How to unbend Step file for flat DXF

[caleb_andersonV3VZL]

We received a job for a piece that will be cut out of plastic, and then put in a hot bend fixture to give it a radius.  The file i received is of the part after it is molded.  Is there a way i can unbend this so i can cut the flat file?  I see how to cast a shadow for a dxf, but that obviously will not be the correct size once we bend it. I have tried it on Inventor and it seemed to maybe work, but it does not seem to be accurate. Thank you.  

[laughingcreek]

if it was made using the general guide lines for making Sheetmetal parts, then it could be directly into a sheetmetal part and un-bent that way.  if it doesn't you can probably  correct the model so it could be converted.  I've gotten away with using a 0 k factor for the bend and just making sure it's position properly when clamped for cooling.

post your model to get better help.

[TheCADWhisperer]

@caleb_andersonV3VZL 

Are you using Fusion 360 or are you really using Autodesk Inventor Professional?

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/how-to-unbend-a-curved-step-file-so-portray-a-flat-dxf...

Convert to Sheet Metal (doesn't matter if it isn't actually sheet metal as long as it is uniform thickness and follows the rules) and then Flat Pattern

or

Unwrap in Inventor if it doesn't follow the sheet metal rules.

[Warmingup1953]

Can you share?