How to Do a Sketched Bend in SOLIDWORKS

A sketched bend bends a sheet metal part along a line you draw in a sketch. It is useful when you need to add a controlled bend after creating a flat sheet metal shape.

Prepare the sheet metal part

Start with a sheet metal body that has a flat face where the bend line can be sketched. The part should already have a sheet metal thickness and bend settings. If the body is not recognized as sheet metal, convert it before adding the sketched bend.

Create the bend line sketch

1. Select the flat face where the bend will be located.
2. Start a sketch.
3. Draw a straight bend line.
4. Dimension the line location from edges or other references.
5. Exit the sketch.

The bend line should be fully defined. A loosely placed line can move later and change the bend location unexpectedly.

Add the sketched bend

Go to the Sheet Metal tools and choose Sketched Bend. Select the bend line sketch, choose the fixed face, and set the bend angle. The fixed face tells SOLIDWORKS which side of the sheet should stay in place while the other side bends.

Choose the bend direction

Use the preview to confirm the bend direction. If the part bends the wrong way, reverse the direction or adjust the angle. Check whether the bend is measured as an included angle or bend angle based on the settings shown in the PropertyManager.

Review the flat pattern

After creating the bend, flatten the part and verify the flat pattern. Confirm that the bend allowance, bend radius, and relief settings match your sheet metal process. A bend that looks correct in 3D can still create a flat pattern that needs manufacturing review.

Troubleshooting

If the feature fails, check that the bend line lies on the selected face and crosses the sheet metal area properly. If the wrong side moves, select the other fixed face. If the bend interferes with nearby geometry, add reliefs or adjust the bend location.