Flattening a part created from a 3d sketch

[corey_danielson]

This part (slide Curve B) and the entire part (Slide Curve) I want to make this in 3 pieces, and be able to flatten each part out. Can anyone point me in the right direction to do this? 

[corey_danielson]

If there is a way to create all three parts using the Slide Rule part, that would be something I would like to know how. Thank you.

[blandb · Accepted solution]

Side Curve B doesn't have a thickness associated to it. So if you assign the with as "Thickness" Parameter it will auto adjust based on your sheet metal rules.

As for the other to make in (3) pieces, you could start with the bottom flat part. Making (2) helical coils from 3D sketch and lofting together gives the best option for flattening. Then you can use the thicken command and set that to the "Thickness" parameter. You can then derive that bottom piece into each side piece as a guide and then construct the sides. I have a quick example but it is in 2024 format. I'm not sure what version you are using. Trick is, you have to make sure all faces are perpendicular to each other or you get weird flat beveled edges.

Is this an intermediate piece that needs to perfectly line up to something on either end with no gap, or is this just this component only?

Another alternative is you model what you had but make each component as a solid body in sheet metal. Then use make components. You can then see what components flatten, and if they don't you can use the "unwrap" command to get you close for each component.

Just some quick food for thought.

[kacper.suchomski · Accepted solution]

Hi

Please try the surface method. Create convolutions in surface mode, then new solids by thicken.

If the flat pattern doesn't work, there's still the Unwrap tool.

[corey_danielson]

I have had some luck so far, the center section needs to be given some thickness. .125 to be exact. Any way to do this with a 3D sketch?

[SBix26 · Accepted solution]

Create a lofted surface using the ordinary Loft tool, then thicken.  The only modification required to your sketch is to make the end lines construction so they don't try to participate in the loft construction.  Also, nothing is constrained, so that is a serious issue for the final design...

The attached file is Inventor 2022 format.

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2025.2.1 | Windows 11 Home 24H2

[corey_danielson]

Perfect, thank you very much.