Export Flat Patterns for Frame Generator Sheet Metal Components

[Anonymous]

Hi -

I've made a sheet metal assembly using custom frame generator components as seen in the following youtube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ff9yIVNAa4

I can create flat patterns, but I cannot *export* them in the same way I export flat patterns from the sheet metal toolkit. It is important to have bend lines and extents exported properly so we can put these through our etch/plasma system + CNC brake. Is there a way in Inventor to actually export flat patterns properly from an assembly of frame generated components?

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

I do not see your issue.  Once you have created your frame generator assembly using Rob Cohee's process, open up one of the components and create the flat pattern.  Change from the Frame Generator panel to Modeling panel and you can save your flat pattern as you always do.  You are missing the panel change.  I am in Inventor 2019 but it is the same is other versions.  Take a look at the screencast to see the switch.

[Anonymous]

Ah - yeah, that was it. I'm in Inventor 2017. What was throwing me is when you create a flat pattern from the part in the frame generator, no "flat pattern" element appears in the feature tree. But, you are correct that it does show up in the entire frame feature back in the main assembly. A little weird, but it is in there. Thanks!