Controlling the dimension outside of sheet metal bends

[XVdTfgW5vM]

How do I have the dimension outside of a sheet metal bend be the driving (the specified) rather than the driven (the result)?

Ex: A strip of sheet metal is bent into a U shaped channel. The cross section is to be a 6 inch square on the outside.

Thanks, Bob

 

[HaroldL]

Create your sheet metal part with the material on the inside. Then the controlling sketch and dimension is on the outside.

 

[XVdTfgW5vM]

Using the Contour Base Feature, that works.

When asking the question I was trying to start with a Tab Base Feature and added Flanges. Can it be done using this approach?

 

[simonb65]

Just create a Tab base 6" wide then use the outside flange alignment on the 2 edges ...

 

[simonb65]

and to get your 6" square U channel, set your flange length and reference to ...

 

[XVdTfgW5vM]

Thank you Simon. Hiding in plain sight are the three "Alignment" buttons.