How to create a flat pattern from a 3D model

[Econdron]

I found a topic pretty similar to this, it was even pretty recent. But the solution was somewhat vague, at least to me, and I wasn't sure if it was applicable in other areas. I'm a mechanical engineer and own a welding and fabrication business. It's easy for me to create a 3D model of an assembly and get approval from the customer, but on some models I can't figure out what the flat part would look like. I attached a picture of one in particular that gave me some trouble (looking at the base). The job didn't go through, but it got me thinking how I would cut those edges if it had gone through, for future reference. In this case, and in most cases similar to this one, the metal would be thin enough where stretching would be negligible. This one was just a one-off, so doing a sample base and adjusting from there would have been way out of budget. Any ideas on this?

[mcgyvr]

Thats simply 4 pieces welded together at the edges (2 sides are identical and 2 fronts are identical)..

Inventor can easily flatten that.. 

What version of Inventor do you have? (always good to let people know that upfront so we can send you a sample model that your version can open)

But something like this.. (not totally accurate)..

[Econdron]

Yes, it's a very simple assembly, I'm just having trouble figuring out the dimensions for that flat sheet based on the model. I'm using Inventor Professional 2017

[JDMather]

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@Econdron wrote:

... It's easy for me to create a 3D model of an assembly and get approval from the customer, but on some models I can't figure out what the flat part would look like. 

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If you attach your file here (it doesn't have to be an assembly - you can rough model as a single part) - someone can demonstrate how to create Flat Patterns.

[hncarle]

I posted a tutorial on converting a solid to sheet metal parts quite a while ago.  Must have dropped off the radar since I couldn't find it with a search.  This is a simple step by step on how to make multiple sheet metal parts.  This might give you the tools you need. I have since learned some shortcuts I use regularly.  If anyone is interested I can update the tutorial.

[Econdron]

See attached. Let me know if this helps.

[Thomas_Savage]

Hello,

I have done a few extractors, with shapes similar to this. I have used surfaces, then thicken offset to model them in sheet metal.

I have attached one of my extractors which may help you. If you make components, then in the assembly open a individual part, you can flat pattern it.

Hope this helps.

Thomas

[mcgyvr]

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@Econdron wrote:

Yes, it's a very simple assembly, I'm just having trouble figuring out the dimensions for that flat sheet based on the model. I'm using Inventor Professional 2017

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Maybe its just a wording/term thing but you don't need to "figure out the dimensions for that flat sheet based on the model"... Thats Inventor job..

You only need to model it properly in its "Finished State" and Inventor takes it from there to produce the flat.. 

Frankly I would ALWAYS create models properly from the start.. even for prototype/concept purposes.. 

But I believe that DFM is my job as an Engineer/CAD designer.. My design thought process is always going "how will this be made" and any "gotchas" are figured out in the design/concept stage so they don't become an issue after I get the purchase order and come to find out its not even possible/cost effective to make as designed..

[Econdron]

I guess my point is I don't know how to figure out the dimensions of the flat piece AND I don't know how to get Inventor to make the flat piece. For simple squares, or trapezoids that are bent to shape, I'm good at figuring out the length of the flat piece to cut. This one is just throwing me off. Looks like the answer is in Inventor's "sheet metal" feature, which is something I've never used before. I don't get very elaborate with my drawings and models, it's used almost extensively for simple shop drawings, or for reference modeling for customers to show the actual scale of a design. Nothing as detailed as what you guys are doing. 

So how do I take a sheet metal part and create a flat drawing? I see the "create flat pattern" button, but when I use it on the extractor model above, it says "flat patterns are not supported when multiple bodies exist". I tried "making a component" with just one face, but then it's not in sheet metal mode anymore and there's no flat pattern button.

I'm not looking for a comprehensive tutorial on how to use the sheet metal function, just how to get a flat pattern from an existing model. 

Thanks to everyone for your help so far, this has all been very informative!

[Curtis_Waguespack]

Hi Econdron,

You'll want to use the Thicken tool to create the sheet metal sides as new solid bodies, then use the Make Components tool to "write out" each of the pieces as new separate part files. Then, in those files you can flatten the parts.

Here is a quick video that shows the use of the Thicken tool, post back if you have questions.

I hope this helps.
Best of luck to you in all of your Inventor pursuits,
Curtis
http://inventortrenches.blogspot.com

[Thomas_Savage]

Hello,

When you select make component. Select all 4 solids. It then takes it to an assembly. Then open one of the solids individually. Then it will flat pattern.

Thomas