topic Re: Flatten A Model in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Flatten A Model

NickErmis — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:03:43 GMT

Hello, I am looking to flatten a model I made from a 3d Scan Mesh, file is attached. I tried converting it to a sheet metal component and then simply run flatten pattern and that did not work I watched a few videos and it seemed so easy, not sure what exactly I am doing wrong.

Many thanks

Nick

Re: Flatten A Model

NickErmis — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:15:56 GMT

my original file may have been corrupt

Re: Flatten A Model

jhackney1972 — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:25:17 GMT

Ok, I gave it the old college try. Please check the file for dimensions before fabrication. You can also edit the sketch dimensions if needed. Flat pattern is developed, if you make changes it will have to be updated. Model is attached.

Edit: It is pretty messy since I built it right on top of your original file.

Re: Flatten A Model

NickErmis — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:31:24 GMT

Awesome! How did you do it???

Re: Flatten A Model

jhackney1972 — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:35:24 GMT

I just built a composite sketch from projections of all the exist model faces to create the sheet metal layout. I then added sketch lines for the required bends and bent using measures from the original model. The material thickness is 0.130" which is what I measured (average) from the original. I am not sure that is correct, please check everything.

Re: Flatten A Model

NickErmis — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:52:50 GMT

That is too cool... Screencast Please 😃

Re: Flatten A Model

jhackney1972 — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:06:55 GMT

I will give you the overview, using the timeline, as the process was way too long for a Screencast. Plus I did a lot of experimentation to try and hit your model requirements and that would not make for a good recording.

Re: Flatten A Model

NickErmis — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:36:36 GMT

That is too awesome!! Thanks again. Just one more thing if it is not to much bother, how do you assemble the sketch projections onto a flat plane???

Re: Flatten A Model

jhackney1972 — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 19:42:52 GMT

I created a new sketch first. Then I create a sketch on each face of your model, projected the face (purple lines) and then using a window select, Copied the sketch. Got out of that sketch, went into the new sketch created earlier and Pasted the copied sketch. I repeat this process for each face of your existing model. When you Paste a sketch, you are given the option to rotate it and attach it to an existing sketch using key points. That is how the sheet metal sketch was assembled. One great thing about copied sketches, you can paste them into entirely new models!

Re: Flatten A Model

TheCADWhisperer — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:18:43 GMT

@NickErmis

The most obvious issue that I see is that the material in this bend area is much thicker than the rest of the part.

Sheet metal must be uniform thickness.

Re: Flatten A Model

NickErmis — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:20:01 GMT

Great, thank you

Re: Flatten A Model

NickErmis — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:28:53 GMT

Yeah, you are correct. I missed that originally.