SPI SheetMetalWorks Overview

With SPI SheetMetalWorks 2012 it is possible to give manufacturing information attributes along with the flat patern development as an option. 

For hole or stamping it is frequently necessary to spend in place of the outline a text into the unolding which the tool intends for a later manufacturing. With the new command manufacturing information attributes now users can specify text replacements for selected outlines of holes or stamping at the 3D model. Besides the attribute can be used to transfer text engravings to the unfolding.

If the text contains for example a machining pattern defined in TruTops Punch, now with the help of the SPI TruTops interface the unfolding can be handed over to TruTops Punch whereby the machining pattern is already placed and aligned. If the text contains a TruTops Punch defined processing sample, it is possible to import such an unfolding in TruTops Punch by means of the SPI TruTops Interface. This results in an already placed processing sample including its direction.

If you want to insert the assigned contour into the unfolding together with a text use the option Contour visible. In the unfolding parameters for GEO or rather DXF you can modify the Line Properties for all of this contours.

You can put in text directly or use the button „Variables“  and than use one or more place holders instead of  the text. The place holders values are replaced by concrete values within the unfolding. 

The SPI SheetMetalWorks Component Manager offers standard parts, connectors, flanges, transitions as well as heads and - new with version 2012 - boxes and boxes with caps.

Addoitonal modules are available SPI TruTops Interface for TruTops 2.3 and with version 2012 alos the SPI WiCAM Interface.

Frequently used components - just click, define the parameters and insert the result into your design: A dream comes true.

The SPI Component Manager belongs to the scope of supply of the SPI SheetMetalWorks Software and puts an extensive library of standard construction units to your disposal. It supports you with the arbitrary design of standard parts, connectors, flanges, transitions as well as heads and - new with version 2012 - boxes and boxes with caps. It gives you exact results for filleted and sharp-cornered sheet metal parts.

The use of the software is fast and easy:  Just select a component from the clearly laid out catalogue with a click of your mouse, and get the corresponding parameters in a detailed preview. Choose one of the parameters and modify it to your demand. At the push of a button the complete component is built and is appended to your SolidWorks assembly.

The default delivery consists of about  30 parts and will be graded up with every new release. Beneath that you can build up your own components and store them for later work.
 

The construction tools such as flanges and profiles, which SolidWorks makes available, undoubtedly permit an efficient sheet metal construction. In many cases the sharp edged construction with SPI SheetMetalWorks offers clear advantages.

Benefit from precise unfoldings...

Once the design is complete, an extreme fast, automatic 2D flat is generated from the 3D Solid. During the unfold calculation the sheet metal part will be automatically analyzed. All bend allowances are calculated.

even of imported parts...

With SPI SheetMetalWorks you can assign material definitions to imported models (DWG, SAT, IGES). Imported data frequently exhibit inaccuracies or mathematically unfavorable representations of geometry. SPI compensates this by different tolerance options.

...nearly arbitrary free from surfaces...

When calculating the unfolding of transitions like "rectangle-circle", "cone", "y-transition", SPI  SheetMetalWorks interprets the model as a bended sheet metal part. The number of bendings is defined by the designer. The calculated unfolding of a cone is based on the real manufactured part. The 3D model and the drawing remain clearly, because facets are not represented.

...and several pipe connections.
No matter what kind of transition, SPI SheetMetalWorks will do it for you. Just use the component manager's library.

Define the name of the unfold destination

In the assembly context in Release 2011 you will find a new command with which all sheet metal parts of the current assembly can be unfolded. Here the corresponding material dates and unfold  parameters that are assigned to the various parts are used. The unfold destination can either be implemented for all sheet metal components or you use the unfold destination that is particularly defined for each part. With the new version of SPI SheetMetal Works 2011 it is possible to flexibly define the name of the unfold destination.


Unfold complete assemblies

Different placeholders are available for performances that are offered in a dialog and are replaced by current dates when creating  the unfolding. You can for example use a placeholder for the SolidWorks configuration name, in order to generate different target names for the unfolding of one part in different SolidWorks configurations. In the assembly context it is now also possible to allocate the same material dates to all sheet parts of the current assembly. In the example shown all sheet part components of the assembly receive the material dates indicated here. 

The sheet thickness of the parts will then be adapted if necessary and possible. Also the unfold parameters can be set with a new command in the assembly context for all sheet parts of the current assembly.

Calculate manufacturing cost

SPI SheetMetalWorks allows for a cost calculation. The cost factors can now be saved as different cost configurations  for a later re-use. Also the set-up costs can be entered as a cost factor.

Certified Gold Product

SheetMetalWorks from SPI is a Certified Gold Product and is 100% integrated with SolidWorks.