Multiple flat patterning of sheet metal parts from within an assembly.

[Luke_Hunter]

We create most of our products out of formed sheet metal. We Flat pattern each individual part and export and nest them. This can take a while. It would be very handy if you could just click a ''flat pattern all'' button in the main assembly which would flat pattern all sheet metal parts.

[jletcher]

 Here is what I taught my clients to do.

 Make a template IDW make it with multiple sheets each sheet is a sheet metal size

 48 x 120 , 36 x 120, 60 x 120 and so on name the sheets the size of the plate.

 Bring in your parts as flat patterns and nest away. You have rotate to rotate them into a very good nest. Then you just export as DXF.

 the only issue is moving the views to where the gap between parts but once the client started doing this they have it down to a science.

 There is a program called Sigma Nest that uses inventor files real nice software...

[mrattray]

There's a third party ad-in available thorugh the exchange site that will automically dump out dxf's of all details in an assembly. I don't remember what it's called.

[inv.ideareview]

Thanks for sharing your Idea. We use this forum to guide product development and help users in the best way we can based on voting. We occasionally merge Ideas or archive old ones to keep the forum working properly - it ensures there is room for people to review new Ideas and that the most relevant and meaningful ones can gain votes. We’re archiving this Idea because it's been on the board for well over a year and hasn't received many votes from the community. If you want to raise it again and try to gain more support, you're welcome to do so. We’ve found that pictures and mock-ups can help get concepts across and win more votes from other users. If you have questions or see a connection between this Idea and others, let us know. - Inventor product team (Inv.idea review)