We use Solidworks at work and it's great if you use it a lot. I don't, so have to relearn everything everytime I do anything. I have decades using 2D cad and that really does everything I need. The game changer is if you want to do 3D printing. New machines are extremely good and you need a good cad system to take advantage of them. I tried Openscad and it's not bad, but tedious for larger projects.
I just opened Fusion 360 and was prompted to update it. There is a generative feature but I didn't have time to look into it. Off to shovel compost to keep my wife happy. 5 yards to move by the wagon load
For 2D you just need to output a .dxf file from the 2D drawing for the fab.
For 3D it's much more work to make the drawing.
Sendcutsend has some info. https://sendcutsend.com/services/cnc-bending/
It's pretty decent for doing sheet metal too.
That's a LOT to shovel by hand. 🙁
jeff
All design and validation software is knowing the "trick" to get it to do what you want. One example comes to mind in LTSpice; creating an output transformer. You cant just say "4500 Ohm, primary - center tapped, 8 Ohm secondary". You have to describe it in its way. Possible, if you know the trick.
Was hoping to focus this thread more on the fabrication of sheet metal, not so much the CAD part. But hey, the CAD part is interesting too.
@rdb64 Do you currently have a work space and tools ? Grinder, drill, clamps?
I have a some steel sheet as well as some perforated steel that has been earmarked for chassis work. I'll get something drawn up, schedule time in the sheetmetal shop and post my results if you're interested. If the open shop schedule doesn't agree with my available time, maybe I'll finally fab a small brake
I have a some steel sheet as well as some perforated steel that has been earmarked for chassis work. I'll get something drawn up, schedule time in the sheetmetal shop and post my results if you're interested. If the open shop schedule doesn't agree with my available time, maybe I'll finally fab a small brake
Personally, I'll do anything to avoid working in sheet steel. I'll happily machine steel parts, milled and turned, but steel enclosures are an exercise in misery.
I have lots of hand tools and a table-top drill press (and a 3D printer) but no CNC or brake. Based on the helpful info in this thread, my plan is to get experience in a maker space and then buy what I need for future projects. I checked out one maker space last night. They have some CNC laser cutters, but they're more for wood and acrylic or very thin metal -- for artistic pieces, not structural. There are two more local spaces that I plan to check out in the coming week.
Yes, please. In general, I'd love to see more examples of how you all have fabricated your sheet metal parts for your diy audio: the steps and equipment involved.
Aluminum cuts like butter compared to most steels. I spec 5052 for pretty much everthing that's going to be bent into boxes etc. Easy to bend, cut, drill, tap etc.
jeff
"Personally, I'll do anything to avoid working in sheet steel. I'll happily machine steel parts, milled and turned, but steel enclosures are an exercise in misery."
Many years ago I was at a local anodizing shop and saw this large bright blue "box". I asked and it was an animal cage for NASA. At first glance it looked like sheet metal but when I got closer it turned out it was all machined down from from 3/4" aluminium plates. Exquisite work but $$$$. Still tiny $ compared to the cost of sending it up.
Many years ago I was at a local anodizing shop and saw this large bright blue "box". I asked and it was an animal cage for NASA. At first glance it looked like sheet metal but when I got closer it turned out it was all machined down from from 3/4" aluminium plates. Exquisite work but $$$$. Still tiny $ compared to the cost of sending it up.