal part in SM environment, and if I am required to find the blank size/develop it then the problem comes. As some SM part are so complicated that we have to SHIFT TO PART ENVIRONMENT to model that/those critical features. And when we shift back to SM and try to blank that SM part it doesnt work, gives errors(like relief probs,etc). If really is SE that strong in SM then kindly give me solution for my problem. I would be happy to improve my knowledge in SE SM environment. I hope you all got me.
Thanks in advance,
Shri.

 

[littlef8]

The reason you are required to convert to the part environment is because you are now stretching the sheetmetal and major deformation is taking place. Solid Edge will not flatten this. This holds true for dimples and louvers as well.

As well, I agree strongly that Solid Edge is excellent when creating sheetmetal parts, but in order to do what you are looking for you will need a program called Fast Blank or similar to flatten. This program or others will give you the FEA and percentage of thining that is taking place.

 

[shrikool]

Dear littlef8,
Its true that mostly FastBlank is used to flatten such parts. But again I have to go for a new software. Can this be considered as a drawback in SE SM. I dont know any other softwares which can do this job for me (I mean SW,ProE,...).If you have any knowledge of those kindly let me know.
Also I see from other threads that you look good in programming SE with VB. I know SE and VB but have not tried anything in programming. Offcourse I have gone through the help section. But can you explain me, if possible with a small example, how actually should I link SE and VB. I am interest to learn this.
Thanx,
Shri.

 

[littlef8]

Shri,
Being that Solid Edge (and Works) is a mid-range software, I wouldn't consider this a draw-back. Fast Blank is used in conjunction with Solid Edge. It is very simple to use. I know this because I use it. Once my model is created, I click on the icon for fast blank and I am in the fast blank environment which will ultimately create that flat pattern back into Solid Edge.

Most softwares offer this as an add-on (third party software such as fast blank or blank works). All of these are high in cost. I believe Unigraphics has the capibilities you are seeking, but I'm not 100 percent. I would steer clear of pro-e.

If this is important to you, I would compare the costs and go from there. You also have to look at which is easier to use. Solid Edge sheetmetal is pretty straight forward and offers flexibility. Not all packages are like that. The only requirements is that you know sheetmetal.

I wouldn't consider myself an expert in programming. I know the capabilities and have dabbled in it. Have you checked the programmers guide (pdf format) on the Solid Edge users website. It is very informative and gives lots of examples. Also located under your Solid Edge directory is some example programs already written for you.

Alot of users are not aware of the extras that are installed on there computer.

I hope I have helped.

 

[shrikool]

Thanks a lot,
Yah, I have not used Fast Blank but some time just got a chance to see it. It even give the results like stresses after blanking,..and like. Its good one.
I will go through the website of SE and download the df format. I shall try programming and come back to you if I need any help.
Thanx once again.
Shri.