Unable to Create a Flat Pattern - Please Help

[rockdesign101]

I need help!

I want to creat a flatpattern of an iregulary cut cylinder that was made in the standard .ipt world and is now converted into a sheetmetal. I want to "Unroll" the piece out so can see the shape of it as a flat piece. Picture of it is attatched. 

[mrattray]

That can't be unfolded as modeled. The part must have a constant thickness. Post your ipt file here.

[rockdesign101]

So there is no way to unfold it with the cuts in it as it stands? I need the outline of those cuts

[rockdesign101]

Here is the ipt

[mrattray]

How do you plan to manufacture this part?

If the ends can be square then you can remodel this using an extruded surface instead of a solid, make your cuts, and then use the Thicken feature, followed by a rip feature. This will give you a flattenable and manufacturable part.

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi rockdesign101,

I worked up this example before I saw you posted yours. Have a look and see if you can follow the work flow to get it to flatten. (basically what mrattray said )

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[rockdesign101]

Just figured it out. Thank you for your sugestions. Deleted the faces i didnt need then thicked the one face. the flat pattern will be used to trace a pattern onto a pipe