Oftentimes, the designer will have an IGES or STEP file of the product data at full material thickness.

We have to perform a step known as “skinning” to get just the inside of metal surface in order to setup and run a simulation.

For you AutoForm users, [Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with AutoForm but have used their products] here is a step-by-step simple way to skin your parts.

After importing the product data, with the Geometry Generator open on the Pre tab and look to the “Define objects” area:

1. Select “Face Grouping”
2. Select Angle
3. Click OK
4. Select all product data
5. Assign to Deleted
6. Click Display deleted
7. Hold the Ctrl key down and select a surface on the master side of material
8. Click Part
9. Uncheck the Display deleted box
10. Click Apply

You now have a skinned part!