Introduction:
When designing sheet metal parts, especially enclosures or electronic housings, proper ventilation is crucial. Not only does it help manage heat dissipation, but it can also influence aesthetics and manufacturing efficiency. Fortunately, SOLIDWORKS makes it easy with the Vent Tool, a powerful feature tailored for creating custom vent patterns right in your sheet metal designs.
Keep your sheet metal model parametric and easy to update.
How to Use the Vent Tool in Sheet metal?
- Open a sheet metal part in SOLIDWORKS.
- Start a new sketch on the face where the vent will be placed.
- Sketch the vent boundary (the outer shape of your vent), usually a rectangle or circle
- Go to Insert > Sheet Metal > Vent.
- In the Vent Property Manager:
Select the sketch as the vent boundary, Add ribs and fill-in options as needed. Customize thickness, spacing, and end conditions.
1. Rib Thickness
Definition: Sets how thick the supporting ribs will be.
Why it matters: Thicker ribs provide more strength but may block airflow or cause molding issues.
Tip: Use a balanced value (e.g., 1–2 mm for plastic parts).
2. Draft Angle
Definition: Adds taper to the vent walls and ribs.
Why it matters: Important for parts made with injection molding; it helps release the part from the mold.
Tip: Use 1–3° draft for plastic parts.
3. Spar Direction
Definition: Controls the direction of the main support elements (spars) that go across the vent.
Why it matters: Helps direct airflow or reinforce specific directions (e.g., along or across a panel).
Tip: Align with the long axis of the part or expected load direction.
4. Vent Fill-In Options
Definition: Options to fill the vent area with a pattern or spars.
Includes:
Number of Ribs: Controls how many ribs are added.
Spar Thickness: Thickness of the cross-supports.Spacing: Distance between ribs/spars.
Why it matters: Controls the balance between open area (for airflow) and strength.
- Click OK, and your vent pattern is generated automatically.
Tips for Effective Vent Design:
- Use centerlines and symmetry to keep patterns balanced.
- Stick to standard slot dimensions for easier manufacturing.
- Consider airflow and structural integrity — too many vents can weaken the sheet metal.
- Use Design Library to store common vent styles for future use.
Conclusion:
The Vent Tool in SOLIDWORKS is an underrated yet powerful feature for anyone working with sheet metal parts. Whether you’re designing for thermal management or just want to add some visual flair to your design, this tool will save time and elevate your work.