Can't unfold sheet metal

Can't unfold sheet metal

calvinisthor
Explorer Explorer
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14 Replies
Message 1 of 15

Can't unfold sheet metal

calvinisthor
Explorer
Explorer

I cant seem to fully unfold this sheet metal to be flat, even if I put a split in the face with the rip tool, as only some of the curves show up as bends.

 

File: a360.co/4nuwAYI 

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Accepted solutions (1)
383 Views
14 Replies
Replies (14)
Message 2 of 15

TheCADWhisperer
Consultant
Consultant


@calvinisthor wrote:

 with the rip tool


@calvinisthor 

I do not see the history of how the part was created in the Timeline?

I do not see this Rip feature in the file that you referenced?

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Message 3 of 15

calvinisthor
Explorer
Explorer

I undid the rip as it didn't help, and the part was created by using the offset tool on a surface, then thickening it to create the part, as suggested by the fusion docs.

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Message 4 of 15

Warmingup1953
Advisor
Advisor

Yes, agreed that Sheetmetal body won't unfold or flat pattern as it is and probably can't be saved I'd say by a quick play with it. Can you post your original Fusion file?

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Message 5 of 15

TheCADWhisperer
Consultant
Consultant
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Message 6 of 15

calvinisthor
Explorer
Explorer

When I try to use the lofted flange tool I get his error message: Cannot create lofted flange with the current selection. Adjust the flange settings or select different profiles.

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Message 7 of 15

Warmingup1953
Advisor
Advisor

We can't help (effectively) without your Fusion file.

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Message 8 of 15

Warmingup1953
Advisor
Advisor

I think you'll need to create a different way...Here is my quick goScreenshot 2025-10-30 215833.jpg

 

NB. Ignore the file name

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Message 9 of 15

calvinisthor
Explorer
Explorer

Here is my fusion file

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Message 10 of 15

TheCADWhisperer
Consultant
Consultant

@calvinisthor 

Sketch22 is missing dimensions.

When I start to add the missing dimensions the geometry size does not make logical sense.  Are your intended units mm or inches?

I recommend modeling with symmetry about the Origin.

Blue curves should keep you awake at night.

TheCADWhisperer_0-1761848536399.png

 

Sketch 23 not symmetrical.  Missing Tangent Constraints. Missing Coincident Constraint.

 

I would model the Rip in the Lofted Flange sketches.

 

Fully defined sketch symmetrical about the origin...

TheCADWhisperer_0-1761849717328.png

 

Well, after experimenting with this I could not get Fusion to create the Lofted Flange...

 

TheCADWhisperer_1-1761851462419.png

 

 

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Message 11 of 15

Warmingup1953
Advisor
Advisor

I have had a quick look aty your file and as expected I am not seeing a way forward in Sheetmetal. What are you trying to do here? Just design or will you laser cut steel and form to this shape? What will it be?

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Message 12 of 15

johnsonshiue
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hi! The two sketch profiles contain elliptical corners. The Loft based on the two profiles has spline faces, which cannot be unfolded. The Lofted Flange command does not like the profiles either. I did find a workflow to approximate the intended geometry. I modified the sketches and recover the sharp corners (two rectangular profiles). Next, create a Loft surface from the two rectangular profiles. Add chamfers to the four corners. And add fillets to the edges approximating the quarter ellipse. Lastly, thicken the surface body, convert the body to a Sheet Metal body, and rip a face. The resultant body can unfolded. Please take a look at the attached file.

 

johnsonshiue_0-1761851228833.png

johnsonshiue_1-1761851721907.png

Many thanks!

 

 



Johnson Shiue (johnson.shiue@autodesk.com)
Software Test Engineer
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Message 13 of 15

TheCADWhisperer
Consultant
Consultant
Accepted solution

@calvinisthor 

OK, I got it to work..

TheCADWhisperer_0-1761854311386.png

 

Edit the dimensions as needed and let me know if it breaks.

TheCADWhisperer_0-1761854750412.png

 

I think this could be further simplified by sketching only 1/4 then mirror the surfaces twice and rip (trim) before thickening.

 

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Message 14 of 15

calvinisthor
Explorer
Explorer

I changed all the dimensions, but now the sheet metal wont refold

 

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Message 15 of 15

TheCADWhisperer
Consultant
Consultant

@calvinisthor wrote:

I changed all the dimensions, but now the sheet metal wont refold

 


@calvinisthor 

 

Can you File>Export your edited *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply?

 

Unfold/Refold is different than Flat Pattern.

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