FreeCAD Extrude Spherical: A Comprehensive Guide

The FreeCAD Extrude Spherical tool is a powerful add-on that enables users to create and unfold sheet metal objects with ease. This workbench is designed to provide a range of tools for creating complex sheet metal models, including unfolding, folding, extending faces, making walls, and more.

One of the key features of this workbench is its ability to unfold folded sheet metal objects and generate an unfold solid and an outline sketch with bend lines. This process can be customized using a dialog box that allows users to set parameters such as the number of folds and the bend radius. Additionally, the tool can be used to create interlocking geometry by adding an outline sketch.

Another important feature is the ability to extend faces along their normal, which can be useful for creating flanges or hems. The tool also includes a 'Make Wall' function that adds a flange on each selected edge of a base plate, and a 'Make Base Wall' function that creates a sheet metal base object from a sketch.

The FreeCAD Extrude Spherical workbench is compatible with Part and PartDesign objects, as long as they meet certain characteristics. Specifically, the tools can only be used with parts made up of planar walls and cylindrical connections only.

In terms of installation, the workbench can be installed using the Addon Manager in FreeCAD. Additionally, users can find a detailed description of the tools on the author's blog.

One important consideration when working with this add-on is that exported DXF files may require modification to remove lines showing folds, as these lines may be used for cutting by machines such as laser cutters.

Overall, the FreeCAD Extrude Spherical workbench is a powerful and versatile tool that can help users create complex sheet metal models with ease. With its range of features and customization options, it is an essential add-on for any FreeCAD user working with sheet metal objects.

Freecad extrude spherical