Compound Curved Design to manufacturing.

[andymiddleton]

Hope this is the correct forum.

Please help?

I have a very curved 3d model that kind of resembles the bell of a trumpet that is slightly flattened on one side. Sorry... I cant post an image as an NDA is in effect. I need to take this concept model and flatten / unfold it for manufacture. The Design carries a very intricate graphic pattern that the client has requested "looks exactly like the rendering". (client supplied a rectangular pattern that I then used UVWunrap to map to te compound curved surface.) Now I have to build it. Yay!

Can anyone reccomend a software that will do just that.... Unwrap / unfold the 3d model into flat panels that can then be converted to a vinyl print layout?

Suggestions / recommendations would be most welcom!

Thanks in advance....

AndyM

[jonathan.matthews · Accepted solution]

3ds Max should be able to do what you are describing.  Start by watching the video at this link http://designreform.net/2007/05/unwraping-geometry

Also, Autodesk Inventor with 'Exact Flat' plug in could also acomplish this.

[andymiddleton · Accepted solution]

Jonathan.

Many Many Thanks for that!!!!

Was exactly what I nedded! Awesome.

Andy

[jonathan.matthews]

your welcome have a great day.