SHEETMETAL QUESTION - TWO PROFILES

[erbrown]

I have two end profiles that are different. I would like to make a sheet metal part from. I can loft between them and make solid part, but I can not get a flat pattern. I may be overlooking something simple. Any suggestions? Can I convert a lofted part to a sheetmetal part?

Thanks for the help in advance.
Rocky Brown
Aluminum Ladder Co.
erb@carbis.net

[Anonymous]

Sheet metal can only perform simple bends. Compound curves involve
distorting the material in more than one axis and can't be done.

Lofts almost inevitably cause compound curves so your chances of getting
a flat pattern range from exceedingly slim to none.

Search through some of the sites mentioned in Sean's weekly FAQ post and
you'll find examples of adapting from a square duct to a round one.
Perhaps this will inspire you as to a solution.

Richard

erbrown wrote:
> I have two end profiles that are different. I would like to make a sheet
> metal part from. I can loft between them and make solid part, but I can
> not get a flat pattern. I may be overlooking something simple. Any
> suggestions? Can I convert a lofted part to a sheetmetal part?
>
> Thanks for the help in advance.
> Rocky Brown
> Aluminum Ladder Co.
> erb@carbis.net
>

[jamesloberg]

Model your part with appropriate thickness and no bends, then derive its work body into a sheet metal part with a same thickness-parameter... sketch - Face - Bend, then Flat Pattern ... works like a charm.