Chapter 1: Sheet Metal Basics – Exploring Sheet Metal Properties and Material Selection
SolidWorks is one of the world's premier three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) modeling software, with millions of users. However, while many people use SolidWorks for 3D solid modeling, there are also a number of more specialist modules for creating other types of models. The SolidWorks Sheet Metal module is one of the most important of these because it unlocks the massive potential of sheet metal manufacturing and production.
In this chapter, we'll explore what sheet metal is and why it is important. We'll learn how to create a Sheet Metal model using a Base Flange and how to edit the model's Sheet Metal properties.
We'll also cover Flattening parts and have a brief look at which materials are most commonly used for sheet metal.
By the end of this chapter, you'll understand how to start Sheet Metal parts and how to adjust their basic parameters, as well as having some wider knowledge of sheet metal manufacturing and use.
In this chapter, we're going to cover the following main topics:
- Introducing Sheet Metal
- Creating a Base Flange
- Sheet Metal properties
- Other Base Flange options and flattening parts
- Considerations when selecting sheet metal materials
