Can you copy a Base into a new part and make it sheet metal?

[AmarD90]

In the attchement file you'll see an orange part, which in the tree is called "Base 9". Is it possible to somehow copy this into a new seperate part and then make it sheet metal and unfold? Or do I have to completely redraw it and all that?

[salariua]

You should be able to convert it to sheet metal directly. You can either save as, or do a derived part if you need a different file.

I think you hit a soft spot because when I try and convert it to sheet metal it complains about the model having multiple bodies which is false. There is only one solid body.

I am using AIP2015, have attached the derived part which converts alright, but that's an extra step you shouldn't need to take.

[AmarD90]

I'm using 2014 unfortunately. I get the same problem. When I press convert to sheet metal I get the error message that there are several bodies. Were you able to convert it to sheet metal?

[AmarD90]

I tried this whole derived part thing but I wasn't able to make it work.

[WHolzwarth]

Try this:

- Save Copy as STEP

- Open this STEP file

- Convert to SM

Walter

[salariua]

Open an new part, click on create derive and in the options dialog after selecting fan guard 3d make sure you select " Single solid body".

[AmarD90]

That actually worked. Much obliged. I really can't wrap my head around Inventor. I used to work with Solid Works for a couple of years. The programs are similar and have pretty much the same layout but is some ways they are so different.

[salariua · Accepted solution]

I think diversity is good!

If you only need the dxf profile of the flat pattern and you get a lot of these parts in a different cad format, this is how I would do it.

Open new part, derive your first file (merged body), convert to sheet metal, (make sure thickness is correct, setup sheet metal defaults). Go to Flat Pattern.

A. You only need outline shape: Right click on the main face of the part, "Export face As"

B. You need bending lines as well: right click on Flat Pattern on the browser, "Save copy as" , chose dxf.

C. Need a drawing border as well: Do a drawing and place your flat pattern, export the drawing.

I would go back to my model delete "Fan Guard " in the browser and derive a different part. Redo steps above.