Get internal structure of object onto outside cylinder

[Anonymous]

I'm working on modeling a R2D2 from Star Wars.  I've built an internal structure and now want to create the outer skin.  I'm planning on unrolling sheet metal to get the DXF file.  Is there a way to get the internal structure projected onto the skin before I unroll it?  I would love to use this as the base to build on top of when it's unrolled to figure out where holes need to go.

[JHRendon]

I think it is not possible to get the DXF if you do not unroll the sheet meta first. 🙂

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

You may have to add an external sheet metal shell to your model to do the process I have outlined in my Screencast.  Only a sheet metal body can be unfolded and model on then refolded.  Please note I said "model" on, sketches can be applied to an unfolded model but they will not follow the refolding process, only features.  Please notice I used a Split Face to transfer the internal shelf onto the interior surface.  Model is attached, use the timeline marker to take it step by step.

[laughingcreek]

you can't project sketches and unroll them, but you can split the face before unrolling.  I guess the trick will be figuring out the right split type.  here's a pic of a rectangle that is touching along the edges, then I used the "closet point" type of split face to split the face of the cylinder-

bear in mind you can have a blind end split edge.  the split edge must go edge to edge or form an enclosed loop