What is a 'bending sequence' in the sheet metal environment of Solid Edge?

A 'bending sequence' in the sheet metal environment of Solid Edge is defined as an indication of the order of bends required to manufacture a part. This sequence is critical in sheet metal fabrication because the order in which bends are made can greatly affect the final shape, the ease of manufacturing, and the integrity of the material being worked on.

In manufacturing, certain bends must be performed before others to ensure that the component can be formed without interference between tools or equipment. Following the correct bending sequence helps prevent potential issues such as warping or the inability to fit parts together properly. By understanding and configuring the bending sequence in Solid Edge, designers and engineers can optimize the production process and avoid complications during manufacturing.

Other options do relate to aspects of sheet metal design or manufacturing, but they do not align with the specific definition of a bending sequence. For instance, calculating material thickness, simulating folding processes, or creating complex shapes are essential tasks but are distinct from specifying the order of bends necessary for assembling a sheet metal part.