Flat pattern export to new part

[kresh.bell]

Would anyone help me with this problem.

I often need a flat pattern of sheet metal as a new part because I can not make CAM (with HSM) on a flat pattern.

Now I do this:
sheet metal to flat pattern
flat pattern face save as dwg
copy dwg to new sketch and extrude to new part
working with CAM tools

It would be very helpful if someone helped me with an iLogic rule that would export the flat pattern as a new part with the extension I choose in the same folder

[dean.morrison]

Hi,

If you wanted to maintain links between files a better way would be to..

Derive your sheet metal part into a new part file.

Use unfold tool to create the flat pattern.

Then you have the same part file twice, one folded and one unfolded.

Use the folded one for your assembly, and the unfolded one for your CAM.

This way they should both update if you change something.

Unsure if this method will work for you but i thought i would suggest it.

Hope it helps.

Dean.

[kresh.bell]

Thank you for your help but it will not work.

The main problem is that CAM (Autodesk HSM) is not working in a unfold environment.

[dean.morrison · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I don't think you understand what i am referring to..

I'm not saying to use the flat pattern command.

I'm referring to the unfold command (See below)

I did a quick test, and have attached 2 part files.

First one is called 'folded.ipt' - i just created a plate with one bend.

Second one is called 'Flat.ipt' - i Derived the first file, and used the unfold command (as per above)

This results in a Flat plate in the Part Environment (Not the Flat Pattern Environment)

I hope this clears things up for you.

Again i hope it helps.

Dean

[kresh.bell]

Yes, it works
thank you very much