correct flat pattern
correct flat pattern
(OP)
Hello all,
Please find attached a sheetmetal part which I cannot get to provide a correct flat pattern. I have a feeling this is just another limitation of the sheet metal functionality in SolidWorks. If this is.... is there any way this file can be turned into development to get them to make this work. I have done parts like this in Solid Edge and the flat pattern works.
Thanks in advance!!
http://www.savefile.com/files/1049836
Thanks,
Rip
SolidWorks 2007
SP 4.0






RE: correct flat pattern
It is my undestanding that SW can't flatten a smooth curve. It just doesn't know where to bend it. In reality you are rolling the part and therefore creating an infinite number of bends.
One possible option for creating the flat pattern is to replace the arc with several straight line segments. The more segments you use, the closer it will approximate the true curve of the part. Then SW will be able to flatten the part and create a bend at each of those segments. Obviously it isn't exactly the continuous arc that you are looking for.
One note of caution. SW will add/subtract material at each bend depending on the bend radius, mat'l thickness, etc. You should check that the length of the flat pattern is consistent with the length of the bent part. If you add a large number of bends, it may add up to a lot.
Hope this helps.
RE: correct flat pattern
RE: correct flat pattern
If I change that to K-factor and then rollback above the hole wizard feature, then add an "unfold" command (SM command) and then the piece is flat. From there I redefine your hole. Then "fold" it back up it looks fine.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policieswww.scottjbaugh.com
RE: correct flat pattern
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policieswww.scottjbaugh.com
RE: correct flat pattern
Make the model by first making a regular extrude feature, including bends. Then convert it to sheet metal using "Insert --> Sheet metal --> Bends".
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com-SolidWorks API VB programming help
RE: correct flat pattern
If you are going to remake it just make a line of the profile and use Base-flange. But of course that is how he did it and I think that is the best practice... its just a matter of the allowance he used.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP![[pc2] pc2](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/pc2.gif)
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policieswww.scottjbaugh.com
RE: correct flat pattern
Thanks to all for the great advice.
Ripster
Thanks,
Rip
SolidWorks 2007
SP 4.0
RE: correct flat pattern
Thanks to all for all the great advice.
later,
Ripster
Thanks,
Rip
SolidWorks 2007
SP 4.0
RE: correct flat pattern
Heckler![[americanflag] americanflag](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/americanflag.gif)
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 4.0 & Pro/E 2001
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This post contains no political overtones or undertones for that matter and in no way represents the poster's political agenda.