topic Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation in Fusion Support Forum

Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

design_oneBETU4 — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 13:05:07 GMT

I'm using sheet metal tools to create a DXF for export to a laser cutting service

The steps I have followed are:

1. Create a sketch

2. Extrude that sketch

3. Convert to sheet metal (stainless steel 4mm)

4. Create flat pattern

5. I am planning to add a sketch containing ID text that will be exported as a layed in the DXF

Each time I do this, the flat pattern that is created is orientated differently to the sketch/body that is used to create it (typically flipped through 180 degrees on an arbitrary axis) the result being that when the DXF is exported the file is mirrored in the same manner as the flat pattern, which makes it difficult to check, and means that etch text is placed on the wrong side.

I have tried nominating other faces (reverse) of the body as the 'stationary face' - this has no effect.

In the attached file Component FD001 has a flat pattern. If you activate the flat pattern, you will see that the piece has been rotated 180 degrees and is upside down.

As ever - any help much appreciated

Ian B.

Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

jhackney1972 — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 19:11:41 GMT

This model was create with a Preference of "Default Modeling Orientation" set to Y-Up. This is causing your flipping of the Flat Pattern. I copied your layout sketch to a new component with the mentioned preference set to Z-Up and you will notice the flipping does not occur. Z-Up is the normal standard for modeling.

Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

design_oneBETU4 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 08:52:05 GMT

Hi John,

Many thanks - I tried that and, once I realised that orientation was a user preference, not a design option, it seems to be working.

Hurrah, and thanks

Ian B

Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

design_oneBETU4 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:40:15 GMT

Hello again John,

Just created a second component in the file .... and its behaving oddly again. The second component (FD002) has the flat pattern generated upside down.

Do you have any insight?

rgds

Ian B

Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

jhackney1972 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:17:48 GMT

If you want the flat patterns to show the same way, create the sheet metal components using the same process. In this case, your second component was created on the opposite side of the origin so it shows different. All I did was create it in the same location as the first component and then use a Joint to place it in position as you desired. Model attached.

Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

design_oneBETU4 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:12:28 GMT

Hi John

I must be doing something really stupid here.

Even if I create a single item, to the right of and above axis lines, it still behaves strangely.

My steps

1. create a new Design

2. Add a Component

3. create a Sketch

4. create a simple shape

5. Extrude the shape

6. convert to Sheet Metal

7. Create Flat Pattern - and hey presto

8. It is Rotated

Am i doing something completely mad?

Ian B

Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

jhackney1972 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:41:55 GMT

I took your model and removed the Flat Pattern and recreated it. The Flat Pattern does not rotate or flip. The animated GIF below shows this. I would guess the issue is in your Fusion configuration.

I have also created a video making a model from scratch and attached it. I am confused, why do you not use the Flange tool to create your sheet metal body? Since you are going simple flat sheet metal parts it would be a lot faster.

(view in My Videos)

Re: Flat Pattern Orientation is flipped on creation

design_oneBETU4 — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:55:45 GMT

Hi John

Not using the 'flange' option was purely down to my lack of knowledge (I'm very new to Fusion - been using a hand crafted parametric system based around QCAD and Javascript for 10 years) - I'll give it a try - maybe that is the difference.

I'm especially confused by the fact that you deleted the Flat Pattern and recreated it - and it "just worked fine"!

I must be doing something subtley wrong.

I'll try now with the flange option

Ian B