How to Configure Sheet Metal Settings in BricsCAD Mechanical

Quick answer: The Sheet Metal section of the Settings dialog controls Sheet Metal properties across four groups: Commands, Feature colors, Initial parameters, and Modeling. Most sheet metal settings store with the drawing itself, so for the best results, always start from a Sheet Metal template DWT file, or build your own.

Commands

Controls the behaviour of the various Sheet Metal commands. Before BricsCAD V19, these were options within each individual command; they moved into the Settings dialog to simplify the command interface. The Layers used for Sheet Metal Unfolding setting here determines how unfolded parts appear.

Feature Colors

Visually distinguishes different sheet metal feature types by color, adjustable per feature type, confirming exactly the same per-type color adjustment covered on this hub’s Feature Coloring page.

Initial Parameters

Responsible for initializing the Sheet Metal Context associated with a drawing, confirming the Initial parameters concept mentioned on this hub’s Mechanical Browser for Sheet Metal page. This includes two sub-groups: Modeling (settings grouped by feature type) and Unfolding (controlling the K-factor value, Form feature unfolding mode, and Bend line extent type and value).

Modeling

Worth flagging: the source uses “Modeling” as a heading twice with different meanings, once as the sub-group under Initial Parameters just described above, and again here as its own standalone top-level section. This standalone Modeling section includes the SMSMARTFEATURES user preference, controlling the local, intelligent update of geometry after Sheet Metal commands execute, see this hub’s separate Smart Features article for the full explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Sheet Metal command options moved into the Settings dialog? To simplify each individual command’s interface, this change happened starting with BricsCAD V19.

What does the Layers used for Sheet Metal Unfolding setting control? The appearance of unfolded parts.

Where should I start from if I want consistent sheet metal settings across new drawings? A Sheet Metal template DWT file, since most sheet metal settings store with the drawing itself.

What does SMSMARTFEATURES actually control? The local, intelligent update of geometry after Sheet Metal commands are executed.