3D computer model of sheet metal tray and cover
3D Radan model of sheet metal tray and cover
I have chosen to included an image on this particular post of a 3D model showing a tray and cover. The sheet metal parts modeled here were quite simple but nicely show how useful 3D software modelling can be in practice when making sure components will fit together and are the correct size for production. This tray and cover had fixing bushes and clearance screw holes that could be tested before sending for CNC punching saving us the risk of scrap metal and ensuring a good quality final product for our customer. You can also benefit from this service for no extra cost as this is part of our setting up procedure and is not charge to you on a production batch. For more information on Radan software please take a look at our web page or give our engineering team a call and we will be happy to help you.
CNC program of a sheet metal gear tray
CNC program with tooling on a gear tray
Once a component or set of components has been successfully 3D modeled they can be developed into a flat blank, this one show here has the CNC punch press tooling symbols in place. The software automatically assigns the correct tooling for hole sizes, cut outs and outer profiles according to rules we have set up to suit our standard tooling and machine limitations. The human element is often needed just to complete the job then the part is ready to be nested in a sheet and then CNC punched for real. You can see on this tray that the 16 cutouts in the were produced by nibbling out the shape with several hits of a smaller stand CNC tool that we had in stock. This is standard practice on sheet metal components making CNC punching such a versatile production process.
Sheet metal electronics gear tray
Sheet metal gear tray
Here is a finished aluminium sheet metal tray that has been CNC punched and CNC bent up. You can see rectangular cut outs in the base of the tray which have been CNC punched out in the same way that the tooled image above was created. You can also see slight white marks in the aluminium running along with the bends. These are from the bottom V block when the tray was being folded up. In this case it didn’t matter to the customer but if it is a problem for you then we can use a thick plastic film which will protect the sheet metal from marks on the bend block.