Problem with Sheet Metal Bends

[reggy]

I am attempting to make three simple bends in a sheet metal part that was not sketched and extruded in the sheet metal mode. I know it can be done because I have done it several times awhile back. Unfortunately there is something that I am not remembering because I am getting a message "this bend cannot be flattened".
I have a step by step outline that I made when I did get it to work before that seems to be out of whack slightly, if someone would be kind enough to e-mail me I will send the short doc file to them to perhaps see where I went wrong when I wrote it. I can also send the SWX file so that you can see first hand what I am attempting in vain to do.
r.alden@yahoo.com
I am thanking you all,
reggy

[JD Mather]

Can you zip and attach the files here?

[reggy]

Since I have posted this thread, I did find something that I was doing wrong and I was able to get it to work, but "somewhat balky". For some reason the fixed surface selection doesn't take effect consistently, and I sometimes get the message to "select another part of the surface*.
I have attached my synopsis of the procedure, and I would really appreciate your going over it step by step and correct what needs to be corrected, or if there are any errors in the sequence.
Many thanks and much appreciation for your response to my plea for help.
Warmest regards,
reggy

[JD Mather]

Without a part file there is little information I could add.

[reggy]

I am sorry that I am not able to compress the file enough to meet the Forum size requirement. I believe I have to learn the method of surpressing parts in the design tree, to substantially shrink the file in size.
I appreciate your response, as always.
reggy

[JD Mather]

In SolidWorks 2007 and later you can roll up the end of part to make the file size smaller before zipping - simple drag the bar below the last feature to above the first feature and then zip.

In earlier releases you can make the file size smaller by creating a rectangle sketch larger than the object and the Extrude to encompass the entire part into simple "box". Change to wireframe view instead of shaded and then zip. The person on the other end can simply delete the last feature - the box - to recover all of the features.

[reggy]

Dr. Mather,
Thank you so much. That is an invaluable tool to have, and thanks for spending your time to respond to those of us who are in need of those tools.
reggy