Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

Hi,

I have an elbow with a slit on the other side and would like to use Flatten feature in sheet metal. How do I do it? I tried but an error pops-up, and I do not have an idea does it mean.

I have attach the file.

Maybe, anybody has a workaround if Inventor can not make it. Appreciate your assistance.

[#2]

See attached part.

Creating the sheet metal part using the available tools will usually result in a decent flat pattern.

Sometimes it hit or miss, at least in my experience.

[#3]

How will the part be manufactured?

Can you post a picture of an actual finished part?

[#4]

This is a pretty good example, that people shouldn't trust very much in Inventor's Flat patterns, that are made from contour roll.

Walter

[#5]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for the assistance.

Is that the correct shape "Rectangle" after invoking the Flatten feature?

I thought there should be a slope kinda shape.

[#6]

Hi JD,

The part is made of a flexible jacket (I think you have already encountered this issue before)... I am just looking for an alternative way in making use of Inventors ability in creating flat patterned using the sheet metal development.

Honestly, I am trying my best to convience my boss that we should stick in Inventor rather than shifting to solidworks. For the reasons that I am ever since a user of Autodesk products and pretty much used to its features and commands.

But, when it comes to flatting an elbow like shape, I do not know how to defend it.

That is why, I am trying my best to look for any alternative solutions by of course using Inventors ability.

[#7]

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WillieArolf wrote:

Honestly, I am trying my best to convience my boss tha....

But, when it comes to flatting an elbow like shape, I do not know how to defend it.

---

Have your boss invite a VAR to demonstrate this same part in SolidWorks.  

[#8]

Buy this program - cheap and they did have it free for 2011.  Not a salesman - just a user.  Download a trial and take a look. 

http://www.ductpro.net/

[#9]

Hi JD,

One of my collegue who is so eager to acquire solidworks (well, for the reason that he does not know how to use Autodesk Inventor) did brought my boss to one of the talks in solidworks and they have indeed should him that solidworks can do the sheet metal development after they flatten an object.

But, I did told my boss that they may have used a plug-in or third party software to the job. That is why I am asking for an alternative solutions like a plug-in for Inventor to the job.

[#10]

Hi RobJV,

Thank you for sharing this, I will try to DL the trial and look onto it.