topic Re: Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views in AutoCAD Forum

Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views

keithjk — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 19:37:16 GMT

One of our locations is still using 2D AutoCAD to create their sheet metal designs and I want to automate the flat patterns. (Yes, I know they should use Inventor but that isn't my call).

Are there any software packages out there that will take 3 (or more) orthographic views and create a flat pattern?

Thanks

Re: Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views

akaterr55 — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 06:07:38 GMT

You are wanting to make a flat pattern, net, development ( always forget the term development from back in school ) from a three-view orthographic? Hmm.
Long ago I made a very simple "foldit.lsp" to go from flat to formed, but not unfolding. The bend allowance is just the material thickness and it doesn't put a radius or anything on the brakes. But it was good enough for building Sheet metal cabinets with through and take holes.
I'm assuming you already know how meticulous it is to go from your three views to a flat pattern. It would be much different if you had a formed 3-D to begin with. Something for that scenario I'm pretty sure exists.
Your situation sounds like something I would like to try to sink my teeth into.
Would you mind posting an example or two of what you were dealing with?

Re: Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views

JDMather — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 11:06:18 GMT

@keithjk wrote:

Are there any software packages out there that will take 3 (or more) orthographic views and create a flat pattern?

Thanks

Autodesk Fusion 360 is supposed to get Sheet Metal sometime this summer ( I haven't checked - it might have already been released).

Fusion is very inexpensive and even free for most users.

Re: Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views

dieters — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 20:07:30 GMT

I've used a different workflow. Several years ago, I needed an unusually shaped sheet metal case for a personal project, so I created a 3D solid model in AutoCAD. After checking it for tolerances and interferences with the parts that it housed, I exported it as an ACIS .sat file. The company that I sent it to imported the file, and using their unnamed software, "unfolded" it adding bend allowances appropriate for the sheet metal thickness and bend relief at the corners.

The method worked beautifully! A few days later, I received my folded, powder-coated case precisely to my specifications, all without the design ever having touched paper!

Dieter

Re: Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views

john.vellek — Fri, 04 Aug 2017 20:18:28 GMT

Hi @keithjk,

This is not a built-in feature of AutoCAD although I am aware that many utilities can be found on the Internet.

For the next step I also found a nesting add-in to help optimize layouts for cutting in the Autodesk App Store.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views

john.vellek — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 21:46:48 GMT

Hi @keithjk,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: Creating a flat pattern from 2D orthographic views

keithjk — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:26:13 GMT

Everyone,

Thanks for the responses. I really think my suggestion to the location that doesn't want to use Inventor is to START using Inventor! I am a standard AutoCAD user with 20+ years experience and made the switch to Inventor about 5 years ago. Both packages have their place but for sheet metal folding and unfolding, there is no comparison.

I do remember quite a few years ago, I did stumble across a program that would take 3 (or more) 2D orthographic projections in AutoCAD, and then create a flat pattern. I am sure I could develop something similar in LISP or .NET but why recreate the wheel when Inventor has that built in?

Thanks for the advice everyone!