flat pattern from 3d model solid body

[lekoky]

Hi 

I would like to learn how to create a flat pattern from the solid body 3D Model. 

At least that is i believe what i need to do to create like a net/template/pattern of outer faces only. I am not interested in shapes and faces inside. 

Here is the solid body I have created following the steps in video https://youtu.be/RFgXOY8WH04

Any help much appreciated. 

Thank you in advance. 

[Xun.Zhang]

Howdy @lekoky I see that you are visiting as a new member to the Inventor Forum.
Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

You may need the Unwrap command to help you out.

Hope it helps!

[SBix26]

No file attached... What version of Inventor are you using?

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Sam B
Inventor Pro 2020.0.1 | Windows 7 SP1
LinkedIn

[lekoky]

 Thank you I was unaware of this feature I will try later on. Fingers crossed it works.

[lekoky]

 Hi I have realised I have not included those details. I am using Autodesk inventor 2020. I am a Mac user with Windows partition on my disk. It worked once after Instalation but At the moment for some reason I cannot even open it inventor 2020.  Troubleshooting says something about Windows 8 and I have Windows 10. I cannot downgrade as I never had Windows 8. I’m not familiar with the windows hence no screenshot. Thank you

[lekoky]

I’m not familiar with the windows hence no screenshot.  But the link I have included is exactly the same thing I have done. I have followed to the T. Thank you

[SBix26]

Actually, I was suggesting that you attach the .ipt file so we don't have to do the whole exercise ourselves.

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Sam B
Inventor Pro 2020.0.1 | Windows 7 SP1
LinkedIn

[lekoky]

Ok I understand. I will do so but at the moment Inventor 2020 does not launch after 1 day working in it. I created another forum for this issue to be resolved so I can carry on with this. Thank for help and if you know why it crashes let me know. Thanks

[JDMather]

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@lekoky wrote:

Ok I understand. I will do so but at the moment Inventor 2020 does not launch...

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You do not need Inventor to Attach a *.ipt file here.

The Unwrap command is not the appropriate technique for getting Flat Pattern of this geometry.

You will have to add appropriate Bends and Rips.

[lekoky]

oh ok I am useless on windows and with this programme. When I figure out why I can't launch the inventor at all atm I will get back to you with the file, hopefully. thanks

[JDMather]

Fusion 360 runs on Mac OS and the process is essentially identical.

[lekoky]

Thank you. That what I was initially using but had to jump to inventor so I could follow precisely the step in video which I have included at the beginning. I was able to follow and complete the whole taskt 🙂 but then as I am stained glass artist I wanted to unwrap the shape so I can recreate it from glass cuttings. But now I am stuck. Still can't open the Autodesk Inventor which I need. I like it, prefer it to the fusion while it was running, grrr. Thanks so far.

[JDMather]

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@lekoky wrote:

...I am stained glass artist I wanted to unwrap the shape so I can recreate it from glass cuttings....

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You should have stated this from the beginning - there is no need to "unwrap" the shape for glass cuttings.

If you can get Inventor running again I can demonstrate how (or simply Attach your *.ipt file here and I will create video of process for when you do get Inventor running again).  

Hopefully some Win on Mac users come along and jump in with suggestions - otherwise it is back to Fusion...

[lekoky]

yes I thought it might be good to mention it. 

I looked in documents for the ipt file in inventor folder and i cannot see where is all i was working and saving yesterday stored. I am so lost T.T Can you please let me know where i need to look? thank you

[lekoky]

I have the file now but I cannot attach it. 

Every time I'll do it, it does not go through. 

Any ideas?

Thank you

[lekoky]

I was able to attache ipt file in a new post. 

details below:

flatting solid body 3D model

by lekoky 12 seconds ago

[JDMather]

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@lekoky wrote:

I am stained glass artist I wanted to unwrap the shape so I can recreate it from glass cuttings. ...

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I am not sure why you started a second thread rather than keeping the discussion in a single thread, but now you have also added additional parameters to the problem description in the second thread.

Edit: Yep, if you visit the other thread the confusion has already started. Technique that is not appropriate for this problem is suggested again...

1. I am not a stained glass artist, but I do have stained glass artwork sitting on my desk.  Well, in my quick search I did not find the term that I was looking for, but in the piece on my desk there appears to be lead channels between the various plates of glass.  I would expect this to be in the CAD model in order to get the correct sizes of cuts for the glass.

2. In the second thread it seems to me you are looking for a Nesting tool to define the cut lines for the panels from a single sheet.  This is completely different than "unfolding" a flat pattern from sheet metal.

Your problems are solvable, but the first step is to correctly model the geometry.

Do you once again have access to Inventor 2020?

Back in a few minutes with what I suspect will be the next step....

[lekoky]

Hi @JDMather 

Thanks for getting back to me again. 

I am not sure why you started a second thread rather than keeping the discussion in a single thread...

-I had to start the new thread in order to insert .ipt file. I could not succeed in the existing forum. I had a go at it several times with different approaches. Yet, you have attached a file successfully. 

1. I am not a stained glass artist, but I do have stained glass artwork sitting on my desk.  Well, in my quick search I did not find the term that I was looking for, but in the piece on my desk there appear to be lead channels between the various plates of glass.  I would expect this to be in the CAD model in order to get the correct sizes of cuts for the glass.

-I won't be using the lead cames (channels) with a 3-dimensional piece so I don't require any space between lines. I have attached one photo of my artwork for your reference with two template sheets. 

2. In the second thread, it seems to me you are looking for a Nesting tool to define the cut lines for the panels from a single sheet.  This is completely different than "unfolding" a flat pattern from sheet metal.

-Yes, I would like to cut along the lines once the pattern is printed on paper. Basically alongside the edges of each outer face. If they are repeated over and over I would usually need only the section in repetition. And then I would distribute each same shape into one a4 or a5 print so I can cut with no waste of glass. 

I do have now Inventor 2020 working. At the moment I am on Mac so I will go back in there and review the file you have attached, thank. you.

I hope I have answered your questions if I understood them properly. 

Thanks again. 

[JDMather]

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@lekoky wrote:

-I won't be using the lead cames (channels) with a 3-dimensional piece so I don't require any space between lines. I have attached one photo of my artwork for your reference with two template sheets. 

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What is this?

There must be some sort of filler holding the plates together.

I assume the cuts are perpendicular to the flats (from my experience cutting (breaking) glass).

Now that I have a better idea of your true real-world assembly technique, I can proceed to next step... … back in a bit...

[lekoky]

@JDMatheraround each glass piece is wrapped a very thin tape and the soldering is applied on the outer layer after the whole body/all faces are assembled. If any goes in between that is the gup created by glass being angled to another. I would attached another photo but I am now in windows which serves only the purpose of created the models now and this chat.