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.

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. The cross break is not a geometric entity and does not alter the geometry of the part. Cross braking is a technique performed using a press brake. We used the following equipment to produce this video.

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. 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. The crossing ridges stiffen the face of the metal and help prevent is from buckling under a load. Cross breaks in hvac or duct work design cross breaks are used to stiffen sheet metal.

Cross breaks are most commonly in an x shape forming a slight pyramid shape in the metal without overly distorting it. The reason is that there are too many tweaks in sheet metal that are tooling dependent and do not affect realizable parts. So on the same page they mention. A second bend is made across this initial one leaving an x impression on the sheet.