Adding Sketched Bends

Instead of adding bends at existing edges, we can also use sketches to define exactly where bends will be made:

1. Open your Base Flange part from the previous section and delete any extra flanges, cuts, or tabs so that just the Base Flange remains. Alternatively, you can start a new part document and create a Base Flange 200x300mm in size and 1mm thick.
2. A Sketched Bend starts with a sketch, so select the top face of the Base Flange and start a sketch.

As with many SolidWorks tools, it is also possible to select the Sketched Bend feature first. If so, you will then be prompted to create or select a sketch for use with the feature.

3. Use the Line tool to sketch a diagonal line across one corner of the Base Flange. Make each end point of the line 100mm from the corner of the Base Flange, as illustrated Figure 3.18. This line will determine where the bend will be made:

Figure 3.18: Adding a sketched line to define...