Complex shape - lofting and unfolding?

[jdmech]

I am trying to do a fun project of designing a small R/C electric airplane (P-51) using 1/4'' foam sheet.

So here is the question - Is it possible (using Inventor 2011) to loft a complex shape, probably a lofted surface, thicken it to 1/4'' and then "un-fold" it? Or is this unfolding tool exclusive to a sheet metal part? Basically I want to model up the fuselage shape with complex bends and curves, then "unfold" it flat and print out a cutting template. Any body have any similar experiences with this approach?

Thanks - jdmech

[JDMather]

Maybe.  Maybe not. Probably not!

I frequently use standard tools rather than sheet metal tools to do things that can't be done with the sheet metal tools (and then convert to sheet metal to flatten).  But there are a few rules you have to be aware of.

If you get stuck - attach your file here.

[jdmech]

Thanks for your reply JDmather - 

I have tried a couple of tests but nothing has really worked. The difficulty lies in the work flow.

For example: Start a new part (.ipt) Then create 5 or 6 parallel work planes stacked in a row. (Like a sandwich).

Space them about 2 inches apart from each other. Now create a new sketch profile on each plane. This is the same way someone would design a boat hull with 'stations' or cross-section profiles. Now loft a surface from one end to the other, creating a boat hull (or in my case - an airplane fuselage). So now my goal is to thicken the surface and then be able to flatten that complex lofted shape. I've tried starting with a flat shape and using the bend tool to simulate the curvature but it doesn't really do a good job. If you cold expand a little on some of your brief thoughts i would appreciate it.

Regards - jdmech

[sam_m · Accepted solution]

I'm about 90% sure (not used sheet metal in a while) that it can only unfold items that have a bend in 1 direction only - so a cylinder or cone are fine but a bulge, spheroid or boat-hull won't.  Basically, it can't deal with anything where the metal/material has to stretch/deform to make.

think that's the case, but (as said before) not used sheet metal in a while so could be wrong.

[CAD-One · Accepted solution]

I would agree with sam_m. Any formed shape ( Like a dimple, embossed, deep draw etc) cant be flattened.

[jdmech]

Darn - Ok - thanks for the confirmation gents. Appreciate it - Guess it's going to be a standard panel and box style build with lots of simple, flat profiles.

Regards - jdmech

[JDMather]

2010 and 2011 will allow Lofted Flanges, but you have to plan how to create these for something like what you are after.

[jdmech]

JDmather -

I certainly appreciate your attention, prompt response & experience with Inventor. I do, however (with all do respect), - question your repeated vague, undefined statements. They have not actually served the purpose to answer the original question or provide any help, guidance, or creative input with this particular discussion.

regards - jdmech

[JDMather]

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@jdmech wrote:

JDmather -

I certainly appreciate your attention, prompt response & experience with Inventor. I do, however (with all do respect), - question your repeated vague, undefined statements. They have not actually served the purpose to answer the original question or provide any help, guidance, or creative input with this particular discussion.

regards - jdmech

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Inventor is a professional program and deserves a professional level of training. 
Other than that post, concrete examples here and someone will help you work torwards a workable solution.

Post vague statements of, "Can Inventor do this?" and you will get vague responses of yes, maybe, probably not.

Would you like me to work up a free example explaining step-by-step of what I "think" you want to do.  When I get several days free time I'll get right on it.  The people here are volunteers.  Post what you have so far.

[JDMather]

....hmmm just searched around a bit and I can't find an example of a single part file you have posted, so I have no idea of your level of experience and how much detail should be included in a free tutorial to show you how I would solve your problem....

Can you go through this one and post your solution http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Inventor/Fillet/td-p/2575126

 and then this one

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Inventor/sweep/td-p/2708481

...that should be several hundred dollars worth of training.

Then I'll find a sheet metal example posted here in the past that should get you started on directly solving your specific problem.

[jdmech]

Wow - absolutely perfectly stated.

Sadly - I would have expected that kind of adolescent, snotty rant from the 'comic book guy' on the Simpsons.

Not from a person such as yourself. Not entirely sure what your social malfunction is, but it really is not necessary or appreciated here. You might seek a "professional" to help you with that. And by the way - the other links you provided just prove my point about your pompous attitude and tone.

You have stated a couple of times now "... this is a professional program and deserves a professional level of training."

So I ask you Mr. Mather - Where is your professionalism? Is this kind of behavior becoming of a Professor?

you don't need to waste my time or yours by answering that - 

[JimmyDoe]

^^I know it's old, but very well put.

[johnteng00]

For any engineering problems, there should be the solutions. To unfold the loft shapes, there is no math equation for it, however, there are many approximation equations that you can use to unfold them. In solid3dtech, there is a unique solution to this issue. Many people already have used the software from solid3dtech.