HELP!! Sheet Metal Flat Model

[rnewcomb]

IS there a way to use the flat model of a sheet metal part?

I want to save only the flat model from the IPT file and use it to build a die.

[chad38 · Accepted solution]

You could always use the "unbend" command, and save as to a new part name?

[rnewcomb]

Would you know how to make a model of a blower side with a venturi which is a revolved feature and have it flatten for a flat pattern??

I'll send file for you to look at.

Rod

[chad38]

No idea how to go about getting a true flat pattern for a feature like in the part file you attached. No idea at all. However, if you were open to changing the way the part is constructed, you could make an assembly with 2 parts. First part being the flat face, and the second part perhaps composed of lofted flanges?

[rnewcomb]

I do not mind changing the way we constuct the part at all, I am very open.

right now we make two files, one that is only the flat for the drawing flat pattern and cnc file and one that is the formed to use for the assembly model of the enire blower. I am really wanting to be able to make this of one ipt and then have it flatten.

By having two files we have to make sure we edit both files when we need to make a change, which is something I would like to change.

[chad38]

Actually, now that I've thought about it a bit more, I'm not even sure that feature can be made in any way that can flatten out....because you say this is for a venturi, I assume that step-bending would not be an option for that feature. I think someone with a bit more experience in this software may be needed to look and say whether this feature can be created in a way that is flattenable in Inventor.

[rnewcomb]

Well Chad, I appreciate your interes and help

I have looked for this for a while now and it just doesn't seem to be something that can be done. oh well

again thank you

Rod

[CCarreiras]

Hi!

No flat for this part... this is a plastic deformation, inventor only calculate bend deformation.

Did you find this reply helpful ? If so, use the    Accept as Solution or Kudos - Thank you!

[rnewcomb]

This is a sheet metal die formed part, there should be a way to do this in Inventor, the data is in the model

[chad38]

If we were using Solid Edge, I could do it no problem. I think this is one more thing that Inventor needs to invent a way to do this. But more than that they need to do a "normal cutout" function in sheet metal......and that cut across bend thing is total junk you shouldn't have to go that far just to create a simple cutout.

[rnewcomb]

I am going to have to post this question to Autodesk and see what they say