Trying to get flat pattern for this part

[cdubinc13]

Good Morning, 

I am trying to get a flat pattern for the attached part and can seem to get it to work.  I was unable to Loft in sheet metal between the two sketchs, so I lofted in standard parts, shelled, and converted to sheet metal.  I know this is a novice idea, but any help would be apprieciated very much.  Thanks 

Casey 

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

You will not be able to flatten that in Inventor.

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-general-discussion/trying-to-get-flat-pattern-for-this-part/t...

[CCarreiras · Accepted solution]

Hi!

You found a nice process by yourself to achieve your part and it's almost correct. Good idea, but you must use different tools.
Avoid use lofts and sweeps, and never use shell to have the thickness (it does not guarantee the uniform thickness of the part), use instead surfaces and for sheet metal thickness, use "Thickness" tool.

Don't forget, to achieve the flat pattern, when you apply the "Thickness" the value must be equal at the Sheet metal rule.
Check the attached file.

Unfortunately, the idea was good, but it doesn't work with this geometry.
This is a plastic deformation, like stamping, inventor only process bends.

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