Creating and applying a custom sheet metal punch

In this recipe, you will create a custom sheet metal punch file. You will then use this punch file in another sheet metal part. The punch tool can either remove or deform a material, and once created, can be reused in other files. Punch tools are extracted in a similar way to a standard iFeature.

Getting ready

You will not require a practice file to start this recipe. Create a new Sheet metal (mm) .ipt file.

How to do it…

We will begin by creating a face and then detailing the punch:

1. When creating punch tools, Inventor requires only one central point to locate this. Automatically, Inventor will project the origins and center points of sketch objects, which will make creating the punch difficult. For this reason, in your new Sheet metal (mm) .ipt file, select Tools | Application Options, then select the Sketch tab. Uncheck Autoproject part origin on sketch create. You can re-apply this setting after the punch...