Autodesk Inventor

[#1]

Hey everyone:

I've read up on some threads on this and didn't seem to find a definite answer either way, so I thought I'd start another thread on it. 

Let's say that I'm making a simple L bracket.  I'm going to form it, and machine the holes in both ends *after* forming.  So I don't want the holes to show in my flat pattern. 

On the few threads I found, the consensus seemed to be that you may have to have the part file contain no holes and put them in as assembly.  So I just accepted this that it must not be able to be done.

Then I ran across a piece of promo literature online from AutoDesk that made mention of the ability to create "postform" features that obviously are created after the forming process.

Any ideas how to do this?

Thx!

[#2]

I would use Derived Component rather than assembly unless that is the way it is really made drilling holes through mating parts at assembly level.

[#3]

I'm not familar with the derived component process.  From what little I've read on it, I don't really understand how it applies to this situation.  Can you enlighten me a little with a workflow process?

Thanks!

[#4]

I agree with creating the blank formed sheet metal part then creating a derived component. To do that you would create your new sheet metal formed part then save it. Start a new file and exit the sketch. Then in the Manage tab of your ribbon under insert you will find the Derive command select it. When asked which file select your formed sheet metal part. Now the file is linked back to the formed sheet metal part (with no holes) and you can now add the holes to the part. Any changes to the formed part will show up in the derived part.

Note: if you want to flatten the derived part you will need to set it up as a sheet metal part and use the same styles as you did in the formed part.