Nested files with multiple flat-pattern components

[caleb.mueller]

Aloha!

I'm working with an assembly that contains multiple bodies which are modeled as sheet metal parts.  The manufacturing workflow for this product requires these parts channels and surface features are machined out of flat stock material using a 3 axis CNC machine and then bent after.

I'm able to export each part individually and create tool paths on the flat-patterns within these separate files, but I haven't been able to figure out how to incorporate multiple flat-patterns into the same sheet so that I may nest the parts into a single sheet.

The workaround is exporting the flat pattern as an STL, re-importing and converting back to a BREP with manual editing of faces and features, and then programming the CNC tool path from these manually regenerated components.  The limitation of this workaround is that when a modification is made to the base assembly the change is not carried forward through the files.  The re-imported file has no link to the base assembly.

Is there a way (please God) for me to incorporate the flattened versions of multiple sheet metal parts into the same CAM file in order to make a nested file that updates with modifications to the base assembly?

[davebYYPCU]

Your description should fit into the new Manufacturing Preview function of Arrange.

Might help....

[caleb.mueller]

Is there a way to flatten a part in the manufacturing model workspace for this to work?  It would be highly ideal if this were the case.  I went to test out if this were possible but wasn't able to figure out how to do it if it is.

[caleb.mueller · Accepted solution]

I found a way to accomplish it!

First, in the base assembly containing multiple parts, I created the flat patterns in place and then saved.

Next, I clicked derive in the create drop down menu, created a new file to contain the collection of my flat patterns, and selected the flat patterns which I had created in the base assembly.

The new file now contains multiple flat patterns in their unfolded configurations which are unfolded at the same time.

Perfect!