derived part flat pattern or multi flat patter in one part

[cadman777]

I can't find a way to create multi flat patters in one part from a lofted sheetmetal part.
Anybody know if this is possible, and if so, how?
Also, didn't the developers fix the 'can't make a flat pattern from a derived part'?
If they did, can someone please tell me what the 'trick' is?
Thanks ... Chris

[JDMather]

>Also, didn't the developers fix the 'can't make a flat pattern from a derived part'?

Works fine here (in fact I can't remember a time when it didn't). Attach your file here. Most common problem is beginners tend to forget to set thickness standard in the derived. Second most common problem beginners tend to derive from parts that didn't have proper bending zone to begin with.

[cadman777]

JD,
Thanks for that beginner's tip (set thickness standard correctly).
Worked like a charm! (Too bad I couldn't find that in the help file!)
I'm sure there's a lot of beginner's tips I still need.
Have you written a concise and simple book I can buy that has all the beginner's tips for all the IV modules?
I'm sure all the mechanical engineers who use IV (who haven't taken certified training) would love to get a copy of that book. I know I sure would!
Tell me how to order your book.
Cheers ... Chris

[JDMather]

>Tell me how to order your book.

Near as I can tell it doesn't pay well to write a book. So all I have is some disjointed notes.

You might check here
http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/AU2006/MA13-3%20Mather.pdf

and

http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/content/DSG322/inventor_surface_tutorials.htm

and a ton of stuff is now available in the free online classes here http://au.autodesk.com

[cadman777]

JD,
Thanks!
I remember reading through your 'in 90 minutes' booklet.
It was very good ... lots to remember.
Good thing I do about 80% of that stuff already.
Some good tips I need to regularly review until they all stick.
Also, I briefly looked at that web site too, but taking a close look got pushed aside by 'the daily urgent'.
Maybe you should put all this in a book form or on a CD and sell for a small fee?
I bet it will be good compared to the stuff that's inches thick that nobody has time to use.
A well thought-out quick reference for categorical thinkers is the best thing for busy mechanical people.
Cheers ... Chris

[thedelee]

I occasionally create a skeleton, and derive seperate sheet metal parts from different sides of it due to sheet size availability. For some reason IV 2013 keeps changing the thickness of the parts to be the same as the skeleton, even though some of the items need to be different a thickness one to another. Frustarting to say the least.

 Especially happens when the "skeleton" is actually just another sheet metal part itself. Works only if using manual type in on the Thickness parameter. I am also using SPI , for bend parameters, so n0ot sure if that affects it, and if so, how to get thousands of parts not to break if I need to cut SPI loose.

Ugh, Thanks for listening, Thad