SolidWorks design software is specifically designed to aid engineers with the design of sheet metal parts that can be easily manufactured. Used largely to bridge the gap between those who design the parts and those who manufacture the actual sheet metal parts, the SolidWorks software helps to keep costs to a minimum, and speeds up production times. SolidWorks enables designers and engineers to create 3D images that are then used by the manufacturers to produce the final product

One of the things that the SolidWorks design software allows designers and manufacturers to do is identify, for the purposes of their project, what sort of metal they will be using. This is done by inputting details like the thickness of the sheet metal. Engineers can then design sheet metal parts in the flat state, before bends are made, and to determine whether particular cuts and folds are indeed practical to produce. Also, sheet metal panels can be named and labeled in order to avoid confusion about how many of which panels need to be fabricated. Later, this also helps in manufacturing as every component will be properly labeled as to their purpose and where they fit into the overall sheet metal design.

SolidWorks CAD software further allows for the design of layered or multiple extrusions, add form radius and other features after the panels have been fitted together in the virtual design. This helps both the designer and the fabricator to align perforations, tabs, or other features that need to line up on several complicated panels of sheet metal.

The SolidWorks computer design application enables the design and manufacture of highly complicated features. The designer can test tolerances and clearances during the design phase to ensure that the product can be easily assembled. The software enables to designers to put together designs using small spaces between the panels so as to allow the software to unfold the design. This feature is especially useful if panels that will fit together very closely in the actual product and need to be seen separately by the manufacturer so that they can be properly made.

One of the best features of the SolidWorks metal design program is that it will allow designers to modify design features as needed, unfolding a fold or uncutting a cut for example. It can help designers to take into account the impact that the changes might have on the overall design which may not be immediately obvious. The clear advantage of this is that any design flaws will be caught before the beginning of the manufacturing process, possibly saving you a lot of wasted time and money.

Engineers find themselves best able to move a product from conception and modeling through to a workable design if using the SolidWorks metal design software. When the designer’s plan is clearly laid out and easy to understand, the manufacturer is able to produce components that will fit and perform exactly as the designer intended, leading to a more efficient manufacturing process. Efficient production makes for lower production costs, less material being wasted, shorter production times, and more profits.

Marc Anderes is a co-founder of Maloya Laser which specializes in Metal Manufacturing and <A href=”http://www.MaloyaLaser.com”>Laser Cutting</a> with state-of-the-art <A href=”http://www.maloyalaser.com/capabilities_equipment.php”>laser technologies</a>, targeting machinery, aerospace, medical, scientific and transportation requirements.

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