To create a bent lofted bend:
- Create two separate open profile sketches.
The sketches can be on parallel or non-parallel planes.
- Click Lofted Bend
(Sheet Metal toolbar) or .
-
Under Manufacturing Method, select Bent.
The bent manufacturing method creates real physical bends, rather than formed geometry and approximated bend lines in a flat pattern. Bent lofted bends form a realistic transition between two profiles to facilitate instructions for press brake manufacturing. Arcs are approximated by faceted segments.
This manufacturing method works with parts created in SOLIDWORKS 2013 and later.
- In the graphics area, select both sketches.
In the PropertyManager, under Profiles 
, the sketch names appear.
- Under Faceting Options, select one of the following:
 |
Chord Tolerance |
Sets the maximum distance between the arc and the linear segment. |
 |
Number of Bends |
Sets how many bends are applied to each transition. |
 |
Segment Length |
Specifies the maximum length of the linear segment. |
 |
Segment Angle |
Specifies the maximum angle between two adjacent linear segments. |
-
Examine the path preview. Click Move Up
or Move Down 
to adjust the order of the profiles, or re-select the sketches to connect different points on the profiles.
-
Select Refer to endpoint to specify whether the created bends refer to a sharp corner in the profile or whether the sharp corner is replaced with adjacent bends to form an approximated arc in the corner.
- Set Sheet Metal Parameters, Bend Allowance and Auto Relief as you do for other sheet metal commands.
- Set a value for Thickness.
- Optionally, click Reverse Direction
.
- Click
.