DESIGN OF SHEET METAL CASING USING NX CAD
Objective:
To model a Sheet Metal Casing and create a flat pattern of the Casing using NX CAD.
Introduction:
A Sheet Metal Casing is an enclosure normally used for keeping the machine parts protected. Sheet metal enclosures are used to resist corrosion and provide electrical conductivity. The product is widely used for various industrial purposes.
In NX CAD, the Sheet Metal Workbench is exclusively used to model the Sheet Metal parts.
Features :
- Sturdy construction
- Corrosion resistance
- Precision made
- High strength and longer shelf life
- These enclosures are epoxy coated to ensure good quality
Applications :
- Construction and engineering industry
- Automobile industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Food & beverages industry
Advantages :
- Can form complex shapes
- Many material options
- High production rate
- Low labor cost
- Short lead time possible
Description:
Initially, from the Preferences dialog box, the default design parameters were changed by setting all the Global parameters to 1mm.
The various tools & features that were used to model the casing are listed below,
- Tab: creates a base feature by extruding a sketch along a vector by thickness value, or adds material to a planar face.
- Flange: Adds a flat flange at an angle to a planar face and adds a bend between the two.
- Bend: Modifies the model by bending material on one side of a sketch line, adding a bend between the two sides.
- Break corner: Rounds or chamfers a sharp corner of a tab or flange.
- Unbend: Flattens a bend and the material adjacent to the bend.
- Rebend: Restores an unbend feature to its previous bent state, along with any features added after the unbend feature.
- Dimple: Lifts an area of the model inside a sketch that simulates a stamping tool.
- Bead: Lifts material along the contour of a sketch that simulates a stamping tool.
- Flat pattern: Creates a flat pattern feature from the formed sheet metal part.
- Mirror Feature: Copies a feature and mirrors it across a plane.
Model Images:
Result:
Thus, the Sheet Metal Casing was modelled successfully using NX CAD Sheet Metal Workbench.