Problem creating sheet part from imported DXF profile

Hi

I am tasked with converting a bunch of laser cur profiles in DXF file
format (includes the bend lines) to SW as bent sheetmetal parts.

I am importing these DXF files into a SW part and using the profiles
to form the sketch that I extrude to the material thickness to create
the "as flat" develeloped sheet part. As the bend lines are also
imported, I essentially have all the information I need to know where
each bend goes, and intend to use Sketched Bends to bend the part into
the correct shape.

However, there is an issue that can arise that I am trying to resolve
as efficiently as possible.

-> The bend lines obviously exist/are projected on the same plane as
the plane on which original imported profile was imported on to. Once
you create your first bend, you basically create a NEW plane on which
the bent sheet (or flange) now exists (typically at 90deg to the
original profile plane). Any further bend information that may apply
to this flange remains on the original profile sketch on the original
plane and can not be readily projected on to the newly created flange
plane, as the bend lines remains behind on the original plane/skecth.
Apart from manually adding your own sketch lines to this flange face
at the right position (double handling ), is there a more efficient
way/method to complete this task?

eg. is there an efficient way to perhaps use the existing bend line
info in the original profile sketch to perhaps "etch"/"score" the bend
lines on to the surface of the extruded profile (using something like
Convert Entities) so that when the sheet part is bent, the location of
the bend lines are effectively carried over with the bent flange,
allowing you to then readily use something like Convert Entities to
create the skecth for the Sketched Bend feature? I can kind of
"score" a line on the part surface if I use the bend lines as skecthes
for creating Split Lines, but if you do that, then any attempt to
create a Skecthed Bend along the split line fails.

Are there any recommended ways/methods to deal with.get around this
situation?

 

I think what you need to do is take advantage of one of the new
features from 2007. If you place you first sketched bend in the part
then unfold the part create a new sketch on the flange, convert
entities from one of the reference bend lines, exit sketch, and then
fold the part back up the sketch will follow the flange.

JP