Flattening a curved surface
Flattening a curved surface
(OP)
Hello,
1st time poster long time reader. I was wondering if there was a way to flatten a curved surface such as the one attached with this posting. I am trying to create a pretty acurate flat pattern of this part so it can be exported as a .dxf to be laser cut. I have tried the indent, deform, and flex commands in solidworks with no such luck. Also have tried a 3rd part software such as blankworks, but the problem with this software is that instead of creating a continuous curve of the exterior of the flatten part I get a serious of lines which do not seem to be too acurate where there is radius. So at this point I am out of ideas. I would appricaite any other suggestions.
Thanks,
Rich
1st time poster long time reader. I was wondering if there was a way to flatten a curved surface such as the one attached with this posting. I am trying to create a pretty acurate flat pattern of this part so it can be exported as a .dxf to be laser cut. I have tried the indent, deform, and flex commands in solidworks with no such luck. Also have tried a 3rd part software such as blankworks, but the problem with this software is that instead of creating a continuous curve of the exterior of the flatten part I get a serious of lines which do not seem to be too acurate where there is radius. So at this point I am out of ideas. I would appricaite any other suggestions.
Thanks,
Rich






RE: Flattening a curved surface
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
CAD Administrator, Ultimate Survival Technologies
My Blog
RE: Flattening a curved surface
RE: Flattening a curved surface
Thanks for getting back to me so quick. Unfortunatly my company has not yet made the upgrade to 09 so I am not able to open your file. Is there anyway you can upload the file in 08 or attach a picture to further illustrate what you are recommending?
RE: Flattening a curved surface
RE: Flattening a curved surface
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
CAD Administrator, Ultimate Survival Technologies
My Blog
RE: Flattening a curved surface
RE: Flattening a curved surface
RE: Flattening a curved surface
Ok so here is what I have so far. I created the flat d portion and an angled flange off of the rounded side of the d. I cannot make the final bend for the small curled pieces that come of of the large curve. I have attached a picture for reference. The part in the grey is the sheetmetal.
RE: Flattening a curved surface
chimps12 - As CBL said, create the 'D' shape. Instead of creating an extrude, use the sheet metal tools to create a base flange. Then create an edge flange on the arc, setting the angle and bend radius. Once you have that, use the 'Unfold' command not the 'Flatten' command. Create the profile sketch for the cut, then cut it. Now 'Fold' it back.
If you have FeatureWorks, one of us can post a file for you. You can then run FW on it, being sure to select 'Sheet Metal', and see how the part was created.
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
CAD Administrator, Ultimate Survival Technologies
My Blog
RE: Flattening a curved surface
I have featureworks so if you can send the file along it would be much appriciated. I think I am with you on what you are describing, but am still stuck on the part as described above. I belive the part would need to be bent twice. Once along the curved side of the flat D and again where the top and bottom cornerns curl up.
RE: Flattening a curved surface
Rob Stupplebeen
RE: Flattening a curved surface
I'm going to have to go back to my first statement. A singular edge flange will work on a curve, but I can't see a way to add the needed bends on the corners.
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
CAD Administrator, Ultimate Survival Technologies
My Blog
RE: Flattening a curved surface
Can you post the file you had created anyway. i would be interested in taking a look at it.
Thanks,
RE: Flattening a curved surface
How are you able to get the part to flatten? When I try and flatten the flange attached to the curved section on the D I get an error stating that Solidworks cannot flatten a toridal bend.
Thanks,
RE: Flattening a curved surface
Jeff Mirisola, CSWP, Certified DriveWorks AE
CAD Administrator, Ultimate Survival Technologies
My Blog