Can't convert surface model to sheetmetal (only lets me select 1 face)

[andrewsownemailPPGVB]

I can't seem to figure out how to convert the attached design to sheetmetal.

I have created a loft, then made a split through one side (where the join will be), filleted the corners, then thickened.  (As a side does is there any difference using thicken from the Solid workspace vs the Surface workspace?).

But when I try to convert to sheetmetal, it only lets me select one of the 8 faces.

Where am I going wrong?

 

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

You only need to select one face to use the Convert to Sheet Metal command.  All faces are connected by the fillets.  You problem is the apex at the top, you need a relief cutout to allow the sheet metal to Unfold or Create a Flat Pattern.  I use a 3mm circle cutout, I did not experiment how small it can be.  Model attached.

If this answers your question, please select the "Accept Solution" on my post. If you need further help, please ask.

[andrewsownemailPPGVB]

Thankyou John!  That's weird, I suspected that could be an issue, and I extruded a 50mm hole through the middle to test.  Don't know what I did wrong, but I couldn't get it to work.

Anyway, it works now.  Nice to know I was nearly there (I had to learn a lot of other new things to get as far as I did! 😄)  Thanks again.

[TheCADWhisperer]

@andrewsownemailPPGVB 

To get the correct Flat Pattern the surface should be trimmed with circle BEFORE the Thicken command is run.

This will return a Flat Pattern with the cut edges perpendicular to the flat.