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Johno Ellison

Level up your Solidworks skills by mastering the Sheet Metal module. Solidworks is one of the most popular and powerful 3D CAD programs in the world. Millions of people use it to design everything from 3D-printed toys all the way up to fully-working mechanical vehicles.

However, as well as being used for solid models, Solidworks also has a powerful Sheet Metal module that can be used to virtually make 3D parts from flat sheets.

Now you can join the ranks of Solidworks Sheet Metal users, and learn to create your own Sheet Metal models.

Read more

Level up your Solidworks skills by mastering the Sheet Metal module. Solidworks is one of the most popular and powerful 3D CAD programs in the world. Millions of people use it to design everything from 3D-printed toys all the way up to fully-working mechanical vehicles.

However, as well as being used for solid models, Solidworks also has a powerful Sheet Metal module that can be used to virtually make 3D parts from flat sheets.

Now you can join the ranks of Solidworks Sheet Metal users, and learn to create your own Sheet Metal models.

Why this course is differentThere are many Sheet Metal courses online, but none quite like this one:

  • The course covers every Sheet Metal tool in depth and includes the theory behind Sheet Metal concepts like Bend Allowance.

  • Taught by a Solidworks professional. The instructor been using Solidworks since 2006 and even taken a range of official Solidworks-certified training courses. The instructor currently works as a Product Design Engineer and uses Solidworks every day to design all sorts of things for real clients  - no academic-only experience here.

  • Built on previous feedback. This course is built upon the instructors other best-selling Solidworks courses, and on the feedback from over 7,000 previous students on Udemy alone.

  • Understand the wider context of Sheet Metal use. As well as explaining the basic Sheet Metal techniques this course also details real world applications and uses, such as the best material to select for the projects, and manufacturing tips. 

About this course

This courses includes:

  • Over 4 hours of high-quality original video.

  • Sections contain additional resources such as downloadable models and drawings, made specially for the course.

  • Prompt support from expert instructor. Have a question? We are always here to support any questions and take a look at your progress.

You will learn 

Over the course of eleven detailed sections you'll learn the entire range of Sheet Metal skills, including:

  1. Introduction to the Course - What it covers, how to use the course, and how best to get support

  2. Getting Started with Sheet Metal - Base Flanges, Sheet Metal Properties and Material Selection

  3. Adding Bends -  Edge Flanges - one of the most Fundamental Sheet Metal features

  4. Basic Sheet Metal Features -  Adding and Removing Material, Miter Flanges, Hems, Jogs and Sketched Bends

  5. Advanced/Specialist Sheet Metal Tools - Crossbreak, Swept Flange, Gusset, Lofted Bend, Tab and Slot, Vent, Unfold and Fold processes

  6. Corner Details -  Various Corner Tools available in Solidworks Sheet Metal

  7. Creating Sheet Metal Parts in Other Ways - Insert Bends, Convert to Sheet Metal

  8. Forming Tools -  Basic Use, modifying existing Forming Tools, and making and using entirely custom Forming Tools

  9. Practical Example - Making an Enclosure - Many of the previous skills are now combined to create a multi-sheet Enclosure Model

  10. 2D Drawings and Exporting Files - 2D Sheet Metal drawings and also how to export Sheet Metal parts into file types that can be widely used by third-party machines.

  11. Conclusion - This final section briefly recaps the entire course.

The course is taught using Solidworks 2019 but the models and resources used will work with any version newer than that.  If you have a previous version (2015-2018, or earlier) then users can still follow along and use the course but won't be able to open the optional, example models. There might also be slight differences in interface and terminology between versions.

So sign up today, and begin your first steps in the exciting world of Sheet Metal modelling.  

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objective

By the end of the course students will be able to confidently use the solidworks sheet metal module to create a range of sheet metal models. all of the sheet metal features will be covered, as well as essential background information, like material types

Syllabus

This section introduces students to the course and explains what they will learn. It also includes basic admin for the course, including using videos, and how to help help
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This short video welcomes the students to the course and introduces what Sheet Metal is. It explains what we'll cover in the course and how Sheet Metal parts don't strictly have to be limited to metal items.

This video briefly explains the prerequisites for taking this course - that users should ideally already have basic Solidworks skills (how to use the interface, view controls, starting new files parts, drawing sketches etc.).

It also explains how to get help, how the Exercise Files work and the best way to use the videos.

This video shows how to create Base Flanges - the most basic of all Sheet Metal features, and often the best way to start your part. Before this, it explains the best way to set your Solidworks interface up for working in Sheet Metal.

It also introduces some fundamental Sheet Metal aspects, like the Sheet Metal and Flat Pattern folders.

This video starts to explain the Sheet Metal concepts in more detail and covers Thickness and Bend Radius. Although this theory is fairly dry, a strong foundation now will help use create more effective Sheet Metal parts in the long run.

The concept of gauge (a way of measuring the thickness of sheets) is also introduced.

The Bend Allowance and Autorelief options are explained in more detail in this video. These options, although quite theoretical, are important to the understanding of making good Sheet Metal parts.

As well as using a closed profile to create a Base Flange, users can also create them using open profiles, or closed contained profiles. This video explains what this means and how to create these types of Base Flange.
The Flatten feature is also introduced, allowing 3D parts to be unbent to a flat sheet.

This video gives an overview of common materials used for creating Sheet Metal parts. It discusses the pros and cons of each of these, allowing you to make the best choice for your projects.

This quiz covers details from the first section.

Edge Flanges are one of the most basic and common way to build up Sheet Metal parts. This video introduces this feature and shows the basics of how to add and edit them.

This video looks at Edge Flanges in a little more detail, showing how to edit Flange Profiles, add multiple edges and other options.

Tabs can be used to add material to flanges and have a number of advantages over normal Extruded Bosses. This video shows how to use this tool.

The video also shows how to use Mouse Gestures to speed up workflow, and hows how Mirroring and Patterning can be used in Sheet Metal parts.

This video shows the multiple ways that material can be removed in Sheet Metal, including Extruded Cut, Simple Hole and Hole Wizard. Depending on what you are modelling different cutting techniques will give different results.

The Miter Flange can be used to create simple or complex edge flanges with mitered corners. This means that corner details are automatically trimmed away.

This video explains the Hem feature, which can be used to create folded over edges. This can strengthen edges and improve them from an ergonomic and aesthetic point of view.

Jogs are a pair off offset bends that can be used to offset a face. This allows them to be strengthened, to fit inside corresponding parts, or facilitates easier joining of sheets. This video shows how to use the basic features of this tool.

This video demonstrates a common use for the Jogs feature - offsetting a a face to help the joining of two adjacent flanges.

Sketched Bends can be used to create bent flanges where no existing edges already exist. This video introduces this very useful feature.

A Crossbreak is a feature used to add rigidity to flat Sheet Metal faces, such as ducting. In Solidworks this feature is purely visual and this short video demonstrates how to use it.

Swept Flanges are fairly similar to Miter Flanges but instead of mitering (cutting) corners they produce rounded corners that are connected to each other.

The Unfold and Fold features are both closely related and let users flatten certain bends before the end of modelling. This can be useful when cutting across bends, and in other situations.

Gussets are ridges that are pressed into Sheet Metal parts to add strength across bent edges. This video shows how to add, use and adjust them.

The Vent feature can be used to create Sheet Metal vent cuts, that can easily be modified, from a base Sketch.

Lofted Bends can be used to join two dissimilar Sheet Metal profiles. There are two main methods for creating these bends - Formed and Bent. This video introduces the feature and gives more detail on the Formed method.

Lofted Bends can be used to join two dissimilar Sheet Metal profiles. There are two main methods for creating these bends - Formed and Bent. This video gives more detail on the Bent method.

The Tab and Slot features allows multiple sheets to be joined via the cutting of tab and slot features. This can help with welding and other joining methods.

Solidworks Sheet Metal has a number of corner tools that are grouped together. The first is Closed Corner which allows corner gaps between adjacent Edge Flanges to be reduced.

Solidworks Sheet Metal has a number of corner tools that are grouped together. The second is Welded Corner which allows adjacent Edge Flanges to be welded together.

Solidworks Sheet Metal has a number of corner tools that are grouped together. Corner Trim removes sharp edges from internal and/or external corners by adding fillets and chamfers. The Corner Trim tool has a number of advantages in Sheet Metal over the more traditional Fillet and Chamfer tools.

Solidworks Sheet Metal has a number of corner tools that are grouped together. Corner Relief lets users cut away sections in corners where one or more flanges join.

As well as starting a Sheet Metal using a Base Flange it is also possible to convert existing Solid models to Sheet Metal.

If the part has a constant wall thickness, such as a Shelled or Thin Feature model, then the Insert Bends feature can be used to make it into a Sheet Metal model.

The Convert to Sheet Metal feature can be used with Solid models that don't have a constant wall thickness. This video introduces the tool and explains the general operation.

The Convert to Sheet Metal feature can be used with Solid models that don't have a constant wall thickness. This video explains some more advanced features of the tool and some important limitations.

The Solidworks Design Library includes a range of Forming Tools that can be used to press 3D relief details into flat Sheet Metal faces. This video introduces these tools and shows how to use them.

Although the Design Library does contain quite a wide variety of types of Forming Tools, they are limited in usefulness due to their fixed sizes and shapes. This video shows how to adjust existing Forming Tools in order to create tools more suited to your modelling needs.

This video shows how to create entirely new Custom Forming Tools, enabling you to model exactly the type of forms you require.

In this section we will combine a number of the skills we have learned, in order to create a Sheet Metal Enclosure. This video covers creating the initial enclosure base.

In this video will we continue to develop the Sheet Metal Enclosure by adding more details such as front cut-outs.

In this video we develop the Sheet Metal Enclosure further and make it into a multi-sheet part by adding a Lid.

This video shows how to finish the Sheet Metal Enclosure by adding some final details in the form of Vents and formed Handles.

Sheet Metal 2D Drawings are broadly similar to standard Solidworks Drawings. This video shows this basic process, as well as briefly showing how to make exploded Sheet Metal drawings and Cut Lists.

2D Flat Patterns are essential for accurately and clearly displaying information for manufacturing Sheet Metal parts. This video shows how to insert and detail Flat Patterns, including the use of Ordinate Dimensions.

Creating real, manufactured parts from your Solidworks designs is a vital aspect of the design process. This video explains how to Export Sheet Metal parts in a range of different formats and discusses different types of 2D files.

The final video of the course briefly runs back through all that was covered in the course.

That's it. Well done for completing the course!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers every Sheet Metal tool in depth and includes the theory behind Sheet Metal concepts like Bend Allowance, which is essential for professional design work
Details real-world applications and uses, such as the best material to select for projects, and manufacturing tips, which is helpful for practical application
Taught by a Solidworks professional who uses Solidworks every day to design all sorts of things for real clients, providing practical insights
Built upon feedback from previous students, suggesting continuous improvement and relevance to user needs
Requires basic Solidworks skills, such as using the interface, view controls, starting new files parts, and drawing sketches, which may be a barrier for absolute beginners
Taught using Solidworks 2019, so users with versions older than 2019 may encounter slight differences in interface and terminology

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive solidworks sheet metal guide

Based on the detailed course syllabus and professional instructor background, learners can expect a thorough exploration of the Solidworks Sheet Metal module. The course appears to cover every key feature and tool, from basic flanges and bends to advanced techniques like forming tools and lofted bends. Students will likely find value in the practical examples and focus on real-world applications, including material selection and manufacturing considerations. The inclusion of downloadable resources and promised instructor support suggests a well-supported learning experience. A prerequisite of basic Solidworks skills is noted, indicating this course builds upon existing knowledge.
A prior understanding of Solidworks is needed.
"Make sure you know basic Solidworks before starting this one."
"Assumes you are already familiar with the general interface and sketching."
"This isn't for absolute beginners to Solidworks."
Includes models and drawings for practice.
"Having the downloadable exercise files helped me follow along."
"The provided models and drawings are a good supplement."
"It's useful to have the example parts to work with."
Explains concepts like Bend Allowance.
"Understanding bend allowance was crucial and well-explained."
"They delve into the theory behind features, not just how to click buttons."
"The explanations on thickness and gauge were very clear."
Course taught by a Solidworks professional.
"The instructor clearly knows Solidworks and sheet metal from years of use."
"Learning from a product design engineer's perspective adds real value."
"His experience comes through in the explanations and tips provided."
Connects theory to real-world manufacturing needs.
"Liked that they talked about material selection and manufacturing tips."
"The section on 2D drawings and exporting is really useful for production."
"Applying the tools to build a complete enclosure model was a great exercise."
Explores nearly every Solidworks Sheet Metal tool.
"This course goes over every single sheet metal feature in detail."
"I learned about all the different bending and cutting tools available."
"Covers everything from simple bends to advanced forming tools."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Solidworks Sheet Metal with these activities:
Review Solidworks Interface and Basic Sketching
Reinforce your understanding of the Solidworks interface and basic sketching tools. This will make learning the Sheet Metal module much smoother.
Browse courses on SolidWorks
Show steps
  • Open Solidworks and familiarize yourself with the ribbon, feature tree, and graphics area.
  • Create a new part file and practice creating basic sketches (lines, circles, rectangles).
  • Apply dimensions and relations to fully define your sketches.
Review 'SolidWorks Bible'
Deepen your understanding of Solidworks fundamentals and advanced techniques. This book will serve as a valuable reference throughout the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the 'SolidWorks Bible'.
  • Read the chapters related to sketching, part modeling, and sheet metal design.
  • Work through the examples and exercises provided in the book.
Practice Creating Basic Sheet Metal Features
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental sheet metal features. This will build a strong foundation for more complex designs.
Show steps
  • Create a series of simple sheet metal parts using base flanges, edge flanges, and hems.
  • Experiment with different bend radii, thicknesses, and materials.
  • Practice creating flat patterns and exporting them to different file formats.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Sheet Metal Forming Processes and Die Design'
Expand your knowledge of sheet metal forming processes and die design. This will help you design parts that are easier to manufacture.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Sheet Metal Forming Processes and Die Design'.
  • Read the chapters related to bending, stamping, and other relevant forming processes.
  • Consider how these processes might affect your Solidworks designs.
Document Sheet Metal Design Best Practices
Solidify your knowledge by creating a guide to sheet metal design best practices. This will help you think critically about the design process.
Show steps
  • Research best practices for sheet metal design, including material selection, bend allowance calculations, and manufacturability considerations.
  • Create a document or presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Include examples and illustrations to support your recommendations.
Create a Manufacturing Drawing for a Sheet Metal Part
Develop your ability to communicate design intent to manufacturers. This is a crucial skill for any Solidworks user.
Show steps
  • Select a sheet metal part that you have designed or found online.
  • Create a detailed manufacturing drawing of the part, including all necessary dimensions, tolerances, and notes.
  • Include a flat pattern of the part with bend lines and bend notes.
  • Ensure that the drawing conforms to industry standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5).
Design a Sheet Metal Enclosure for an Electronic Device
Apply your sheet metal skills to a real-world design challenge. This will test your ability to integrate different features and techniques.
Show steps
  • Choose an electronic device (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino) and determine its dimensions and mounting requirements.
  • Design a sheet metal enclosure that protects the device and provides access to its ports and controls.
  • Create a detailed Solidworks model of the enclosure, including all necessary features and hardware.
  • Generate a flat pattern of the enclosure and verify its manufacturability.

Career center

Learners who complete Solidworks Sheet Metal will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Product Design Engineer
As a Product Design Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing and developing new products or improving existing ones. This Product Design Engineer role often involves creating 3D models and technical drawings using computer-aided design software. This course may help you master the sheet metal module in Solidworks, allowing you to effectively design sheet metal components for your products. This course is taught by an instructor/product design engineer with extensive Solidworks experience. You can also understand the wider context of sheet metal use.
CAD Designer
CAD Designers create detailed technical drawings and 3D models using CAD software. The CAD Designer role requires a strong understanding of design principles and drafting standards. This course may help you gain expertise in Solidworks Sheet Metal module, enabling you to create complex and accurate sheet metal designs for various industries. This course includes over 4 hours of high-quality original video. It is built upon previous feedback.
CAD Technician
A CAD Technician creates technical drawings and 3D models using Computer Aided Design software. The CAD Technician role requires a strong understanding of design principles and drafting standards. This course may help you gain proficiency in Solidworks, particularly its Sheet Metal module, and improve your ability to create accurate and detailed sheet metal designs. The instructor has extensive Solidworks experience and delivers high-quality video. You will also learn how to export sheet metal parts into file types.
Design Engineer
Design Engineers create and develop new product designs. The Design Engineer role requires proficiency in CAD software and a strong understanding of engineering principles. This course may help you master the Sheet Metal module in Solidworks, allowing you to efficiently design and model sheet metal components for your projects. This course includes additional resources such as downloadable models and drawings. Also, you will receive prompt support from the expert instructor.
Sheet Metal Fabricator
A Sheet Metal Fabricator shapes metal sheets into desired forms, assembling them into functional products. Sheet Metal Fabricators need to understand how to work with different materials, use appropriate tools, and interpret technical drawings to accurately produce parts. Taking this course may help fabricators refine sheet metal modeling abilities in Solidworks. It is built upon previous feedback. The course delves into real-world applications providing sheet metal techniques, material selection and manufacturing tips. Knowledge of tools and techniques is useful for a Fabricator.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. The Mechanical Engineer role often involves using CAD software to create and analyze designs. This course may help refine your Solidworks skills, specifically in sheet metal design, enabling you to create efficient and manufacturable designs for various applications. This course covers every Sheet Metal tool and includes theory behind sheet metal concepts. The instructor has Solidworks expertise and uses it daily to design real products.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers improve manufacturing processes and ensure efficient production. This Manufacturing Engineer role requires knowledge of materials, manufacturing techniques, and CAD software. This course may help you learn how to use the Sheet Metal module in Solidworks to design parts that are optimized for manufacturability. This course also details real world applications and uses, such as best material to select for projects, and manufacturing tips.
Tool and Die Maker
Tool and Die Makers manufacture tools, dies, and molds used in manufacturing processes. As a Tool and Die Maker, you need to interpret technical drawings and use precision machining techniques. This course may help you learn how to use Solidworks Sheet Metal module to design and create accurate and efficient tooling for sheet metal forming. Taught by a Solidworks professional, the course details real world applications and manufacturing tips.
Fixture Designer
Fixture Designers create specialized tools used to hold parts in place during manufacturing processes. Fixture Designers need a strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and CAD software. This course may help you learn how to use Solidworks Sheet Metal module to design and model sheet metal fixtures that are efficient and reliable. This course details real world applications and uses, such as best material to select for projects, and manufacturing tips.
Automotive Engineer
An Automotive Engineer designs and develops vehicles and their components. The Automotive Engineer role requires a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and CAD software, which may include sheet metal parts. This course may help master Solidworks Sheet Metal module allowing you to design and model sheet metal parts used in automotive manufacturing. The instructor has used Solidworks since 2006 and has taken a range of official Solidworks-certified training courses.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The Aerospace Engineer role often involves using CAD software to create and analyze designs, sometimes that may be made of sheet metal. This course may help develop skills in Solidworks Sheet Metal module, which can be utilized to design lightweight and durable components for aerospace applications. You will learn the entire range of Sheet Metal skills and essential background information like material types.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, build, and program robots and robotic systems. The Robotics Engineer role requires knowledge of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. Sheet metal is often used in the construction of robot chassis and enclosures. This course may help refine your skills in Solidworks Sheet Metal, allowing you to design robust and functional robotic components. This course covers every Sheet Metal tool in depth and explains the theory behind Sheet Metal concepts.
Estimator
Estimators calculate the cost of manufacturing a product. The Estimator role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material costs. This course may help you learn how to use Solidworks Sheet Metal module to analyze sheet metal designs and accurately estimate material usage and manufacturing costs. This course covers every Sheet Metal tool in depth and includes theory behind sheet metal concepts like Bend Allowance.
Structural Drafter
Structural Drafters prepare detailed drawings and plans for structures, often working with steel and other materials. The Structural Drafter role requires a strong knowledge of drafting standards. This course may help Structural Drafters to understand the Solidworks Sheet Metal module, useful when designing parts with thin metal. You will learn the entire range of Sheet Metal skills. You will also learn how to export Sheet Metal parts into file types.
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Control Inspectors ensure that manufactured products meet quality standards. The Quality Control Inspector role requires a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and inspection techniques. Although this course focuses on design, knowing Solidworks Sheet Metal may help you understand the design intent and identify potential manufacturing issues. This course includes downloadable models and drawings. Also, you will receive prompt support from the expert instructor.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Solidworks Sheet Metal.
The 'SolidWorks Bible' comprehensive guide to all aspects of SolidWorks, including the Sheet Metal module. It provides in-depth explanations of features and tools, as well as practical examples and tutorials. useful reference for understanding the underlying principles of SolidWorks and how they apply to sheet metal design. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sheet metal forming processes and die design principles. It covers topics such as bending, stamping, deep drawing, and hydroforming. While not specific to Solidworks, it provides valuable background knowledge for understanding the manufacturing considerations involved in sheet metal design. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.

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