Sheet metal, how could I change bend lines to perforations

jim_24

The scenario is that some of the sheet metal parts I'm working with can't be bent by machine, and occasionally need to be changed to perforated lines for hand bending. It might be the case that say, only 2 of 7 bends in a model will need this to happen. What is the easiest way to try and do this? I could export the flat pattern drawing, and redrawing onto it, but is there another way?  I can't for instance flatten a bend of a flange(won't allow 0 degrees) and then finish the model for this, and I'm not sure I can finish sheet metal and then extrude cut perforations into the bend and have it be correct on the flat pattern for the laser. Anyone have any ideas how to best do this?

Thanks in advance,

Jim  

philip_thomas

@ilya_baran - is this what you fixed for Owen?

ilya_baran

Not quite -- I think I wrote a custom feature that just removed the bend lines in a derived part studio.

owen_sparks

philip_thomas said:

@ilya_baran - is this what you fixed for Owen?

If we're taking the same thread that was @john_mcclary  

brucebartlett

You could do an extrude cut and remove the complete fold radius at the areas you want the perforation, to control the width of the perforation adjust the fold radius before doing the cut. Not ideal but should work. 

I try to avoid finishing sheet metal parts, whenever I do I seem to always add holes or cuts later and not realizing there has been a finish feature. 

I'd be keen in the future to have the ability to sketch and cut in the flat pattern viewport.

philip_thomas

@owen_sparks - ah yes, you're right, it was for John