Which sheet metal inputs does the software identify?
Autodesk's Fusion rule reference identifies material thickness, an internal bend radius and K-factor. It describes K-factor as neutral-axis offset from the inside bend surface divided by material thickness. These are distinct inputs; the external curved outline alone does not identify them.
Genset Enclosures is independent and is not affiliated with Autodesk. The rule reference explains software fields, not a universally correct value for a generator enclosure panel. Use the fabricator's approved process basis and the responsible designer's inputs.
What should the comparison matrix contain?
Compare the controlled folded model and its flat-pattern output from the same approved issue. Record local feature overrides where applicable so a shared rule name cannot conceal different inputs. Identify inside and outside references explicitly.
| Input | Controlled evidence | Question for the reviewer |
|---|---|---|
| Panel identity | Same panel and revision | Are the files actually the same part? |
| Material and thickness | Approved material record | Does the active rule match this thickness? |
| Inside radius | Model feature and drawing reference | Is the radius taken from the inside surface? |
| Unfolding basis | Approved rule or bend table reference | Is the selected basis valid for this process? |
| Feature override | Local bend settings | Does a feature differ from the document rule? |
| Output | Folded views and flat pattern issue | Were both regenerated from the same approved model? |
How can an outside-radius reading be mistaken for an inside radius?
Illustrative example. A fictional enclosure panel has a 3 mm inside bend radius and 2 mm sheet thickness. For concentric inner and outer circular surfaces in this simplified example, the outside radius is 5 mm. Copying 5 mm into an inside-radius field changes the modeled bend basis.
The example is geometry, not a fabrication prescription. It supplies no recommended radius, material, K-factor or flat blank size. The reviewer retains the actual reference surface and asks the designer and fabricator to resolve the mismatch before a revised output is released.
What does a successful file comparison still not establish?
A matching flat outline does not certify bend accuracy, acoustic performance, weather sealing or structural capacity. The enclosure GA also needs the correct panel orientation and interface references. Keep those acceptance decisions separate from the unfolding-source check.
Preserve the original rule and outputs; do not adjust an arbitrary K-factor until a desired blank size appears. A controlled correction needs an approved process basis and a check of the regenerated folded and flat deliverables. Engineering sign-off is performed only by the registered engineer on the job.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Is outside radius the inside radius?
No. Name the surface and use the approved thickness and geometry.
Is one K-factor correct for all panels?
No universal value is supplied; use the approved process basis.
Does a flat pattern certify enclosure performance?
No. Technical performance requires separate qualified review.