3D to 2D - Flattening surfaces or creating developable surfaces

[Anonymous]

Hi, I would like to suggest a new feature to Fusion 360:

Flattening or unroll surfaces (3D to 2D) and export it to .dxf,  like as it is possible in Rhino 3D or in ExactFlat.

Video for Rhino:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FzTvxg88T4

Rhino commands:

http://docs.mcneel.com/rhino/5/help/en-us/seealso/sak_flatten.htm

ExactFlat Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTwrRpTYTiI

[CapGuy]

Hello,

Where is this subject of unfolding meshes within Fusion 360 nowadays ?

I would like to suggest a simple way, not so powerful nor complete than the Exact-Flat plugin of course, but as I'm using a simple and very useful way to do this within Rhino3D,  so I wonder if Fusion could be able to do the same.

Let me explain in few words what I do :

For instance, I would like to quickly flat pattern a mesh rounded surface like a sphere.
I triangulate this surface within meshes triangles (I can set triangle meshes as I need to make a good compromise between the accuracy of the rounded forms to make the pattern with the precision I need).

Then I choose some joined triangle meshes within almost rectangle surface perimeters,

Then I put them flattened on one plan (say "unfold" them).

Et voilà !

Do you think we may wait for this kind of function in Fusion 360 ?

Thank you for your attention,

Best Regards,

Guy

[Anonymous]

This would be of immeasurable value for me.  I design r/c model airplane kits, and I NEED this functionality to create pre-cut panels from balsa or plywood that will accurately wrap around the underlying structure.

[Anonymous]

Chiming in here as I’m running into something similar. I’m modeling skis that will be cut by a CNC so I need to unbend the ski as above. But the skis wood core are thinner at tip and tail and the sheet metal tool is meant for single thickness material. Any ideas appreciated

[Anonymous]

I'm running into similar problem. I've modeled a ski wood core that will be cut by a CNC Router so I need to unbend the ski in order to setup tool path as the stock wood material in flat. Sheet metal unfold won't work because the core is thinner at tips. Currently I export out the model to Vectorworks and unfold the bottom surface then re-import that flat surface and extrude, and then setup tool paths.

[Anonymous]

It’s time now for the development team to make this happen for Fusion. Solidwoks introduced the flatten surface in 2015 and years have gone by now. Delcam has shoemaker, there’s iCad3d, Romans Cad, Optitex, and Marvelous Designer to name just a few softwares that flatten surface models. The only catch is many are specific to an industry and use base models that new surfaces wrap on too. Such as using the pull tool in Fusion for form models. Unfortunately, they all come with a nice price tag. Just like ExactFlat. Only better because they don’t limit your downloads per month like ExactFlat does. BTW, I checked the smash feature in Rhino and edges are not the same length as the edges on the 3D models. I don’t have time to figure out how to compensate for that. So let’s just get it done in Fusion. Here’s your marketing bonus! The flat lines that are extracted can be programmed in the cam part of Fusion and if you use cam, you’ll notice there’s a laser tool in the library. Fusion can be the perfect one stop shop for me and the upholstery industry. So please implement the surface unwrap feature. 

[Anonymous]

Here's a pic of my workflow.  I wish I didn't have to maintain two software's and the expenses because this feature doesn't exist in Fusion.

[jean-michel_legoff]

Is there any update about this topic?

In addition, the flattening of a surface to generate the 2D Pattern for soft goods is really a very important feature taht could help a lot of industries, but It would be mandatory to use this feature as well to unfold the UVs of the 3D surface in order to be able to "render it" with the most accuracy.

For FAshion or packaged goods design the 2D pattern is often printed and the placement of the 2D design on the surface could be a great challenge.

And this is not provided by Rhino or ExactFlat I guess.

[parkershinn]

This would be very useful to me as well.  Any updates? 

[simonVNB54]

Hi parkershinn. No update as yet that I'm aware of.

[enfeitador]

Thumbs up for this feature, really much needed.

[cnc.daniel.john]

In theory this tool could be tied into the sheet metal environment for flatting cones and curves (rolled metal) as well. 

[robpicinic]

Just to add my 2 cents worth. If Autodesk can add this functionality to Inventor 2020, then it would be just as easy to add it to Fusion 360. (the term "easy" is just my opinion)

[Felipe.G]

Hi all, I can recommend the team to check DLoft, they have a plug in for Rhino that can create fully developable surfaces, will be great if something can be worked out, the workflow may not be perfect but will be amazing to be able to have that type of surfaces available for production, thank you

Exactflat is great but the issue still developable surfaces 

[jean-michel_legoff]

@robpicinic @Felipe.G 

Is this 2 tools (the one in  Inventor) or the Dloft are also able to generate UV's?

Flattening a surface is one thing and may help to make the physical mock-up, but UV's are mandatory to apply a pattern on that surface and check it in 3D before cutting in the raw material, which could be very touchy when you use Exotic leathers or hand drawn canvas...

Thanks

[Felipe.G]

Not sure if Dloft does it, I know Rhino has such tools for sure, can't tell other software, also exactflat for sure it expands materials like leather, plastics etc. so I think that may work for what you need, it's a really good software/plug in for such materials