topic Re: Flat Pattern from solidegedge file in Inventor Forum

Flat Pattern from solidegedge file

rtowne72 — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:42:10 GMT

I am trying to get a flat pattern from the attached file which was created in SolidEdge. I am using 2018.2.3 Inventor and when I choose create flat pattern, no flat pattern is generated although Inventor believes it has. What am I missing or what step need to occur?

Steps Done:

Import model with anycad
convert to sheet metal with standard k-factors/sheet metal defaults
choose create flat pattern
no flat pattern shown but Inventor shows a flat pattern in tree/stack

Re: Flat Pattern from solidegedge file

TheCADWhisperer — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:47:34 GMT

Can you Attach *.ipt or *.zip file?

Have you set the correct Thickness variable to match the part?

Is the part modeled correctly (following the 4 rules of sheet metal)?

Re: Flat Pattern from solidegedge file

rtowne72 — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 14:56:16 GMT

I set the thickness as you suggested and it did create the flat pattern. Thank you for the reminder.

As for the 4 rules of sheet metal, please share as I am not a Sheet Metal user but need to be versed to support users. This was drawn by an engineer in another facility from our Company, and as the CAD manager it is a struggle keeping standards between CAD systems.

Re: Flat Pattern from solidegedge file

TheCADWhisperer — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 15:14:59 GMT

1. Sheet metal is constant thickness.

2. Sheet metal must have bends. (as opposed to sharp corners - which would violate #1)

3. Sheet metal bends must be cylindrical or conical. (excepting Lofted Flanges)

4. Cut edges are generally perpendicular to the flat in the Flat Pattern state. (not beveled cuts - and often an issue when cut-across bends are not modeled correctly)