There are some of the most critical design features to consider when modeling sheet metal components.
Wall thickness
Maintaining a uniform thickness on any geometry is critical. Different thicknesses of sheet metal are needed to create geometries with more than one wall thickness. Therefore, aligning and orienting fragments may provide incorrect results or require more time. Also need to pay attention to the structural design, especially in places with many bends, which can easily cause uneven thickness.
Bending radius
The inner bend radius of sheet metal must be kept to a minimum value comparable to the thickness of the material. Therefore, distortions and inequalities in the final components will be less likely to occur. By keeping the bend radius uniform throughout the section, cost-effectiveness and proper alignment of the elements are ensured.
Bend compensation and deductions
Bend allowance is the amount of material that must be added to the actual length of the part to help develop the flat design. The deduction is the opposite of the bending allowance. The term "bend deduction" refers to the amount of material that must be subtracted from the flange length to achieve a flat design.
K factor
The ratio of the material thickness to the neutral axis is called the K factor. K-factor is used in sheet metal processes. This number depends on the different physical properties of the material used and its thickness.
Sheet metal parts are available in various thicknesses from 0.03 to 4.00mm, but the greater the thickness, the more difficult it is to process, requiring larger processing equipment, and the defective rate also increases. The thickness should be selected according to the actual function of the product. On the premise of meeting the strength and function, the thinner the better. For most products, the thickness of sheet metal parts should be controlled below 1.00mm.
Hole and slot direction
These two elements are very important in their own right. It is recommended that the diameter of any holes or slots be equal to the thickness of the metal plate. Additionally, there must be appropriate margins between holes. They should not be placed in such a way that they are too close to the edge of the material.