Currently, the commonly used software for designing sheet metal enclosures is SolidWorks, UG, and CATIA.
All three are mainstream industrial design software that can complete the prototype design of various industrial products. Next, taking the design of sheet metal enclosures as an example, the process from design to finished product is introduced in detail:
Determine the design requirements: clarify the purpose and use of the design, and determine the basic shape and structure of the design.
Drawing drawings: Use appropriate drawing tools to express the design intention on the drawings, including the thickness of the sheet, processing technology,.
Modeling and simulation: Use 3D modeling software to build a model and perform simulation analysis to verify the feasibility and reliability of the design.
Cutting and bending: Cut and bend according to the design requirements to form the required shape and structure.
Welding: Weld the various parts together to complete the sheet metal design.
Texture selection: Different surface textures can create different styles. If you pursue a refined and high-end appearance, you can use a matte texture, such as the shell of some electronic instruments. If you want to reflect durability, like sheet metal equipment used in construction, you can choose a granular surface.
Anti-corrosion treatment: For sheet metal equipment that may be exposed to humid environments or corrosive substances, effective anti-corrosion treatment, such as galvanizing, spraying, etc., should be carried out. For example, the sheet metal cabinet of an outdoor communication base station can not only prevent corrosion through spraying, but also make the appearance more high-quality.
Take SolidWorks as an example:
Basic flange/sheet: Use the “Basic flange/sheet” command in “Sheet Metal” to set “Symmetrical on both sides” and the distance is 150mm.
Edge flange: Use the “Edge flange” in “Sheet Metal” to select two edges, and then set the given depth to 30mm.
Corner treatment: Perform “corner” treatment on the sheet metal, select the two edge faces on the corner, the system will automatically identify the “face to match”, and then select the “corner type”.
Punching and array: Punch three through holes on the short side face, and use the “Mirror Entity” command to make a third circle on the face. Then use the “Linear Sketch Array” command to draw 10 long circular grooves in sketch mode with a spacing of 20mm.
Flattening function: Through the “Flattening” function of “Sheet Metal”, you can see how the sheet metal looks when it is unfolded. Click “Flatten” again to restore the digital model in 3D mode.
Of course, although sheet metal design is costly, it can be reduced through reasonable design and optimization. For example, choose the right material and processing technology to reduce unnecessary processing steps.
In addition, sheet metal design is more complex than plastic design and requires more detailed processing and precise measurement. The accuracy and efficiency of the design can be improved by using professional design software and tools.
Finally, the choice of metal material. Choosing the right material and thickness is crucial to the success of sheet metal design. It is necessary to select the appropriate material and thickness according to the specific application scenario to ensure the strength and durability of the product.
Of course, the design of sheet metal enclosures is generally completed by sheet metal companies. You only need to put forward your requirements and leave the rest to sheet metal manufacturers. For example, Mulan Group can provide customized sheet metal product services for global customers, including sheet metal enclosures, sheet metal cabinets, sheet metal brackets, medical enclosures and other customized sheet metal products, which are completely customized and designed and produced according to your needs. In addition, Mulan Group has complete qualifications and has been engaged in trade and export business all year round. All sheet metal products are exported all over the world, so you can rest assured that choosing Mulan Group to customize sheet metal parts will bring great support and cost reduction to your business.
Here is our sheet metal enclosures Display：
