Flat pattern from large bend radius solid

[Anonymous]

Hi All, I am trying to make a flat pattern sheet metal part derived from a lofted 3D solid (see attached file). When I press the command the program simply reorients the part, resulting in no flat pattern or error messages to lend aid. I would prefer to do this starting with a sheet metal part instead of "make from" solid part. Thanks

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:
.... I would prefer to do this starting with a sheet metal part ...

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Did you use Lofted Flange?

No file attached?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I can make the part using the lofted flange but one cannot save the flat pattern of a lofted flange. I did find a low precision work around that copies the surface geometry of the flat pattern produced but it's not ideal. Any other technique that allows saving of the flat pattern?

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:
Yes, I can make the part using the lofted flange but one cannot save the flat pattern of a lofted flange.

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That is incorrect information.

Of course the flat pattern can be saved.

Attach your *.ipt file here and end all doubt.  (you might try attaching with a different browser)

[Curtis_W]

Link to duplicate thread:
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/flat-pattern-not-working-for-curved-surfaces/td-p/66015...

[Anonymous]

This is the type of shape I'm trying to make.

It will not let me export the flat pattern as a .stl for manufacturing. Says I "must exit flat pattern edit mode to save" but I need the flat pattern geometry to go in my CNC router.

[JDMather]

Edit your Cut and change to Normal or the cuts will not be perpendicular to the flat.

To get the Flat Pattern as an stl will require two steps.

Right click on the Flat Pattern node in the browser and Save As type *.sat.

Open the *.sat and Save Copy as *.stl.

But I am surprised that your CNC router uses stl.  Stl is faceted triangles that I would expect to cause problems for a router path.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! That method worked for the part I posted! Now I am having trouble editing cuts to "normal" in the attached file.

The router takes Gcode from "Meshcam" which needs a .stl file to set-up.