Modeling complex sheet metal part

Hi,

For those of you experienced in modeling these types of sheet metalparts, what techniques would you use? From the attachment, itstarted as a SM part, but then I needed to add sweeps & loftsto close gaps as a flange feature cannot be modeled on a curvedsurface.

To create the bottom pads, I created a separate solid body and useda indent feature (similar to forming tool). Could this entire modelbe created from one or more forming tools?

In Pro-E (Pro/Engineer), advanced wall features are available(revolve & blend), which can be flattened. I started this partin SW 2007, but I may be permitted to finish in SW 2009. Does SW2009 have any additional sheet metal capabilities not present in SW2007?

I typically do more plastic injection-molded part design than sheetmetal, which is why I used a hybrid modeling technique to achievethe desired results.SolidworksSheet Metal