Effective product design plays a vital role for companies that deal with sheet metal fabricated products. The process of design is crucial as it translates an initial idea into a tangible product for manufacturers. Using CAD tools can greatly enhance the design of sheet metal products, offering numerous benefits during the manufacturing process and beyond. A well-thought-out design not only simplifies manufacturing but also helps in reducing costs and increasing the success rate of the product.
If you are not utilizing CAD software, it is advisable to seek recommendations from your fabricator. You can also reach out to Komaspec to explore various CAD tool options.
When choosing CAD software for your sheet metal project, consider factors such as ease of use, compatibility with other tools in your workflow, availability of addons like SheetMetal for advanced features, and technical support from the software provider. It’s important to select a CAD software that meets your specific requirements and enables you to efficiently design, simulate, and manufacture sheet metal products.
CAD Tools and Sheet Metal Part/Product Design
The design of a product significantly affects its performance and ease of manufacturability. Both form and function are crucial aspects of a product’s performance. CAD tools prove to be very helpful in analyzing and visualizing elements such as the form, mechanics, usability, and safety levels of a product. Optimal CAD software can enhance the design process for manufacturing and drafting, resulting in reduced manufacturing waste and fewer physical prototypes.
When it comes to sheet metal part/product design, CAD tools play a crucial role in creating accurate and efficient designs. These tools allow designers to create sheet metal parts with precise measurements, ensuring that they fit together seamlessly during manufacturing. CAD software can also assist in determining the optimal material thickness for a part, as well as identifying areas where additional support or reinforcement may be needed.
Furthermore, CAD tools offer features such as simulation and analysis capabilities, which can help designers test the performance of a sheet metal part/product under different conditions. This allows for optimization of the design before production begins, saving both time and resources.
CAD Vs Traditional Design
CAD software streamlines the digital design process by incorporating stages like sketching, modeling, rendering, and prototyping within one platform. With all-in-one CAD software, users can manage the complete product design journey without the need to import or export files. Integrated CAD software offers real-time collaboration features and allows computational processes to be offloaded to the cloud, thereby improving efficiency and compatibility with other tools.
Figure 1: Sheet Metal Manufacturing Design Review at Komaspec
Factors to Consider When Choosing CAD Software
It is important to consider key factors while selecting CAD software for designing sheet metal fabricated products. Evaluate the software’s capabilities in analyzing product performance, its features for design facilitation during manufacturing, and the benefits of cloud storage for collaborative work. Choose CAD software that is compatible with various systems, supports different drawing file formats, and adheres to industry standards like STEP for seamless data exchange.
The SheetMetal workbench is an indispensable tool for users who heavily rely on it to complete their tasks. This functionality is commonly found in popular CAD products like Solidworks, NX, Onshape, and Fusion 360. Users expect the seamless integration of the SheetMetal workbench in FreeCAD to enhance its functionalities.
Ondsel is dedicated to improving the user experience and meeting the needs of commercial users, aiming to enhance the out-of-the-box experience. While they cannot enforce this on the upstream project, they strive to align it with the program and improve its performance. The initial steps include a technical review of SheetMetal and consulting the FreeCAD design group for a UX review.
Let’s delve into the long-term strategy, technical aspects, UX reviews, and their outcomes.
This content is a collaboration with Obelisk (Joe Sardos), a participant in the design working group and the author of the OpenDark theme used in Ondsel ES.
Technical review
In the summer of 2023, Brad Collette, the CTO of Ondsel, conducted the first technical review of the SheetMetal workbench. He made changes in the code to separate the UI from the logic and to make the workbench scriptable.
A more detailed examination highlighted areas that require modifications to enhance the core functionality of SheetMetal.
UI/UX that is consistent with FreeCAD norms
Several user-initiated functions within the workbench result in objects in the tree structure. For example, creating a wall adds a ‘Bend’ object to the tree. To align with the program’s workflow, creating a wall should trigger a task panel. Modifying the settings of the ‘Bend’ object should be possible by double-clicking it.
Parametric unfold object
The ability to ‘unfold’ shapes in the workbench is not parametrically linked to changes in the original shape. Establishing a parametric link for the unfold function is essential.
Better unfolder
The process of converting a folded shape into an unfolded one is complex and resource-intensive. Implementing this logic in C++ would improve the performance. This change might require transforming certain parts of the workbench into FreeCAD components.
Cleaner, refactored code
SheetMetal is well-written, but refactoring is necessary to support scripting and enable headless operation.
Unit tests
Incorporating unit tests into SheetMetal would ease the process of adding new features without disrupting the core logic.
Translation support via Crowdin
Sections of the workbench that support internationalization and translation need to undergo a thorough review.
Keeping the user experience in mind, the design group evaluated the workbench.
Design review
The design group delved into the basics of sheet metal and workflow, proposing renaming functions for clarity. They suggested a new container for managing sheet metal materials and reorganizing toolbars.
Discussions were held on FreeCAD’s Discord server about mockups to establish standardized guidelines.
Strategy
Ondsel’s strategy revolves around incremental improvements to SheetMetal to integrate it into Ondsel ES. This includes revamping the UI/UX, enhancing the material system, and rewriting the unfolder in C++.
The goal is to make SheetMetal an integral part of the core experience in Ondsel ES and to gain consideration from FreeCAD upstream. They advocate for developer collaboration to better serve the users.
What’s next
The design working group invites experts to join in enhancing FreeCAD and its add-ons. Contributions to the SheetMetal workbench can be made through the issue tracker.
Discover the top 5 free CAD software programs for designing sheet metal parts, such as FreeCAD, Onshape, and Fusion 360. Unleash your creativity with these powerful tools that streamline your projects.
Fusion 360: Revolutionary 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software introduced by Autodesk in 2013.
Regarded as one of the top CAD software choices for engineers, offering advanced features with some limitations in the free version.
Superior to FreeCAD in multiple aspects, resembling renowned inventor CAD software. Intuitive interface with impressive capabilities.
Perfect for mechanical and technical designs, robust sheet metal functions, can work on the cloud and offline on devices if needed.
Free for personal use, but the free version has certain limitations. Make sure to adjust privacy settings for data sharing control.
Onshape: A cloud-based CAD platform designed for collaboration and accessibility.
Known for its real-time data management and version control features, making it ideal for team projects.
Intuitive and easy to use interface, with powerful tools for sheet metal design and manufacturing. Offers built-in simulation and analysis tools for accurate testing.
Accessible from any device with an internet connection, allowing for seamless work from anywhere. Subscription-based pricing model, with a free plan available for non-commercial use.
Best Free 2D CAD software
If 3D seems overwhelming and you prefer working in 2D, check out our recommended 2D software options. Ideal for editing flat patterns or creating 2D cutting files like DXF.
Both of these free tools provide essential features for various design tasks, catering to 2D design needs.
LibreCAD
Overview
LibreCAD: Free Open-Source CAD available for Windows, Apple, Linux. Supported by a dedicated community for assistance and documentation.
Offers partial support for Autodesk DWG format (import only) and full support for Autodesk DXF format (import and export). Primary format used for LibreCAD operations.
Mainly used for common 2D functions like Line, circle, arc, and more. Plugin support is available for additional functionality.
User-friendly interface offered in multiple languages, perfect for 2D operations and specialized tasks.
QCAD
Overview
QCAD: Free open-source CAD software designed for 2D drafting. Suitable for technical drawings and schematics on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Released under the GPLv3 license, focusing on modularity, extensibility, and user-friendliness.
Known for its intuitive UI, QCAD is a powerful yet approachable 2D CAD system for all users.
You can start designing right away with QCAD – no prior CAD experience necessary. Download it for free!
SolidWorks is a popular choice for professionals
For professionals in the sheet metal industry, SolidWorks is a top choice. Known for its robust features and user-friendly interface, SolidWorks is widely used in the engineering and manufacturing sectors.
With specialized tools for sheet metal design and simulation, SolidWorks offers comprehensive solutions for creating complex sheet metal parts with ease.
Autodesk Inventor is a versatile option
Another popular CAD software for sheet metal design is Autodesk Inventor. With a wide range of tools and capabilities, Inventor is a versatile option for both beginners and experienced users.
Whether you are creating simple sheet metal parts or intricate assemblies, Autodesk Inventor provides the tools needed to design, visualize, and simulate your sheet metal projects.
Siemens NX is a high-end solution for advanced users
For advanced users looking for a high-end solution, Siemens NX is a powerful CAD software for sheet metal design. With advanced capabilities for parametric modeling and simulation, Siemens NX is used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and machinery.
With features like synchronous modeling and integrated finite element analysis, Siemens NX offers unparalleled control and precision for designing complex sheet metal components.
Conclusion: Pick a solution that fits your needs
With the top free CAD software for sheet metal design at your disposal, you can create future products without significant investments.
Explore more articles on sheet metalworking, such as an ERP buyer’s guide and digitalization pieces, for further insights.