topic How to Unfold This Part in Inventor Forum

How to Unfold This Part

akshay23241a0348 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:48:39 GMT

Hello,

I've acquired this part from a designer. This is not made using sheet metal operations, I think.

I want to unfold it to create a 2D sheet metal pattern.

How can I do it?

Thanks.

Re: How to Unfold This Part

kacper.suchomski — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:33:39 GMT

This is not a modeled item using the sheet metal tools.
You can see that the product is not created by linear bending.

You can use the Unwrap tool.

Re: How to Unfold This Part

akshay23241a0348 — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:07:56 GMT

Okay thanks, I will try this tool.

Re: How to Unfold This Part

akshay23241a0348 — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:06:21 GMT

Hi,

I tried using the unwrap command, but I'm getting a slight incongruity at the bottom right end.

Would the profile be appropriate anyways if I machine it?

And by the way, I had to select the faces manually after unchecking the "auto-chain faces" command as it was taking forever to process and my Inventor did not respond.

Thanks!

Re: How to Unfold This Part

kacper.suchomski — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 07:31:10 GMT

The non-linear stamping process causes material deformations.

This means that if you try to read them backwards you cannot do so with 100% accuracy.

This is the nature of stamped parts.

You will need to make a series of prototypes and test the product through trial and error. Flat designs can be manually modified in AutoCAD.

Re: How to Unfold This Part

akshay23241a0348 — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:15:37 GMT

Okay, thanks!