How to convert to a Normal Cut in SOLIDWORKS 2018

When creating cut-extrudes on sheet metal models, it is recommended to choose the Normal Cut option under cut-extrude properties. What if a cut has already been made on a sheet metal and it is not normal? It could even be made by cut-loft feature. In SOLIDWORKS 2018, a new feature has been added to the sheet metal toolbar to convert tilted cuts on sheet metal to normal cuts.

Creating a Normal Cut

In the following a sheet metal part is shown with a hole in the middle. The hole is cut using cut-loft. Therefore, the sidewalls of the hole are not normal to the face of the sheet metal.

A Sheet Metal with a Tilted Hole in the Middle

Now if we use the Normal Cut feature under sheet metal toolbar or under Insert > Sheet Metal; we can make the hole sidewalls normal to the sheet metal. Here is how:

1. Click Normal Cut
2. In the PropertyManager, under Faces For Normal Cut , select Auto Propagation
3. In the graphics area, select the face of the cut (The software selects all faces of the cut)
4. In the PropertyManager, under Parameters, select Extent. With Extent, the maximum amount of geometry is cut based on the outline at the top and bottom face
5. Click the green checkmark. The faces of the cut are normal to the top and bottom faces of the part (see below).

Normal Cut Feature has Straightened the Sidewalls of the Hole