Using SOLIDWORKS 3D Interconnect With Sheet Metal Parts

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The new 3D Interconnect functionality introduced in SOLIDWORKS 2017 is useful when working with a variety of native non-SOLIDWORKS files, including parts that are sheet metal in nature.

3D Interconnect Sheet Metal Example

A Note On Methodology

There are a few ways to add sheet metal information to a part referencing an external file. The trick when using 3D Interconnect is to add bends specifically using the Convert To Sheet Metal feature. Yes, the Add Bends feature will work initially. However, if a new version of the part comes along that changes more than the part thickness, the update will not work.

Now that we have the preliminaries out of the way, I present the method I’ve discovered to use SOLIDWORKS 3D Interconnect with sheet metal parts. If you try it, I’d love to hear how this method worked out for you.

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GSC fuels customer success with 3D engineering solutions for design, simulation, data management, electrical schematics, PCB, technical documentation, and 3D printing, as well as the most comprehensive consulting, technical support, and training in the industry. As a leading provider of SOLIDWORKS solutions, HP, and Markforged 3D printing technologies, GSC’s world-class team of dedicated professionals have helped numerous companies innovate and increase productivity by leveraging advanced technologies to drive 3D business success. Founded in 1989, GSC is headquartered in Germantown, WI. For more information about GSC, please visit www.gsc-3d.com.
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