How To Show Tangent Bend Lines on the Flat Pattern of a Sheet Metal Part

Problem

By default, SOLIDWORKS will show Tangent Bend lines in the sheet metal part. This allows users to see where the sheet metal bend begins and ends. However, the flat pattern of the sheet metal part will NOT show any of these tangent edges by default. SOLIDWORKS defaults to hiding these edges to best represent how the part will look prior to any bending or forming operations. This article will go over how to show Tangent Edges in flat patterns.

Tangent edges shown on sheet metal part, missing on flat pattern

Solution

To show Tangent Edges in Sheet Metal Flat Patterns, follow the steps below:

  1. Expand the Flat Pattern folder by clicking on the arrow just left of it in the feature tree

    Expand Flat Pattern folder in feature tree
  2. Right-click on the "Flat-Pattern" feature
  3. Select “Edit Feature” from the pop-up toolbar

    Select "Edit Feature" for "Flat-Pattern"
  4. Uncheck the “Merge faces” checkbox

    deselect "Merge Faces"
  5. Click the green check
  6. Confirm that the flat pattern now displays distinct faces for the bends and flat faces

    Flat pattern shown with tangent edges

These tangent bend lines will now appear in the 3D model as well as any drawing views of the flat pattern.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.

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