Help with Sheet Metal Flat Pattern

[kaitodowell]

 I can't for the life of me figure out how to create a 1 to 1 scale paper template from my CAD design. So for some context I was creating a chassis for combat robotics where you bend a piece of sheet metal in multiple places in order to create the 3d chassis. However to do that I need an accurate template to glue onto the sheet metal and use the template to cut the metal accurately and precisely. And I do not want to use a ruler and sharpie to draw on the metal because I am very bad with rulers and the sharpie may not stay on and creates a very thick line. So I need to take my design which is already in Fusion and not bend (flat), and take it and put it onto a printed piece of paper to glue onto the sheet metal like I already said. All the videos and tutorials did not help me in the slightest and I do not want a tutor because they cost money. Please I am very frustrated and need help on this.

(BTW if it helps in your reply I use the free version of fusion 360.)

[jhackney1972]

Depending on the size of your flat pattern and the capabilities of your printer, as far as size paper it will handle, you may have to divide your flat pattern up into sections and then tap them together.  That was not your question but I wanted to your attention.  The attached video will show how to get your flat pattern onto a 2D drawing sheet and then how to print it.  As you can see, I am using a Fusion 360 Personal License.

There is another consideration.  You may have to calibrate your printer.  Sometimes a printer will not print accurately 1:1 so you will have to calibrate the printer.  This is done on the printer, not in Fusion 360.  I would suggest creating a drawing, 1:1, of know dimensions, print it and then measure before printing your final model. 

If you need to print the flat pattern in sections, that is a different process so ask if this is the case.

[TheCADWhisperer]

@kaitodowell 

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

I have been making quite a few sheet metal parts using this technique.

[kaitodowell]

ok ill try to do that