Work with sheet metal punch tools

Sheet metal punch tools are iFeatures with more attributes.

Rename sheet metal punch iFeature

1. In the Extract iFeature dialog box, in the feature tree listing of the feature and its geometry, right-click the top level.
2. Enter a new feature name. For ease of use, give similar names to the iFeature file (.ide) and the iFeature.
   Note: Do not use spaces and other special characters in the feature name. The feature name is included in the parameter name, and sometimes in equations when placing the iFeature.

   When you place the Sheet Metal Punch iFeature, the new name displays in the browser. The saved file name does not change.

Add or remove parameter from sheet metal punch iFeature

In the Extract iFeature dialog box, current parameters are listed in the Selected Feature tree and the Size Parameters list.

Add to the Size Parameters table any values that can change in the iFeature. When you place an iFeature, the value is fixed for any parameter that is not in the Size Parameters table.

1. Click to expand a feature, and then right-click to add or remove all of its parameters from the Size Parameters table.
2. Right-click individual parameters to add or remove them from the Size Parameters table.

Define simplified flat pattern representation

In flat patterns of sheet metal parts, use a simplified sketch to display complex punch features.

First define the size and position parameters for your sheet metal punch iFeature. Then:

1. In the Extract iFeature dialog box, Manufacturing area, click Select Sketch.
2. In the part browser:

   Click the sketch node that defines the iFeature,

   or

   Click any unconsumed sketch with a single unconsumed centermark defined, that was created to simplify your punch feature in the flat pattern.

   Note: If you select a sheet metal punch iFeature that contains no centermarks, when you save it later, an error message advises you to edit the sketch to add or delete centermarks.

Define optional depth parameter

First define the size and position parameters for your Sheet Metal Punch iFeature. Then:

• In the Extract iFeature dialog box, in Depth, Custom, enter a value.

Use table-driven sheet metal punch iFeature

First use iFeature Author Table to create a table-driven Sheet Metal Punch iFeature.

To use the iFeature in a model, in the Insert iFeature dialog box, select the appropriate version.