Sheetmetal parts in Solidworks... this time diff covers

[motobilt]

I have people ask me all the time about my design process. Depending on what the end goal is I may or may not turn to Solidworks first. It it is a one off part I will more than likely hand build the part. If it is something I intent to build over and over (production parts) I will create drawings in Solidworks. Building assemblies in the 3D environment allows for checking fit and clearances. Keep in mind... garbage in = garbage out. So it is very important to measure, measure, measure, and measure some more.

Here are some diff covers I am working on. I have been building these for many years.... well at my previous company I sold at few years ago. i am prepping to begin making a few versions in the near future.

Dana 44

Dana 60/70

Corp 14 Bolt

 

[bullnerd]

Good stuff Dan!

I've been following you on IG for a while so I don't miss anything.

 

[motobilt]

Good stuff Dan!

I've been following you on IG for a while so I don't miss anything.

Thanks. I wish there was more time in the day so I could do a better job keeping up to date on the different forums.

 

[paramud]

Fun fun! All I do at work is virtually bend sheet metal.

Is it possible to show a weld in solidworks?
Inventor has a way but it is a pain.

 

[steel 35]

Took longer to look at that then a few Playboys

 

[motobilt]

Fun fun! All I do at work is virtually bend sheet metal.

Is it possible to show a weld in solidworks?
Inventor has a way but it is a pain.

Yes, but I never bother with it.

Dan

 

[motobilt]

Took longer to look at that then a few Playboys

LOL Thanks

 

[Thumper68]

Very nice I will be looking at getting a few over the next few years the corp 14 version, what will they be made of?

 

[dv8customs]

Looks good, I've been using solidworks for about 15 years now but never really messed with the sheet metal part. Going to be taking a sheet metal class this week and I'm pretty excited to see what all it offers

 

[Project_shadow]

Anything for the gm 10 bolt in plans?

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Nice work man. Solidworks has some pretty nice sheet metal tools. Can make life really easy especially if you need to map out laser cut patterns for bent sheet parts.

 

[StreetGliderX]

Man that looks good. I have a CNC plasma table and I love to fab parts. I'm still using Corel draw for my plain sheet metal parts. How easy is it to learn solid works and how cost effective is it to have solid works over other programs. I don't produce anything in mass but I may one day want to. My table will handle 6'x12' metal and I can cut up to 1-1/2"

 

[Jim Johnstone]

Solidworks is easy enough to learn but I wouldn't call it cost effective. Look into alibre if you want a cost effective cad package. Not as powerful as solidworks but it's not meant to be.

 

[TheLurker]

Solidworks is easy enough to learn but I wouldn't call it cost effective. Look into alibre if you want a cost effective cad package. Not as powerful as solidworks but it's not meant to be.

I believe Alibre is now Geomagic

 

[bsaint]

Do you have any covers you can show up folded? I would like too see how they fold a bowl on a press brake.

 

[chevy3755]

consider one for a ford 9 inch.......you will probably need to attach it with small screws

 

[motobilt]

Solidworks is fairly easy to get the hang up. I believe the learning curve comes more in understanding the tools used to fabricate the part you are drawing. For instance you can draw some very detailed sheet metal parts that may not translate well on a press brake. Understanding the tooling used is paramount. The same goes with machined parts. You don't want to design past the tooling ability. In other words what is the point in drawing a 10 dollar part that would require making a custom 5000 dollar die. So when learning pay close attention to how the parts will be made.

Solidworks is not the cheapest software package out there. I find benefit in using it for many reasons. It may not make sense for the hobby guy because of the investment.

There are some good tutorials on www.lynda.com

 

[motobilt]

Anything for the gm 10 bolt in plans?

If you are ready to throw down on one PM me and I will see when I can work it in. It may be after the first of the year before I can get to it.

 

[Project_shadow]

Well I was planning to after Christmas but tuition got in the way lol

 

[csp]

How about a 13 bolt like Crane used to have before Josh sold it to the current owners?

Edit: Looks like they sell it again.

 

[motobilt]

I will more than likely build a 13 bolt conversion cover soon

 

[Mario428]

Not to hi-jack but a sheet metal 9 inch done in Solidworks

The model

the finished product

 

[motobilt]

consider one for a ford 9 inch.......you will probably need to attach it with small screws

I have built them for the 9 inch. They simply weld on the housing.

 

[iajonesy]

Have you done any for the Ford 8.8 rear ends? I'd be interested,pending a price. Thanks.

Mike