Cross Breaking Sheet Metal

The cross break command lets you insert a graphical representation of a cross break in a sheet metal part.

Cross breaking sheet metal.

Cross breaks are most commonly in an x shape forming a slight pyramid shape in the metal without overly distorting it. The functionality seems to be there in the solidworks cross break command on the sheet metal toolbar but upon inspection the cross break it inserts is merely cosmetic. We used the following equipment to produce this video. In most applications this will be sufficient since the distortion on the actual component will be minimal.

The crossing ridges stiffen the face of the metal and help prevent is from buckling under a load. To form the operator marks the bend line on the sheet as a guide then lines it up with punch tip and performs a shallow bend. Cross braking is a technique performed using a press brake. A second bend is made across this initial one leaving an x impression on the sheet.

A cross break in sheet metal is when multiple obtuse bend angles of approximately 170 are made across a flat section thin metal. Most design softwares with respectable sheet metal packages will have a specific cross break function creo is more of a solid modeler than a sheet metal package. So on the same page they mention. Cross breaks in hvac or duct work design cross breaks are used to stiffen sheet metal.