Sheet metal is a comprehensive cold working process for thin metal sheets (usually under 6mm), including shearing, punching/cutting/compounding, folding, welding, riveting, splicing, molding (e.g., automobile bodywork) and so on. Its distinguishing feature is the consistent thickness of the same part.
Sheet metal parts are characterized by light weight, high strength, conductive (able to be used for electromagnetic shielding), low cost, good mass production performance, etc., and are widely used in the fields of electronics and electrical appliances, communications, automotive industry, medical equipment, etc. For example, sheet metal parts are an essential part of the computer chassis, cell phones, MP3.
At present, the commonly used 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks, UG, Pro/E, SolidEdge, TopSolid, etc., have a sheet metal parts, mainly through the editing of 3D graphics and get the data required for sheet metal parts processing (such as unfolding diagrams, bending lines, etc.) as well as for the numerical control punch (CNC Punching). It also provides data for CNC Punching Machines, Laser, Plasma, Waterjet Cutting Machines, Combination Machines, and CNC Bending Machines.
With the increasing application of sheet metal, the design of sheet metal parts has become a very important part of the product development process, mechanical engineers must be skilled in the design of sheet metal parts, making the design of the sheet metal to meet the functionality of the product and the appearance of the requirements of the product, but also to make the stamping die manufacturing simple, low-cost.