Designing a Sheet Metal Enclosure with SOLIDWORKS

Introduction

• Welcome
• Using the exercise files

1. Sheet Metal Tools Review

• Reviewing the Base tool
• Using the Flange tool
• Building tabs
• Working with the Edge Flange
• Making miter flanges

2. Enclosure Design

• Building the rough enclosure shape
• Designing the cover
• Creating the tabs and corners
• Connecting the parts with hardware
• Adding vents to the design
• Working with nested assemblies

3. Working with Circuit Boards and Components

• Circuit-board basics
• Adding components to the design
• Reference documents and data sheets
• Panel-mounted components

4. Cutting Holes for Connectors

• Placing the board in the enclosure
• Adding standoffs and in-context holes
• Cutting holes for the connectors
• Using block cutouts

5. Adding Graphics

• Adding decals to the design
• Adding graphics to parts

6. Sheet Metal Drawings

• Making assembly drawings
• Adding part drawings
• Creating flat patterns
• Saving to DXF or DWG
• Saving to the STEP format
• Preparing for manufacturing
• Manufacturing resources

Conclusion

• Next steps