Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Sheet metal Cad

dougrasmussen@... wrote:

>
> Tom,
>
> If you only need a couple of simple shapes, you might try some of
> the old sheet metal instructional books. Most have quite a series of
> common patterns and the methods to develop them. I've had good luck
> using the old methods and a simple 2D CAD program.
>
> On the other hand, if you need a full blown sheet metal CAD program
> that would handle details like multiple bending allowances, etc. then
> you're probably talking some big bucks. I think trade mags like The
> Fabricator (www.thefabricator.com) have ads for the high end stuff.

Don't you think that something simple like this can be designed
in Microsloth Excel and then plotted out on a printer? The
actual formulae for determining shapes are pretty trivial to set
up on Excel and then calculate. I suspect a good Excel
programmer could take into account sheet metal thickness quite
easily.

I'll withdraw my comments if you are running a CNC type cutter,
but if you are cutting by hand bandsaw or jigsaw, gluing a
printout on the sheetmetal is entirely practical.

JerryK