How to get the flat pattern of this object

[WillieArolf]

Hi,

I have this object that needs a flat pattern. How do I do that? I was trying to invoke the the Create Flat Pattern but it does not give me the flat pattern.

Would you mind guiding me to the correct creation of the object in order I can get the flat pattern.

I have attach the .ipt, just drag down the EOF to see the object.

[spackle42]

Hi Willie,

I'm pretty sure that IV isn't capable of this as creating a flat pattern requires more than just 'unbending' it, the material will need to be deformed.

[WillieArolf]

Hi Justine,

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Is there any workaround?

[spackle42]

There's a couple of guys on here that do a lot of sheetmetal work, hopefully one of them will respond.  I've got a feeling that this sort of shape will require a specialised software package for dealing with pressed metal.

[blair]

You're in luck, there is software that can unfold this shape, bad news Inventor isn't one of them yet. This is a stamped shape that has deformation. Inventor is pretty much currently limited to work done in a Brake. Software such as AutoPol will unfold stamped items. I'm at home, I might give my Radan tool-pathing software a try as it works on surfaces but I don't think it was really designed for that as it primarly designed to create NC files.

[Yijiang.Cai]

Hi Willie, Please see the attached model created using sheet metal contour roll. Hope it helpful for you!

[WHolzwarth]

Well, normally Rhino does these jobs never theoretically correct, but  with acceptable results (area differences about 1%).

In this case, Rhino has difficulties as well, with an area change of 5%.

😉 But look at the flat pattern, created by Inventor's contour roll.

Walter

[WillieArolf]

WH,

Would you mind saving it to a lower version as I am only using 2012.

[WHolzwarth]

That wouldn't help much, Willie.

Contour roll results in most cases simply in a rectangle as flat pattern; in your case, too. Evidently that's far away from reality.

I've added the STEP of the smashed surface instead. But be aware, error is about 5%.

[dan_szymanski]

Hi Willie,

My colleague Yijiang Cai attempted to upload this model, however it didn't work for him (for some reason).

Here is the part attachment with the contour roll.  Granted the rectangular flat pattern is not likely what you are looking for.

Regards,

Dan

[WillieArolf]

Dan,

I did tried that also but, when I invoke the Flat Pattern it does give me a rectangular shape in which I am in doubt.

I am not pretty sure whether it gives the correct size/dimension or shape.

[WillieArolf]

WH,

Thats make sense. A workaround or other way to manufacture/fabricate it. I will just try to figure out on how to do this in Inventor.

Thank you and appreciate it much.