Here are 2 enhancements that I would like to see for when you have a sheet metal part with an edge that is not flat so you can square with a back gauge of a press brake or the edge is not parallel with the bend line.

You can currently manually create these features  but run the risk of deleting geometry that you need and it takes longer in the design for manufacture process.

These features would reduce design time and can be updated and changed with just a few clicks and values entered.

The features I am proposing are the break off tab and bend notch.

BREAK OFF TAB:

Where Feature would be shown and created:

Feature would be created in flat pattern view of part. Option would be grayed out in 3D view but when selecting flat pattern it would be active.

Feature would be shown in flat pattern of sheet metal part so that if sheet metal part would be in an assembly the break off tab would not cause interference with other parts.

Purpose of feature:

When creating a sheet metal part and the edges are not parallel with the bend line.

Real World application:

Scenario 1:

If a sheet metal manufacturer does not own a press brake with back gauges that move independently which aid in bending parts that have edges that are not parallel with the bend line then the break off tab would aid in creating a parallel edge.

Scenario 2:

Sheet metal manufacturer has a part with round non flat edge to line up on the back gauge of a press brake to make a bend. The break off tab would create this flat edge.

Values to enter to create feature:

When selecting to execute this feature you would get the following options in the dialog box to enter values to create the tab:

• Break off tab width
• Distance from bend line
• Size of tabs
• Size of cut opening
• Select if the tab will be placed from:

• left side of profile (Flush or enter value to offset)
• right side of profile (Flush or enter value to offset)
• center of profile

Profiles to select to create feature:

You would click on the following profiles to place break off tab:

• Select profile to place break off tab
• Select bend line to be parallel to

BEND NOTCH:

Where Feature would be shown and created:

Feature would be created in flat pattern view of part. Option would be grayed out in 3D view but when selecting flat pattern it would be active.

Feature would be shown in flat pattern of sheet metal part so that it would not cause asthetic appeance issues of 3D model.

Purpose of feature:

When creating a sheet metal part and the edges are not parallel with the bend line.

Real World application:

Scenario 1:

If a sheet metal manufacturer does not own a press brake with back gauges that move independently which aid in bending parts that have edges that are not parallel with the bend line. The bend notch would note where the bend line is and the press brake operator would not need to use the back gauges of the press brake

Scenario 2:

Sheet metal manufacturer has a part with round non flat edge to line up on the back gauge of a press brake to make a bend. The bend notch would note where the bend line is and the press brake operator would not need to use the back gauges of the press brake

Values to enter to create feature:

When selecting to execute this feature you would get the following options in the dialog box to enter values to create the tab:

• Type of notch

  • Square

  • Triangle
  • Circle
• Size of notch

  • Square (length and width value)

  • Triangle(length and width value)
  • Circle (diameter of circle)

Profiles to select to create feature:

You would select the bend line to add notches to.

Attached is 2 .pdf files listing above.