Base Feature in NX Sheet Metal

When you start to design a sheet metal part, first of all, you should create the main feature of the sheet metal. This main feature of the sheet metal is created by the “Tab” command in the NX sheet metal design.

Tab command is used to extrude a sketch to define sheet metal thickness to create a base feature.

To create a base feature in the sheet metal

1. Start the “Tab” command.
2. The dialog box will open.
3. Select sketch to create a base feature of the sheet metal.
   Note: If you select sketch in the graphics window, the inner curves are not selected. To select all curves in the sketch for the “Tab” command, Click on the sketch in the “Part Navigator”.
   Note 2: You can create a “Tab” sketch by clicking on the “Sketch Section” icon near the “Select Curve” Bar in the “Tab” command dialog box.
4. The preview will be seen in the graphics window.
5. If you want to change extrude direction, Click on the “Reverse Direction” icon in the “Thickness” Group.
6. You can not change and type the thickness value in the thickness box.
   To change thickness:
   1. Click on the “=” sign near the thickness value to launch the formula editor.
   2. Click on “Use Local Value” in the opening list.
   3. The thickness box will open for editing.
   4. Type a new thickness value in the “Thickness” box.
7. Click “Ok” to create a base feature and exit from the command.