Solidworks won't convert to sheetmetal

R

rbregn

Aluminum

Joined

Jan 8, 2014

Location

Montana

• Dec 28, 2015

• #1

I am trying to draw a "simple" part and convert it to sheetmetal so I can flatten it for the flat layout to plasma cut. I keep getting the following error- rebuild errors, you must select a fixed planar face or a liner edge on an end face of a cylindrical face
What does this mean, What am I doing wrong?
I would insert the file, but it won't let me, I get an error with that also. It must be Monday

 

F

FeatureBoy

Aluminum

Joined

Sep 18, 2015

Location

Kirkland

• Dec 28, 2015

• #2

You have to pick a flat surface, not a curved surface. That's what it's telling you.

 

R

rbregn

Aluminum

Joined

Jan 8, 2014

Location

Montana

• Dec 28, 2015

• #3

So if there is not a flat surface I can't convert it? that is a real bummer

 

F

FeatureBoy

Aluminum

Joined

Sep 18, 2015

Location

Kirkland

• Dec 28, 2015

• #4

Ehh, there are ways, but it's difficult. What does your part look like? I thought you said it was simple?

 

R

rbregn

Aluminum

Joined

Jan 8, 2014

Location

Montana

• Dec 28, 2015

• #5

basically it is one side of an offset rectangle to round transition. I can do it the hard way. I was hoping this would save my a bunch of time. Hasn't worked out that way.

 

F

FeatureBoy

Aluminum

Joined

Sep 18, 2015

Location

Kirkland

• Dec 28, 2015

• #6

Hmm, I just can't picture the shape you're describing. Can you take a screenshot?

 

R

rbregn

Aluminum

Joined

Jan 8, 2014

Location

Montana

• Dec 28, 2015

• #7

Here is one side of one, and also another one I have to make flat layouts for

 

F

FeatureBoy

Aluminum

Joined

Sep 18, 2015

Location

Kirkland

• Dec 28, 2015

• #8

Hmmm, that's a pretty complex shape for the sheet metal package in solidworks to figure out. Someone here with more knowledge on that might be able to help you out. I could do it in catia using the free form surface feature, but I'm not sure Solidworks has the same option.

 

T

thesidetalker

Stainless

Joined

Jan 11, 2015

Location

Bay Area, CA

• Dec 28, 2015

• #9

This one isn't too bad. Don't try to convert or insert bends with sheetmetal. In my experience, starting with a sheetmetal feature first, produces better results.

For a transition like this, use a lofted bend.

Draw one profile. Offset a plane, and on that new plane draw the other profile.

Be sure to leave a small gap in both profiles.

Then use Lofted-Bend with these two sketches.

That's it.

If you can't get it to work, post the dimensions and I'll attach a file for ya.

 

R

rbregn

Aluminum

Joined

Jan 8, 2014

Location

Montana

• Dec 28, 2015

• #10

will try tomorrow, my brain is to fried doing it the old way. What I need to do is find a school to take classes on solidworks. But in the town, I am screwed. Been trying to learn in my spare time. It is just way different from bobcad(which is a good thing) and I don't have free time anymore.