Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

Part of my job is to lay out blanks of 3D models so the blank can be sent out and cut.  Is there a way to convert an Inventor ipt file to a flat blank?  I have tried "convert to Sheet Metal" but Inventor reads the pre-bent part as the flat layout.  I am currently using Inventor 2013. i attached a drawing for an example if anyone can show me how.   

[#2]

For any chance of this part returning a flat pattern you will have to use the Sheet Metal tools to model.  Even then, not sure it will return correct flat pattern.

[#3]

Im not sure what you mean by sheet metal tools. Are you saying recreate this part in the sheet metal format?

[#4]

This part would be produced using a stamping method with a set of male and female dies. You created this item just using the Part template and not the Sheet-Metal template, a different set of tools.

Start with the Sheet-Metal template, create your flat bottom and then the flanges, you might be able to use the rolled contour tool to develop the offsets. Or sketch a line to the outside profile and extrude to surface, then use the Thicken tool to get the proper thickness, then use the Contour to develop the offsets.  I really think that this is outside of the S-M module in Inventor.

You might look at a 3rd-party tool such as AutoPol

[#5]

So basically you are saying a fully bent model made in ipt format cannot be laid out as a flat sheet metal without recreating it in the sheet metal template? I get most models sent to me (in ipt) so recreating them would not be time efficient.  But thanks, i will look into the software you listed below.  At least i dont need to waste time trying to accomplish this anymore!

[#6]

Generally here is no difference in creating with sheet metal tools or the standard tools as long as the part is one that can be folded on a press brake.

The problem with this particular part is it is a draw formed die part - not a folded part.

In some cases Inventor has gotten around that with Contoured Roll and some Lofted Flange features, but I am skeptical about this particular part.

If there were some Rips in these areas then the part could be made on a press brake.

[#7]

I get what you are saying.  I guess my main question is; Is there an easy way to take an ipt model and get a flat layout of it?  Completely recreating the part in the sheet metal format is not going to help me.  I need to take a pre-made part and lay that out as a blank to save time.  Is that possible?  I am assuming not.  I attached a different model without the offsets.  

[#8 · Accepted solution]

Convert to Sheet-Metal, go to Sheet-Metal Setup, set your thickness to the 3.42mm and the model will flatten. As is done in your sample.

[#9]

The only thing that you may need to change is the k-factor. Each machine and bending process most of the time requires a different k-factor to allow to develope the correct flat layout.

[#10]

You answered both parts of my question.  Originally i tried adjusting to the correct material thickness and it didnt help.  Now i realize its because i chose a part that would be produced using a stamping method.  I just assumed i was doing something else incorrect.  I can at least use this for 50% of my blank layouts.  Thanks!