Sheet metal tab connecting two flange parts question

william_holden959

I'm trying to use a tab that connects two flanges. It works (with an error) but it won't let me flatten the part. I'm open to drawing this another way. If there was a sketch bend I could do that way. Any suggestions are appreciated! (Unrelated: Once I used a sheet metal CAD that let users add flanges at 0 degrees which came in handy for doing what "tabs" is currently used for it seems.)

https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0eb35e825b6d71689fe188cf/w/d21bd2f3258af32ed38df233/e/58013e8c99bc00ee4aae1c01

NeilCooke

That is a limitation of the tab feature. I would model the whole thing as a solid flange then add the cutout later.

NeilCooke

That is a limitation of the tab feature. I would model the whole thing as a solid flange then add the cutout later.

william_holden959

@NeilCooke what are your thoughts about allowing a flange at 0 degrees? It would make it easy to extend an edge out where I can then add to it with something else. What is the harm in that? Also, what do you think about allowing a hem where you can draw the path from the side. In reality, a hem could have infinitely different profiles. In my case I'm trying to draw folded cardboard. It doesn't follow the usual rules for sheet metal. Thanks! 

NeilCooke

@william_holden959 - I'll defer that question to @lana

Jake_Rosenfeld

@william_holden959

Does that doc still exist/is it public? I am getting a not found when trying to look at it.  My first instinct based on the conversation here is to suggest "move face" for extensions, but I would have to see the specific case here.

william_holden959

@Jake_Rosenfeld Thanks for your comment. Honestly, I can't remember the previous example, but I've run into it several times. I'm able to work around it by adding a very small tab that basically makes the next flange valid. It seems that by allowing a 0 degree flange things would be easier and I don' see the harm in allowing it. Also, did you see my note about possibly allowing the ability to provide a path (like in a sweep) for a hem. In reality, a hem shouldn't be limited to a few profiles. Thanks again!