How to use Swept Flanges
In Chapter 3, Getting Familiar with Basic Tools in Sheet Metal, we learned how to easily add complex flange profiles to multiple edges using a Miter Flange. The Swept Flange tool can be used to create fairly similar parts, but with some important differences.
Swept Flanges can be thought of as similar to Swept Boss/Base features from normal solid modeling. Those features require two elements, a Profile sketch, and a Path sketch, for it to be swept along. The Swept Flange also needs these two elements, although existing edges are used instead of a standalone Path sketch.
To create a Swept Flange:
- Start a new part document and create a Base Flange
100x100mm
in size and1mm
thick. The default Sheet Metal properties can be used. - First, we need to sketch the profile of the flange that will be created. Start a sketch on one of four small faces of the Base Flange.
- Use the Line tool to draw a simple flange profile, like the one shown in Figure...