Creates tab features on sheet metal parts.
There are two main workflows:
- Convert a junction into tabbed junction (in either Single tab or Array tab mode)
- Convert a curved hard edge into a curved tabbed connection of a flange and a bend (or lofted bend)
Accessing the Command
or
command bar: smtabcreate
menu bar: Sheet Metal | Tab | Create single Tab or Create array Tab
toolbar: Sheet Metal | Create single Tab or Create array Tab
ribbon: Sheet Metal | Create single Tab or Create array Tab
Quad cursor menu: Sheet Metal | Create single tab feature or Create array tab feature
: SmTabCreate
Prompts you in the command bar (Single tab mode):
Select junction to create single tab or [Array tab/selection options (?)]: (Select junction face, then right click to proceed.)
Entities/subentities in set: 1
Enter the length of the tab or [select the Central point]: (Specify a point in 3D space or type a value in the dynamic length field.)
Prompts you in the command bar (Array tab mode):
Select junction or curved hard edge to create array tab or [Single tab/selection options (?)]: (Select junction face or a curved hard edge, then right click to proceed.)
Entities/subentities in set: 1
Accept tab configuration or [Flip tab/slot Number/Distance/Length/Round radius/CHamfer distance/Accept] <Accept>:
Command Options
Command options vary upon your choice of tab type.
Command options for a Single tab
Option |
Description |
Length |
Defines the length of the tab. A tab is placed symmetrically with respect to the center point. To define the length of the tab, type values in the dynamic length entry field: |
Central point |
Positions the tab along the junction. The dynamic dimension fields show the distance to the end points of the junction. Type values in the dynamic length entry fields, then press Enter or right click. Press the TAB key to switch between the entry fields: |
Command options for Array tab (a junction is selected)
Option |
Description |
Flip Tab |
If a tab feature is not symmetrical with respect to the junction sides. Use the flip option to toggle between two possible configurations. |
Slot Number |
Defines the number of slots. |
Distance |
Defines the distance between tab elements. |
Length |
Defines the length of a tab. |
Round Radius |
Creates a filleted tab with a given fillet radius. |
Chamfer Distance |
Creates a chamfered tab with a given chamfer parameter. |
Command options for Array tab (when a curved hard edge is selected)
No command options.
Related Commands
SmJunctionCreate - converts bends and hard edges (sharp edges between flange faces) into junctions.
SmDelete - removes a bend or a junction by restoring a hard edge between two flanges - removes a flange and all adjacent bends. The adjacent flanges are extended up to a junction configuration and the flange is deleted. Restores geometry removed by miter.
SmDissolve - removes sheet metal data from the selected faces or entities.