Analysis of Design and Process Optimization of Sheet Metal Parts

Sheet metal parts utilize the plasticity of metal to manufacture individual parts through stamping, bending, forming, and other processes for metal sheets (generally below 6mm), and then assemble them into complete sheet metal products through welding, riveting, etc. It can be seen that the production process of sheet metal parts is a relatively complex process, so the design and process of sheet metal parts may have a significant impact on the quality of sheet metal parts.

Sheet metal design

SOLIDWORKS sheet metal module can be said to be a leader in various software sheet metal functions. With its excellent flexibility, it is deeply loved by sheet metal engineers. Engineers can accurately and intuitively express their design intentions through SOLIDWORKS, and design parts according to the production process, thereby optimizing product design. SOLIDWORKS can be said to be a virtual sheet metal processing environment. Designing sheet metal parts in SOLIDWORKS is basically consistent with actual production. Therefore, sheet metal design can be roughly divided into two categories: one is completed by bending, and the other is completed by stamping. These two methods correspond to the same in SOLIDWORKS.

01 Sheet metal bending

Sheet metal bending in SOLIDWORKS is mainly achieved through functions such as stretching and flanges, and the design process is relatively simple. In addition, we can directly unfold sheet metal parts through software to obtain two-dimensional unfolded drawings, especially for some complex sheet metal parts. If we rely on manual completion, it will take a lot of time and be prone to errors. The unfolding function of SOLIDWORKS sheet metal parts greatly solves this problem, ensuring unfolding efficiency while achieving zero errors, which makes it possible for enterprises to achieve rapid design and production.

02 Sheet metal stamping

Sheet metal stamping requires the use of SOLIDWORKS' indentation function. Sheet metal stamping parts are generally used as shells, but stamping molds are required for sheet metal stamping. Therefore, this method can be used to design large batches of shell type sheet metal parts.

When increasing the strength of sheet metal parts, the following points should be noted:

1. Increase the strength of sheet metal parts by pressing ribs or stamping convex bulges

The design principles followed by sheet metal parts are different from those followed by general parts. When it is necessary to strengthen sheet metal parts, sometimes it is not necessary to replace thicker sheets, but to reinforce the shape by pressing ribs or stamping convex bulges. This design method is more economical and practical than using thicker sheets.

2. Increasing the strength of sheet metal parts through corner braces

In addition to the reinforcement or stamping convex package mentioned above to increase the strength of sheet metal parts, it is also possible to increase the strength of sheet metal parts by adding angle plates at the bending points. This can make the bending points less prone to deformation and meet the strength requirements of our design.

Sheet metal process

Sheet metal process can be divided into stamping process, bending process, and welding process. Different processes have different impacts on the quality of sheet metal parts. Therefore, in manufacturing sheet metal parts, we need to choose the appropriate process to improve the accuracy of sheet metal.