2D flat pattern to sheet metal.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I have 2D flat pattern in .DWG format (Created using solid works). How do I convert 2D flat pattern to 3D sheet metal in inventor? Also, is there a way to import solid works (2017) parts into inventor (2017)?

Thanks for your time.

[mdavis22569]

can you share it .... 

2018 should be able to import it via AnyCAD ... and there could be sketch face copied maybe to a new IDW ...

[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hello,

I have 2D flat pattern in .DWG format (Created using solid works). How do I convert 2D flat pattern to 3D sheet metal in inventor? Also, is there a way to import solid works (2017) parts into inventor (2017)?

Thanks for your time.

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Technically you can't..

The flat pattern does not include information such as desired bend radius, k-factor,etc...

So you will have to make guesses and assumptions and thats certainly something I personally will NEVER do..

But if you are ok making guesses and assumptions and final dimensions aren't that critical then...you can simply import that dwg file into a sketch to use to create a "face" and then you can use the "fold" tools to fold up the flanges..

But its FAR better to get the "as formed" drawing unless you know for certain the desired bend radiuses and that your final dimensions/tolerances are large enough to prevent an issue where your customer says "its not the right dimensions"

Why not ask for a step file too so that final dimensions/bend radius can be verified along with asking what tolerances they will accept..

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately I have 2017 version only.Thanks for the info.

[mcgyvr]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Unfortunately I have 2017 version only.Thanks for the info.

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@Anonymous That doesn't stop you from getting a step (stp) file from them and opening that..

You just can't open their native solidworks file.. But they can save a step and give that to you..