From 3-d Sketch to Sheetmetal

I am having some problems trying to create a sheetmetal
part. I am filling a gap between two sheetmetal parts with a complex
third. This involves me making a 3-D sketch of the third using lots of
reference dimensions. Now that i have completed that sketch I would
like to make that straight into a sheetmetal part. This should be a
basic extrusion but i am not able to do it. Any ideas?

 

Hi W. I usually put the parts I need to connect into an assembly, and
then work on the connecting part by referencing features on those
parts.

An alternative is to start by putting sketches of the other parts into
the part you are creating. Create planes locating these sketches and
copy the sketches from the existing parts.

Once the new connecting part is stable (if I don't think significant
changes are coming), I usually delete the external references or do a
save as to a different part #.

Feel free to post pictures, a link to your parts or more info if you
need more help.

You mentioned a "basic extrusion." Be sure you are using the sheetmetal
base flange for your extrusion. If that doesn't work from your sketch,
then SW won't see it a s sheetmetal. That said, there are lots of work
arounds.

Hope this helped. Diego