How to Model Expanded Metal

3D Design Volume Model
1

Hello

I have a project to do with expanded metal, but I don't know how to model it at all.

Anyone has a how to go about it?

Thank you


metal-deploye.jpg
2

Hello

 

It may be difficult to model!

 

Wouldn't an image on a sheet metal be enough?

 

In this case, use the decals:

 

http://help.solidworks.com/2012/French/SolidWorks/sldworks/c_decals.htm

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3

Hello

In my opinion, you have to model everything in full and put on the plan that it's expanded metal.

Otherwise it will make your PC lag a lot... And the regeneration time will be very lonnnnng.

 

EDIT: and if it's for a rendering Lucas' method will be perfect

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4

Otherwise, they talk about it here:

http://www.forum-cao-3d.fr/solidworks-mise-en-plan/metal-deploye-t9844.html

 

Edit: but a priori, no real solution!

 

Otherwise download one directly from GrabCAD:

 

https://grabcad.com/library?per_page=20&query=expanded+metal

5

Hello

 

I would start by drawing a small area and then I would do a repetition to copy the shape.

 

S.B

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6

Unfortunately the image cannot be suitable.

I have cuts to make in it and my expanded metal panels need to connect to each other (that the meshes match), that's why I would need to model them.

7

I used to design expanded metal, at the time, I remember that I had a hard time.

 

But if you want, I can send you what I did.

 

Kind regards.

 

Edit: Here is a preview!


deploye.png
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8

In this case, I'll use a shape tool to do the warp and then a repeat:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob5L-fIGI9s

http://help.solidworks.com/2012/French/SolidWorks/sldworks/t_Applying_Forming_Tools_to_Sheet_Metal_Parts.htm

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9

as said above 

if it's for visual purposes the best is to take an appearance and stick on it

if you want to model all the waves it will be very heavy for your PC (RAM)

 

@+ ;-)

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10

You want the stitches to match, so you want to draw them.

It's going to be super heavy to manage and you'll need a racing beast as a station, but let's admit it.

 

But for the realization, how are you going to tell the sheet metal worker that he has to start from a specific point of the stitch?

In addition, who knows the regularity tolerance of the meshes?

I don't know how long your plates are but I'm curious to know if the stitches always fall opposite each other over a length of one meter.

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11

Otherwise I found some on Gabcad:

http://grabcad.com/library?per_page=20&query=expanded+metal

 

and it is indeed a tool of form that best represents (see image)

 

 


large.gif
12

@Tomalam it's the same GrabCAD link as my 2nd message ;-)

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13

For me you shouldn't really draw in terms of performance, it would be too greedy

Use the repeat rendering feature (only in rendering)

As on the screenshot below, the performance will be ditto a simple rectangular sheet metal

 


capture.png
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14

Sorry I hadn't seen it ^^  but you're talking too fast, I don't have time to read everything!  ;)

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15

@Bart. I want you to send me your expanded metal coins.

I'll see how it goes, maybe it can help me. I hope my machine doesn't catch fire ^^.

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16

Hello

As mentioned @jfaradon, I think texture is the easiest solution in terms of performance. Indeed, this texture is configurable and remains transparent in order to see through it. Especially since if you have to use this method on sheet metal on a construction site, the volume of deformations may not be necessary. Am I wrong?

Kind regards

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17

I modeled, not expanded metal, but spiked foam.

 

To lighten the file, a shape made and the repetitions made, I did a Step export, which I then imported back into a new model.

 

The result is a very fluid file and yet with a complex shape.

 

S.B


mousse.jpg
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18

Hello

On one of my macjines to lighten my plates and be able to align them I  had only made the sheet metal contours but it was only 1m by 0.5 so not too big as an assembly and take 10x10 mm square

 

19

Hello

 

If it's just to align meshes, personally I'd simplify the shape with a thin sheet metal with diamond cut (the equivalent of the expanded sheet metal seen from above).

On the other hand, I would only make these cutouts on the contours and in the places of the cutouts. Otherwise, as already said several times, it may indeed pedal severely ...

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20

Hello!

Model a sheet metal and remove material according to the section and angle of your geometry.

 

Kind regards